Awarded to Alan Bowers (A236814) who was a R.A.A.F. dental mechanic who serverd during WWII including service in Darwin, and then continued in the R.A.A.F. for some years after the end of WWII The Royal Australian Air Force (and all Commonwealth Air Forces) Long Service and Good Conduct Medal: Awarded to NCOs and ORs of the RAAF (RAF, RCAF etc) for 15 years service. A cupro-nickel plated medal, the obverse features the sovereign's head, the reverse features the crown and eagle emblem of the RAAF (and RAF). Officers are eligible for the award provided they have served a minimum 12 years in the ranks. The riband is dark blue and maroon with white edges. This medal ceased to be awarded in Australia in 1975 when it was replaced by the National Medal (and sbsequently the DFSM and DLSM) in the Australian system of honours and awards. http://www.heritagemedals.com.au/medals-1/service-long-service/air-force-long-service-and-good-conduct-medal.html History of the RAAF Dental Branch It took six years following the formation of the RAAF in 1921 for the first Dental Clinic to be established at Point Cook, Victoria. On 10th June 1927 Flying Officer James Carl Rosenbrock commenced work as an RAAF Dental Officer for the FlyingTraining School at Point Cook. As personnel numbers were still relatively small, Rosenbrock was also responsible for the dental care of all Victorian RAAF units, which involved treating members at 1AD Laverton, as well as Air Force Headquarters at Victoria Barracks in Melbourne. As Army Dental Officers were currently caring for RAAF personnel at Richmond, NSW, the Senior Dental Officer of the 3rd Military District in Victoria (SDO 3MD) requested through the military board that a similar arrangement be established, where that the newly appointed RAAF Dentist provide part time dental services to the Army units stationed at Queenscliff. This was seen as an effective reciprocal arrangement, with both units having a Dental Officer in attendance for, in total, around 3-4 weeks a year. Rosenbrock continued to serve as the sole RAAF Dental Officer until the middle of 1933, when the Air Board asked for his service to be terminated following ‘behaviour unbecoming of a RAAF officer'. He had borrowed several sums of money, of around 40 Pounds or so, from junior ranks on base (as well as from the Regimental Sergeant Major) and had failed to pay the money back. He was replaced by a fellow Victorian, FLGOFF Norman Henry Andrews, on the 18th Sep 1933, who went on to become our first Director of Dental Services, and was instrumental in establishing the organisations and conditions of the Branch that are still present today. Through a fair amount of persistence and hard work on the part of Norman Andrews, the RAAF Dental Branch began to expand from 1937, with the introduction of 2 additional positions, at RAAF station Richmond, and at the FlyingTraining School at Point Cook. This gave the RAAF 3 uniformed Dental Officers, which was expanded to 5 in the months leading up to WW2. 4 of these Dental Officers were based in Victoria and 1 at Richmond, with the other two RAAF units being cared for by the Army (as in the case of Pearce in WA) or by civilians (as in Darwin). With the sudden increase in RAAF personnel required at the outbreak of WW2, the number of RAAF Dental Officers increased dramatically, from 5 in 1939, 28 in 1940, 64 in 1941, 147 in 1942, 193 in 1943, 219 in 1944, and peaking at 227 in 1945. RAAF Dental Officers were required to work in a variety of locations, both in and out of Australia. Between 1940 and 1942 a massive construction programme occurred, with new dental clinics being established around Australia. Priority was given to aircrew training units in order to get these personnel dentally fit for operational deployment, but Dental Officers could equally find themselves posted to recruit depots, fixed stations, medical clearance stations, mobile dental sections, and RAAF and civilian hospitals. RAAF Dental Officers were posted to the large dental centres at Ascot Vale (Vic) and Bradfield Park (NSW) when first appointed, where they received military and clinical training, before being deployed to their needed location. Mobile Dental Units When Japan entered the war in 1941, the rapid deployment of troops to northern operational areas with less than ideal dental fitness was extremely high. As a result, the RAAF deployed a range of mobile dental units, either alone or with medical sections, to support the increasing number of isolated deployed personnel within Australia and overseas. There were three types of mobile unit used: a. Mobile Dental Unit – relied on using either a semi-trailer to get around or by building a surgery directly on to the truck chassis, and installing hydraulic chairs, units, x-rays, and laboratory equipment. They were able to move around between small units, such as RAAF radar stations, where they could plug into the local power supply and work immediately. b. Transportable Dental Units – used for stops of longer duration, where field equipment was carried in panniers from one unit to another by road or rail and housed in whatever accommodation was available at the destination. They were often carried within Australia on Tiger Moths and Dakota aircraft. c. Itinerant Dental Units – in some areas, the dental equipment was installed at the RAAF unit and the Dental Officer and their staff would travel from unit to unit, using the equipment available at each location. RAAF Dental BadgeAs the war developed in Europe, it soon became obvious that the RAF Dental support was not capable of supporting the increasing numbers of RAAF aircrew that were being sent for service with the RAF, with only enough Dental Officers available to provide one to every 2000 men ( instead of the preferred 1 to 600). As a result, the RAAF provided a mobile dental unit, fitted out in a caravan and pulled by a Ford V8 Coupe, to travel around England in support of RAAF personnel at various squadrons. Some degree of tact was needed to ensure that the RAF did not take this as a comment on the treatment they were providing, but it proved successful in maintaining a satisfactory state of dental fitness in RAAF personnel, and a second mobile unit was soon dispatched. They were also set up with a laboratory on board as well as the surgery, which was a major difference between the RAF and RAAF, as the RAF did not provide dentures for their troops (the RAAF would, providing they had served for 6 years). In 1943 the RAF was no longer able to provide Dental support to Australian troops in the Middle East, which resulted in the need for a transportable dental unit to be deployed from Australia. It functioned in a