Embroided handkerchief, memories of home at Christmas on the frontline in 1916

Embroidered silk handkerchief

At the Liverpool Regional Museum, there are poignant memories of home for an Australian soldier on the frontline at Christmas in 1916.

Christmas during wartime is a period of hope and memories of home. This embroidered silk handkerchief is full of meaning and memories for an Australian soldier.

Embroidered souvenirs during wartime were popular with the troops, and they were light and easily folded and posted from home.

The troops could easily carry these momentoes in their kit bag as they moved around the front. 

The embroidered silk handkerchief was a personal item from a loved one who had taken the time and effort to hand-sew the design on the material.

The curator at the Liverpool Regional Museum has written:

In the heat of the First World War, many continued to find comfort in the small holidays that dotted the year. The highlight was Christmas, which held high prominence throughout Australia from the 1910s.

As war waged throughout the world, Christmas brought sorrow for those separated from loved ones fighting in far-off lands. As a result, embroidered cards and fabrics were frequently purchased by soldiers. As souvenirs to send home, they were a powerful message to loved ones as a reminder during these times apart. These elaborate gifts were handmade, often featuring traditional or patriotic symbols, generally adorned with the flags of the countries fighting the war.

This handkerchief belonging to the Ashcroft Family is one of these souvenir gifts. Made from white silk, it is hand embroidered with a Christmas Tree. The bauble decorations illustrate the flags of the Triple Entente, the allied powers of World War One, which then included Great Britain, France and Russia.

https://mylibrary.liverpool.nsw.gov.au/My-Library/liverpool-regional-museum

From the Ashcroft Collection at the Liverpool Regional Museum.