WW1 Patriotic Hand Embroidered Stable Belt - Circa 1917

This is a nice quality piece of WW1 memorabilia, hand embroidered by a recuperating soldier while in hospital in Ypres in 1917. The stable belt is initialled 'AV' and '1st Essex', which relates to Arthur Middleton Varah, more commonly known as Arthur Varah. The tapestry style embroidery shows the flags of the allied nations, with the usual leather retaining straps and small metal buckles. To the reverse side is a small leather coin purse. Arthur Varah was born in Yorkshire in 1892, and by 1911 he was under manager at the well known silversmiths, Walker & Hall. His military records state that he attested for service in December 1915, and confirm that he was indeed sick at the time this belt was made (he was believed to be suffering with Nephritis). Arthur died in 1958.