Imperial German 'Victory' Wreath intended for the German Club, Melbourne

Fabric and wire imitation oak wreath with faded red, white and black bow tied at the top. Underneath this is written in black ink 'A GERMAN DISAPPOINTMENT' with a description of how the relic was intercepted before it arrived safely at the German Club in Melbourne.

This wreath was handed over to the Australian War Records Section after it was intercepted by the Censor's Office on its intended journey from Berlin to Melbourne. The Censor's Office was located in Melbourne, through the administration of the Australian Army. The chief censor was based in London whilst the deputy censor was based in Melbourne and was in charge of Australian operations. Initially, censorship in Australia focused on ensuring sensitive information did not fall into the enemy's hands. As the First World War progressed, surveillance became increasingly concerned with monitoring the views of those who opposed the war or the policies of the government. Australian civilians of enemy origin were of particular interest to the Censor's Office.

The wreath was previously framed and written on the back board beneath was 'A German Disappointment. This is one of a number of wreaths sent from Berlin to the German club, Melbourne, but which were intercepted by the Censor. They were intended for use in connection with the celebration of the German victory, which indicates the confidence with which the Germans began the war.'