Uniform issued to Arthur Thomas MANLY No 431130 RAAF. Arthur enlisted on 21.5.1943 age 18 years. He trained at various places, some including Narrandera, East and West Sale and Rathmines. On 8.6.1944 he was posted as an Air Gunner and on 8.12.1944 he reached the rank of Flt Sgt. He flew his first Operational flight at sea with No 2 Sqd RAAF on 21.12.1944. He embarked for Balikpapan on 12.6.1945 with 2 Sqd Mitchell Bombers. He flew 19 Operational sorties which included 5 strikes and attacks. He was discharged on 22.1.1946 with the rank of WO11.RAAF Staff Sgt, service jacket, blue. Chest (L) has 2 x WWII ribbons & Air Gunner's Badge buttons are darkened brass. Light blue cloth eagles sewn on each shoulder. It has 4 pockets & the waist belt is stored on rear of jacket in loops. Trousers not included.uniiform, raaf, ww2

Carl Herman Jess (Sir) CB, CMG, CBE, OBE, DSO had a long distinguished career. This is a very brief summary. Joined the Victorian Volunteer Cadets 1899 to 1906, joined the permanent Military Forces 1906 No 86 age 23 years 4 months and rose through the ranks to Captain when he enlisted in the AIF as a Capt in 4th INF Brigade HQ age 30 years on 23.9.1914, embark for Egypt 22.12.1914, embark for Gallipoli 22.12.1914, promoted to Major 23.5.1915 and transfers to 2nd INF Brigade, awarded MID 12.6.1915, promoted Lt Col and to Command 7th Batt, embark for France 13.4.1916, awarded MID 13.11.1916, awarded Order of the White Eagle (Serbian), he was Gassed but remained on duty at Pozieres, awarded DSO 1.1.1917, appointed Staff Officer HQ 1st Anzac Corps 12.3.1917 then T/Col, T/Brig General through to 7.10.1918, awarded MID and CMG, 1.10.1919 appointed Director General repatriation and demobilisation AIF, resigned appointed in England 21.3.1920. Post WW1 on return to Australia he served in many Military appointments including Honorary Colonel 7th and 38th Battalions.He was made a Knight Batchelor in 1935. On 3.9.1939 to 31.3.1946 No VP16098 during WW2 he served on the Australian Staff Corps, two of his main appointments being man power Dept Labour and national Service and the Women’s land Army, Awarded CB, he retired due to health reasons with the Rank of Lieut General.Framed Photograph. Black & White full length Portrait of Carl Herman Jess, 1884 - 1948. Commander 10th Infantry Brigade, Bendigo born. Frame - Moulded Timber, Painted Silver, glass front. Mount - dark grey cardboard with white inner mount.White print, left bottom corner of photograph "Carl Herman JESS/ 16 Feb 1884 - 16 June 1948" with brief synopsis of career. White print, right bottom corner of photograph, signature "Austin ???"history, photography, army, ww1

.1) 19.1.41 To Gladys with best wishes from Viv. Later someone has written VX15538 VRG THOMAS D Coy 2/14 Battalion Vivian Raymond George Thomas enlisted in the 2nd AIF on 17.5.1940 age 28 years. He is listed as KIA at Gona New Guinea on 28.11.1942 while serving in the 2/14th Batt with the rank of Cpl and is buried in the Bomana War Cemetery Port Moresby..1) Post card in the form of a 'One Palestine Pound' with inset photo of an Australian Soldier VRG THOMAS. Colour in sepia tones. .2) Photograph copy enlarged from .3) showing German graves. Sepia colour. .3) - .39) Series of original photographs in black & white, sepia re war in North Africa, pyramids, towns, cities. Several are in the islands.photography-photographs, military history - army, documents - postcards

Francis Robert Burchnall No 1666 enlisted in the AIF in 2nd reinforcements 58th Batt on 23.8.15 age 24 years 9 months. Embarked for Egypt 4.4.16, embark for France 17.6.16, transfer to 2nd Anzac Postal Corps France. He then is posted through several Field P.O’s, discharged from the AIF 29.9.19. He re enlists as V91735 in the CMF on 29.11.40 giving his age at 47 years 1 month. He then enlists in the 2nd AIF as VX64477 on 8.10.41 giving his age at 39 years 11 months. Posted to A.A.O.C 3.12.1941, promoted A/Cpl 12.12.1941 then posted to 2/10th Ordnance W/Shops, embark 10.1.42 disembarking Singapore 26.1.42, reported missing 16.2.42. Later reported POW on Borneo 13.4.1943, then DOD Dysentry 19.5.1943. Refer also Cat No 1116P re his son also POW on Borneo. A.A.O.C (Aust Army Ordnance Corp) DOD ( Died of Disease) Two photo's, 1 Sepia, 1 B & W. Set in a frame with typed details on the soldier. 1 photo is take of F.R Burchnall in WWI and the other in WW II. Frame is black plastic with a gold edgephotography - photographs, military history, pow, borneo, sandakan

