Summary

Collection of four surgical bandages made of crepe paper, labelled 'H.P. Binde' and 'D.R.G.M.' They are believed to have been made in Germany during World War I. 'Binde' translates as 'bandage', 'napkin' or 'ligature'. 'D.R.G.M.' stands for 'Deutsches Reichsgebrauchsmuster' - indicating a German state-registered design.

Paper was used as a substitute - 'ersatz' - by Germany during World War I, 1914-1918. The bandages were transferred to Museum Victoria from the Australian War Memorial in 1924, which still holds other German 'ersatz' material from World War I. Examples of German crepe bandages are also held by the Imperial War Museum.

When cloth bandages were available, they were often washed and re-used. Nursing staff and aides wound bandages with purpose-made bandage winders.

Acquired by the Museum of Victoria from the Australian War Museum (later Memorial) in 1923-24 as part of the 'Victorian allotment' by permission of Hon. F. Clarke, government representative of the State War Trophy Committee.

Physical Description

Rolled crepe paper bandage with paper label around centre printed with red cross and red rectangle containing inscription.

More Information