This knitting pattern book was produced during 1939-45 by Patons and Baldwins' and contains knitting patterns for mens civilian and service garments. The front cover illustrates a knitted convalescent jacket (with extra room for bandages, etc) and there are other patterns suitable for men in the services which could be knitted for the Red Cross or Comfort Funds. The back is illustrated with a photo of two men (one in a flying cap, one in army uniform) reading a sign on a wall which states: "Don't help the enemy! Careless talk may give away vital secrets".Front cover, Patons and Baldwins' Specialty Knitting Book no. 120, WWII. Back cover of Patons and Baldwins Specialty Knitting Book no. 120, WWII.MEN'S SERVICE AND CIVILIAN KNITWEAR / No. 120 / 6D. / PATONS & BALDWINS' / SPECIALTY / Knitting Book / THIS IS A SPECIALLY DESIGNED CONVALESCENT JACKETknitting, world war ii, patons and baldwins (australia) ltd

"The outbreak of World War I in August 1914 had an immediate impact on communities across Australia, and it was no different in Melton. Young men began enlisting immediately, and Australia’s initial offer of 20,000 troops was soon exceeded by Victorian enlistments alone. Over the four years of the war, approximately 114,000 Victorians enlisted and around 91,000 servicemen and women were sent overseas. They came not just from Melbourne, but from all over the state; from farms, small towns and suburban areas. They included locals, newly arrived migrants and Indigenous people. The Australian home front was a hive of activity throughout the war, and the Melton community played its part. Following the announcement that Australia was joining the war with Great Britain and its allies on 5 August 1914, the Melton community lost no time in launching into action. A meeting ‘to assist the Red Cross fund’ was held in the Melton Mechanics’ Institute hall on 18 August – just days after the outbreak of the war. Collectors were appointed for each corner of the shire and individual donations were made. A Melton branch of the Australian Red Cross Society was formed in June 1915 and focused its energies on raising funds to purchase material that was used to make clothes for sick and wounded soldiers. A depot was established in Melton to collect clothing and other ‘comfort’ items for the soldiers – including reading material, tobacco, linen, canned foods and soap – and to coordinate the branch’s work and activities. Local cab driver Percival Stubbs volunteered to transport all the packages to the Melton railway station, until he enlisted and departed for the front in 1916. Such were the numbers of people getting involved that branches were also established in Toolern Vale and Rockbank. Regular community events were held to farewell soldiers who were leaving on active service and to welcome those who returned home. Gunner Robert (Bob) Wynne, whose uncle’s family ran the general store in Toolern Vale, was presented with a pair of field glasses (binoculars), a gold watch, inscribed locket and autographed letter by the Toolern Vale community before he set sail for the front in 1916. His mother noted that he ‘sailed away in good spirits with a smile till out of sight’. From June 1915 to June 1919, the Melton Red Cross branch donated 2,156 pairs of socks, 1,357 shirts, 425 kit bags, 251 pillowslips, 224 towels and 121 pairs of pajamas. Countless fundraising events were held, including jumble fairs, concerts and gift evenings. Local schools also encouraged students to contribute through fund-raising and making and collecting comforts for the soldiers. People across the country engaged in similar activities, but Victoria’s rural communities found unique ways of contributing. In Melton, people were encouraged to send rabbits and hares ‘in good condition’ to an exporter in Spencer Street, for export to Belgium ‘for the relief of those suffering". Special Anzac Memorial article featured in the Star Weeklylocal identities, war

non-fictionOne of a series of travel books produced by Frank Clune. This volume details his travels and observances in the Middle East during 1942. Clune was an honorary commissioner of the Australian Comforts Fund. Clune allegedly “left a very bad impression” on General Sir Thomas Blamey for his ‘irregular methods and indiscreet utterances’ about the British ‘only playing at war’. Blamey therefore ensured that Clune was subject to military censorship. Royalties from this book and funds raised during a lecture tour promoting it in 1943 were donated to the Australia Comforts Fund to whose voluntary workers it is dedicated. world war 11, world war 1939 - 1945, middle east

This photograph shows members of the community outside the Moorabbin Council Offices, handing over a brand-new utility truck for use by the Australian Comforts Fund, in support of the war effort. It was purchased with funds raised by contestants in Moorabbin's 'Popular Girl Quest'. Contestants received a vote for each penny they collected. The winner was Gladys Mariott, pictured centre wearing a sash, who raised £528 10s, earning her 126,800 votes. In total, the contestants raised more than a thousand pounds, which enabled the purchasing of the new utility truck.Members of the Moorabbin community were keen to play their part in supporting the war effort. A black and white photograph of a group of men and women standing in front of and behind a utility vehicle with the license plate FA 341. There are two buildings in the background, one of which has a sign out the front that reads "Moorabbin Free Library & Mechanics Institute". The photograph was taken outside Moorabbin Council offices to illustrate the handing over of utility truck for use by Australian Comforts Fund. Money for the truck was raised by the 'Popular Girl Quest' won by Gladys Marriott (centre wearing sash)Handwritten in red ink: A 600 / 72% Handwritten in black ink: CHAP 6. / WITH SUB-STORY / Spy base -- / OR general pix / in Chap 6 / referring to warworld war ii, australian comforts fund, popular girl quest, fundraising, war efforts, vehicles

The fund was established to coordinate the activities of the state based patriotic funds, mainly run by women. Established in 1916 to 10 April 1920 for WW1 and then again for WW11 June 1940 and ceased 27th June 1946. Australian Comforts 'Fund Badge. 8 x Badges White cotton material with red machine cotton . At the top is Victorian Division, under that circled around a red star with A.C.F. in the middle is Australian comforts'' Fund. At the bottom is Golden Square. The badges have top and bottom rough edges to fold under for sewing on a garment or hat.. Box 625organization, government, state government, victorian division australian comforts' fund golden square. ww1 - ww11

Forty-three-page WW11 booklet titled 'Deeds of the 2nd AIF' issued to raise funds for the Australian Comfort Fund [ACF]. Price 6d. Various middle east war time conflicts outlined.australia, military, 2nd aif