V 44 Survival Knife & Scabbard : Private W A Partridge, 2/10 Australian Ordnance Field Park, Australian Army Ordnance Corps

Bowie single edged with false edge on upper edge of blade. Blade features narrow twin fullers on both sides of blade. Brass crossguard with plastic grips attached with three steel studs through tang. The knife has a steel blade and brass handle and comes with a leather scabbard. Markings - Model U.S. V- 44.

This V 44 survival knife (also known as a Bowie knife) was acquired from a Japanese prisoner by NX117368 Private Walter Alfred 'Wally' Partridge in August 1945. Private Partridge served with the 10th Australian Ordnance Park in Morotai. Private Partridge was born at Ballina in New South Wales on 12 December 1922. He had served with the Citizen Military Forces with the service number N1865, before enlisting into the Australian Imperial Force on 4 August 1942. He was discharged on 2 January 1946. The first V 44 pattern Bowie survival knife was developed for the US Army Air Force in 1934 for flying personnel in Panama and Hawaii. The knife was carried in a jungle bail out kit that attached to the parachute harness. It was produced by several companies in the USA as a general survival knife during the Second World War. A substantial number were also produced in Australia, many of which are unmarked specimens. The knives were primarily used by US troops in the Pacific theatre.