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Australian Red Cross Society Western Australian Division ‘Woollen Comforts’ booklet from Second World War

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Australian Red Cross Western Australian Division

c. 1940

Overview

A Second World War ten (10) page photostatted ‘Woollen Comforts’ knitting brochure with stapled spine. It has typed instructions of patterns with images on several pages and a ‘red-coloured’ cross on the front cover.

Historical information

The Australian Red Cross Society (founded by Lady Helen Munro Ferguson in 1914) produced brochures as part of an appeal to the women of Australia to contribute to the war effort, “to give everyone a chance of learning what style of contribution is needed most.” Brochures were produced in WW1 and WW2.
This Western Australian Division booklet includes patterns for woollen socks, a balaclava helmet, bed socks, a knee cap, a cardigan, a sleeveless pullover, mittens, a hot water bottle cover, a scarf (with fringe) and a waistcoat muffler. Such items were a domestic contribution to the war effort, providing soldiers with warm clothing, socks to prevent trench feet and messages of support.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-12-2020.2

Item type

Booklets

Themes

Social History
War and Conflict > World War 2

Material

Paper

Width

135 mm

Height or length

215 mm

Weight

6 g

Inscriptions and markings

FRONT COVER
"Australian Red Cross Society / Western Australian Division / 18 Howard Street, Perth / WOOLLEN COMFORTS / PRICE, 6D"
"Parcels addressed “Australian Red Cross” / are carried freight free over the railways."
BACK COVER
"Copies of this knitting Book / may be obtained upon applic- / ation to any Red Cross Branch / or Unit in Western Australia."

Contextual Information

This ‘Woollen Comforts’ brochure was sold for 6 pence by the ‘Australian Red Cross Society, Western Australian Division’ that was located at ’18 Howard Street, Perth’. The brochure presents the Red Cross, and community, contribution toward supplying servicemen during the Second World War with knitted garments such as socks, balaclavas, cardigans and scarves.

Keywords

Australian Red Cross Society

Australian Red Cross Western Australian Division

Woollen Comforts

Second World War

War Effort

Place made

Perth, Western Australia, Australia

Year

c. 1940

Primary significance criteria

Historic significance