similar manner to the RAF, by moving from one squadron to another. It served in the Middle East and Africa, from Cairo across North Africa, to Italy, and eventually back to England to treat returned prisoners of war. GPCAPT Norman Andrews The growth and development of the RAAF Dental Branch owes a debt to one man in particular, GPCAPT Norman Andrews. As the second RAAF Dental Officer to enlist on 18 Sep 1933, Andrews became the principal architect of the structure and organisation of the RAAF Dental Branch leading up to and during WW2. Until early 1940, the RAAF Dental Branch was administered by the Director of Medical Services (Air), which placed it under the control of the Army Medical staff. The Army would provide their Inspector of Dental Services for advice whenever needed. In April 1940, the RAAF Medical service separated from the Army, resulting in the control of the RAAF Dental Branch shifting back to the RAAF. Andrews became the first Director of Dental Services, when the position was created in 1943 as recognition of the higher profile the Dental Branch was now playing in the RAAF Medical service. Until this time, Andrews's title had been as the Dental Staff Officer to the RAAF Medical Service. Andrews was responsible for the establishment of the war-time structure of the Dental service, establishing new dental centres at all major bases, creating mobile and transportable dental units, ensuring the continual growth of the Branch, maintaining professional development of staff through the establishment of a professional journal, and by organising renowned lecturers to speak at RAAF bases. He also believed in visiting as many dental units as possible to see for himself what conditions were like and to talk first-hand to staff in remote units. His itinerary during the war years, both in and out of Australia, shows a large number of trips in a variety of modes of transport in order to reach remote areas where units were serving. He was promoted to GPCAPT in July 1944, as the numbers of Dental Officers soon peaked at 227 towards the end of the war (1 GPCAPT, 9 WGCDRs, 60 SQNLDRs, and 157 FLTLTs). After the war, with the reduction in RAAF personnel required in uniform, the Dental Branch also reduced its numbers significantly. By 1947 there were only 18 Dental Officers serving (many part-time), with 1 GPCAPT, 1 WGCDR, 10 SQNLDRs, and 6 FLTLTs, and only 13 by 1950. With the decrease in Branch personnel numbers, the ‘powers to be' saw fit to reduce the Director of Dental Service rank to WGCDR, and as a result Norman Andrews found that in order to continue serving in the RAAF he would have to wear a reduced rank. This appears to have been a contributing factor in his decision to discharge at the relatively early age of 43 and accept an administrative job as Director of the Victorian Government's School Dental Service. Norman Andrews holds the proud honour of being the founder of the RAAF Dental Branch, which during the war was instrumental in educating servicemen of the importance of dental health and maintaining the dental fitness of troops in a variety of areas. Dental Orderlies (Assistants) The dental orderly mustering was first introduced in 1937. Until that time, medical orderlies were assigned to assist the Dental officer with their duties. As early as 1931 it had been noted by both RAAF and Army Dental Officers working in Victoria and Richmond that a lot of the troubles they were having would be solved by appointing a permanent Dental Orderly. Often they would find that the medical orderly they were assigned was a different one each day, and as a result the administration and work in general was very inefficient. By 1937, with the increase in Dental Officers to 3, it was realised that a Dental Orderly mustering needed to be created. Dental Mechanics/Technicians Before WW2, dental laboratory work was provided by civilian laboratories, as most RAAF units were stationed around metropolitan areas. At this time, service personnel were still required to pay for their own dentures, unless they had served for six years or had their dentures damaged during performance of their duties. In July 1940, mainly in response to the development of more remote RAAF dental units and the increasing demand for dental prostheses, the Dental Mechanic mustering was established. Unfortunately there was a very limited pool of civilian dental mechanics to recruit from, and as a result the RAAF set up a training school at Laverton (which was later moved to Ascot Vale) in June 1941 which conducted an intensive 6 month course in Dental mechanics. Dental mechanics were quickly in demand. In all fixed and mobile dental units at least 1 Mechanic was supplied for each Dental Officer, and indeed the RAAF supplied Dental Mechanics throughout all its deployments, something the RAF were unwilling, or unable, to do. Two grades of dental mechanic existed: the Senior Mechanic (with the rank of NCO), who was competent in all phases of laboratory work; and the Junior Mechanic, who could only handle routine work and not more advanced denture work. The progression to Senior required a further trade test in techniques including setting up, clasp-forming, casting and backing teeth. During the course of the War, two special courses were held for Mechanics. The first, directed at senior mechanics so that they could instruct others, was in 1942 when Acrylic Resin was first introduced as a denture base material, as an alternative to the current option of vulcanite. Later, towards the end of the War, a ‘refresher' course was provided for those that had served for the greatest period of time in order to allow them retraining in techniques that they had not practised during their service and which were common in civilian life. This included cast base dentures, crowns and bridges, partial dentures, and retainers. Towards the end of the War, a course was held with WAAAF trainees to train them as Mechanics. However, as the War was soon to end they never had the opportunity to progress within the mustering to become Senior Mechanics. The RAAF Dental Branch has survived 75 years of turbulence, with reviews of its viability occurring regularly every few years from as early as 1937. The Branch continues to provide excellent service to the ADF community and, despite reduced manpower, will continue to play an important role in Air Force Health operations. http://www.defence.gov.au/health/about/docs/RAAFDental.pdf40cm cupro-nickel plated medal, the obverse features the sovereign's head, the reverse features the crown and eagle emblem of the RAAF (and RAF). A23814 BOWERS.A. A. F.r.a.a.f long service medal, r.a.a.f good conduct, r.a.a.f. dental service medal

