Coach wheel bed : Anzac Hostel Brighton

White painted iron coach wheel bed. This bed has two spoked coach wheels and a detachable bed end at the foot (about 800 mm x 800 mm). A detachable curved grab handle rises behind the bed head and curves over the bed at right angles. A handle hangs from it. The detachable 'steering pole', which is attached to the foot end, can be held by the bed's occupant to steer it while it is pushed from behind.

The 1918 Armistice and Treaty of Versailles did not bring about the end of the war for soldiers that carried the permanent physical and mental scars of war service. When those veterans returned to Australia, their war continued. They did they best they could to get on with life- some returned to families that cared for them full time, while others relied upon what opportunities and charity was available, state assistance, or philanthropic contributions.

Anzac Hostel was opened on 5 July 1919 in Brighton, Victoria, as a home for the care of totally and permanently incapacitated veterans. Requiring constant observation and nursing care, it was opened by the Red Cross with a capacity of twenty five beds and employed seven nurses. Originally built in 1873-74, the Victorian mansion was purchased in November 1918 and gifted by the Melbourne businessmen and philanthropists, the Baillieu brothers, as a care facility for veterans.

It is believed this bed was occupied by Mr Albert (Wardie) Ward for 43 years during his time at Anzac Hostel. Confined to this iron bed for the remainder of his life, one can only imagine how Albert Ward made the best of his situation. More than just a bed, it was his home.