Trench art letter opener : Sergeant W H Harris, 24 Squadron, RAAF

Trench art letter opener cut into the shape of a scimitar from a section of brass shell case. The handle for the letter opener is made from a discharged British or Australian MK VII .303 calibre rimmed cartridge. The blade of the letter opener is attached to the handle via a bullet which has been sliced through the middle. The base of the shell casing reads 'MF 1939 VII' indicating that the cartridge was made in 1939.

This object is associated with the service of Sergeant William Henry Harris of 24 Squadron Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). William Henry Harris was born on 16 July 1921 in Gawler South Australia. He was living at Broken Hill, New South Wales when he enlisted into the RAAF on 3 July 1940 and was allocated the service number 28117. He was discharged from the RAAF on 26 February 1946 with the rank of sergeant.