Historical information

Shell dressings are a type of bandage with a gauze pad and a safety pin for fastening around the site of the injury. This item was made by Johnson & Johnson Pty. Ltd., Sydney, in or before January, 1942. Shell dressings were carried by individual soldiers and medics intended to be used as a first dressing in event of wounding or injury. The Australian-made shell dressing is opened by breaking the stitches at the top rather than pulling tapes apart as per the British design.

Physical description

Rectangular, light brown fabric pouch. The front is printed with black text in a rectangle explaining the instructions for opening the pouch and directions for use of bandage. The maker's name and date of manufacture are printed under the directions. Sewn together in two locations on the top. Irregular shaped medium brown stain on back.