Mittens : Major R W Savage, Australian Corps Ski School, Syria

Discoloured white cotton drill mittens made from two rounded pieces of fabric stitched together around the edge with a thumb piece made from a single piece of folded fabric. Two pieces of elastic are sewn into the top and bottom half of each mitten at the wrist. The palms are lightly stained from the wearer gripping stocks.

The Australian Corps Ski School was established in the Lebanese mountains of Syria at the end of 1941. The intention was to train Australian troops serving on garrison duty in that country to serve as ski troops, giving them greater mobility in the otherwise almost impassable conditions of the Syrian winter. The school was placed under the command of NX34963 Major (later Lieutenant Colonel) Robert Watkin Savage, a signals officer who was also an accomplished skier and bush walker. A staff of ten, including some of Australia's best skiers, as well as foreigners such as British Olympic competitor Major James Riddell, were brought together to provide expert tuition. Two courses, each of about 50 students, were trained, approximately half being judged competent at the end of their course. The entry of Japan into the war, and changing priorities in North Africa, meant that the Australian ski experiment was short lived. After only three months, the school was closed, and its staff returned to their units. Uniform worn by staff and pupils was sourced locally within Syria, and comprised white canvas trousers and pullover jacket, which were worn over the normal Australian woollen service dress. A white cotton peaked cap and mittens were also supplied. Clothing was waterproofed using a copper sulphate solution which gave the white clothing a characteristic pale blue-green tint.