Historical information

A photo of Sir Edward 'Weary' Dunlop holding the violin that is part of Melbourne Legacy's collection (see 00080). Unsure when this photo was taken.
Background: This violin was played by VX30301 Dvr Roy Arnel, as a member of the Australian Imperial Force Concert Party, in the Changi POW camp, Singapore from 1942-1945. It is claimed that the violin, in its case was thrown over the wall by a Chinese civilian.
Roy Arnel, a South African by birth enlisted on 7 June 1940 at Royal Park, Melbourne and served with 2 AASC Company as a driver. He was captured by the Japanese Imperial Army at the fall of Singapore in February 1942.
There was more than one concert party in Changi as indicated on the rear of the violin. The details of the Dutch, British and American Concert Parties scratched in to the varnish.
There are some well-known names scratched into the violin including: The English author and cartoonist, Ronald Searle; Australian entertainer, Frank Rich; and Australian Author, Russell Braddon
Mr Arnel died in 1982 and the violin was presented to Melbourne Legacy for preservation, safe keeping and display.

Significance

A record of relationship of Weary Dunlop with Legacy.

Physical description

Black and white photo of Sir Weary Dunlop with the Changi violin