Embroidery - Egypt, Silk, Sapper Alfred Galbraith, 1916

Summary

Embroidered silk panel with fringe, bought by Sapper Alfred Galbraith as a souvenir of his time in Egypt. It features flags of the United Kingdom, Hungary, Germany, Russia, and the Netherlands.

Born in Maryborough, Sapper Alfred George Finlay Galbraith was the son of Alfred and Amy C. Galbraith, of W.R. Institute, Flinders Street, Station Buildings, Melbourne. He trained as an electrical engineer and enlisted in the Australian Army at the age of 20, in July 1915. His father gave written permission for him to join 'the Military Forces to serve the Empire abroad' (his mother had already died). Galbraith served in the 5th Division Signalling Company, Australian Engineers, AIF, embarking from Melbourne on 23 November 1915 on the 'Ceramic'. He went to Egypt for further training, then was shipped to France, disembarking 27 June 1916 at Marseilles. Less than three weeks later, on 15 July, he received a wound in the thigh and a 'penetrating wound in the neck'. He died the same day at the 8th Australian Field Ambulance.

Physical Description

Large silk square. Bright pink background with a green fringe. The design depicts five flags: the Union Jack in the centre is surrounded by the flags of Hungary, Germany, Russia and the Netherlands.