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Handicrafts and letters
Handicrafts and letters
Long periods away from home were often made harder by long periods on duty with little to do.
On board ships, letter writing and handicrafts were prevalent. If enough people were interested some ships were able to put on handicraft shows but most were very personal pieces.
HMS Duke of York Handicraft Exhibition (1943) (RNM)
A World War Two sailor named Saunders made this walking stick from love letters received from his wife whilst away on service.
He cut the letters into small discs and compressed them into a cane before putting lacquer around the edges. It is a lovely example of the ingenuity displayed by men with very little resources.
Walking Stick made from love letters (RNM)
