Wakefield Museums and Castles

Soldier Bill Brook made this toy elephant in India during the Second World War. He was recovering in hospital after an injury or illness.

During the Second World War (1939 - 1945) India was part of the British Empire. In 1940 the British Empire ruled over a quarter of the world's population.

Many people from across the empire fought alongside the British and Allied forces. Around 2 million men joined the Indian Army.

British soldiers were also posted to India. Bill Brook perhaps brought the toy back as a memento.