Australian patriotic filet crochet

Sun 10 Nov 2024

Originating in the late 19th century and evolving from traditional lace-making techniques, filet (French word for net) crochet was a popular craft before, during and after the Great War (World War One) 1914–18. Using thin cotton threads in white, filet crochet is a technique that involves creating intricate designs using a combination of open and closed mesh squares. Women would make designs into decorative or functional items for the home ranging from curtains, wraps and shawls, tablecloths, coasters, placemats, and table runners to decorative edging for clothing.

Wartime knitting and crochet in Australia was a means by which women worked to support soldiers on the battlefield. From 1914 until the end of the war, besides socks, caps, and gloves knitted for those serving overseas, women’s magazines and newspaper supplements included craft patterns to keep up patriotic sentiments at home.

Here, we delve into some exceptionally well kept patriotic examples within our Collection from World War One and Two.

‘For King and Country’ c.1914

Military themes were popular with images such as doves, flags, soldiers, medals and crowns along with slogans such as For King and Country c.1914 (illustrated) used in this jug cover.

‘Cross and crown’ c.1914

Cross and crown c.1914 (illustrated) is a bold statement made against the dominant religious and imperial systems that shaped Australia’s involvement in World War One.

‘Lone Pine’ c.1915

Lone Pine c.1915 (illustrated) represents the solitary lone pine tree on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey (Türkiye). The tree was used as target practice before it was shattered by shell fire at the Battle of Lone Pine in August 1915. One of the most famous assaults of the campaign by Australian forces; it was four days of intense hand-to-hand fighting with over 2000 casualties. Pines were then planted as memorials in parks around Australia to remember soldiers who fought and lost their lives in Gallipoli.

This panel consists of the words ‘Lone Pine’ with the image of a pine tree; ‘Greater Love’ with an image of two flags; ‘Rest in Peace’ with the image of a shield; with each section of text separated by a row of small flags.

The Lone Pine at the Gallipoli Peninsula

By 1918, at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month, the war ended after more than four years of continuous warfare — Germany signed an armistice agreement with the Allies in France — an agreement in which both sides agreed to stop fighting, rather than a surrender.

‘Peace’ c.1919

The antimacassar Peace c.1919 (illustrated) celebrates the end of the war with a design of flags, sprigs of wattle, kangaroo, peace dove with olive branch, and emu, while featuring a patriotic verse ‘After years of strife — The triumph of liberty and justice — Peace 1919 — Float our bunting on the breeze — Australias flag of pride — For which her many valiant sons — So nobly fought and died — Fighting in a cause thats right — To show our foes Australias might’.

World War One, was to be known as the war to end all wars, however the peace treaty that officially ended the conflict — the Treaty of Versailles of 1919 — unfortunately laid the groundwork for World War Two, just two decades later.

‘The Aussies and Yanks are here’ c.1942

This doily from World War Two c.1942, bears the words ‘The Aussies and the Yanks are Here’ (illustrated). The phrase is a reference to a popular song of the same name originally performed as entertainment aboard a United States troopship bound for Australia. The song gained popularity in Australia with sheet music printed and a recording made by Bert Howell and his Show Band, a band dominating radio and the entertainment industry.

The national papers reported: ‘The troopship was ploughing its way across the Pacific, Australia bound, when 27-year-old Private Johnny B Nauer, of Saginaw, Michigan, had an idea. His flying pencil jotted it down on the back of an envelope. On Sunday, April 19 [1942], at 8.45 p.m. (S.A.T.) national and commercial radio stations in Australia will put over Johnny’s idea when they introduce to Australia the lilting war song The Aussies and the Yanks are Here’.

‘The Aussies and the Yanks are here’ sheet music

American servicemen on a convoy ship bound for Australia

Armistice Day, first proclaimed in 1919 — the date and time attaining a special significance in the post-war years — was renamed Remembrance Day after World War Two to commemorate those who were killed in both World Wars, and where a minute’s silence is observed and dedicated to those soldiers who died fighting to protect the nation. At 11am on 11 November we will remember them. Lest we forget.

Curatorial extracts, research and supplementary material by Elliott Murray, Senior Digital Marketing Officer, QAGOMA