Egyptian Wallet, WWII

A souvenir Egyptian Wallet, used by Corporal Bernard Hansen during World War II. Just as we collect souvenirs on our overseas trips today, when soldiers had down time or leave, they would also collect souvenirs or mementos from their big overseas expedition. This wallet may have been purchased at a bazaar whilst Corporal Bernard Hansen was in Egypt.

The wallet is made of tan leather and has coloured Egyptian scenes impressed on both the external faces. One facing has a landscape scene with the pyramids in the background while the other has an ancient Egyptian style picture featuring a chariot in the centre surrounded by figures and hieroglyphs. The wallet folds in half and is secured with a tab which fits into a loop on the outside edge. The interior has a large cavity which runs along the length of the wallet, and there is a clear plastic fronted pocket on the left side and a flapped pocket on the right side.

81955 Cpl. Bernard Robert Hansen served with the Anti-Tank Brigade, 18th New Zealand Tank Transporter in Egypt, Palestine, Lebanon and Iraq. At the time of his enlistment he was listed as a felt worker.