Letter dated 23/6/1941 from Chris McKinley VX46283. From 21st Aust Infantry Training Battalion, abroad in Middle East. Letter sent home to Miss L. Crozier. Letter is signed off by soldier's Officers and filled in on Salvation Army stationary specifically for Australian troops.1 & 2. Two page letter on Salvation Army stationary of approx A.4 size. Paper faded to a yellow colour. Folded into sixth size. 3. Envelope has address and stamp saying "Passed by Censor". Corners of the envelope ripped.Front marked "Air-Mail" and signature of Officer. Two pages off content and also signature of Officer. Both envelope and letters marked in imprint of "The Salvation Army" and red shield has stamp saying "Passed by Censor".middle east, 21st infantry training battalion., letter

This is part of a collection donated by Mrs Margaret McKenzie that belonged to her husband and was issued to him during the Second World War, the mess tins were marked with names of places, ships and battle locations. Other items include a postcard sent home in August 1941 and a photo of Australian troops on parade at Wewak in August 1945Aluminium Mess tin set, 2 rectangular tins one smaller to fit into larger. Inscriptions engraved on 4 sides containing locations of training, ships and battle areas. Additional markings include year of manufacture and company along with Department of Defence broad arrow. Item is stamped metal with wire handle on the large tin. Wire carry handle missing on smaller tin. "Inscription on base of mess tin large. 'DARLEY ALBANY/ SYDNEY/ PERTH/ TRINCOMALEE:CEYLON/ PORT TUFIC/ SUEZ CANAL/ EL CANTARA/ GAZA/ JERUSALEM/ HIFA TELAVIV/ BETHALEM/ BAYROUTA/ JUDEDES FIAKE/darwin, world war two, pan set messing, mess tins, aluminium, 2nd aif, 8th battalion, vx52576, pte, mckenzie, c mckenzie, 1939, c b ltd, 1941 1945, 19th australian infantry training battalion, b company, 21st august 1941, finchaven, wandecla, cairns, brisbane

Henri John ARCHER was born in Brunswick Victoria, Australia, on 27th May 1907, to parents William Thomas and Hetta (née LAWSON) ARCHER. In 1934, Henri married Stella Florence COLLER, and they had 3 children. Living in Balwyn, Victoria, and employed as an Insurance Superintendent, Henri commenced full-time duty as an officer in the Citizen Military Forces from 7th July 1940, until 20th February 1941 (number V7097). His appointment in the rank of Major with the 7th Infantry Battalion was due to him having served part time as an officer in the CMF since 1927. On 21st February 1941, Henri joined the Australian Imperial Force and was appointed as a Major, with the number VX39872. Following the completion of various armoured corps training courses at Puckapunyal, he was taken on strength with the 2nd/8th Armoured Regiment. On 17th April 1943, Henri embarked for service in New Guinea, for a period of 2 months. He again embarked on 3rd September 1943, for service in Rabaul, returning to Australia on 6th February 1944. Following the end of the War, on 8th May 1946, Henri was appointed as a member of the War Crimes Courts with HQ 8MD, and embarked for duty with the War Crimes Trials in Rabaul two days later. Henri returned to Australia on 15th August 1946, and was subsequently transferred to the Reserve of Officers (Armoured Corps) list for the 3rd Military District (Victoria) on 27th November 1946. He was awarded the Efficiency Decoration, as well as the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, 1939-45 War Medal and the Australia Service Medal. He was also issued Returned from Active Service Badge number A343705. Henri died in Melbourne on 27th July 1971, aged 64, and his ashes are interred in the Springvale Botanical Cemetery, Banksia Wall ZJ, Niche 01. (Compiled by Karan CAMPBELL-DAVIS from historical records kept by Births, Deaths and Marriages Victoria, the National Archives of Australia, and Find A Grave website. )Photograph mounted with timber frame. Some manuscript inscriptions of reverse.HENRI JOHN ARCHER / VX39872 / B 27 MAY 1907 / ENL 7 JULY 1940 / DISCH 26 NOV 1946 / OC A SQN 2/8 AAR [and] PURCHASED FROM EBAY / MAY 2024 [followed by signature undecipherable]wwii, armour, 2/8 armourned regiment, war crimes, rabaul, cmf