| Place | Oceania: Australia, South Australia, Adelaide |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | REL35755 |
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Heraldry |
| Physical description | Cotton |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Place made | Australia: South Australia |
| Date made | c 1943 |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
Australian Comforts Fund garment collecting bag : Miss V R Payne
Description
Blue cotton bag with drawstring. On the front is printed ' South Australian Fighting Forces Comforts Fund Garments Size - - Extra Large'.
History / Summary
Associated with the wartime volunteer service of Miss Vera Ruby Payne. In 1943-1944 Vera volunteered to help at one of the 'Cheer Up Huts' in Adelaide. The South Australian Cheer Up Society supported the soldiers in the First and Second World Wars, through the distribution of comforts, provision of meals and entertainment. In the Second World War a Cheer Up Hut was established near the Adelaide Railway Station. The bulk of their supplies were donated. Their uniform and associated material featured the distinctive blue colour seen in this bag. Vera helped by packing bags with clothing and comforts, such as soap, body powder and tinned fruit. She also performed dance routines, such as the jitterbug, with a group of friends to entertain military personnel. This bag is thought to have been used to carry her make up, shoes and other items required for the dance routines.