Historical information
This cylinder was constructed for the postage of two documents (0060.2 and 0060.3), to notify the family of Pte James Thomas Newton (945215) 3rd Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, of his passing. The documents appear to be addressed to M A Newton, though James Thomas Newton's next of kin is listed as David Newton, his father. James Thomas enlisted on 18 July 1916, joining the 3rd battalion, first in "B" Company and . James Thomas' service records indicate that he died on 9 October 1916 in a field hospital, Liverpool, NSW. He was ailed by bronchial pneumonia for 13 days before succumbing to the illness. A telegram suggests that the family were notified on the day of his death and received the cylinder and documents in the post 6 years later.
Physical description
Brown card cylinder which appears to have been formed from a single sheet of card, taped in place. Paper label contains the name of the recipient, several other stamps cover the cylinder.
Inscriptions & markings
Label reads "M A Newton/Whitfield/Vict.". Round postage stamp reads "PAID - AT - MELBOURNE VIC/ 12 MR23/8". Other stamps include "DO NOT CRUSH" and a handwritten annotation, possibly added later "BILL KELLY."