Officer peak cap - Black felt cap with red edge trim and red wool felt hat band and black leather chin strap. Secured by gilt Australian Military Forces metal buttons. Inside of cap lined with red coloured silk and plastic. Sweatband - light brown leather. Makers label and size label.Makers label in gold print - "BY APPOINTMENT/ J.COMPTON SONS & WEBB/LTD/LONDON Size label in black print 'J. COMPTON SON & WEBB LTD LONDON/ 6 7/8"unifomr, military

Peak cap - White crown, plastic, black band webbing, thin black plastic strap, black plastic peak, Metal badge insignia. Plastic Inner lining.Metal Badge - Corps of Commissionairesuniform, commissionaires, hat

Belonged to Lt. Col. Duffy MC - see catalogue No. 4991P.1 & 2. Officers Peak cap - blackwood felt fabric cap with red edge trim and red wool felt hat band and black leather chin strap secured by gilt Australian Military Forces metal buttons. At front of hat band is a gold coloured embroidered badge of a lion over a Queens crown. peak decorated with gold braid. 1. Lining - black satin fabric with plastic cover, mid brown leather sweatband. Makers label "Commonwealth/Government/Clothing Factories/Melbourne" 7 3/6. 2. Lining - brown satin fabric, mid brown leather sweatband. uniform, military

Item re Frederick Gardner DAVEY DFC No 410533 RAAF. Refer Reg No 3536P for his service details.Navy cloth cap with black leather chin strap. Hard peak, brown leather sweat band. Padded khaki cloth lining. RAAF insignia on front of cap featuring a gold eagle & braid underneath a gold & maroon crown.uniforms, hats, raaf

