Suitcase : Flight Sergeant P Munro, 10 Squadron

Plywood suitcase covered with aircraft linen and grey coloured dope. The corners of the case are reinforced with aluminium brackets and two strips of aluminium are secured around the case to strengthen it. On the inside are strips of aircraft fabric corresponding to the placement of these aluminium bands. The case has two brass hinges on the back and a leather strap inside one corner to hold it open. The case is secured shut by two metal buckles, one on each aluminium strip, and a modern addition of a chromed metal clasp in the centre. The handle is also a modern replacement and is a loop of nylon rope below the central clasp. On the front of the case is an orange sticker with the emblems of 10 and 461 Squadrons and the words 'SUNDERLAND TOUR 1979 10-461 SQUADRONS'. On the inside of the case in white lettering is 'AUS 441291 F/SGT MUNRO.P R.A.A.F'. The case has subsequently been modified with green duct tape around the edges and a modern address written on the inside and on the front with black texta.

Suitcase used by 441291 Flight Sergeant Peter Munro. Munro was born in May 1925 and enlisted in the RAAF at Perth, WA on 19 June 1943. He served with 10 Squadron as a gunner with the Sunderland crews. Two of his captains were Flight Lieutenant Laurie Clark and F/Lt Athol Riley. He was discharged on 19 January 1946 from Beccles RAF base. This suitcase, called a 'foreigner' as it was not part of standard issue, was made by the squadron carpenter, Corporal Bob Rowley of Adelaide. Cpl Rowley made these cases from spare supplies and sold them on to his colleagues. They were very hardy and proved useful as makeshift seats on crowded trains. Munro continued to use the case in civilian life including a Sunderland reunion tour in 1979.