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Letter - Father to Aircraftman Royce Phillips, Personal, 27 Jan 1942 (Damaged)
Reg. No: SH 960289
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- Summary:
- Two-page letter hand-written in black ink on lined paper, addressed to Royce from his father. His father has received photo taken at Power House. He is pleased that Royce is going around with Billy Wilson and his wife, who are in Melbourne. Royce has been ice skating. Lill is quite well and still working. The letter is dated January 27 1941 [but is surely 1942, since Royce didn't enlist until December 1941.].
The letter was found under the floorboards of the balcony level of the Gallery, Great Hall, Royal Exhibition Building, when replaced in 1989 as part of a restoration program. Many other items dating back to the 1940s were also found, providing an insight into the lifestyle and interests of RAAF personnel stationed in the building.
The letter probably relates to Royce Phillips, who served as a Leading Aircraftman (AC1, or Aircraftman) in the Royal Australian Air Force during World War II, service number 47290. He enlisted on 9 December 1941 at Kilkenny, SA, and was discharged 5 March 1946.
The formal wartime occupation of the Exhibition Building began in October 1940, when it was requisitioned for the RAAF under the National Security (General) Regulations. Partitioning work began in January 1941, and on 15 March the RAAF no.1 School of Technical Training was moved to the Exhibition Building from West Melbourne Technical School. Before long the Great Hall and surrounding areas were crowded with Air Force personnel. About 500 to 700 men lived there for varying periods of time; numbers peaked in 1942, when about 2000 personnel were accommodated. The central part of the building was a mess hall. The arena was occupied by a kitchen, laundry blocks, a storeroom and a playing field. The southern and eastern sides of the building were used for parades and drilling. The RAAF remained in control of the Exhibition Building until October 1946. (David Dunstan,1996, Victorian Icon) - Description:
- Two-page letter hand-written in black ink on lined paper. Insect activity has causes losses, and water staining is also evident. Paper has browned.
- Acquisition Information:
- Transfer from Trustees of the Royal Exhibition Building (REB), 1991
| Discipline: | History |
| Dimensions: | 24.70 cm (Height), 19.60 cm (Width) |
More information
| Tagged with: | domestic life, royal exhibition building, wars conflicts, world war ii 1939-1945 |
| Themes this item is part of: | Royal Exhibition Building Collection, Public Life & Institutions Collection |
| Primary Classification: | MILITARY HISTORY |
| Secondary Classification: | Personal Effects |
| Tertiary Classification: | correspondence |
| Inscriptions: | Extensive handwritten text in black ink. |
| Place & Date Made: | Kilkenny, South Australia, Australia, 21 Jan 1942 Kilkenny is a suburb of Adelaide. |
| Addressed To: | Royce Phillips, Kilkenny, South Australia, Australia, 1942 |
| References: | Information relating to the service record of Royce Phillips is held in The World War Two Nominal Roll - http://www.ww2roll.gov.au/script/veteran.asp?ServiceID=R&;VeteranID=895551 (accessed 12/1/2009). His service records are held in the National Archives of Australia Series number A9301, Barcode 4572657. |
| Bibliography: |
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