| Place | Oceania: Australia |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | REL33225 |
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Personal Equipment |
| Physical description | Cork, Cotton webbing, Enamelled steel, Leather, Wool |
| Maker |
F.S. Ltd. |
| Place made | Australia |
| Date made | 1942 |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
1903 Pattern water bottle and carrier : R F Palethorpe, Australian Military Forces
Description
Khaki wool covered Australian Army issue 1903 Pattern water bottle with a brown leather carrier. The bottle is made from blue enamelled steel and has a cork plug secured to the carrier by a length of twine. The leather carrier consists of cradle, formed by a vertical strap and two lateral straps, in which the bottle sits and an adjustable carry strap with a cotton webbing shoulder piece. One side of the strap is stamped with the maker's details 'F.S. Ltd. 1942', and the other with a broad arrow and the initials 'M.I.'.
History / Summary
Associated with the service of Ronald Frank Palethorpe. Before the Second World War he joined the Militia. It is believed the water bottle was issued to him shortly before the outbreak of the Second World War, however the leather carrier is dated 1942, suggesting that this piece was a later addition. As a banker, Palethorpe was employed in a reserved occupation and as such was exempt from enlisting in the Australian Imperial Force and serving abroad.