soldier or scout dolls

by debra
(Australia)

My aunt purchased these two dolls at an auction in the 1960's.

They have what appears to be straw filled bodies with a plaster of paris type material heads, lower arms and legs with painted boots. They appear to be forming some kind of salute with the thumb and little finger of one hand.

Visiting British experts at a Melbourne doll show in the late 1990's could not identify them other than to say they did not think they were English.

Sadly they have no markings at all and are a little damaged - does anyone have any ideas on what type of dolls they are?