Swag : Signalman J Shaw, 88 High Speed Wireless Section

Khaki canvas swag with an opening across the front and down the left side. The side opening is secured by two press studs and metal clips. The top of the swag is sewn with an extra panel of canvas to create a cavity for a pillow. This section is lined with brown cotton and also has pockets sewn into both sides. The inside of the top layer of the swag has a makers label sewn into the seam and has the details 'SHAW NX92408' handwritten in black ink. The bottom layer of canvas has two leather loops sewn to the end through which straps can be passed to secure the swag when rolled.

Swag used by NX92408 Signalman John Shaw. Shaw was born in Glasgow, Scotland in March 1920. He emigrated to Australia and joined the Commonwealth Public Service, first with the Postmaster General's Office and then with the Taxation Department. He was released from his reserved occupation on 13 March 1942 and enlisted in the AIF that day. After service in Western Australia with 1 Armoured Division, Shaw was transferred to Melbourne and began training with 88 High Speed Wireless Section. In April 1945 the section was sent to Morotai. In October that year, after the end of the war, Shaw and six others volunteered to go to Tokyo and set up communications there. He remained in Japan for several months and was discharged on 14 February 1946. On his return to Australia he resumed his career with the Australian Public Service and became well known for his expertise with computing, a new development in the post war era.