Kitbag : Sergeant B H Perry, 14 Battalion, AIF

Place Asia: Russia, North Russia
Accession Number REL/05618
Collection type Heraldry
Object type Personal Equipment
Physical description Brass, Canvas, Rope
Location Main Bld: First World War Gallery: Sinai Palestine 1918: Final Battles
Maker Unknown
Date made Unknown
Conflict First World War, 1914-1918
Description

Black canvas kitbag with brass eyelets around the mouth threaded through with cotton rope for closure. Written on the body of the kitbag in white paint is '487 SGT PERRFY B.H. ' 14TH BATT. AUST. INF. FORCE / "ELOPE." PARTY. / NTH RUSSIAN EXRY. FORCE.' Written on the base of the bag in white paint is '481 / SGT PERRY. B. / 14TH. A.I.F.' The bag is pulled closed by a white rope drawstring.

History / Summary

Kit bag carried by 487 Sergeant Bertram Harold Perry from his enlistment on 19 September 1914 throughout the war until his return to Australia on 19 August 1919. Born in Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, England, but a resident of Horsham, Victoria, Perry was 21 years and 7 months old when he enlisted in the 14th Battalion. He saw service at Gallipoli and on the Western Front before joining Elope Force as an advisor and being sent to Russia.

He was awarded the Military Medal for action at Messines in June 1917 during a patrol action. For his memories of his time with 'Elope' Force, see 3DRL/7709. Perry was one of nine Australians in this British Force - the others were Captain Richard Tarrant; Captain Paul Lohan; Captain A Brown; Sergeant Robert Graham; Sergeants John Robert Kelly; A F Von Duve; and C J Hickey.