AUSTRALIAN woolgrowers donated half a million sheepskins in a mammoth community effort during World War I.
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In November 1914, the Raymond Terrace Examiner published articles calling for donations of sheepskins.
By 1916, Australian soldiers were experiencing the bitterest of European winters.
They maintained warmth after more than 75,000 sheepskin vests and 61,193 insoles were sent to the troops.
According to accounts, sheepskins were sourced from Sydney butchers and stitched by women on the home front.
The vests reportedly saved many lives of those enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force.
The vest, trademarked as the Digger's Vest, is being revived to commemorate the centenary of both the Anzac legend and the sheepskin clothing industry by Mortels Sheepskin Factory, Thornton, under the guidance of Maitland war historians John Gillam and Yvonne Fletcher.
Don't miss The Land's special commemorative edition, In Honour - 100 Years of Anzac, out this week.
