Winter service dress tunic: Flying Officer J A Harris RAAF, 43 Squadron, RAF

RAAF blue officer's winter service dress tunic with pleated breast patch pockets and a pair of expanding patch waist pockets. The pockets have flaps secured by blackened brass RAAF buttons, those on the breast having three pointed flaps, while those on the waist are square. A small inset pocket is located above the right waist pocket and contains a sixpence. The tunic has an internal pocket under the right breast with a white cotton tag embroidered with maker's details and marked in black ink 'Harris 32671 July 1945'. Above the left breast pocket is a pair of blue and white embroidered RAAF pilot's wings. Underneath this are the wearer's campaign medal ribbons forthe 1939-45 Star, Africa Star with rosette, Italy Star and Defence Medal. There are rank stripes for Flying Officer on each lower sleeve surmounted by an oxidised brass eagle and crown. The tunic is closed by four large blackened brass RAAF buttons. The self fabric belt has a brass buckle. There are two fabric belt keepers on the back of the tunic. The underside of the belt has two black leather straps with plastic buttons to further secure it. The inside of the body of the tunic is lined with black polished cotton while the sleaves are lined with black and white striped flannel. There is a black cotton tag sewn inside the back of the collar with the maker's details embroidered in white cotton. Beside this, in red embroidery is the maker's logo and below is written 'FOR ALL MEN'S WEAR'. There are two silver souvenir badges underneath the left lapel. One is in the shape of a shield with a laurel wreath circling the top half and the letter 'A' within this. Underneath is stamped 'ANZAC DAY 1947'. The second badge shows a small head and bust of an Australian soldier with the words 'YOUNG BILL' impressed beneath.

Worn by 407618 Flying Officer James Arthur Harris of 43 Squadron, RAF . Harris was born in 1920 in Gawler, South Australia. He worked as a clerk until his enlistment in the RAAF on 7 December 1940. He trained in Australia and Southern Rhodesia, qualifying as a sergeant pilot. After obtaining their wings Harris and fellow trainees were on their way to England when torpedos struck their ship. The Australians stuck together and managed to board a small life boat with one South African, some RAF officers and one WAAF. They were rescued by a Polish Cargo ship five hours after the ship sunk. He flew briefly in Egypt and North Africa before moving to England where he was posted to 43 Squadron, RAF, mainly flying Spitfires over France, North Africa, Italy and Malta. He was later commissioned. Harris was discharged on 1 October 1945.