| Accession Number | REL/18134 |
|---|---|
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Badge |
| Physical description | Brass with 'antique bronze' finish, Cotton drill, Embroidery cotton thread |
| Maker |
Annand, Douglas Unknown |
| Place made | Australia |
| Date made | 1941-1944 |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
Shoulder slide: Accredited Camoufleur - F H C Hinder, Department of Home Security
Description
Khaki drill shoulder slider to which is attached a white embroidered title "Accredited Camoufleur" on a dark blue ground. Attached just above the title is an oxidised camoufleur's badge depicting a rampant lion holding and hiding under a palm leaf.
History / Summary
Worn by artist Francis Henry Critchley 'Frank' Hinder, while employed by the Camouflage Research Unit, Department of Home Security, from 1940 to 1944. Hinder served as camouflage researcher (or 'camofleur') during the Second World War.
Based in Canberra and headed by zoologist Professor William Dakin as Technical Director, the Camouflage Research Unit employed a number of artists (including Emerson Curtis, William Dobell and Russell Drysdale) and architects (John P Moore and Professor R P Cummings) to bring the principles of design, science and art to the traditionally military skill of camouflage, an aspect of homeland defence which Dakin in particular felt was being neglected by the Australian Government.
Hinder was seconded to a number of military units - in particular the Royal Australian Engineers - to assist and advise on camouflaging experiments in Sydney, Darwin, Carins, Rockhampton and New Guinea.