Wedding dress

This wedding dress was made from good quality Japanese silk brought home from Japan in late 1946 by New Zealander Allen Witt who was part of the first Jayforce contingent sent to occupy Japan after the Second World War.His bride to be, Jessie Pearce, made the dress for their wedding in Wellington on 11 October 1947.

After Japan's surrender in August 1945 the New Zealand government agreed to participate in the occupation as part of a Commonwealth force. 4000 New Zealand troops (known as Jayforce) were drawn from the Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force in Europe, and arrived in Japan in March 1946, becoming part of the 40,000-strong British Commonwealth Occupation Force. In total, around 12,000 New Zealanders served in Jayforce from 1946 to 1948.

Many New Zealanders took home souvenirs such as silk,which was a much desired but scarce material until rationing of clothes ceased at the end of 1947.

Jessie Witt learnt her skills under a Miss Ardrey who ran an exclusive dressmaking and tailoring business in Wellington. Jessie was recognised by those who knew her for her dressmaking expertise and was asked by many during her life to make bridal and bridesmaid gowns.