Sweetheart medallion or thaumatrope, 'God Have You In His Keeping': Private William A Fosh, 18th Battalion, AIF

Double-sided medallion relying on the 'persistence of vision' principle. One side displays a soldier embracing, accompanied by the words 'GOD HAVE YOU'; the other side displays his sweetheart embracing, accompanied by the words 'IN HIS KEEPING'. There is a shallow mounting hole on either side of the medallion. Spinning the medallion produces the illusion of the solider embracing his sweetheart, accompanied by the words 'GOD HAVE YOU IN HIS KEEPING'. The supports for the spinning mechanism are missing.

The legend 'REGD A' appears in very small script at the base of each side.

These medallions, spinning cards and paper discs are known as thaumatropes. It is not known if this example was made in Australia or England, although the A at the end of 'REGD A' possibly suggests Australia.

This thaumatrope sweetheart medallion relates to William Alfred Fosh. Fosh was born in Tottenham, England in 1880, but was living with his wife Ellen in Paddington, Sydney when he enlisted with the AIF in June 1916. He was 35 years old and earned his living as a bricklayer.

Fosh was given service number 6164 and was assigned to 18th Battalion, arriving in England on 23 December. After training he crossed to France on 20 March 1917 where he joined his battalion at Warlencourt. He fought in the second battle of Bullecourt in early May before his battalion moved north to Belgium in late July.

On 29 September 1917 Fosh was wounded in action in his upper legs while his battalion was being relieved at the Butte. After treatment in France, he returned to his battalion on 16 November.

On 29 May 1918, between 1:20 and 4:00 am, while his battalion was in the Ville sur Ancre sector in France, the Germans shelled their positions with 'between 1,500 and 2,000 shells. Gas very thick and strong.' By 9:00, 'as a result of Gas shelling, 6 other ranks were evacuated' - Fosh amongst them. He condition was such that he was evacuated to England. Although he received extensive treatment, he was classed as unfit for active duty and was invalided back to Australia. He was discharged from the Army on 9 January 1920.

During the Second World War, Fosh joined up in 1941 (after lying about his age, saying he was born in 1914), but never left Australia. He died on 26 July 1944, just after his discharge. He was aged at least 64. At the time, his son John ("Jack") Fosh was serving in the Royal Australian Navy.

It is unclear whether this thaumatrope sweetheart spinning disc which dates from the First World War was given from William Fosh to his wife Emma, or the other way round.