Full series of brieflets - World War Two Brieflets (14 in set)
By Margaret Gardner 1995
These booklets explain via various topics the affect of World War Two had on Hamilton and district residents. Along with general information, local people’s memories, newspaper articles, photos and official documents make up these brieflets.
Included in set:
War Preparations in Hamilton
Details wartime regulations and what Hamiltonians did to comply with them when the treat of Japanese invasion arose. These included ‘brown out’ conditions, air raid practise and construction of air raid shelters. Includes memories of these preparations in Hamilton.
Wartime Industries in Hamilton
Explains what industries operated in Hamilton as part of the war effort, including ambulance stretcher manufacture, a defence service clothing factory and flax production. Includes memories of people who worked in these industries.
The Military Presence in Hamilton
There were Army, Light Horse and Air Force bases in Hamilton during WW2. This brieflet outlines the when and where of these bases and incorporates the memories of a local, who as young boy during WW2 took a keen interest in the military presence in Hamilton.
Ansetts During the War Years – Airlines and Roadways
This brieflet gives a history of Reg Ansett’s road and air business and the part it played during WW2. Memories of one of Ansett’s employees gives a real insight into this period.
Identity Cards and Rationing
Along with a chronology of wartime restrictions and rules, this brieflet explains rationing and identity cards and the reasons behind their introduction. Includes memories of people who experienced them at that time.
Wartime Recipe and Patterns
Gives examples of recipes adapted for wartime rationing. Also explains about knitting for the war effort and has some patterns used for this.
Girls on Farms
Explains the formation of and important work that the Women’s Land Army did to keep Australia fed during WW2. Includes memories of Land Army girls.
Volunteer Defence Force
Otherwise known as ‘Dad’s Army’ the VDC was formed in WW2 to protect the home front. Explains via Hamilton Spectator articles and memories how Hamilton and district VDC groups undertook this work.
The Waste Depot
During WW2 many formerly imported materials were unattainable. In response the Red Cross and Comforts Fund organised for waste to be collected and recycled into war necessities. This brieflet recounts the work Hamilton people did to collect and sort waste via the memories of Claire Murch, who played an integral part in this war effort.
Money and Prices
Explains about wartime currency, price control and war loans. Gives examples of prices and ration coupons needed for everyday necessities during WW2.
Petrol Rationing
Explains the reasons behind petrol rationing during WW2 and shows examples of petrol ration stamps and ration books.
Gas Producers
Gas producers became popular during WW2 due to petrol rationing as they offered an alternative fuel source for motor vehicles. This brieflet explains how they worked, has photos of vehicles with producers and shares the memories of people who used them.
Clothing During the War Years
Explains the consequences WW2 had on clothing. The coupon rationing system and rules about or prohibition of certain garments is explained. Style, adaptation of unusual fabrics and homemade jewellery is also covered.
Brief Chronology of the War Years
This brieflet has a year by year dot-point account of WW2 in relation to Australia and the part it played in it.