A wooden suitcase with a leather carrying strap, which belonged to a Jewish soldier in The Entertainments National Service Association (ENSA). [ca. mid-1940s].
The name of the soldier, "H. Ratzkovsky", and the name of his unit, "Pal. ENSA" are handwritten on the outside lid of the suitcase. The names of forty five cities and sites in Italy, North Africa and Palestine bare handwritten, in pencil, on the inside lid of the suitcase.
The ENSA (Entertainments National Service Association) operated under the British Army during World War II and was responsible for the providing entertainment for British soldiers in the various fronts. After the establishment of the Jewish Brigade, the ENSA established the band "MeEin Zeh" ("The Palestinians" as it was called in English), which performed for Jewish soldiers in Europe and the Middle East. Presumably, this was the suitcase of props of one of the members of the band, who documented on its lid the various cities in which he performed.
Enclosed: two ranks of Lance corporal of the British Army, and an embroidered shoulder tag with the inscription "Palestine".
17X32X38 cm. Good-fair condition. The wood and the leather strap are worn and scuffed. The key is missing.
See previous item.