'Young Bill' Red Cross Prisoners of War Appeal fundraising envelope

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c. 1942

Overview

Manila envelope produced to place funds raised for the 'Young Bill' Red Cross Prisoners of War Appeal during World War Two.
The front features an image of the head and shoulders of a smiling Australian soldier wearing his slouch hat, printed in black. Beneath this is the phrase 'Put something aside for "Young Bill"', three small black stars and then 'Red Cross "Prisoners of War" Fund', all printed in black.
The reverse has a gummed triangular flap to seal the envelope once the funds were deposited inside. The printing on the back is all in red. There is a red cross on the flap, information about the appeal and then a space for the name and address of the donor.
A curved, sealed flap is on the bottom of the envelope.

Historical information

The Red Cross ""Young Bill" Prisoner of War Appeal" was launched in 1942 to raise funds for prisoners of the Japanese. It was estimated that shipments of parcels to prisoners of war in the Far East would cost £1,000,000 per year.
"Young Bill" was a name adopted as a typical Australian digger for the purpose of the appeal.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-119-RoW00462

Item type

Collectibles

Envelopes

Ephemera

Themes

Social History
War and Conflict
War and Conflict > World War 2

Material

Adhesive

Ink

Manila Paper

Width

68 mm

Height or length

122 mm

Inscriptions and markings

On front of envelope:

"PUT SOMETHING
ASIDE FOR
"YOUNG BILL"

RED CROSS "PRISONERS OF WAR" FUND"

On reverse of envelope:

"Young Bill" is a Prisoner of War. A
typical Australian suffering great pri-
vation in enemy territory. He needs
your help.

So every time you spend money on
yourself, put something aside for
"Young Bill." When you buy cigar-
ettes or have morning tea or lunch -
or spend money on other things you
like - remember "Young Bill." Carry
him with you in thought wherever you
go.

When this envelope is nearly full send
it to the Red Cross. Hand it to a
Red Cross collector or leave it at your
local Branch or Depot, or take it to
your radio station. People who live
in Melbourne can drop it into the
special "Young Bill" box at the Town
Hall."

"Name...............
Address............."

Keywords

Place made

Australia

Year

c. 1942