| Place | Oceania: Pacific Islands, Bismarck Archipelago, New Britain, Gazelle Peninsula, Rabaul Area, Rabaul |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | RELAWM07393.001 |
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Heraldry |
| Physical description | Enamelled metal |
| Location | Main Bld: First World War Gallery: Australia Goes To War: The ANMEF |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Date made | Unknown |
| Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 |
German sign, 'Hospital for Natives' from Rabaul, New Britain
Description
Rectangular enamelled metal sign. The sign has a white background and a dark brown border. In the centre is the German heraldic eagle emblazoned in gold, black, red and white enamel. The words 'KRANKENHAUS / fur Eingeborene' (Hospital for Natives) appear above and below the eagle in black enamel.
History / Summary
This sign was found at Rabaul, New Britain.
The Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force (ANMEF) invaded German held New Guinea and the surrounding Islands of the Bismark Archipelago in September 1914 and after some initial fighting, forced the German troops to surrender.
After occupying the former German territories, Australian troops were quick to remove all signs of the former occupants. Many of these items became souvenirs and were brought back to Australia.