Helmet

What is it?
Steel helmets were worn by Australian servicemen, servicewomen, and civilians during the Second
World War.

Who used it?

Kathleen Best

What does it do?

The steel helmets were designed to protect against shrapnel and debris, but they were not bullet-
proof.

When and where was it used?

Helmets were worn throughout the Second World War by Australian servicemen and servicewomen,
and by civilians serving in the police force, fire brigade, air raid precaution units, and the Salvation
Army on the home front.

Red Cross badge

What is it?
A Red Cross badge or patch was given to those who volunteered with the Red Cross Society during
the Second World War.

Who used it?

Glynneath Cody

What does it do?

Glynneath worked in the camp hospital, taking temperatures, making beds, and providing simple
treatments, including assisting with inoculations.
When and where was it used?

Used during the Second World War. Red Cross performed other services such as vocational training,
library services, and ambulance driving as well as the traditional catering, fundraising, and medical
work. The Red Cross VADs again worked in hospitals and convalescent homes alongside doctors and
nurses. Similarly, the society contributed to the well-being of prisoners of war by providing food
parcels and medical attention.

Japanese Jika-Tabi shoes

What are they?
Jika-tabi shoes were standard kit for Japanese soldiers serving in the Pacific during the Second World
War.

Who used it
Japanese soldiers used it.

What does it do?

The shoes made distinctive footprints allowing the Australians to easily track the Japanese soldiers
through the muddy jungles.

When/where were they used?

The jika-tabi split toe boots were worn by Japanese soldiers. The shoes made distinctive footprints
allowing the Australians to easily track the Japanese soldiers through the muddy jungles.
Knapsack
What is it?
This knapsack belonged to Elizabeth Jaffray, a student at Geelong Church of England Girls’ Grammar
School, c. 1942–43.

Who used it?

These bags were used to carry personal items in the event of an evacuation. This particular knapsack
was reproduced from the original pattern issued by the State Emergency Council for Civil Defence
(Victoria) in 1941.

What does it do?

In preparing for possible evacuation, strict guidelines were issued on maximum weights that could be
carried by both adults and children. A knapsack was recommended as it left the arms free. It was also
suggested that a blanket be rolled up and carried over the shoulder.

Africa star
Who used it?
Africa stars were worn by Australian servicemen, servicewomen, and civilians during the Second
World War.

What does it do?

The Africa stars were designed to protect against shrapnel and debris, but they were not bullet-proof.

When and where was it used?

Africa stars were worn throughout the Second World War by Australian servicemen and
servicewomen, and by civilians serving in the police force, fire brigade, air raid precaution units, and
the Salvation Army on the home front.