| Place | Oceania: Australia, Victoria, Melbourne |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | REL/00916 |
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Heraldry |
| Physical description | Foodstuffs |
| Maker |
Swallow & Ariell |
| Place made | Australia: Victoria, Melbourne |
| Date made | c 1916 |
| Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 |
Hardtack biscuit with message : Private S E Lever, 57 Battalion, AIF
Description
Square army biscuit pricked in a grid pattern. The words 'SWALLOW & ARIELL/ARMY/WHOLEMEAL/MELBOURNE' are stamped across the front. Over the top of this is written in black marking 'FROM PTE S. LEVER 19-7-16'.
History / Summary
This biscuit was sent to Mrs Mary-Ann Harris by her nephew, 2679 Private Stanley Edmond Lever the day after he enlisted. Lever was born and grew up in North Carlton, Victoria, attending Melbourne High School. On 18 July 1916 he enlisted in the AIF, having completed compulsory military training in earlier years with 60 (Princes's Hill) Infantry. Private Lever served on the Western Front with 57 Battalion, AIF and was killed in action, aged 23, on 24 September 1917. He is buried at Tyne Cot Cemetery, Passchendaele.