A4 Letter from Darren Chester MP in regard to Victory in the Pacific Day Celebrations and a collection of resources to use.second world war, darren chester, veteran's affairs, defence personnel, resources, victory in the pacific day, vp day

In 1899, British soldiers and sailors were in South Africa fighting the second Boer War which lasted from 1899 to 1902. Queen Victoria was concerned about the morale of her army and navy and wanted to do something to lift their spirits. She would send chocolate to all of her army and navy serving in South Africa (including Australian contingents) as a Christmas/New Year gift in 1899/1900. The chocolate manufacturer, Cadbury, which since around 1854 had a Royal Warrant to supply Queen Victoria with cocoa and chocolate, was contacted and requested to produce the royal bars of chocolate, each with its own individual tin. This put Richard and George Cadbury in a dilemma because, as Quakers, they were pacifists and did not agree with the war. However they did not want to refuse a request from the Queen. To prevent their confectionery rivals from accusing them of going against their principles, their solution was to invite fellow Quakers, Joseph Fry and Joseph Rowntree to form a temporary three-way partnership to complete the order. Forty thousand tins, designed and made by Fry, were produced in two different sizes. The larger of the tins (15 x 9 cm) has a gold coloured rim around the edge of the lid and contained two layers of chocolate. The slightly smaller or rather thinner tin (16 x 8 cm) has a blue rim around the edge of the lid and contained one layer of chocolate. The design of the lid of both sizes is the same. It was decided by all three companies, that the tins would carry no brand name. However Queen Victoria was not amused by this decision; she wanted her army and navy to know that she was sending them quality British chocolate. As a compromise, the Cadbury name appeared on interior packaging of the chocolate. The tins remained unbranded. The empty tins had a more sombre use for for men killed in action. The tins, containing their few personal belongings, were sent home to the next of kin. The tins were not large and may have contained items such as medals, talismans, coins, jewellery, photos, letters and dog tags.Sheet metal tin with hinged lid. In the middle of the red lid of the tin is a gold-coloured embossed picture of Queen Victoria's head. To the left is Queen Victoria's insignia, and to the right are the words "South Africa 1900" and is inscribed "I wish you a happy New Year" and signed Victoria running along the bottom.gift to defence personnel from queen victoria. gift sent at christmas / new year in 1899/1900, gift sent at christmas / new year 1899/1900

Ration pack carried on aircraft for use in emergency.A military dark green painted aluminium container with close fitting lid which is empty. This contained emergency flying rations for defence personnel.The container lid has the following printed inscription: "EMERGENCY FLYING RATION PKD 8/75"

Example of Australian Army standard water canteen complete with carrying pouch issued to soldiers during the 1970s. This was a USA Army design adopted by the ADF during the Vietnam conflict. The pouch and canteen are jungle green in colour and are worn attached to the webbing belt issued to defence personnel. refer item 00289.1.

A clear plastic pack containing two implements which are a combination can opener, bottle opener and measuring spoon. These implements were included with standard field ration packs and are made of plated metal featuring a small hinged cutter attached to the main body. These were commonly called a Field Ration Opening Device (FRED) by defence personnel.The body is stamped with the standard Department of Defence symbol: "/|\" .

Type Mark 3 black plated prismatic compass, standard issue to Australian Defence Forces personnel during the Vietnam conflict. This compass is complete with a leather pouch. Refer item 00002.1 and 00002.2