German ersatz soap bar: Tatura Internment Camp

Square brown opaque block of soap made from German clay and fibres. The surface of the soap is cracked and crazed. The top of the soap has two repeated German words impressed into it reads 'Singer/ Singer'.

This bar of German ersatz or substitute soap was posted from Germany in a comforts parcel to Tatura Internment Camp, Victoria. The recipient of the comforts parcel is unknown.

The soap is partially made from a type of German clay and is covered in fine fibres. The words 'Singer/ Singer' may refer to the manufacturer of the soap, however the maker remains unknown.

Use of substitute material reflects the strain on Germany with the Allied naval blockade of the English Channel and the North Sea. Comfort items and everyday items had to be sourced from substitute materials as rationing and restrictions worsened in Germany.

During the Second World War the Australian post office agreed to carry internees' mail and parcels according to the Geneva Convention for prisoners of war. Comforts parcels from charitable organisations like the Red Cross were delivered to internees and prisoners, where there was a reciprocal arrangement with combatant national governments. Parcels from Germany and Italy were delivered to internees in Australia.