Local men serving in WW1Sepia photo on dark cardboard of a group of 13 WW1 servicemen in uniform. All Army except one Naval Officer.Bill Butcher, ? McLardy, Gove Howard, Alex McLardy, Vere Mc Henry, Harry Justice, Bill Gothoys Front row Bob Britton, Jacko Dixon, Arthur Webster, Ian? Cambell, W.Coll?photographs, soldiers, mclardy family, harry justice, armed forces ww1

Sydney William Phefley was born in Wodonga, Victoria on 5th November 1896 to Christian Phefley and Martha nee Schultz. He was their third son and eighth child in a family of 17 children. Sydney enlisted in Melbourne on 4th August 1915 and was allocated to 29th Battalion Machine Gun Section. On 10th November 1915 he embarked from Melbourne on the HMAT Ascanius and saw service in Egypt and on the Western Front. In March 1916 Sydney was promoted to Sergeant. During that year he was also hospitalised for a minor case of mumps in Cairo in March and then for a case of trench foot in England in December. In February 1918, Sergeant Phefley was accepted into the Officer Cadet Battalion which included the completion of an Officers Training Course at Oxford. In October 1918 he was transferred to the 32nd Battalion and was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in December 1918. Lieutenant Phefley returned to Australia on 15th May 1919 and was discharged on 22nd August 1919. Sydney was later employed by the Victorian Railways as an engine driver. He married Mary Johanna Hogan on 15th October 1924. Sydney William Phefley died in Moe, Victoria on 16th January 1973.This image is significant because it portrays a member of a prominent Wodonga family who served Australia during World War I.A framed black and white image of Sydney William Phefley in Uniformprivate sydney william phefley, phefley family wodonga, world war 1 servicemen

The Towaninnie Methodist Church no longer exists but on the Towaninnie plains a location sign marks it. In common with many church communities the faithful who met here were very patriotic and their young men were strongly supported when they volunteeered during the Great War of 1914 -'18. This Honour Board once hung on the Methodist Church wall but is now at the Pioneer Settlement,Swan Hill.The actual Honour Board is believed to be the only one of its type with this listing. This photo of it contributes to and is part of a Local, State and National collection of War memorabilia that honours our servicemen and women.Wooden framed Roll of Honour photo - Towaninnie Methodist Church listing of 21 local WW1 servicemen. The memorial has a triangular shaped top and features a simple wooden sculpured bottom edging with the gold inscriptions in 2 columns. Hosking,J.W./ Hosking, J.V. / FALLEN Nalder, J./ Smith,W./ Smith, J./ McPhee,W./ McPhee, A./ Holt,D.A./ Jolley,A./ Nalder,J.Q./ Hosking,J.H./ Dashwood,C./ Ellis,P./ Hercules,R./ White,H. / Mead,W.L./ Wilson,B./ Root,E./ Hosking, F./ Ellis,C./ Pryse,R. Roll of Honour Towaninnie Methodist Church. Hosking,J.W./ Hosking, J.V. / FALLEN Nalder, J./ Smith,W./ Smith, J./ McPhee,W./ McPhee, A./ Holt,D.A./ Jolley,A./ Nalder,J.Q./ Hosking,J.H./ Dashwood,C./ Ellis,P./ Hercules,R./ White,H. / Mead,W.L./ Wilson,B./ Root,E./ Hosking, F./ Ellis,C./ Pryse,R. roll - of - honour, towaninnie - methodist, towaninnie - church, world - war 1, wycheproof - servicemen

Two medallions which were awarded to Australian World War 1 servicemen, T ENGLISH and C R C FERGUSSON, who had landed at Gallipoli in 1915. These medallions have been mounted on a burgundy felt backing and framed in a small gold coloured photo frame. Each is a circular bronze medallion surmounted by the Queen's crown. Obverse depicts Simpson and his donkey assisting a wounded man, a laurel wreath, the date '1915' and the word 'ANZAC'. Reverse depicts a map of Australia and New Zealand with the Southern Cross superimposed, fern fronds and the engraved name of the recipient. The Anzac Medallion was issued by the Australian government in 1967 to commemorate the 1965 50th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings. The medallion was issued to surviving veterans of the campaign or their next of kin. Refer to AWM item for further information < http://www.awm.gov.au/collection/RELAWM16790.001/ >There is an engraved label mounted within the picture frame with the inscription "ANZAC Medallions", "Issued to Tom English & C R C Fergusson".anzac, ww1, 1915, world war 1, gallipoli medallion

