Summary

Alternative Name(s): Souvenir Signature Cloth, Embroidered Tablecloth, Supper Cloth, Tea Cloth, Autographed Cloth

White linen cloth embroidered with 73 signatures and the inscription 'Neerim South Red Cross Society'. The signatures are thought to be mostly those of mothers of soldiers serving in World War I. The cloth may have been made as a souvenir or as a fund-raising endeavour by women of the Neerim South community. Amongst the signatories is Ellen Ward, mother of Albert and Benjamin Ward, both of whom served in World War I and were wounded. Albert Ward (service number 2899) was shot in the back and thighs, and spent the rest of his life in care. The bed in which he slept (and became increasingly bed-ridden) for 43 years, at the Brighton Anzac Hostel, is now held in the collection of the Australian War Memorial. Albert Ward finally passed away in 1963. Albert's great nephew donated the cloth.

The Australian Red Cross was formed as a branch of the British Red Cross at Government House, Melbourne on 13 August 1914. The Neerim South Red Cross Society organized quickly soon after. By 25 August 1914 the West Gippsland Gazette announced that 'Neerim South already has its ladies' committee of the Red Cross Society, and the work is well in hand. A parcel of general comforts is ready for the first contingent, who are to leave shortly for Europe. Gifts of wool and material have been given freely. The State School children have also organised a penny a week contribution.'

Work continued at a busy pace. On 21 December 1915 the West Gippsland Gazette reported that 'The Neerim South Red Cross is a very live object lesson to organisations of this kind. About once in every three weeks, an average of £6 is taken at the euchre parties, besides the membership fees of the Society. About 40 ladies meet weekly, and work is distributed at the meetings and returned the following meeting. A ball is sometimes run in between the euchre parties, which also helps to swell the funds.'

By early 1916 'articles sent to Federal Government House' were proudly listed: pillow cases, washers, pyjama suits, calico bandages, socks, mittens, cuffs, under flannels, slippers, pyjama trousers, mufflers and knee caps (West Gippsland Gazette, 15/2/1916, p.2) By the end of July 1916 the Neerim South Red Cross had 'made and sent away nearly 2,000 articles of clothing for our soldiers' in a single year. (The Argus, 5/9/1915, p.8) They also donated cash to the French Red Cross. (The Argus, 24/7/1918, p.10)

Physical Description

Square white linen cloth embroidered in white with 84 signatures in a grid, and an 85th signature at centre, within inscription 'Neerim South / Red Cross / Society'. The cloth has a 50mm hem around all edges, with drawn-thread work at the seams. Slight green staining (perhaps from ink) in one section, and occasional faint brown stains.

Significance

The cloth is significant since it records the names of people (probably all women) within a small community who were connected through their support of the war effort during World War I. Neerim South was a particularly active branch of the Red Cross, according to contemporary accounts. Their output of handcrafts, as well as funds raised for the Red Cross, indicates a highly active and involved community. Children too were involved - for example, selling flowers to raise funds for the war effort - and proceeds of the Neerim Show during the war years also went to the war effort. Balls and euchre nights also helped to raise funds - as well as strengthening community ties during this most difficult of times.

The cloth is additionally significant since one of the signatories is Ellen Ward, mother of Albert Ward, a symbol of life-time suffering from the effects of World War I. Albert Ward was wounded during World War I and never walked again. He spent the rest of his life in care. The bed which he used at the Anzac Hostel in Brighton, Melbourne, is preserved in the collection of the Australian War Memorial.

The reasons that signature cloths were made probably varied. Some were made as souvenirs, to remember particular events or community networks, or as expressions of support for those far away. For instance, in 1917 St Luke's Church of England Ladies' Guild made 'a handsome signature quilt, containing over 400 names. The article is to be sent to the Australian General Hospital in Egypt'. (The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), p. 8). Other signature cloths were made to raise funds for particular causes.

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