South Australian Army Nurses' Day 1917 souvenir matchbox

1917
Overview

Metal matchbox cover produced as a souvenir of South Australian Army Nurses Day on October 27 1917. It is painted on both sides, but much of this has worn off over time.
One face features a central circular area containing a fan of flags representing the Allies, signifying their unity and cooperation during World War One.
Above the flags, the words 'These colors don't run' are written in red, while beneath the flags on a scroll is the phrase 'Dieu Defend Le Droit', which is French for 'God Defend the Right', a motto often associated with military and royal contexts, reinforcing the patriotic theme.
There is a gold border around the central motif and also around the outside of the cover. Between these two lines at the top is the text 'October 27th 1917' and at the bottom 'Army Nurses Day', both in black lettering on a creamy yellow background.
The other matchbox face features an image of a nurse wearing a white veil and a red tippet over her white dress. This is the same image that appears on several souvenirs relating to the day, but is in very poor condition. Beneath the nurse are the words 'God's Angels'.
The thinner central side of the cover is in the worst condition, with the text being virtually illegible. The letters 'C.T' can be seen on the extreme left, perhaps indicating the start of the C.T. & W.A. group who organised the day.

Historical information

The first South Australian Army Nurses' Day was held at Adelaide Oval on October 27 1917. It was organised by the Commercial Travellers' and Warehousemen's Association (C.T. & W.A.). This event aimed to raise funds for army nurses serving with the Australian Imperial Force. The day was a success and became an annual event, with the Army Nurses' Fund ultimately raising £10,960 throughout the war.

There are number of items in the collection relating to this fundraising effort, including souvenir fans, a pin tray and several badges. The same nurse motif was used on a number of these items. They are all true ephemera, as they were made from poor quality materials and not designed to last.

Details

Details

Registration number
cwa-org-119-RoW00621
Material
Width
42 mm
Height or length
63 mm
Depth
20 mm
Inscriptions and markings

On one face:

"THESE COLORS DON'T RUN"

"DIEU DEFEND LE DROIT"

On reverse face:

"GOD'S ANGELS"

Place made
South Australia, Australia
Year
Primary significance criteria
Historic significance
Social or spiritual significance
Comparative significance criteria
Interpretive capacity
Rare or representative
Last modified
Wednesday, 30 July, 2025
Completeness
100
Related Objects

Related Objects

Recollections of War

Recollections of War

Organisation details
View collection

Other side of South Australian Army Nurses' Day 1917 souvenir matchbox
Other side of South Australian Army Nurses' Day 1917 souvenir matchbox
South Australian Army Nurses' Day 1917 souvenir matchbox
South Australian Army Nurses' Day 1917 souvenir matchbox
Edge of South Australian Army Nurses' Day 1917 souvenir matchbox
Edge of South Australian Army Nurses' Day 1917 souvenir matchbox
Oblique view of South Australian Army Nurses' Day 1917 souvenir matchbox
Oblique view of South Australian Army Nurses' Day 1917 souvenir matchbox
Other oblique view of South Australian Army Nurses' Day 1917 souvenir matchbox
Other oblique view of South Australian Army Nurses' Day 1917 souvenir matchbox

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