The Great Ocean Road was built by World War 1 returned servicemen. Tolls were collected as sections of the road were completed. The first toll house was at Grassy Creek. It operated from 1922 to 1932 when it was moved to The Springs at Cathedral Rock about 5 km east of Lorne. The thunderbox is believed to have been used here at sometime between 1932 and 1936This is a rare archeological find. Items n this location are often damaged by the action of the sea and salt air. It is intimately associated with the early years of the development of the Great Ocean Road and the daily life of the workers. It is a typical example of the type of toilet used at the time. This reclaimed timber thunder box is enclosed on three sides. There is a circular hole on the top with a wooden handled lid attached by a chain. Inside is a steel can.great ocean road construction, returned sevicemen world war 1, great ocean road toll houses, toilet

This is a book of 170 pages. The cover has a coloured sketch of a soldier on a grey background , two bomb sketches and some black printing. The spine is almost completely missing. The pages contain printed text, maps, sketches, black and white photographs and coloured illustrations. The book is bound with heavy duty staples. There are five loose newspaper cuttings.non-fictionAustralians in World War 1 world war 1, anzacs, australian humour

It is presumed that the 'A.C.F.' on two of these badges stands for 'Australian Comforts Fund'. The Australian Comforts Fund was one of two wartime welfare groups recognized by the Australian Government. The other was the Australian Red Cross. The Australian Comforts Fund was established in 1916 to co-ordinate the welfare efforts to assist Australian servicemen and women in World War One. It was dissolved in 1920 and re-established in 1939. It was staffed largely by women volunteers and supplied such articles as singlets, socks, pyjamas, toiletries, writing materials, tobacco and Christmas hampers to servicemen and women. It also offered recreational facilities and rest rooms etc in Australia for service personnel. It was closed in 1946. These badges were issued, two in 1941, as part of fund-raising for the Australian Comforts Fund.These badges are interesting mementos of the welfare work undertaken in World War Two by the Australian Comforts Fund. Two six pointed star badges which are enamelled in red and have plain metal edge..1 ACF 1940 with P J King on the reverse. .2 ACF 1941 with P J King on the reverse.australian comforts fund, australian red cross

These badges appear to have been issued as part of Wattle Day celebrations in the period 1910 to 1919. The use of wattle as an Australian symbol was strong during the pre-Federation and Federation days and was particularly promoted by the Australian Natives Association, a prominent campaigner for Federation. Wattle Day was established in Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide in 1910 and the wattle symbol was a strong one for servicemen serving overseas in World War One and wattle badges and pins were used to raise funds for wartime funds for such organizations as the Red Cross.These badges are of interest as an example of the strong national sentiment engendered in Australia by World War One.Five small circular badges in tones of brown and green. .1 light green background with bunch of yellow wattle below. Text in brown at the top. .2 Brown background with yellow wattle flowers and cream text. .3 Dark green background with yellow wattle flowers.Our own for our own.wattle day celebrations, australian natives association, world war one and wattle badges, warrnambool

These badges appear to date from the World War One period. Badges such as these were sold at this time to aid the war effort in Australia and the proceeds were mainly used to provide comforts for servicemen in Australia and abroad. These badges have no known local provenance but are retained as examples of World War One badges sold in Australia for the war effort..1 This is a circular metal badge with a painted green background with red printing and a cream-coloured image of a winged female figure. The badge has a metal clip on the back. .2 as above except that the painted material is more faded Charityworld war one, history of warrnambool, badges

These badges were produced in 1917 to provide funds for the Lady Mayoress’ Fund during World War One. This fund was largely involved in funding canteens and other comforts for the servicemen during World War One..1 A metal badge with a gold rim, a dark gold background, a cream-coloured map of Australia with red printing and five stars representing the Southern Cross (one smaller star may represent Tasmania). The badge has a metal clip at the back and is somewhat rusted. .2 as above I will help until the war is won Copyright S & S (?) world war one, history of warrnambool, lady mayoress’ fund

