Frankston RSL Sub Branch
Souvenir Tablecloth, 1915 (estimated)
Gold coloured silk tablecloth with green braid edging and mauve silk fringing. It is heavily embroidered with various flags, crowns and flowers relating to the Gallipoli campaign. Possibly made in Eygpt. The flags featured are Australia, France, United Kingdom, Egypt, Japan, Italy, Belgium and Russia. Some fraying along folds.
The RAN Bridging Train (RANBT) was a naval reserves unit trained to provided engineering support such as assembling pontoons, temporary jetties and unloading stores.
The 1st RANBT supported the British landing at Suvla Bay (north of ANZAC Cove) on the 7th of August 1915.In the centre of the tablecloth, embroidered in blue silk thread, are the following words "Suvla Bay 1915 6th October 1st RANBT" (Royal Australian Navy Bridging Train)gallipoli, trench, art, souvenir, embroidered, silk, flags, tablecloth, campaign, cloth