.1) Peak hat, Kahki cotton twill, brown leather hand band with brass button keepers, size 55, lining is cotton fabric and clear plastic. .2) Peak hat, Kahki cotton twill, brown leather hat band with brass button keepers, corp badge Royal Australian Survey Corps, size 57, lining cotton fabric and clear plastic.headwear, peak caps, royal australian survey corps, rasvy

Peak Cap, Kahki cotton twill, brown leather hat band with blackened brass keepers, lining cotton fabric and clear plastic, size 7 3/8ths Inside cap, “batch No V279”peak caps, headwear, ww2

Item belonged to Harold Bertie Chatfield No 401493 RAAF. Refer Cat No 198P for his service history also 196.2, 197. Hat, peak, blue RAAF uniform. Hat belonged to Harold CHATFIELD.uniforms - army, costume - male headwear, raaf

Inserted inside is a slip of paper with "Jim 60" written on it. W.O. B Bartlett 2/9th Field Ambulance, refer Cat No 352.3 for service details.Khaki officers cap, badge is RAAMC which has some sort of dark corrosion. there is a leather band above the peak held in place by a brass button either side.inside brim is printed ' “A quality product made in Australia by the Dept of Supply1969.”uniforms -army, costume - male headwear

Belonged to Alfred Edward Boland, V59811, VX120107. Refer 2473 for service history.Officers Peak hat, brown colour, front has leather adjustable band, above is a "Rising Sun badge". The inside is lined with a leather band and cotton.hats, uniform, military

Item issued to Max Matheson No 418447, refer Cat No 1959 for his service details.Blue RAAF peak cap. Front insignia Crown over gold coloured wings above a feather emblem.uniforms airforce, costume - male - footwear, numismatics-badges-military

Navy blue RAAF hat with plastic gold coloured badge. Badge: RAAF inside a wreath.headwear raaf, uniforms

Black and white photograph of seaman in attire sitting on funnels on the deck of a shipseamen, boatdecks, peaked caps, charles page

Australian Army Officers Cap worn in the mid 20th century. These caps are not issued anymore and have been replaced by the slouch hat.Khaki Officer's Peak Cap, cloth material, leather band round the peak attached to the cap by two small round shaped gold in colour Australian Army cap buttons.Internal cap band is leather and joined at the centre back by a silk white ribbon. Internal leather band is secured at the rear by a white silk bowed ribbon. The inside water proof insert is inscribed Dept of Supply and CGCF (Commonwealth Government Clothing Factory) with the Commonwealth Coat of Arms in the centre of the inscriptions. Size 7 and one half.officer, cap, khaki,

Black material Cap with Crown over round gold embroidery "Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia" Centre of cloth badge, orange background with Australia emblem, Map of Vietnam, Australian Flag and Planecap, vietnam veterans association of australia

Postcard from WWI soldier William West (1268) of the 29 Infantry Battalion, 5th Pioneers Battalion while posted in France was sent to his wife at home, 1917.Embroidered silk postcards were first made in 1900 for the Paris Exposition. The popularity of silk postcards peaked during the First World War 1914 - 1918.They were mostly embroidered by French women in their homes and then sent to the factories for cutting and mounting on cards. Many of the cards were illustrated with patriotic symbols, flags, slogans, or sentimental texts. During the First World War, many Allied officers and soldiers based in France sent silk embroidered postcards to their loved ones back homeWhite rectangular postcard with embroidered pink flower and green foliate decoration on front. Handwritten message on the back.Front: "From your husband" (embroidered) Back: "Write soon / Best Love / to West / do not forget to / send that / France / Jan 23/1/1917 / My Dear Alice / Just a P.C. to let you know I'm still well and hope you are all the same Best love / to all from Will xxxxxxxxxxxxx"wwi, postcard, embroidered postcard, paris depose, fabrication francaise

Proudly worn by soldiers of the 1st and 2nd Australian Imperial Force in both World Wars, the 'Rising Sun' badge has become an integral part of the digger tradition. The distinctive shape of the badge, worn on the upturned side of a slouch hat, is commonly identified with the spirit of Anzac. There are seven patterns of the Rising Sun. The Rising Sun has evolved over time and today Australian Army soldiers wear the seventh pattern Rising Sun.The Rising Sun badge, also known as the General Service Badge or the Australian Army Badge, is the official insignia of the Australian Army and is mostly worn on the brim of a slouch hat or, less frequently, on the front of a peaked cap for Army personnel filling certain ceremonial appointments.Timber look laminate box with gold colour metal "rising sun" badge on front. The box opens out flat and contains seven metal " rising sun " badges mounted on black felt on the right side. The left side below an image of the rising sun contains a written history of all seven badges from 1902 to the present.The Australian Armyrising sun, badge, australian army, anzac

