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War Bride

Artist Ilya

Date1946

Object number00017227

NameCartoon

MediumPencil, crayon, ink, wash on paper

DimensionsOverall: 316 x 378 mm, 150 g

ClassificationsArt

Credit LineANMM Collection Purchased with USA Bicentennial Gift funds

Terms

DescriptionThis cartoon depicts a ship's captain confronting a stowaway hiding in a life boat as the vessel leaves Sydney Harbour. The man is masquerading as a war bride, holding a bouquet with flowers in his hair. A caption along the bottom of the image reads 'He claims, Sir, to be an American war bride'.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.SignificanceThis drawing is an important reminder of the 12,000 Australian women and children who sailed to the United States on converted troopships and passenger liners between 1945 and 1947 in 'Operation War Bride'.