Patriotic textile : Private N C Patterson, 2 Light Horse Regiment AIF

Purple polished cotton patriotic textile commemorating the enlistment of N C Patterson. The textile was originally dark purple, but has faded to mauve. The text was printed in gold ink and is now faded and almost illegible in some areas. On either side of the text '1914-17' is painted corssed Belgian and French flags. Sprigs of wattle have been painted on either side of the main body of text is. The textile has a wooden frame with a carved acorn design. The text on the textile reads; 'THE GREAT WAR / 1914-1917 / N.C.Patterson / Honored [sic] Patriot / we the undersigned acting on behalf of the / residents of Killarney and surrounding districts, very / specially desire to express our warmest appreciation / of your Loyal action in offering your all - / Your services and perhaps your life / on the altar of sacrifice for your King and your dear / Country in an endeavour to protect the liberties and / freedom of the British race, as won by our forefathers / and to ensure for future generations that same grand / and glorious privilege beneath our Union Jack and / fair Australia's stars. While regretting your departure is necessary we / congratulate you on your loyalty and patriotism and / to the Most High we bow with all reverence asking for / your safe return to your people crowned with victories / in a righteous and humanitarian cause conscious in / the belief that you will do nothing but that which is / for the glory of your country, your flag and your honor [sic]. / With best wishes for a successful mission and / that God's blessing may always be yours. / We are, Yours most sincerely, / F.Grayson, Chariman / C.A. Twemlow, sec. / Killarney 1914-16 / Presented by the Residents of Killarney, Loch Lomond, Tannymorel, White / Swamp, The Head, Legume, Old and New Koreelah, Upper and Lower Acacia / Creek, Woodenbong, Tooloom and Urbenville.'.

Patriotic textile associated with 2207 Private Norman Collingwood Patterson, a 22 year old farmer from Queensland, who enlisted on 20 October 1915. He embarked from Brisbane, Qld on 28 March 1916 with the 15th reinforcements of 2 Light Horse Regiment (2 LHR) aboard HMAT Commonwealth. In May 1916 Patterson arrived in Egypt and a few days later was admitted to hospital with the Mumps. In June he joined 2 LHR in the Sinai and took part in the Battle of Romani in August. Patterson continued to serve with 2 LHR until May 1917 when he was admitted sick to hospital with gastritis at El Arish. He undertook further training during 1917, including a Hotchkiss machine gun course. In April 1918 Patterson was admitted to hospital again and later spent time in a rest camp until mid June 1918. Less than a week later he was re-admitted to hospital with gastritis. Whilethere he was also was diagnosed with bronchial pneumonia and he did not return to 2 LHR until Sep 1918. In March 1919 Patterson embarked for England for 'UK Leave' on board the Malwa. On 6 July 1919 he embarked from Southampton for Australia aboard the Boorara. He arrived in Australia on 26 August 1919 and was discharged 21 September. This textile was made for the local community around Killarney in Qld to thank Norman Patterson for enlisting. At the top of the textile is the date 1914-1917. As Patterson was already overseas by 1917 the textile may have been presented to his father, Andrew Patterson, or presented to Norman Patterson upon his return from active service in 1919.