NAM.2007-08-24-1

Holdall, owned by Sgt Samuel Leslie Bates, Royal Artillery and Royal Corps of Signals, 1938-1945 (c). Bates’ army number, 939147, is stamped on the item. The housewife consists of a sheet of fabric folded along its longer edges and one short edge. The other short edge is curved and has two fabric thongs for securing the item when rolled up. Along the centre of the item is a strip of fabric sewn to form small loops into which the contents of the housewife can be stored. Associated with World War Two, North West Europe (1944-1945) and the British Army of the Rhine (1945-). Bates started as a Territorial soldier in the Royal Artillery in 1938, his army number is for that unit, and later joined the Royal Corps of Signals. With the latter he served in North West Europe in 1944-1945 and in the Army of Occupation in 1945.

World War Two, North West Europe (1944-1945), British Army of the Rhine (1945-2008)