Australian Red Cross Society Christmas card 1918

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1918

Overview

Australian Red Cross Society Christmas card which would have been included in the gift box or tin sent to servicemen and women in 1918.
The rectangular, cream coloured card with rounded corners features a colourful depiction of the Australian blue ensign and the British Union Jack flags in the upper left. TA depiction of a gold boomerang with the word 'Coo-ee' following the arc of the boomerang appears in the top right.
Underneath is written 'A Christmas Message of Gratitude and Remembrance from the Australian Red Cross Society' in gold gothic lettering.
At the bottom left of the card is 'Xmas, 1919'.
The back of the card is blank.

Historical information

There are three similar cards in the collection, all varying slightly in size. This 1918 card posted not long after the Armistice was sent with gratitude and remembrance to soldiers potentially still far from home.
The 1917 dated and the 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 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-RoW00639

Item type

Themes

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

Material

Card