Toc. H. Active Service Hostels paper fundraising pin - Australian soldier

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c. 1939 - 1945

Overview

World War Two era 'Toc. H. Active Service Hostels' die-cut paper and card fundraising pin depicting the head and shoulders of a smiling Australian soldier.
He is wearing the classic khaki service dress uniform and turned-up slouch hat with chin strap typical of the Australian Imperial Force (A.I.F.) .
There is a white rectangle with a blue border positioned across the bottom, which has the text 'TOC. H. ACTIVE SERVICE HOSTELS' printed in blue upper case letters within.
There is a hole in the centre of the hat where a metal pin would once have been threaded for attaching to clothing. However, the pin is missing.
The reverse of the card is plain.

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 paper fundraising pin is one of three held in the collection which feature the heads and shoulders of servicemen representing the three military services - Army, Navy and Air Force. Another series of paper fundraising pins feature depictions of marching figures which also represent the three miltary services.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-119-RoW01033

Item type

Artefacts

Collectibles

Ephemera

Personal Effects

Themes

Leisure

Social History

War and Conflict