| Accession Number | REL/02594.004 |
|---|---|
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Trench Art |
| Maker |
Hobson and Sons Unknown |
| Place made | United Kingdom |
| Date made | Unknown |
| Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 |
| Source credit to | This item has been digitised with funding provided by Commonwealth Government. |
Sweetheart bracelet: Corporal Arthur Evan Ridout Thomas, 18th Battalion, AIF
Description
Sweetheart bracelet made from eight linked British Artists' Rifles battalion uniform buttons. The bracelet is secured with a heart shaped lock clasp.
History / Summary
Sweetheart bracelet made from the uniform buttons of the London Artists' Rifles Battalion. Welsh born Arthur Evan Ridout Thomas enlisted in the first AIF on 22 February 1915. Prior to emigrating to Australia he had served for 3 years with the 28th County of London Battalion (Artists’ Rifles). Posted to A Company, 18th Battalion, Thomas embarked in HMAT Ceramic at Sydney on 25 June, arriving in Egypt on 24 July. Following training the battalion moved to Gallipoli in the early hours of 20 August. Two days later the battalion was thrown into the fighting at Hill 60. Between 22 and 29 August, its strength was reduced from 1004 men to just 386. Thomas was mortally wounded during the fighting and died at sea on 27 August while being evacuated to Egypt.
Thomas's name is commemorated on the Lone Pine Memorial. The Church of St John, Pembroke Dock, Pembrokeshire, Wales has a stained glass window dedicated to Thomas, who had been a chorister of the church.