These badges appear to have been issued as part of Wattle Day celebrations in the period 19910 to 1919. The use of wattle as an Australian symbol was strong during the pre- Federation and Federation days and was particularly promoted by the Australian Natives Association, a prominent campaigner for Federation. Wattle Day was established in Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide in 1910 and the wattle symbol was a strong one for servicemen serving overseas in World War One and wattle badges and pins were used to raise funds for funds such organisations as the Red Cross.These badges are of interest as an example of the strong national sentiment engendered on Australia by World War One..1 circular metal concave badge featuring a cream map of Australia with dark green outline. An image of wattle flowers and leaves is in the centre of the map. Surrounding the map is a pale green border with text. The edge is dark green. It has a pin clip on the reverse. .2 As above .3 As above .1 WATTLE DAY .2 WATTLE DAY .3 WATTLE DAY

Legacy is an Australian organisation which was founded in 1923 to assist the widows of servicemen who had not returned from active service in World War One. It now assists widows, widowers and their children whose parent died whilst serving during any conflict or subsequently. These badges are an interesting memento of the means used by the organisation of Legacy to raise funds to assist widows, widowers and children of deceased service men and women.1 silver coloured metal inverted tear drop shaped badge featuring a torch with red flame and a blue scroll with text. There is a pin on the reverse. .2,.3,.4, .5 silver coloured metal "figure eight" shaped badge featuring a torch with red flame and a blue scroll with text. There is a pin on the reverse..1 , .2, .3, .4, .5 LEGACY

These three badges all bear the phrase " For Our Fighting Men" and were sold to raise funds for Australian servicemen's comforts in World War One. The funds would have been used to send food and amenities parcels to those serving overseas, to provide assistance to those soldiers who had returned to Australia or were serving within Australia. The funds from the sale of these badges were directed to the Australian Comforts Fund which was an organisation formed in August 1916 from the amalgamation of the State groups formed to provide assistance to those serving in World War One. These badges are of interest as examples of those made and sold in Australia during World War One to provide comforts for Australian servicemen..1 Circular metal and enamel badge. The front features the Australian flag on a red background surrounded by a white annulus and a pale blue ring with text. There are rust marks on the surface.The reverse has a pin clip. .2 Identical to .1 but very discoloured and faded. .3 Circular metal and enamel badge. The front features a the head and shoulders of an Australian soldier in uniform with a slouch hat and a gun with bayonet fixed against a background of the Australian flag. Inside the outer rim of pale gold is a white ring with red text. There is a pin clip on the reverse. .1 FOR OUR FIGHTING MEN .2 Identical to .1 .3 OUR FIGHTING MEN AUSTRALIAN.COMFORTS. FUNDaustralian comforts fund

Medal presented for their service to their country and local district to returning local servicemen from the Great War (First World War) by the Shire of Eltham Welcome Home Committee. This medal was presented to W.H. Orford. Spr. W.H. Orford From Eltham We Honour You Great War 1914 - 1919 Whilst the war ended in 1918, many servicemen did not return home till 1919. ORFORD William Henry - Munitions Worker Number 542 William Henry Orford enlisted 1 Feb 1916 and embarked for France 25 May 1916. He was a Tunneler and was part of an operation of a group of British miners (known as "Claykickers" or “Manchester Moles”) recruited during World War I to tunnel underneath no man's land and set bombs below the German front at the Battle of Messines in June 1917. 10,000 German soldiers were killed instantly after the detonation of explosives beneath their lines. The story was depicted in the film "The War Below". Doug Orford, William's nephew recalls William saying they could hear the Germans as they tunnelled below them within metres. A month later He was wounded in action with a gun shot wound to the scalp and face in July 1917. He disembarked back in Melbourne on September 5, 1919.ww1, 1919, aif, battle of messine, great war, medal, shire of eltham, tunneler, welcome home committee, william henry orford

