Exercise Crusader was a major Australian Army field training exercise held in the Wide Bay area of Queensland on 31 July 1964.The exercise is notable because it was the first time that soldiers from the Pacific Islands Regiment (PIR) served outside of Papua New Guinea. A detachment of 41 PIR soldiers traveled to Queensland to act as the "enemy" force in the training of Australian troops.Tankard large, made of pewter, personally engraved.To the Officers of/ C COY 1 PIR/from/ 2RAR Officers Mess/ on the occasion of/Exercise Crusader 31 Jul 64. (PIR is Pacific Island Regiment)tankard, exercise crusader, 31july64, 2rar, c company, pacific island regiment

Leslie John Ellison was born in Horsham in 1920. He was the son of Charles Ellifson (1892-1969) and Lilly May Rogers (1897-!966). He became a teacher and in the 1940s he dropped the "f" from his surname. In 1949 he married Aileen Beryl Ervin (6/3/1924-24/5/2004) John was interested in history and specially in Christian church history. He recorded his thoughts and research in writing. John died 25/7/1981 and is buried with his wife at the Kangaroo Flat Cemetery. Part of the Aileen and John Ellison collection.Fourteen pages handwritten essay on the crusades and an exercise book with the first chapter of the historical novel "Glorious Toil". A typewritten synopsis of the historical novel "Glorious Toil". Also, an envelope addressed to J. Ellison esq. Jacka-Jacka, Tooan posted 20/12/1946 john ellison, historical novel, history of crusades