The South African Gifts and Comforts Fund

Hardback with green and gold boards, with gilt lettering to upper board.

The South African Gifts and Comforts Fund, created by Field-Marshall The RT. Hon J.C.Smuts, administered by Mrs J.C.Smuts and her band of Voluntary Workers in co-operation the The Quartermaster-General during the World War- 1939-1945.

When Britain declared war against Germany, South Africa was called upon to make a momentous decision. It did not hesitate but decided to take its stand with its co-partners in the British Commonwealth of Nations against the Nazi menace. The country was not unanimous in its decision but in spite of the opposition the response to the Government's call for volunteers was excellent and surprised the minority, men came forward in such numbers that they could not be fitted out immediately. Barracks and camps were overcrowded. The arms and equipment available were strained to the utmost to meet the situation. There was hardly sufficient boots and uniforms to go round before the men could be trained quickly enough to make room for others joining up. It took time to change over the country's commercial and industrial structure from a civil to a war basis. There was general congestion which held up initial progress during the closing stages of 1939 and in the early part of 1940.

Half Title, Frontispiece, Title, Contents, Index of Photographs, Introduction.208 pages text with supporting illustrations.

Light external wear, some discolouring to endpapers.

Good.