Historical information

Container of small wax coated matches designed to resist moisture. Widely known for supplying troops during World War II (1939–1945), specifically utilized in Australian military emergency ration packs and by personnel on the Kokoda Track.
Item belonged to Robert Francis ISKOV VX15237 served with the 59th Battalion/Hume Regiment CMF before joining the 2/14th Battalion at Caulfield in September 1940. He disembarked for the Middle East in November, 1940 and fought in the Syrian campaign in 1941. In 1942 the 2/14th Battalion returned to Australia and sent to Papua where he fought at the Battle of Isurava before the battalion was sent to Gona. On 1943 Bob returned to Australia to undertake officer training and in 1945 with the 2/23rd Battalion sailed to Morotai and served with the battalion on Tarakan. He returned to Australia in November, 1945 and discharged a month later

Physical description

Rectangular tin with hinged lid containing small timber matches with wax heads. The tin is plain metal apart from two tone blue lid with lettering. Underneath is a serrated patch used to strike the match.

Inscriptions & markings

Bell's Waterproof Wax Vestas