In 1981 the Shire of Eltham Historical Society was asked by the Victorian Place Names Committee to comment on a proposal by the Shire of Eltham to assign names to parklands in Eltham as follows:- "Eltham Common" - the area between the municipal offices, Main Road, the Eltham railway -line, and Panther Place and containing Shillinglaw Cottage. The Shire has advised that this name has been used locally for the site since about 1975. "Alistair Knox Park" - the area bounded by the Eltham railway -line, Panther Place, Main Road, Bridge Street, and Susan Street, and through which flows the Diamond Creek. The area has been known locally as "Eltham Town Park" The proposed name "Alistair Knox Park" had created some local controversy with a number of reversals of the Council's decision and letters to the local paper both for and against the proposal. The society was reluctant to be drawn into this controversy particularly as there were known to be members with strong views both for and against the proposed name. The society appreciated the work done by Alistair Knox both in the formulation of the park concept and in its development but because of the controversy generated by the proposed naming and also because of the wide general use of the park by the public·, the name Eltham Town Park was felt more appropriate. The society noted that there was no outstanding historical associations with the land comprising the park which would warrant naming the park after any particular person, place or event. No objection was raised to the Eltham Common proposal as set-out above. The decision was made in the knowledge that Alistair Knox had been associated with the society over many years and was a prominent figure in the recent history of Eltham. He was regarded as a key figure in the environmental building movement and in particular was renowned for his use of mud bricks as a building material. He served as a councillor of the Shire of Eltham from 1971-1975, his final year as Shire President. It was during these years that the proposals to create the park in its present form were shaped and Alistair played a leading part in the decision to make it a landscaped passive recreational park rather than a sporting area. The parklands comprise a section of the Diamond Creek valley. The creek itself flows through the centre of the area which is overlooked by steep hills on each side. The parks form part of the land purchased from the Crown in 1851 by J.M. Holloway and then subdivided into allotments and called "Little Eltham". While most of the area was subdivided into residential lots the creek valley was subdivided into lots suitable for small farms. Some further subdivision took place over the years and the whole of the parks now comprises eight separate titles. A list of some of the former owners has been compiled but exhaustive research on all owners has not been carried out. The ownership of one parcel has been traced back to when it was purchased from Holloway by John Hicks Petty in 1874, long after it was subdivided. Other families owning land within the area over the years included Lyon, Rees, Clark, Waterfall, Carrucan, Graham, Hill and Morant. The character of the valley area has remained rural while development occurred on each side. Early photos show the area as orchard and grazing land. In 1901 the railway was constructed through the area resulting in the timber trestle bridge across the Diamond Creek. which is an important feature of the park landscape. A memorial obelisk to the Eltham servicemen killed in World War 1 was erected at the south eastern corner of the park. The site is now within the intersection of Main Road and Bridge Street and the memorial was shifted in the 1950s to the Eltham R.S.L. clubrooms. Following the financial failure of the local sub-branch, the memorial obelisk was again relocated to the Eltham War Memorial building precinct in 2011. During the early 1960's the Council started purchasing the land which now comprises the parks. In the late 1960's the area to the east of the Diamond Creek was used as a garbage tip and filled above the flood plain of the creek. When this area was filled the tip was transferred to the west side of the creek. From the early 1970's the area has been progressively developed as a park for passive recreation with ornamental lakes, extensive tree planting and landscaping. The character of the valley before the days of the tip has been recreated and this has earned a Landscape classification from the National Trust, an unusual honour for a man-made landscape. The parks are not only attractive in appearance. The large number of people using them, particularly at weekends and holidays is evidence of their popularity and the foresight and careful planning of local residents, Councillors and Council Staff. 35mm colour positive transparency (1 of 23) Mount - Kodak EktachromeProcess Date MAY 88Meltham, main road, alistair knox park, eltham town park

Lieut. Charles James Callan, (bushman) a former member of the Caledonia Rifle Club, Queenstown, enlisted 2 August 1915 and was killed in action 29 September 1918 near Bony during an attack on the Hindenburg Line. He is buried in Ste Emilie Valley Cemetery, Villers-Faucon, France. First World War letters and postcards from various (unknown) servicemen written to Lily Thompson (Lew Howard's aunty). She would write to the servicemen.Digital file only - scanned by EDHS from item on loan aif, charles james callan, first world war, honour roll, kia, letters, lew howard collection, no. 1 command depot, panton hill, ww1

First World War letters and postcards from various (unknown) servicemen written to Lily Thompson (Lew Howard's aunty). She would write to the servicemen.Digital file only - scanned by EDHS from item on loan aif, first world war, letters, lew howard collection, ww1