Raymond James Russel WHYTE Initially enlisted on 16.8.40 as V28354 serving in 2 Cav Div ASC. He was discharged on 6.10.41 his enlistment date into the AIF on his records is stated as 1.10.1941 age 24 years 4 months. Taken strength at RRD Royal Park on 7.10.1941, posted to 2/10th Ordnance W/Shops 2.1.1942, embarked for Malaya 10.1.1942 arriving 26.1.1942, reported missing 16.2.1942, listed POW dated 29.10.1942, deceased while POW, cause not stated 5.6.1945. Raymond died in Borneo on the Sandakan Death March.Photo, B & W Portrait of R.J.R. Whyte in uniform, no hat on. Photo is in a black plastic frame.photography - photgraphs, military history, sandakan, borneo

William Patrick SHEPHERD No VX66586 enlisted in the 2nd AIF on 26.11.1941 age 25 years 10 months at RRD Royal Park. Transfers to A.A.S.C on 3.12.1941 then posted to 2/10th Ordnance W/Shops, embark for Malaya 10.1.1942 arriving Singapore 26.1.1942, listed Missing 16.2.1942, listed as POW 13.4.1943, dated 28.9.1945 listed as deceased whilst POW, cause not stated 5.6.1945. A letter to Mrs Sheperd dated 18.1.1946 states died of Malaria. This was from Japanese records mostly. William died on the Sandakan Death March Borneo.Photo B & W portrait of W.P Sheperd in uniform no hat. Photo taken with his Regt No. Display at bottomphotography - photographs, military history, sandakan, borneo

Most of the photos were pasted on something originally so that now most of the writing is unreadable. Two large photos have stamped in red & blue on rear "Gepruft Stalag XVIII A". These were censored POW post cards. .1)The man standing centre is Walter FORBES VX953, on his right is Doug Gregor VX981. Both were POW's. Refer 1101, 1102, 1106..1) Envelope, fawn colour with B & W copy of original photo showing 3 soldiers set in photo corners on one end. The other end has typed details re the contents. .2)-.47) Forty-six photos inside the envelope, B & W, Sepia, all sizes up to Post card size covering the following subjects. War damage, scenes from N/Africa, prison camp, funerals in Germany, Group photos in Prison camp, working parties & concert parties in P.O.W camps.photography - photographs, documents - envelopes, military history, pow, forbes

A Handbook of Information for Members of the Forces on the Road Back to Civil Life. 55 pages, soft cover is in 3 coloured bands - dark blue, red, & light blue, print is in white & dark blue ink, not illustrated. Issued by the Ministry of Post-War Reconstruction.books - reference - military, civil life

STANLEY BAYLISS (VX138816) enlisted on 7.5.1943 & discharged on 26.3.1946. On discharge he was listed as being posted as a Private to 2/108 General Transport.Photo of a soldier with a Japanese landmine, Tarakan“Japanese Landmine, Tarakan”photography-photographs, military history - army, mine

John Joseph MASON No 418670 Wireless Air Gunner (WAG) enlisted in the RAAF on 29.5.1942 age 19 years. After 5 Training postings he embarked for Canada on 15.1.1943 arriving 31.1.1943. He then did Training in Edmonton, Calgary and Mossank before embarking to England 21.10.1943 arriving 30.6.1943. After more Training at several postings he was finally posted to No 158 SQD RAF flying Halifax Bombers and commenced operational flying on 5.11.1944. He rose through the ranks to Flt Sgt on 31.12.1944 and then granted a Commission as F/O on 12.3.1945. He transferred to 466 SQD RAAF on 26.5.1945. His records are a bit sketchy but it appears he flew 11 Operational Sorties. His Commission was terminated on 19.3.1946. His brother Hugh who was also in the RAAF and home at the time told the story that when the aircraft was hit his mother new something had happened to Jack.Photograph, framed. Safe home. The frame is black smooth wooden type. A montage of 2 black and white photos and a description. Large photo shows 4 crew members standing in front of a damaged Halifax bomber. Small photo is of air crewman flying officer JACK MASON (WAG) of Bendigo. The story covers the raid that aircraft was on, how the side exploded out, and the crew members names.Rear has "From HUGH MASON and the MASON family"photography - photographs, raaf ww2, 158 sqd

