Historical information

This dress belonged to Dorothy May Mortlock (VF518245), who served as a Sapper with the Australian Women’s Army Service from 27 July 1945 to 1 August 1946.

Physical description

Light brown coloured woven cotton dress with button-up front secured by 6 metal buttons. Dress constructed of a skirt element attached to a short sleeve shirt-style torso section, a hook and eye sits on interior of two sections to fasten left and right sides together. One square topstitched pocket on the left chest and two angled hip pockets on front. Fabric belt with metal buckle held in place by fabric loops on both left and right side. Fabric epaulette passes through loop on both left and right side and secured with metal button. Two loops on interior left and right shoulders, left loop with inscription; woven label stitched to interior left side underneath which is a stamped motif.

Inscriptions & markings

Ink inscription on interior loop difficult to read, “VF518245” and 5-6 indiscernible characters. Button reads “AUSTRALIAN MILITARY FORCES” below an embossed image of Australia with the King George V crown on top. Stamped motif reads “[broad arrow]/S.D.”