Postcard from WWI soldier William West (1268) of the 29 Infantry Battalion, 5th Pioneers Battalion while posted in France to his family at home.Embroidered silk postcards were first made in 1900 for the Paris Exposition. The popularity of silk postcards peaked during the First World War 1914 - 1918.They were mostly embroidered by French women in their homes and then sent to the factories for cutting and mounting on cards. Many of the cards were illustrated with patriotic symbols, flags, slogans, or sentimental texts. During the First World War, many Allied officers and soldiers based in France sent silk embroidered postcards to their loved ones back homeWhite rectangular postcard with embroidered beige, brown and yellow flower and foliate decoration on front. Handwritten message on the back.Front: "From a loving heart" (embroidered) Back: "To my dear Alice / Best love from Will xxxxxx / xxxxxxxx"wwi, postcard, embroidered postcard, paris depose, fabrication francaise

Postcard from WWI soldier William West (1268) of the 29 Infantry Battalion, 5th Pioneers Battalion while posted in France to his family at home.Embroidered silk postcards were first made in 1900 for the Paris Exposition. The popularity of silk postcards peaked during the First World War 1914 - 1918.They were mostly embroidered by French women in their homes and then sent to the factories for cutting and mounting on cards. Many of the cards were illustrated with patriotic symbols, flags, slogans, or sentimental texts. During the First World War, many Allied officers and soldiers based in France sent silk embroidered postcards to their loved ones back homeWhite rectangular postcard with embroidered pink flower, green foliate and yellow rising sun decoration on front. Handwritten message on the back.Front: "To my dear Wife" (embroidered) Back: "Best love from your loving / H[usband] ??????? France ???? 1919 / ???? presents / money on ??? to not / so you keep ?????"wwi, postcard, embroidered postcard

Postcard from WWI soldier William West (1268) of the 29 Infantry Battalion, 5th Pioneers Battalion while posted in France to his family at home.Embroidered silk postcards were first made in 1900 for the Paris Exposition. The popularity of silk postcards peaked during the First World War 1914 - 1918.They were mostly embroidered by French women in their homes and then sent to the factories for cutting and mounting on cards. Many of the cards were illustrated with patriotic symbols, flags, slogans, or sentimental texts. During the First World War, many Allied officers and soldiers based in France sent silk embroidered postcards to their loved ones back homeWhite rectangular postcard with embroidered pink, purple flowers green foliate decoration on front. Handwritten message on the back.Front: "To my dear Daughter" (embroidered) Back: "France / 23/1/1916 / To Dear Little Enid / From Daddy Dear / Best Love / xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx"wwi, postcard, embroidered postcard

Postcard from WWI soldier William West (1268) of the 29 Infantry Battalion, 5th Pioneers Battalion while posted in France to his family at home, 1917. Mentioned in postcard George Buse 2208 born Yarraville who enlisted on 10/9/1914 aged 21 years 3 months. He embarked on 20/10/1914 and returned to Australia in 1919. He was a Driver with the 10th ASC,Embroidered silk postcards were first made in 1900 for the Paris Exposition. The popularity of silk postcards peaked during the First World War 1914 - 1918.They were mostly embroidered by French women in their homes and then sent to the factories for cutting and mounting on cards. Many of the cards were illustrated with patriotic symbols, flags, slogans, or sentimental texts. During the First World War, many Allied officers and soldiers based in France sent silk embroidered postcards to their loved ones back homeWhite rectangular postcard with embroidered pink flowers, green foliate and blue winged butterfly decoration on front. Handwritten message on the back.Front: "To my dear Wife" (embroidered) Back: "To Enid from dad xx / xxxxxx / France / Feb 26/2/1917 / My Dear Alice / Just a PC to let you I'm still well and hope are all the same I have not see Joe lately I may see him sometime or the other I hope you enjoyed yourself on your holidays they will do you good. I'm in a rest station I have not been too well I think I will be back with the battalion in a few days you can tell ??[ma]?? I met Pugger Loney he is in the 15 ambulance he looks well and it just as fat as ever I'm goin gover to see youn George Buse tomorrow well I have not much new to tell only all is well so I will now close with best love from loving husband Will xxxxxxxx"wwi, postcard, embroidered postcard, william west 1268, george buse 2208