Items belonged to Maxwell Lennox Matheson No 418447 RAAF. Refer Cat No 1959 for his service record..1) Emergency signaling mirror with cord and aiming post made of polished metal. .2) Bag to carry mirror made of cotton.Has instructions on the back of mirrormilitary equipment, signalling, mirror

Kenneth William Tweeddale BRIDGE DSC. Pre WW2 Kenneth worked in New Guinea from 1929 to 1941 as a Patrol Officer and then Assistant District Officer. He enlisted in the 2nd AIF No VX7794 on 10.3.1942 age 34 years 5 months. Initially posted too 3rd F.A Regt he was appointed A/Lieut on 26.5.1942 in “Z Special Unit”. Embarked for service in Aust mandated territory (NG) 31.8.1942, alloted to “M” Special Unit SWPA 7.5.1943, returned from special duties 11.9.1943, transferred to the retired list 8.10.1943. He was awarded by the U.S the “Legion of Merit” (Degree of Legionairre) for his work between Nov 1942 - July 1943 in the Sambare River and Salamaua area. He then joined the RANVR on 9.10.1943 in Intelligence and allotted to “Ferdinand Party” as a Sub Lieut. Embarcation dates are not listed but it appears he was in New Guinea in 1944 - 45. He was awarded the DSC for “Bravery and Enterprise in Recconnaisance Operations” on 16.2.1945. Appointment terminated in the RANVR on 8.1.1946. (SWPA) South West Pacific Area. (RANVR) Royal Australian Navy Volunteer Reserve. (DSC) Distinguished Service Cross. Refer Book 46.Brown plastic frame, gold trim, glass front, brown paper backing. Sepia photo, head & shoulders, peaked cap with white top, mounted with maroon border.On back: Sub Lieutenant KENNETH W T BRIDGE DSC, Legion of Merit (US) RANVR - Coastwatcher, photography - photographs, frame accessories, military history - navy, united states

ALBERT WILLIAM MALLOY No 428333 RAAF. He enlisted on 10.10.1942 aged 29 years 6 months. During training he was posted to 8 differant units and rose through the ranks from Airman Pilot to W/O on 26.2.1945. Finally embarked from Cairns for New Guinea with No 8 Communications Unit on 7.4.1945, granted a Commission as Pilot Officer (P/O) on 1.7.1945, disembarked Townsville 21.11.1945, discharged from the RAAF on 14.12.1945. No 8 Communication Unit. There were 13 RAAF communication Units during WW2 which provided support roles including transport, supplying isolated Garrisons and support training. No 8 operated in New Guinea from 4.11.1943 to 4.3.1946.Blue wooden rectangular photographic frame with gilded interior & coloured photo of Pilot Officer ALBERT WILLIAM MALLOY RAAF No 428333.On white label: “Pilot Officer ALBERT WILLIAM MALLOY RAAF No 428333” Donor: Yvonne Padfield.photography- photographs, military history - airforce, raaf, malloy

Items in the collection re Ian McLeod RWAFF, refer Cat No 2262.2 for service details.Paper envelope (stamps and corner cut out) post date stamped and addressed. A return address on the rear of envelope.On Front, “Lt. Neil McLeod x 1415. 7th Bn Gold Cost Regt RWAFF West African forces” On rear, “ Mrs Neil McLeod Box 106 Salisbury.envelopes, accessory, rhodesia.

