Patriotic textile : Corporal R A S Patterson, 13 Field Artillery Brigade AIF

Places
Accession Number REL29451
Collection type Heraldry
Object type Heraldry
Physical description Ink, Paint, Polished cotton, Wood
Maker Unknown
Place made Australia
Date made c 1917
Conflict First World War, 1914-1918
Description

Purple polished cotton patriotic textile commemorating the enlistment of R A S Patterson. The textile was orignially dark purple, but has faded mauve. The text was printed in gold ink and is now faded and almost illegible in some areas. On either side of the text '1914-17' is painted corssed Belgian and French flags. Springs of wattle entwined with pink flowers are painted on either side of the main body of text .The textile has a wooden frame with a carved acorn design. The text on the textile reads; 'THE GREAT WAR / 1914-1917 / R.A.S. Patterson / Honored [sic] Patriot / we the undersigned acting on behalf of the / residents of Killarney and surrounding districts, very / specially desire to express our warmest appreciation / of your Loyal action in offering your all - / Your services and perhaps your life / on the altar of sacrifice for your King and your dear / Country in an endeavour to protect the liberties and / freedom of the British race, as won by our forefathers / and to ensure for future generations that same grand / and glorious privilege beneath our Union Jack and / fair Australia's stars. While regretting your departure is necessary we / congratulate you on your loyalty and patriotism and / to the Most High we bow with all reverence asking for / your safe return to your people crowned with victories / in a righteous and humanitarian cause conscious in / the belief that you will do nothing but that which is / for the glory of your country, your flag and your honor [sic]. / With best wishes for a successful mission and / that God's blessing may always be yours. / We are, Yours most sincerely, / F.Grayson, Chariman / C.A. Twemlow, sec. / Killarney 1914-16 / Presented by the Residents of Killarney, LochLomond, Tannymorel, White / Swamp, The Head, Legume, Old and New Koreelah, Upper and Lower Acacia / Creek, Woodenbong, Tooloom and Urbenville.'.

History / Summary

Patriotic textile associated with 6871 Corporal Robert Alexander Sommerville Patterson. Patterson, a 23 year old school teacher from Old Koreelah, NSW, near the Queensland border, enlisted on 11 March 1915. He embarked from Sydney with the 7th reinforcements of the 1st Divisional Train on 16 August 1915 aboard HMAT Marere. After arriving at Alexandria in Egypt, Patterson was taken on strength of 2 Company, Australian Army Service Corps (2 AASC) on 2 October. He joined the Western Frontier Force at Mersa Matruh in December 1915. On 25 March 1916 Patterson embarked for France. He was briefly attached to 2 Battalion for a few weeks in July, before returning to 2 AASC. In August Patterson was briefly attached to 2 Battalion again, until 31 August when he was admitted to hospital with a knee problem. He rejoined 2 AASC on 14 September. On 6 December Patterson was transferred to 56 Battery, Field Artillery and on 24 January 1917 he was transferred again, to 13 Field Artillery Brigade, where he was posted to 51 Battery. He was promoted to bombardier in May 1917; to temporary corporal in October; and confirmed in the rank in January 1918. Patterson served a few weeks from late December 1918 as temporary sergeant, before reverting to his rank of corporal in mid January 1919. On 25 May 1919 Patterson left England for Australia aboard the Trasos Montes. He was discharged on 20 July 1919. This textile was made for the local community around Killarney in Qld to thank Robert Patterson for enlisting. At the top of the textile is the date 1914-1917. As Patterson was already overseas by 1917 the textile may have been presented to his father, Andrew Patterson, or presented to Robert Patterson upon his return from active service in 1919.