The WWI Death Plaque (Dead Man's Penny) was issued to the next of kin of servicemen/women who had fallen in the Great War between 1914 and 1918.This plaque was given to honour the service of Ballarat College old collegian Harry Spencer Holgate who entered the school in 1894. On leaving school he became an auctioneer at Muswellbrook and Scone. He enlisted on 24 May 1916 and was awarded the Military Medal at Polygon Wood in September 1917. He was killed at Zonnebeke on 11 October 1917. His brother Edward Spencer Holgate was also killed while serving his country during World War 1. Of the 305 Ballarat College old collegians who enlisted in WW1 65 gave their lives for their country. This 'death penny' is representative of the incredible sacrifice given by this huge percentage of the school's community. Round disk cast in bronze gunmetal, which incorporates the following; an image of Britannia holding an oak spray with leaves and acorns, an imperial lion, two dolphins representing Britain's sea power, the emblem of Imperial Germany's eagle being torn to pieces by another lion. The medallion is packaged in a heavy card envelope.Inscribed around face of medallion: He died for freedom and honour. A rectangular tablet cast on front of medallion inscribed 'Harry Edward Spencer'. harry-spencer-holgate, ballarat-college, world-war-one, death-penny,

Keighley War Hospital at Morton Banks was originally The Morton Banks Fever Hospital and after local funds were raised, extra wards were built to turn it into a War Hospital. It opened in time to take some of the first casualties from the Battle of the Somme in July 1916 and continued until the end of the war. The War Hospital Register archived at Keighley Library contains 13,214 names of servicemen who were treated there. It also contains the names of German prisoners of war who were being held locally and required treatment from time to time, notably from the influenza epidemic. Morton Banks had 746 beds. The book records the details of the hospital between 1916-19 including staff, hospital layout and departments, the Auxiliary Hospitals, Discipline, Recreation, Education, Comforts Committee and Affiliated Associations.Document of Military Hospital in Keighley, U.K. during WW1. Contains significant information on staff and different departments at the hospital.Carboard and paper booklet of 48 pages. The cover is beige with green border with black and red writing. Silverfish have eaten top right corner of cover.On front cover is publisher Wadsworth & Company, Russell Street, Keighley, (also known as Rydal Press) title and cost of Sixpence. Inside first blank page is written 'With kind regards from Willie To Jack'. 'Jack' refers to J.L.McIntyreworld war 1, ww1, military hospital, army hospital, keighley war hospital, morton banks, morton banks fever hospital, keighley

Compilation of articles, short stories and poems of events and experiences of servicemen and women. This volume recalls the courage and humour, the boredom and the achievements, the travel and adventure and misdeeds, and above all the good comradeship of the services in the war years.Historical recount through stories, poems and illustrations of Australians in World War 2As You Were 1949 Illustrations, photographs, Green coloured hardcover front and back with light green test on front page 'As you were' and '1949'. There is a rectangular relief showing three tri servicemen. The inside front and back covers have illustrations of Air force, Navy and Army on a dark green background. The Southern Cross is also a feature of the illustrations.To the memory of the fallen ' They gave their lives. For that public gift they received a praise which never ages and a tomb most glorious - not so much the tomb in which they lie, but that in which their fame survives, to be remembered forever when occasion comes for word or deed...'george alan vasey, palestine, gaza, italian pow's, ae2, sea of marmora, noic naavy information operations command, captain sir ross smith, no.1 squadron, greece retreat, new guinea, tregonning, ammunition, de ruyter, exeter, perth, java, houston

Type MK1 (ie mark 1) mess tin used as a food container by Australian military servicemen during WWI. This mess tin is made of tin plated steel, has a carrying handle and clips for a shoulder strap. There is a folding handle inside of the removable lid section.australian, australia, ww1, world war 1, mess tin, food container

A pocket size booklet with a series of articles about Aleppo, Syria. This booklet was sent to an Australian family by a local citizen befriended by an Australia soldier serving in Syria during World War 2. The book inner cover is marked "To Val with best wishes from Bert?? Aleppo 1-2-47". The Foreword explains that during the period 1943-44 large numbers of servicemen were visiting the area hence the need for this document.printed title "Aleppo and its Environs"souvenir, ww2, world war 2, syria, aleppo, blundell

Pair of leather riding boots as issued to the Australian Light Horse servicemen during World War 1. These boots are designed to fit the feet and lower calf and are worn laced. They are made of tan coloured leather with leather soles and have leather laces. These boots were issued to Captain Lewis George Cole of the 3rd Light Horse Brigade (refer supplementary documents attached).world war 1, ww1, australian light horse, alh, cole

