Trench art and Militaria pieces
1914 Princess Mary Christmas tin
These Christmas tins were given to soldiers during the war at Christmas time from Princess Mary. This was part of the 'Sailors & Soldiers Christmas Fund' also created by Princess Mary, King George V and Queen Mary.
Although each soldier received the same tin, its contents were different depending on whether each soldier was a smoker or non-smoker. However, every tin contained a Christmas card and a photo of Princess Mary except those released after Christmas which contained a Happy New Year card. These gifts were not just given to soldiers but also to the nurses that were working in the hospitals.
Although each soldier received the same tin, its contents were different depending on whether each soldier was a smoker or non-smoker. However, every tin contained a Christmas card and a photo of Princess Mary except those released after Christmas which contained a Happy New Year card. These gifts were not just given to soldiers but also to the nurses that were working in the hospitals.
The tins given to the smokers contained: the Christmas tin, pipe, an ounce of tobacco, a packet of 20 cigarettes, a tinder lighter, a Christmas card and a picture of Princess Mary.
The tins given to the non-smokers contained: a packet of acid tablets,a khaki writing case, a Christmas card and a picture of Princess Mary.
"I myself have only acquired the Christmas tin and pen in the shape of a bullet, which is both a nib pen that can be turned around to be used as a pencil".
The tins given to the non-smokers contained: a packet of acid tablets,a khaki writing case, a Christmas card and a picture of Princess Mary.
"I myself have only acquired the Christmas tin and pen in the shape of a bullet, which is both a nib pen that can be turned around to be used as a pencil".
WW2 Australian, aluminum watch band
This WW2 Australian, aluminum watch band was hand-crafted by a soldier during the war. The soldier's name is W.A.Mannix, I have traced some information and believe he was a Corporal in the army. He is the only soldier to match the name on the band. The only discrepancy was the service number on the watch band didn't match the one on the records. It doesn't seem to make sense. Can anyone please help me solve this puzzle. The service number on the watch band is V.246562. The service number on the army record is VX 150304. I am also not sure about the dates engraved underneath 'Buna' 21.10.43 and 'Lae' 1944 which does not match the dates he enlisted (8th Feb 1945) and when he was discharged (18 Dec 1945).
There are more photos in the gallery.
There are more photos in the gallery.