Postcard from WWI soldier William West (1268) of the 29 Infantry Battalion, 5th Pioneers Battalion while posted in France to his family at home.Embroidered silk postcards were first made in 1900 for the Paris Exposition. The popularity of silk postcards peaked during the First World War 1914 - 1918.They were mostly embroidered by French women in their homes and then sent to the factories for cutting and mounting on cards. Many of the cards were illustrated with patriotic symbols, flags, slogans, or sentimental texts. During the First World War, many Allied officers and soldiers based in France sent silk embroidered postcards to their loved ones back homeWhite rectangular postcard with embroidered sailing boast with flying french flag and union jack. Also pink, blue flowers and green foliate decoration on front. Handwritten message on the back.Front: "To my dear Wife" (embroidered) Back: "My dear Alice / France / Just a PC to let you know I'm well and hope you are all the same I have not see Joe yet over here but I believe he is alright so far well there not much news to tell you get more news over there than we do. I hope Jack and Father are working. I wrote to Jack he aut to have my letters by now well this all the news ???? as long as you know I'm well ?????? bye best love Will xxxxxx"wwi, postcard, embroidered postcard

Postcard from WWI soldier William West (1268) of the 29 Infantry Battalion, 5th Pioneers Battalion while posted in France to his family at home.Embroidered silk postcards were first made in 1900 for the Paris Exposition. The popularity of silk postcards peaked during the First World War 1914 - 1918.They were mostly embroidered by French women in their homes and then sent to the factories for cutting and mounting on cards. Many of the cards were illustrated with patriotic symbols, flags, slogans, or sentimental texts. During the First World War, many Allied officers and soldiers based in France sent silk embroidered postcards to their loved ones back homeWhite rectangular postcard with embroidered flowers and green foliate decoration on front. Handwritten message on the back.Front: "I THINK OF YOU" (embroidered) Back: "Write Soon / O[ct]? / To Enid / From [Dad] / Best [lo]ve / xxxxx" wwi, postcard, embroidered postcard, carte postale

Postcard from WWI soldier William West (1268) of the 29 Infantry Battalion, 5th Pioneers Battalion while posted in France to his family at home.Embroidered silk postcards were first made in 1900 for the Paris Exposition. The popularity of silk postcards peaked during the First World War 1914 - 1918.They were mostly embroidered by French women in their homes and then sent to the factories for cutting and mounting on cards. Many of the cards were illustrated with patriotic symbols, flags, slogans, or sentimental texts. During the First World War, many Allied officers and soldiers based in France sent silk embroidered postcards to their loved ones back homeWhite rectangular postcard with embroidered butterfly representing the flags and colours of different countries. Front: "FROM YOUR SOLDIER BOY" (embroidered) wwi, postcard, embroidered postcard, carte postale

Postcard from WWI soldier William West (1268) of the 29 Infantry Battalion, 5th Pioneers Battalion while posted in France to his family at home.Embroidered silk postcards were first made in 1900 for the Paris Exposition. The popularity of silk postcards peaked during the First World War 1914 - 1918.They were mostly embroidered by French women in their homes and then sent to the factories for cutting and mounting on cards. Many of the cards were illustrated with patriotic symbols, flags, slogans, or sentimental texts. During the First World War, many Allied officers and soldiers based in France sent silk embroidered postcards to their loved ones back homeWhite rectangular postcard with embroidered yellow rising sun, crown, banner and foliate decoration. Handwritten message on backFront: "FROM 5TH PIONEER BATTALION FRANCE" "KEEP SMILING" (embroidered) Back: "To Enid best love from Dad xxxxxx / France June 28/6/1917" "My Dear Mary / just a pc to let you know I'm still well and hope you are all the same I have not seen Joe yet is is still warm over here yet we have been out shooting to day I feel tired. I wish it was all over I full up of it. I seen Dexter the other night he is looking well on it ?? I'm beginning to think it is never going to end well this all at present love Will love from your loving husband xxx / xxxx " wwi, postcard, embroidered postcard, carte postale