Postcard size photograph of three Australian Army servicemen taken during World War 1. There is a note on the rear of the postcard "George Laidlaw left William Knight centre and A Kettlewell Original 15 Battalion Queensland 1914 to 1918 War". The rear of this postcard has the photographers name, "P MATHEWSON & SONS PETRIE BIGHT BRISBANE" and the handwritten note "George Laidlaw left William Knight centre and A Kettlewell Original 15 Battalion Queensland 1914 to 1918 War".ww1, world war 1, 15th battalion, 15th btn, queensland, australia, australian, army

This document one of several papers and objects from the estate of Mr Arthur O. Dixon, an ex-master mariner and later smallhold farmer. Other correspondence and papers gifted to the Mission indicates the year 1919 (post his service in World War 1) was a time of some changes for Mr Dixon, possibly leading to his subsequent re-location to Australia show that he served as a crew member on the Merchant vessel "Hororata" a vessel which is noted in the MTSV records including an image of the crew in the early 1920s. (see VC record ).This vessel is also mentioned in a narrative poem by a de-mobbed Soldier of WW1 as the transport for a number of returning servicemen and families. The poem is held in the National Library of Australia.Unusually for the early 20th C. era of Mr Dixon's service at sea two images of Mr Dixon were included in the gift of papers. Personal objects included an unusual small travel size New Testament (see VC record ) heavily annotated provide further insights into the experience of early 20th C. seafarers. Officially printed document, and official copy of an original certificate of competency issued by the office of the Register General of Shipping and Seamen recognising Arthur Oswald Dixon as an Extra Master. At right angles to the certificate is a small margin at left indication the current document is an approved copy in 1919 of the original certificate issued in 1904. See image for both sides of the document for extensive text.certificate of competency, master, captain, sailor, arthur oswald dixon, seamanship, sailors, seamen, seafarers, officers, 1904

Presentation on the work of the War Graves Working Group of the RSL and private historians investigating the possibilitiy of ex-servicemen who died while resident at the Mont Park Military Mental Asylum, closed in the late 1920s, being buried in the grounds currently occupied by La Trobe University27 p. black & white and col. photographs, tables. Powerpoint presentation.cemeteries, world war 1, mont park hospital, latrobe university

The author researched World War 1 soldiers who were listed on the Greensborough Sunday School Honour Roll 1914-1919 and other servicemen from both World Wars. This book contains their biographical information as well as information about World War 1 and some of the operational units.Hardback, 60p., col. illus.world war 1

Rain cape, also used as a groundsheet, issued Australian servicemen. Purchased for the donor from an "Army Surplus" store and re-purposed for camps as a Scout in the late 1960s. The MK VII Groundsheet (Rain Cape / Poncho) was introduced in October 1917 during WW1. They were made from dyed cotton, proofed with a rubber compound, "well vulcanized" on one side. Weight 3lb. 8oz;. 78 inches long by 36 inches wide and made by the Victoria Rubber Co. Edinburgh. They were used again during WWII 1939-45 Today the Army uses the hootchie - a sheet of 70D nylon or PU-coated cotton with various press snaps and webbing tape loops attached around the outside which allow it to be used in a variety of configuration. During WWII Australian forces fighting the Japanese in the Islands had an urgent requirement for a decent individual shelter. The rubberized canvas groundsheets and rain capes continued to be used, but these were less than effective in the tropics. Towards the end of the war in the Pacific Australia began issuing its troops a lighter weight version of the groundsheet manufactured from polyurethane-coated cotton – During the Malayan Emergency of the 1950s, Australian troops were issued with hooded ponchos. Unlike the WWII US pattern ponchos which always had a hole in the dead centre of the poncho sheet, the Australian-issue hooded ponchos made an effective shelter – especially when two where clipped together. The problem of course is that the rubberized canvas ponchos were far too heavy for jungle use. 1960s Australian units in Borneo were issued with the first pattern lightweight hootchies. 1 Kg. 1970 the Vietnam War, a second pattern lightweight hootchie was issued made from nylon, but retaining the hardware and loops. This lightweight hootchie weighed a mere 680 grams, still heavy, but suitable for tropical use. Currently the hootchie is made from AUSCAM nylon material . Historic significance; representative of the type believed to have been issued to Australian servicemen in World War II, possibly in World War I.Waterproofed Canvas rain cape, also used as a groundsheet in the Australian Army, press studs to close as a cape, collar to cover neck.NILuniforms, australian army, world war ii, army surplus, scouts australia, bentleigh, moorabbin, world war 1, hooded ponchos, borneo, auscam nylon material, hootchies, malayan emergency, vietnam war, groundsheets