Frederick Henry Laurence Rankin (Laurie) VX 139086 was an Australian Army cook who served from May 1943 to June 1945 within Australia (including Darwin). he was born 24/7/1914 at Jumburra, Victoria and enlisted on 27/5/1943 at Clifton Hill, Victoria. His "Next of Kin" was Eunice Rankin. He was discharged on 4 June, 1945 and he was then posted to 2 Australian Field Artillery Regiment. He died on 27 July 1983 and buried at Fawkner Memorial Park.Leather money belt worn during World War 2 military service by Frederick Henry Laurence Rankin, service number VX139086. This belt has three zippered pockets for carrying money or other valuables. One pocket contains a ration coupon for one packet of smokes (cigarettes). world war 2, ww2,

Possibly produced as one of a series of photographic post cards of various areas of the Mission especially of the Chapel in the pre-war WW2 period of the 20th century. There are several such cards in the MTSV Collection. The Chapel, opened in 1917, was a special fundraising project of the Ladies Harbour Light Guild and was originally dedicated as a Memorial Chapel in remembrance of those who served in the Merchant Navy of WWI. The Chapel is still used for marriages, baptisms,funerals and memorial services, and is often referred to as St Peter's, the Mariners' Chapel. Photographic postcards were produced soon after the new 1917 Mission to Seamen building was first opened. Available to supporters and visiting seafarers alike, effectively promoting the Mission and the role it played in ensuring both spiritual and pastoral care available to seamen and shipping to and from Australia. Black and white gloss print postcard featuring an interior view of St Peter's Chapel at the MTSV 717 Flinders St showing the baptismal font and front door.Pencil inscription " Ret to B. Kent" (see also gift comments below) ; Printed : "POST CARD / A Real Photograph Produced in Australia"mtsv, missions to seamen institute, baptism, merchant navy, st peter chapel, mission to seafarers, baptistry, baptismal font, seamen's mission, flinders street

Possibly acquired by seafarer Mr Arthur Dixon who served in WW2 merchant vessels. The origin of the lighters appears to be Austria and could have been acquired either during or post his war service. Initial research indicates an approximate date of 1950s for date of manufacture.See Donor details 1727-1737.2 Small, cylindrical, fluted, polished, stainless steel cigarette lighters, with flint action. Includes a flint gauge in the ignition unit. Runs on lighter fuel, with inbuilt wick. Accompanying bronze coloured metal case of flints. Manufacturer name embossed on body. Lid incised with cylindrical grip of 4 ridges. Lighter1: PATENT/BORA/EXTRA/MADE IN/AUSTRIA (stamped alongside body of lighter) Lighter2: PATENT/Made/in/Austria/902. At right angles at base of lighter, REL Flints: Thorens (stamped in brand name logo style on body at right angle to lid)cigarette lighters, smoking accessories, arthur dixon, bora cigarette lighter, arthur oswald dixon, sailors, seafarers, seamen, officers, smoking, lighters, bora

These photographs were sent by Mr Frank Heys to his family while he was a German prisoner of war during the Second World War.Framed collection of German prisoner of war photorgraphs. Seven black and white photographs and one colour photograph. Five show the reverse side with addresses and post marks.'Mr Frank Heys. Life Member, Past President,(1984-1986), Committee Man. Franked served with the British forces in the Loyals Regiment, in France in 1939. Was captured at Dunkirk and spent the remaining war years a prisoner of war. These photos were sent by Frank to his family during those years. Donated by Alan and Sylvia Frank.' 'Stalag 23'photographs, 23, stalag, germany, second world war, german, camps, p o w s, prison

Late WW2 or early post-war wire-cutters with webbing pouchKhaki webbing pouch containing a pair of steel wire cutters Wire Cutters marked M R Lwire-cutters, webbing pouch

Reunion outing of former Harbour Lights Guild members. Image names this image are from left to right Unidentified lady, Jesse, Betty, Marjorie Duckett, 2nd from right. The Duckett family had a long term involvement in and Marjorie's commitment to the Mission, was reflected in helping run the Altona Op Shop and later with a substantial donation to the Mission (see other entries for Duckett this database); Sheila Richardson at far right. Post WW2 the word ladies seems to have been eventually dropped and the term Harbour Lights Guild used instead. Colour photograph of small group of women in the 1970s on Kodak paper.Written in blue ink on verso: Joan / Marjorie / Betty / Betty/ Jesse/ Sheila Richardson. ( NB not necessarily in correct order) see also item 1982. harbour lights members, marjorie duckett, opportunity shops

The Women featured in this image seem to be on a re-union outing. Two confirmed identities are Berenice who appears and provides commentary on her memories as a young woman hosting dances at the Mission between WW2 and 1960 in a documentary produced by Csilla Tsongaray circa 2005. Marjorie Duckett's identity was confirmed by her nephew and in two articles in Ship to Shore newsletter. ( Search this database under the term Duckett for more background). POst WW2 the term ladies was gradually dropped and the LHLG became the Harbour Lights Guild in later years and in 1962-63 merged with the Flying Angel League.Colour photograph showing five former members of the LHLG seated outdoors.Jesse, Betty, Berenice, Marjorie, Unidentifiedhlg, lhlg, marjorie duckett

