Tin of Johnson's Baby Powder : Corporal A W L Webber, Headquarters, 8 Division AIF

Small, mildly corroded rectangular tin of Johnson & Johnson baby powder. Most of the original label has disappeared from the body, but a small portion of red and white chequer pattern remains around the upper section. The circular screw lid still retainings the red and white J & J logo. Removing the lid reveals the pierced dispensing cap, with 10 holes. This cap is finished with a protective gilt wash. There is still a small amount of aromatic white talc powder remaining in the tin.

Relating to the service of NX7929 Corporal (later Sergeant) Albert Wilmot Littleton Webber, who was serving with 8 Division Headquarters when he was taken prisoner by the Japanese in Singapore in February 1942. He was later transferred to a work team on the Burma-Thai Railway.

Webber had this tin with him to treat his feet when he was taken prisoner on the fall of Singapore but it later proved to be of paramount value, not for its original purpose, but to provide the soldiers with a temporary reprieve from the harsh realities of their captivity. He would be asked, ‘Bertie have you still got that tin of Johnson's?’. He would produce the tin, unscrew the lid and pass it around for all to have a lingering sniff, replacing their current situation with a memory from their earlier life.

The tin still retains a small amount of the original powder.