WWII metal matchbox cover - Sapper Thomas Walter Fyfe

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c. 1942

Overview

World War Two era rectangular brass matchbox cover. It features a central rising sun insignia with dark blue enamel detailing around the words 'Australian Commonwealth Military Forces'.
The name of the owner is engraved in cursive writing below the rising sun badge - 'Spr T.W. Fyfe'.
It is U-shaped with an opening on the fourth side into which the matchbox would have been inserted. The spine and back of the cover are plain.
There are no maker's marks.

Historical information

Thomas Walter Fyfe was born in Albany, Western Australia, on 8 September 1922. He enlisted as a Sapper in the Australian Army at Denmark on 15 August 1942, a few weeks shy of his 20th birthday. His service number was WX29103 and his occupation was listed as blacksmith and wheelwright.
He had previously served in the Citizen Military Forces (C.M.F) from 10 November 1941 to 14 August 1942. He joined the 11th Australian Workshop and Park Company (a unit of the Royal Australian Engineers formed in mid-1941 to supply, repair, and maintain field and construction engineering equipment).
He served overseas on Morotai and the South West Pacific Area (S.W.P.A.) from 16 March 1945 until 25 January 1946. His posting at discharge was with the 1 Australian Bomb Disposal Platoon.
He died on 28 February 1971, aged 48, and is buried in Denmark Cemetery.

Metal trench art items including matchbox covers, cigarette cases, and trench lighters were popular keepsakes among Australian troops. Soldiers often personalised these everyday items using simple tools to engrave their own names, ranks, or service locations.
There are many examples of trench art in the collection.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-119-RoW00990

Item type

Badges

Collectibles

Engravings

Ephemera

Personal Effects

Souvenirs

Themes

Social History