CVZ initials in diamond pattern centre with engraving and surrounds in patterned design.
Gold chain connecting cuff links. Provenance and SignifcanceThese cuff links belonged to Charles Vivian Ziems.
Charles Vivian Ziems was born at Albion Park, the son of Henry Charles and Sophia Ziems (nee Fryer).
His father conducted a general store at Albion Park for many years.
During his early life Charles was a member of the Illawarra Lancers and held rank of Lieutenant. About 1910 he rode with the lancers then based in Kiama, to Canberra for the dedication of the site of one of the Houses of Parliament. The journey took about five days on horseback and the Lancers paraded before the then Prince of Wales, later King George V.
At the outbreak of WWI Charles was seconded by the Army to train recruits at Menangle. He wanted to fight overseas but Authorities ordered him to train recruits.
Charles resigned his commission with the Lancers and joined the AIF as a private. He left from Sydney aboard the RMS Morea in 1917 as part of the Camel Corps Reinforcements and served for three years in the Middle East, returning at the end of the war as a sergeant.
About two years after the war he opened a boot shop at Kiama.DonorHenderson, Terry
