Clog worn by First World War internee
Date made: 1914-1918
Description: An example of a clog used by internees at the Internment Camps at Knockaloe and Douglas, during the First World War. Wooden sole with leather upper. Coarse wool (?) lining to upper. Many internees arrived at the camp with the clothes that they stood up in and little more. Over time this would wear out and if they had no means to purchase more or have it sent from home, they could be issued with what was termed 'Government Clothing'. This is evident from the many glass plate images, where the same style of coat and footwear can be observed being worn by many different individuals.
Internees were held on the Isle of Man in two camps, a requisitioned holiday camp in Douglas and a purpose built camp located at Knockaloe near Peel on the west coast of the Island. These held at their peaks over 4,000 and 23,000 men in some cases for nearly five years between opening in 1914 and final closure in 1919. Over 30,000 men passed through Knockaloe between 1914 and 1917 more than the population of Douglas the largest town.
Measurements: overall: 17.5 cm x 9.8 cm x 29 cm
Materials: leather, wood
Object name: clog
Collection: Costume & Textiles Collection
ID Number: 1954-3149
Subject tags : #WW1INTERNMENTMUSEUMCOLLECTIONS