Leather belt : Private A H Patrick, 9 Works Company, Australian Army

Accession Number REL34427
Collection type Heraldry
Object type Uniform
Physical description Brass, Leather
Maker Unknown
Place made Australia: South Australia
Date made c 1942
Conflict Second World War, 1939-1945
Description

Brown leather plaited belt with brass buckle. There are six stud holes in the tongue of the belt which is crafted out of plain leather. On the inside of the tongue the wearer's name - 'ARTHUR PATRICK' - is written in black marker.

History / Summary

This belt is associated with the service of NX148826 Private Arthur Henry Patrick. This belt was made from leather bootlaces by Italian prisoners of war working on the railways in South Australia during the Second World War. The belt was presented as a gift to Patrick as a sign of regard from the prisoners and is said to have been made from 17 pairs of their bootlaces. At the time, Patrick was stationed at 'The Plains No.1' internment camp six miles outside of Watson in South Australia, supervising prisoners working on the track there. He had enlisted with the Militia in July 1941 and initially served at the prisoner of war camp in Cowra. He was transferred to 3 POW Labour Detachment in March 1942 and served with them until September. It was probably during this period that he received this belt. Patrick transferred to the AIF in March 1943 and was discharged from service in March 1946.