In conjunction with the fraternal visits of Hearts of Oak and the Maritime Lodge (now defunct), joint chapel services have been held in the chapel of St. Peter at the Missions to Seaman in Flinders St over many years. In 1975, the two lodges jointly funded the donation of a window in the Mission's chapel. The window was also part commissioned by what was then the Kanimbla Association who loaned the artist a book called "Cry Havoc - HMAS Kanimbla, a postscript" of photographs which was very valuable and formed part of Gerry's research. Interestingly the Association wanted the Kanimbla depicted in its post WWII passenger liner livery not during WW2. Reverend G.B Muston consecrated the window with Reverend Reginald Bolt on Christmas Eve 1981.Arched windows depicting a yacht shilling in the ocean, in the background a ship liner, on top the freemasonry symbols.st peter chapel, flinders street, mission to seafarers, seamen's mission, mission to seamen, st peter, sailors, seamen, stained glass windows, win, memorial chapel, yachting, freemasonry, hmas kanimbla, hearts of oak lodge, gerry cummins, jill stehn, ss kanimbla, freemasons, sandringham yacht club, hms kanimbla, kanimbla association

Janefield Precinct: Old shed base, outline, spoon drain and post holes. The remains of this site are between Greensborough and Janefield. A RAAF Hygiene Training Camp was located on the Plenty River, just south of the Janefield community. It was in use from 1944 to 1946. The Camp was constructed from salvaged materials. Instruction included building and maintenance of grease traps, latrines, elementary plumbing and carpentry.Early remains of a WW2 training camp 4 Digital colour photographs.

Established in 1891 in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, Philips & Co. was founded to meet the growing demand for light bulbs following the commercialization of electricity. Science and technology underwent tremendous development in the 1940s and 1950s, with Philips Research inventing the rotary heads that led to the development of the Philishave electric shaver, and laying down the basis for later ground-breaking work in transistors and integrated circuits.Philishave was the brand name for the electric shavers manufactured by the Philips Domestic Appliances and Personal Care unit of Philips They used the Philishave brand name for their shavers from 1939 to 2006. The Philishave shaver was invented by Philips engineer Alexandre Horowitz, who used rotating cutters instead of the reciprocating cutters that had been used in previous electric shavers. The shaver was introduced in 1939, though initial production was limited due to the outbreak of World War II. A more ergonomic egg-shaped single-head model was introduced in 1948 and was designed by US industrial designer Raymond Loewy. Global sales increased markedly after a double-head model was introduced in 1951. As a spin off from the light bulb and research is the dynamo-powered bicycle lamp. Its rotating power system inspires the Philishave triple head electric razor. A triple-head model was test marketed in Australia and New Zealand in 1956, but would not be introduced globally until 1966. The brand name Philishave was phased out in 2006 so shavers now bear only the Philips name. Mr Alfred William ( Bill ) Roper, 1913 - 1996 grew up in Ripponlea, ( East St Kilda ) Victoria. As a child he went with his father Arthur Leopold Roper to purchase vegetables from the Moorabbin Chinese market gardeners at the Hotham St. / Nepean Highway corner. c1920 . Bill served in WW2 in New Guinea and post war was Army Auditor, Victoria Barracks, St Kilda Road Melbourne. His staff presented this 'Philishave upon his retirement and he used it until his death1996. He lived in Carlton, Belgrave, Ascot Vale, South Yarra, East St Kilda and moved to Bentleigh in 1987.A ‘Philishave’ triple head electric razor , with cord, head protector and cleaning brush in a hinged plastic case The case has compartments, for Razor and cord, that are lined with a mustard coloured, soft, synthetic material .Case top PHILIPS ; inside EXCLUSIVE PHILISHAVE Razor Handle front PHILIPS / PHILISHAVE; back Type HP 1121/ 110-130V/ 220-240 V / PHILIPS Shield / ? Shield / BS 3456 / V 75255 / MADE IN HOLLAND Nameplate Presented to / BILL ROPER / On the occasion of his retirement / BY THE STAFF OF / DEFENCE AUDIT BRANCH / May 1977 philishave, royal philips electric company, razors, electric razors, bentleigh, moorabbin, market gardeners, st kilda markets, world war 2 1939-1945, department of defence melbourne, melbourne, roper alfred william, roper arthur leopold, ripponlea, chinese market gardeners

