Summary

Alternative Name(s): Booklet, Coupons

Ration book for military use, dated for leave or duty beginning 18 December 1918 and amended to 19 February 1919. It provides coupons for meat, butter, jam, cheese, tea, etc, each to supply one week's ration. Some coupons have been used. Inside front cover bears instructions for holder and back cover bears printed instructions for seller.

The book was issued to Corporal H.A. Forrest, service no. 986. Henry Atchison (aka Atkinson) Forrest began his service as a private in the 14 Infantry Battalion in September 1914. (His first attestation paper notes his service no. as 20.). He was transferred to 24th Battalion in October 1916, posted to the 38 Bty (Battery) in February 1917 and was appointed EDP (Extra Duty Pay) Corporal in April 1918.

Forrest had a long war, including taking part in the landings at Gallipoli and being gassed in France in 1917 (while he was a gunner with the 24th Howitzer Brigade). He remained in England for several months after the war ended, and in December 1918 was apparently granted '1914 leave', offered to those who had served since 1914. During this period the ration book would have been issued to Forrest.

Forrest returned to Australia as an invalid in April 1919. He later married and lived until 1965.

Description of Content

LEAVE OR DUTY RATION BOOK - SOLDIER OR SAILOR. BELONGING TO H.A. FORREST, World War I - 19.2.1919.

Physical Description

Small rectangular book, cream-coloured, printed with black ink; stapled at bottom left corner. Contains coupons, some of which have been torn out. Front cover bears ink stamps, printed and handwritten text. Inside front cover bears printed instructions for holder and back cover bears printed instructions for seller.

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