Historical information

Drawing by Sgt Stewart Allan Chambers VX77754 Born 23/7/1902 at Toongabbie Enlisted 11/3/1942 at Caulfield at the age of 39 years 7 months He served in the AIF from 11/3/1942 to when he was discharged on 14/2/1946 He was attached to the 2nd Ambulance Car Coy and 3rd Australian Air Maintenance Coy. Sgt Chambers was posted to Wangaratta prior to embarking on 14/8/1942 for New Guinea during World War Two.

Significance

Victoria's 2/24th Infantry Battalion was raised in Wangaratta in July 1940. They were welcomed with open arms by the local community as they rapidly built up their numbers. The people of Wangaratta adopted the Battalion and they became known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. Many of the soldiers maintained life long friendships with the people of Wangaratta. Even though the Battation was disbanded in 1946 members and their families return each year, in November, for a commemorative service at the 2/24th Battalion Memorial Wall at the Wangaratta Cemetery.

Physical description

Cream paper with drawing by hand in pencil of soldier looking up at plane and parachutes attached to boxes falling to ground with palm trees and hills in background

Inscriptions & markings

Christmas Greetings and Best Wishes for the New Year
To Mrs McDonald
From Stewart
Drawing - verse on box
Rear - VX77754 S A Chambers 3rd Aust Air Maint Coy Australia