Armband: Department of Information, accredited press representatives

Wool flannel armband issued by the Commonwealth Department of Information. The 470 mm long armband consists of a broad green central stripe, edged with 14 mm white strips. The markings 'D. OF I. 50' are embroidered in white cotton at the centre. The armband does not appear to have been used, and there is no buckle or other means of fastening.

One of the functions of the Department of Information was to provide facilities for press representatives to cover important events. This often involved access to prohibited areas such as military camps and wharves. To help prevent the accredited press representatives from being delayed or arrested by security services, it was considered advisable to provide them with an identifying armband. These were introduced with the approval of the Department of the Army but in practise, they appear to have been seldom (if ever) used. The intention was that the armbands should be issued as required for specific functions and then withdrawn at the conclusion of each event.