Gift tin from the Caribbean colonies : Sister W J Solling, Queen Alexandra's Imperial Military Nursing Service

Long rectangular tin with hinged lid. The tin is painted black and decorated with gold. Across the top are three pictures each surrounded by a wreath. The first picture is oval shaped and titled 'TRINIDAD'. A scroll underneath has the motto 'MISCERIQUE PROBAT POPULOS ET FOEDERA JUNGI'. The scene in the centre depicts a mountainous island with a fort in the foreground flying a British Naval flag. Two sailing ships are in the harbour with a small boat full of people rowing into shore. The central picture is circular and represents 'GRENADA'. The motto below reads 'CLARIOR E TENEBRIS'. The scene in the middle depicts a small boat with full sails and a flag sailing toward an island with gentle hills. The final picture is oval shaped and depicts 'ST LUCIA' with the motto 'STATIO HAUD MALEFIDA CARINIS'. The scene shows a mountainous island with a circular harbour and ships. On either side of the harbour is a brick fort flying the British flag. Below these images is the lettering 'THE GIFT OF THE COLONIES OF TRINIDAD GRENADA & ST. LUCIA, TO HIS MAJESTY'S NAVAL AND MILITARY FORCES.' In smaller writing next to this ' THIS CHOCOLATE MADE FROM COCOA GROWN IN TRINIDAD GRENADA & ST LUCIA.' Both the top and bottom are edged with a gold border in a dot and dash pattern. The bottom also has a central decorative motif and the maker's details.

Presented to Sister Wilhelmina Jane 'Minnie' Solling at Christmas 1915. Sister Solling, was an Australian who served during the First World War with Queen Alexandra's Imperial Military Nursing Reserve.

Sister Solling travelled to England in April 1915, leading 23 Australian nurses who left Australia on the request British Government. She arrived in Egypt just before the wounded from the Gallipoli campaign arrived and worked there for three months. She later served in England and on the Western Front in Casualty Clearing Stations.

She was awarded a Mention in Despatches in 1916 and the Royal Red Cross for her bravery in 1918. At her request, the Sister Solling Fund was established in Maitland, NSW in 1917 to raise money to provide extra comforts for sick and wounded men in hospital.

This tin was a gift from the islands of Trinidad, Grenada and St Lucia, where the cocoa for the chocolate was grown. The chocolate was made by Cadbury Ltd at Bournville Works, United Kingdom.