An iconic sheepskin vest first worn by Australian soldiers during World War I and recreated in Maitland late last year will take pride of place at an Anzac centenary project.
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The Digger’s Vest – worn in the bone-chilling winters of Europe – will feature in a poignant exhibit at the Australian War Memorial in November.
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.
Last year – for the first time in almost 100 years – the vest was 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 has been produced at Mortels Sheepskin Factory, Thornton, under the guidance of Maitland war historians John Gillam and Yvonne Fletcher.
“The sheepskin 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.”
The vest was the first item of sheepskin clothing produced in Australia and more than 75,000 vests were sent to warm Australian soldiers.
The curator of the exhibition, Nick Fletcher, intends to use the vest in a scenario recreated from a photograph of the period.
“We believe the vest will provide Australians with a piece of living history, available at a time of national significance,” Mrs Fletcher said.
“Marketing the vest also provides an opportunity to educate the Australian public about community behaviour and support given to the servicemen of the day and to also support our current veterans and their families.”
