Historical information

Leather dispatch pouch issued to unknown soldier serving with the 48th Battalion to deliver urgent orders and messages usually between headquarters and military units. The 48th Battalion was raised in Egypt on 16 March 1916 as part of the "doubling" of the AIF. Roughly half of its new recruits were Gallipoli veterans from the 16th Battalion, and the other half, fresh reinforcements from Australia. Reflecting the composition of the 16th, the men of the new battalion hailed mainly from regional South Australia and Western Australia.

Significance

Despatch riders were used by armed forces to deliver urgent orders and messages between headquarters and military units. They had a vital role at a time when telecommunications were limited and insecure.

Physical description

Brown leather pouch with 48 BN written in white on front flap. Two metal buckles with leather straps on rear

Inscriptions & markings

On front flap: 48 BN written in white paint. Under flap: C.H.F. ^^ES C.M.F S.A 10/12 has been engraved into the leather