These machete's were issued to military personnel posted in jungle like conditions.The machete would have been used by military personnel during WW2 and during the 1950s.Steel blade machete with wooden double sided handle. The handle is attached to the wood with four steel rods. There is an olive green scabbard made of cotton material oil impregnated. The scabbard has a pocket on the front to hold a sharpening stone and has steel on the top opening to keep the opening firm, there is a steel catch for attachment to webbing and a cloth loop with press stud to hold the handle of the machete in place when in the scabbard. There is a cotton fabric loop through the handle.On the handle of the machete MA67. The item number on the scabbard is not readable.army, military, machete.

These are the original medals for VX44919 Pte A N Haines. Pte Haines served during WW2 and was posted to 2/21 Aust Inf Bn. Pte Haines was a POW on Hainan Island and was is presumed to have died on or before 01 May 1945.They are original Medals.Two copper colour stars and two silver colour medals with appropriate ribbons. One Rising Sun collar badge.On the back of the stars and on the edge of the medals the inscription VX44919 A N Haines.medals, vx44919 a n haines

Tropical Dress Trousers for use by members of the AIF posted to 'Desert' Conditions.These uniforms were issued during WW2 to members of the AIF.Khaki colour trousers, cotton material, metal belt buckels x 2. One pair of the trousers has large map pockets.Pair 1 - V54 1945 Made in Australia, Size 35, hand written in ink on right hand inside pocket 2832. Pair 2 - Q7 1943 Made in Australia, Size 30, there is a tag for Regimental No and Name.aif, khaki, trousers tropical, ww2

These AIF items were issued to NX84949 O F Atkins during his enlistment 21 Jan 1942 - 14 Dec 1945. Photographs and Newsapapers were collected whilst O F Atkins was posted overseas. The Books I believe would have been acquired post discharge. These documents are originals that belonged to NX84949 O F Atkins, a member of the AIF during WW2. O F Atkins served in the Middle East from 23 August 1942 to 28 February 1943 and Borneo from 25 May 1945 to 5 December 1945.This is a comprehensive collection of items obtained during the enlistment of NX84949 O F Atkins - including Soldiers Paybooks, Drivers Licences, Demobilization Proceedure Book, Dog Tags, Corps Bagdes, Colour Patches, a Self made Dagger in a bamboo sheath, Prayer Books, Photographs and an Album, Newspapers The AIF News 17 October 1942, Enemy Propaganda leaflettes, Books Soldering On, Khaki and Green, Stand Easy. Variousnx84949 o f atkins, ww2, aif, middle east, borneo, documents, photographs

The 2/6th Commando Squadron (Australia) was one of 12 independent companies or commando squadrons raised by the Australian Army during WW2. The 2/6th served in four major campaigns - Kokoda, Buna, Markham-Ramu and Borneo and was involved in the Battle of Kaiapit. Late in the WW2 hostilities 2/6th Commando Squadron was at Balikpapan and attached to 25th Brigade to provide support to the Brigade - reconnaissance patrols, fighting patrols, ambushes and humanitarian assistance to local inhabitants. The 2/6th Commando Squadron was disbanded in 1946. The Sword returned to Australia with a member of 2/6th Commando Squadron VX132826 W G H Burrell. The Book Purple Devils was written by Syd Trigellis Smith in his retirement, he had served during WW2 with 2/2 Field Regiment in New Guinea.VX132826 W G H Burrell served with the AIF during WW2 in New Guinea and posted to 2/6th Commando Squadron and was on Borneo and at Balikpapan. George Burrell was able to being back the sword at the end of hostilities. The Book the Purple Devils is the 2/6th Commando Squadron history as interpreted by Syd Trigellis Smith.Book Purple Devils by Syd Trigellis, Smith, a Japanise Sword - steel blade encased in a leather scabbard and the military history of VX132826 W G H Burrell who served with 2/6 th Commando Squadron.The Book - Purple Devils, a History of 2/6 Australian Commando Squadron, ISBN 064607125-4. vx132826 w g h burrell, ww2, new guinea, 2/6th commando sqn, gunto sword, purple devils