Historical information

The embroideries were machine chained onto colourful cotton sateen (often mistakenly thought to be silk) and usually bear the words 'Souvenir of Egypt' and a year date. Most have a distinctly Egyptian flavour and show the pyramids, camels or date palms. Others show images associated with different armies (such as the Australian Rising Sun Badge, New Zealand General Service Badge or British unit badges) or nations (such as the Australian coat of arms).
However, during WW2 they were usually embroidered on black velveteen and the variety of images was not as great as had been available during the First World War.

Significance

These types of souvenirs were very popular with Australian troops; they were easy to send home and were colourful. The vendors would have a number of designs for sale already machine embroidered, from which the soldier could select and then personalise with a date or message.

Physical description

Black and gold timber frame containing rectangular black cloth edged in light blue fringe. Machine embroidered on the cloth is image of rising sun badge with a camel and pyramids either side.

Inscriptions & markings

Souvenir of Egypt 1941
Australian Commonwealth Military Forces