Australian Red Cross Society Christmas card 1917

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1917

Overview

Australian Red Cross Society Christmas card which would have been included in the gift box or tin sent to servicemen and women in 1917.
The rectangular, cream coloured card with rounded corners features a colourful depiction of the Australian blue ensign and the British Union Jack flags with crossed flagpoles in the upper left. To the right of this are the words 'Australia's Christmas Greeting' in gold gothic lettering.
Underneath is the text 'To her Sick and Wounded Soldiers', again in gold gothic lettering, and below this 'Good luck and Victory' in gold upper case letters.
At the bottom left of the card is 'Xmas, 1917' and at the bottom right, a gold image of a kangaroo facing left, standing on a tuft of grass.
The reverse of the card is blank.

Historical information

There are three similar cards in the collection, all varying slightly in size. This one and another undated card which is identical appear to have been sent to sick and wounded soldiers for Christmas, perhaps while recovering in convalescent hospitals. The patriotic message wishes them luck and encourages victory.
The 1918 card posted not long after the Armistice was sent with gratitude and remembrance to soldiers potentially still far from home.

The Australian Red Cross Society raised funds to send comforts to soldiers, including Christmas parcels. There are several wooden gift boxes with decorative floral transfers on the top and edges, and a colourful round tin with floral motifs on the top and side held in the collection.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-119-RoW00638

Item type

Themes

Social History
War and Conflict
War and Conflict > World War 1

Material

Card