During the bone-chilling European winters of World War I, more than 75,000 sheepskin vests were sent to warm Australian soldiers.
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Made from sheepskins sourced from Sydney butchers and stitched by the hands of women on the home front, the vests were a gift of community support that saved many lives of those enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force.
Now – for the first time in almost 100 years – the vest is about to be revived to commemorate the centenary of both the Anzac legend and the Australian sheepskin clothing industry.
Trademarked as the Digger’s Vest, the article of clothing will be produced at Mortels Sheepskin Factory, Thornton, under the guidance of Maitland war historians John Gillam and Yvonne Fletcher.
“The Digger’s Vest is a symbol of the community spirit of the time providing the binding link between the men and their loved ones at home,” Mr Gillam said.
“Practically, they saved many lives during the severe winters experienced in Palestine, France and Belgium.”
Significantly, the vests also gave birth to a new Australian sheepskin industry which would in time serve Australian servicemen during WWI, WWII and benefit all Australians.
By 1916, 75,510 waist coats and 61,193 inner soles were sent to soldiers at the front.
The vests were made and given to servicemen by their community and families, as gifts sanctioned by the army to be worn as part of the uniform of the day.
This tangible support of the troops going to war became a rallying point for fund-raising by their communities.
“One hundred years ago Australia rode on the sheep’s back. However, prior to WWI no sheepskin clothing industry existed in Australia,” Tony Mortel, from Mortels Sheepskin Factory, said.
“Sheepskins and wool were exported to overseas mills and factories for processing. Sadly, in 2013 the same situation exists.
“There are no commercial tanneries in Australia, wool and hides are exported and most sheepskin products are imported.
“Our intention, in producing this product, is that it will be as authentic as the item manufactured in 1914 to equip the original AIF members.
“It will use Australian sheepskins and be manufactured by a long-established Australian sheepskin manufacturer. In this way the product will provide a historically accurate link to the soldiers of WWI.”
The Digger’s Vest will launched next month and will be available to buy online at www.mortels.com.au