Postcard from WWI soldier William West (1268) of the 29 Infantry Battalion, 5th Pioneers Battalion while posted in France to his family at home.Embroidered silk postcards were first made in 1900 for the Paris Exposition. The popularity of silk postcards peaked during the First World War 1914 - 1918.They were mostly embroidered by French women in their homes and then sent to the factories for cutting and mounting on cards. Many of the cards were illustrated with patriotic symbols, flags, slogans, or sentimental texts. During the First World War, many Allied officers and soldiers based in France sent silk embroidered postcards to their loved ones back homeWhite rectangular postcard (portrait orientation) with embroidered cross representing flags and colours of different countries. Flower and foliate decoration beneath. Handwritten message on backFront: "THE CROSS OF THE ALLIES" (embroidered) Back: "to Enid from Dad / best love little girlie xxxxxx"wwi, postcard, embroidered postcard, carte postale

Postcard from WWI soldier William West (1268) of the 29 Infantry Battalion, 5th Pioneers Battalion while posted in France to his family at home.Embroidered silk postcards were first made in 1900 for the Paris Exposition. The popularity of silk postcards peaked during the First World War 1914 - 1918.They were mostly embroidered by French women in their homes and then sent to the factories for cutting and mounting on cards. Many of the cards were illustrated with patriotic symbols, flags, slogans, or sentimental texts. During the First World War, many Allied officers and soldiers based in France sent silk embroidered postcards to their loved ones back homeWhite rectangular postcard with embroidered numbers representing flags and colours of different countries. Front: "1914 / 1915 / 1916 / 1917" "Souvenir from France" (embroidered)wwi, postcard, embroidered postcard, carte postale

Postcard from WWI soldier William West (1268) of the 29 Infantry Battalion, 5th Pioneers Battalion while posted in France to his family at home.Embroidered silk postcards were first made in 1900 for the Paris Exposition. The popularity of silk postcards peaked during the First World War 1914 - 1918.They were mostly embroidered by French women in their homes and then sent to the factories for cutting and mounting on cards. Many of the cards were illustrated with patriotic symbols, flags, slogans, or sentimental texts. During the First World War, many Allied officers and soldiers based in France sent silk embroidered postcards to their loved ones back homeWhite rectangular postcard with embroidered yellow, orange, red, white rising sun badge, green banner and english maritime flags.Front: "AUSTRALIAN COMMONWEALTH" "Australian Commonwealth Military Forces" (embroidered) Back: "To Alice best of love from loving husband Will xxxxxxx write soon"wwi, postcard, embroidered postcard, carte postale

Postcard from WWI soldier William West (1268) of the 29 Infantry Battalion, 5th Pioneers Battalion while posted in France to his family at home.Embroidered silk postcards were first made in 1900 for the Paris Exposition. The popularity of silk postcards peaked during the First World War 1914 - 1918.They were mostly embroidered by French women in their homes and then sent to the factories for cutting and mounting on cards. Many of the cards were illustrated with patriotic symbols, flags, slogans, or sentimental texts. During the First World War, many Allied officers and soldiers based in France sent silk embroidered postcards to their loved ones back homeWhite rectangular postcard with embroidered foliate and flowers, laurel wreath beneath oval union jack and crown. Handwritten message on back.Back: "To Enid From Dad / With best love / from France xxxxxxx"wwi, postcard, embroidered postcard, carte postale

Postcard from WWI soldier William West (1268) of the 29 Infantry Battalion, 5th Pioneers Battalion while posted in Egypt to his family at home.Embroidered silk postcards were first made in 1900 for the Paris Exposition. The popularity of silk postcards peaked during the First World War 1914 - 1918.They were mostly embroidered by French women in their homes and then sent to the factories for cutting and mounting on cards. Many of the cards were illustrated with patriotic symbols, flags, slogans, or sentimental texts. During the First World War, many Allied officers and soldiers based in France sent silk embroidered postcards to their loved ones back homeWhite rectangular postcard with embroidered foliate and flowers bordering a message. Handwritten message on back.Front: "Remind / France" (embroidered) Back: "1268 2 of 5 Pioneers Battalion" "Egypt / May 28 1916" "My dear Alice just a PC to let you know I'm well and hope you are all the same I got a letter from you yesterday and Enid PC but I have not got the money yet did you ??? if you need not send enny more till I send for it well I have not seen joe since you say you are goin gto town for a trip it will not hurt you i wish I was going to will my eyes are a bit weak yet it is the sand and flys. well this is all at present. Best love to all from your loving husband Will xxxxx"wwi, postcard, embroidered postcard, carte postale