Historical information

This presentation box contains the war medals of John F. Kennedy (VEMU2306) and Laurence A. Kennedy (VEMU2307), of Emerald's Kennedy family. It was likely used to present these medals to their family, after both died in service - John in Avonsleigh, Victoria in a car accident, and Laurence in a Japanese prisoner of war camp in the Malay Peninsula. Their brother Geoffrey also died during the war - he was gored by a bull at home. It may also have been made by the family after the medals were received to display them.

Significance

This item is associated with two tragic young wartime deaths in a local family, representing an important local story of heroism and tragedy.

Physical description

A rectangular wooden box constructed with four legs to slightly elevate the main body. The bottom of the body section is cushioned with green felt. A lid, about 1/3 the heigh of the body of the container, opens upwards on a hinge to reveal a shallow rectangular compartment; the sides and roof of the compartment are smooth wood painted black, while the floor is planks with wood stain. The entire outside surface of the box is coated in wood stain.

Inscriptions & markings

N/A