Souvenir ring : Private E K Lloyd, 57/60 Battalion

Places
Accession Number REL27303
Collection type Heraldry
Object type Heraldry
Physical description Aluminium, Plastic
Maker Unknown
Place made New Guinea1
Date made c 1942-1945
Conflict Second World War, 1939-1945
Description

Aluminium ring inlaid, with plastic from a 'Tek' toothbrush, with the black over red colour patch of 57/60 Battalion. The patch is set into a green border.

History / Summary

Associated with the service of VX138126 Private Edward Keith Lloyd 57/60 Battalion, born in Rushworth, Victoria on 28 March 1922. He enlisted on 29 March 1943 - the day after his 21st birthday - when he could enlist without parental permission. After service in New Guinea he was discharged on 22 May 1946. This ring is an example of wartime craftwork known as 'Tek Art' which involved the use of coloured plastic toothbrush handles. The name is derived from the Tek brand toothbrushes which were issued to Australian service personnel from late 1941.They were the first to have coloured plastic, rather than wooden, handles. Note that the patch of 57/60 Battalion has been set in the ring horizontally, rather than vertically, which means it resembles the patch for 2/5 Battalion.