| Place | Oceania: Pacific Islands, Bismarck Archipelago, New Britain, Gazelle Peninsula, Rabaul Area, Rabaul |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | REL/07272 |
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Heraldry |
| Physical description | Enamelled Metal |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Date made | pre 1914 |
| Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 |
German post office sign from Rabaul, New Britain
Description
The sign is rectangular in shape with a convex appearance. The sign has a grey background and brown border, with a German heraldic eagle is emblazoned on the centre of the sign. The words 'KAISERLICHE POST' appear below the eagle. The entire obverse side, including the artwork, is finished with stove enamelling.
History / Summary
This sign was removed from the Post Office building in Rabaul, New Britain by unknown soldiers of the Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force (ANMEF) in late 1914.
The ANMEF invaded German held New Guinea and the surrounding Islands of the Bismark Archipelago in September 1914 and after some initial fighting, forced the German troops to surrender.
After occupying the former German territories, Australian troops were quick to remove all signs of the former occupants. Many of these items became souvenirs and were brought back to Australia.