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.
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.
Full article available at Maitland Mercury, Sept. 3, 2014.
