Summary

Green printed Australian 'Active Service' envelope post stamped 25 March 1919 and addressed to a Miss J. Ball, 3 Wild Street, North Preston, Melbourne.

These envelopes were produced across both the First World War and World War II using the same layout of a green cross with the words 'Active Service' at the top margin of the envelope. Correspondence contained within did not necessarily have to be censored, though the contents may have been subject to an examination at the base prior to sending. Senders had to sign to confirm that the contents of the correspondence referred only to private and family matters.

Physical Description

Green printed Australian 'Active Service' envelope post stamped 25 March 1919 and addressed to a Miss J. Ball, 3 Wild Street, North Preston, Melbourne. Envelope has a green cross spanning the front cover, with the words 'Active' and 'Service' in the top upper corners formed by the cross. The sender and recipients name, and in the latter case, address are written in black pen. The envelope is post stamped 25 March 1919, though the location of posting is illegible.

Significance

The Australian 'Active Service' envelope, used across both the First and Second World Wars, enhances our representation of military life, highlighting the culture of communication of soldiers on active duty.

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