UNIFORM & KIT ISSUED TO THE AIF DURING WW2
This pictorial library is devoted to the recording of "Uniform and Kit" issued to an Australian Soldier of any corps, during the Second World War. Consider it a virtual "Q" Store in Australian militaria. It is not exhaustive and will be added to over time. Any reader who wishes to contribute photographs and text will be recognised and credited with such information. I also invite collectors of other nation's militaria to forward content (please see our other countries listed on the drop down menu) - so that a comprehensive list of "Axis" and "Allies" uniform/kit is detailed.
Capstan Navy Cut Tobacco
A tin of Capstan Navy Cut Tobacco, made in Sydney. Despite the fact that the tin states "Navy Cut" - this is just a marketing term and not to say that this item was issued to the Navy. In fact, many soldiers who smoked Tobacco were given this brand or received it in packages from home. As indicated on the tin, it was processed and packaged by W.D. & H.O. WILLS Ltd in Sydney, Australia. This product was also produced by the same company in England (Bristol and London). This photo courtesy of the Kokoda Historical Collection.
Army Sewing Kit
Australian Army Sewing Kit, containing the standard requirements for uniform/clothing repair in the field. Items include:- assorted sewing needles, metal thimble, spare metal (quad hole) buttons and spare cotton/wool thread. The actual "hold-all" (or pouch) is manufactured using leather, which was in plentiful supply in Australia and is quite durable. The major problem with leather however, especially in tropical or damp conditions - is it's susceptibility to moisture. This will then have an adverse affect upon the metal items contained within the kit, obviously resulting in corrosion to the metal sewing needles and buttons. It is not uncommon for sewing kit hold-alls to be manufactured from a khaki cotton or similar material. The Government acceptance stamp (Broad Arrow) is evident on the left hand side of this particular item.
Army Sewing Kit - Manufaturer's Stamping
Close up of the manufacturer's stamping which is evident on this Australian Army Sewing Kit. Made by "Parker's Products Pty Ltd" in 1942, this kit is just one of many different brands of sewing kit - issued to Australian troops during the Second World War.
World War Two Soap Holder
A metal Soap Holder from the Second World War. Manufactured from aluminium, this holder provided a recepticle to protect the soap from attracting dirt and contaminants; as well as preventing the soap from soiling other items when stowed whilst in a 'wet' condition. This item was purchased from England and may have been utilised by Naval personnel, however this is merely conjecture and certainly could have been issued to any branch of the services. As this style of soap holder may have been procured by other dominions within the British Commonwealth, it has been included in the British, Canadian and New Zealand kits. Image courtesy of the Kokoda Historical Collection.
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