Historical information
The uniform belonged to Wing Commander "Leonard Bacon", born 11 June 1906. He enlisted in the RAAF on 31 May 1926 No. 03305 with the rank AC.1. In 9 postings in Vic, QLD and WA he rose through 11 ranks to Sgt Maj Class 2 by 1940. He was commissioned as Flying Officer on 1.8.1940. He rose through the ranks to be Wing Commander on 1.7.1951. During WW2 from 1941 he was explosives Inspecting Officer at Northern Area 5 then to Explosive Inspecting Officer for the whole RAAF in the S/W Pacific. This role took him to some 21 places in the North from Townsville - Darwin to across the islands many several times. Leonard was awarded a "Mention in Despatches" on Morotai in 1945. Post WW2 in 1950 Leonard was appointed Chief Inspector of explosives in the RAAF, one of these roles was the supervision of the disposal of large quantities of War Stock. On 13.6.1958 he was recommended for an “OBE” which he received in the 1959 New Years Honors List.
Leonard retired from the RAAF on 11.6.1960 after 34 years.
This is a very brief record of his service documents.
Physical description
Dark Blue Service Dress Uniform comprising of jacket (.1) Pants (.2) gold buttons with RAAF emblems. Ribbons on the coat are as follows;
Left to Right:
OBE,
1939-45 Star,
Pacific Star,
British War Medal with clasp "MID".
Australian Service medal,
Long Service and Good Conduct medal.
Jacket has black inside lining with belt connected to back. Three stripes of Wing Commander rank on the sleeves.
Inscriptions & markings
Size "M".