Toc H Hostels Overseas Fund paper fundraising pin - Australian sailor

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c. 1939 - 1945

Overview

World War Two era 'Toc H Hostels Overseas Fund' die-cut paper and card fundraising pin depicting a Royal Australian Navy seaman marching to the left.
He is wearing a traditional uniform of dark blue tunic with a v-neck and square collar trimmed with white piping to the back. It has a thin black scarf and a white insert under the v-neck. The matching dark blue trousers are flared. It is topped by a white flat cap with black tally band.
There is a metal pin threaded through from the front near the collar/neck area and bent downwards at the back for attaching to clothing,
The reverse has the text 'TOC H HOSTELS OVERSEAS FUND' printed horizontally towards the top and the information regarding approvals printed vertically below.
It is showing visible signs of age including creases and scuffs.

Historical information

Toc H was a prominent Christian-based movement founded during World War One that established social clubs, hostels, and welfare services for service personnel during World War Two.
Originating from Talbot House (signaled as "Toc H" in army code) in Poperinge, Belgium, these overseas hostels provided safe, welcoming lodging, and fellowship for members of the armed forces and traveling workers in locations like Cairo, Alexandria, Tel Aviv, and Gibraltar.

Money was raised on the Australian home front to support the servicemen and women on active duty overseas.

This sailor figure is one of three held in the collection representing the three miltary services - Army, Navy and Air Force. Another series of paper fundraising pins feature the heads and shoulders of each of the servicemen representing the three services.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-119-RoW01031

Item type

Artefacts

Collectibles

Ephemera

Personal Effects

Themes

Leisure

Social History

War and Conflict