Memorabilia relating to the life of Valerie Joan Heim
Date1944 - 1946
Object numberANMS0340
NameArchive series
MediumPaper
ClassificationsEphemera
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Valerie Joan Heim
DescriptionThis collection relates to Valerie Joan Heim (nee Wright) and her voyage as a war bride to the United States of America on the SS MONTEREY in 1946. The SS MONTEREY was a luxury ocean liner, owned by the Matson Line which was converted into a United States Troop Ship during World War II.
Up to 15,000 Australian women married or were engaged to Americans during WWII. When the war ended, women faced delays of up to 20 months to gain passage on a ship to San Francisco. The US War Department sent the Matson liners Lurline, Monterey and Mariposa to carry Australian warbrides and their children to a new life in America.
This series consists of six items comprising one radiogram and one radiogram envelope, one crossing the line certificate, one wedding invitation, one newspaper and one menu.HistoryDuring World War II between 12,000 and 15,000 Australian women married American servicemen. Some migrated and lived in the USA, while others returned to Australia in the years following the war, with or without their husbands. These women often encountered public scrutiny and disapproval for their decision to marry with many Australians, specifically men resentful of Americans 'taking their wives'. For many women, American servicemen filled the vacuum created by Australian men stationed overseas. During the campaign in the Pacific thousands of American troops were stationed in Australia, at a time when many of Australia’s young men were fighting in Europe and the Middle East.
1950-1980
