Historical information
PERSONAL TRUNK OF CAPTAIN PETER SPENCER HAYMAN MC
Significance
This trunk was owned by Peter Spencer Hayman, who was regarded as a ‘Tobruk hero’. Hayman was the son of a Bank manager, Spencer Lewis Hayman and Agnes Lindsay Hayman. He was born in Exeter S.A. on 23/11/1916. He enlisted in the Australia Army at the age of 23 on 13/05/1940. His service number was VX14987.
Hayman was a leader of a fighting patrol and served in multiple sites in Syria and Lybia. During his service in Lybia he lead his campaign through great difficulty and bravery in Tobruk. Although wounded by a grenade, he continued to lead his men into an enemy stronghold until resistance from a joining post compelled him to break off the engagement. He successfully brought his party back with very few casualties.
Hayman was awarded the military cross in 1941. He was a Lieutenant when awarded, and was made captain of the 2/24 Australian Infantry Battalion shortly afterwards. He was killed in action on the 11/07/1942 and is buried in the El Alamein war cemetery. His father was flown to London to receive the medal. The inscription on his headstone reads; “Beloved son of Spencer and Agnes Hayman of Bendigo” (AII.A.21. – cemetery/memorial reference number).
As an item owned by a ‘Tobruk hero ’ who was awarded the eminent military cross for bravery, ‘forceful leadership’ and ‘splendid courage’, this trunk is of national historic and social significance. It also has great interpretive capacity as an item that speaks of an impressive military story.
Physical description
Standard Army issue trunk. 88cm L x 51cm W x 33cm D. Dull grey in colour. There is provision for a tray to be fitted just under the lid. This tray was the same physical size as the trunk. The base has 2 cleats (88cm x 5.5cm), made of timber, to keep the trunk off the ground. An additional hasp and keeper have been fitted (near the centre of the lid) to hold it shut. The original type lock needed a key and were not very serviceable.
Inscriptions & markings
P S H
VX14987
408
