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Souvenir pennant of United States Army in Australia, 1943
Souvenir pennant of United States Army in Australia, 1943

Souvenir pennant of United States Army in Australia, 1943

Date1943
Object number00046767
NamePennant
MediumFelt, paint
DimensionsDisplay dimensions: 256 x 669 x 4 mm, 40.33 g
ClassificationsCommemorative artefacts
Credit LineANMM Collection Purchased with USA Bicentennial Gift funds
DescriptionThis Australian souvenir pennant was made for sale to US Servicemen during World War II. The navy blue wool triangular pennant was screen printed with a red, white and blue stripe, golden eagle and three red stars.HistoryAustralia was one of the primary locations for rest and recreation (R&R) for American forces in the Pacific theatre of World War II. Australia produced a wide variety of souvenirs like this pennant for American troops. Memorabilia made at the time emphasised the mutual union between the countries and the good will of the Australian nation toward its American ally. The first American troops arrived in Australia in 1941, and from 1942 onwards a large flow of American troops docked in Australia for rest and recreation. Australia also provided America with a strategic base with which to re-take the Philippines from the Japanese, after the Japanese invasion in 1941. The largest number of troops were situated in and around Queensland following the establishment of General Macarthur's headquarters in Brisbane. The influx of visiting American troops throughout the Second World War had an important social and economic impact on Australia. One such economic impact was the expansion of the dried food and canning industry in Australia. The existing small range of dried meat and fruit expanded to include tinned ham and eggs, pork and beans, stew, corned-beef hash and fruit salad. This in turn led to a demand for meat, fruit and vegetables, resulting in a burgeoning market for farmers and growers. American troops also had an impact on the social and recreational market, increasing demands on the leisure industry including the cinema, restaurants and even taxis.SignificanceSouvenir pennants originated in the United States in the 1890's and increased in popularity during WWI and WWII. Their numbers declined in the 1960's and 1970's with the increasing popularity of bumper stickers.