Southern cross pendant : Warrant Officer II J R Keen, 110 Brigade Workshop, AIF

Pendant made from Perspex and shaped into four stars - two four pointed stars, a five pointed star and a larger six sided star - possibly representing the Southern Cross. The stars are attached to a delicate brass link chain.

This item is associated with the service of Jack Robert Keen. Keen was born in Sydney NSW in 1904. Prior to his enlistment for military service, Keen worked as a motor mechanic. Keen had married Faith Hughes in 1930 and they had three children, Neil, Pamela and Robert (aged 11, 9, and 2, respectively in 1943). He joined the militia in June 1941 and attained the rank of sergeant in November 1942. Soon after enlisting with the Second AIF in April 1943, Keen attained the rank of warrant officer class 2. He served with the 110 Brigade Workshop in New Guinea in 1944-45, and was later discharged in October 1945. During his service, Keen handmade or purchased mementos, including pieces of jewellery, for his family.