Webbing belt : Warrant Officer II J R Keen and Pte R M Keen

Khaki cotton webbing belt with brass buckle. It has been painted black on the outer side. The name 'KEEN' has been written on the inside of the belt in black marker along with the service number - '215056'.

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. Jack Keen's youngest child, Robert, served with 5 Battalion Royal Australian Regiment (5 RAR) in Vietnam. 215056 Private Robert Malcolm Keen was born in Wagga Wagga, NSW in 1941 and served with 5 RAR as a carpenter with Assault Pioneer Platoon in Support Company during their first tour of Vietnam. This belt was issued and worn by Jack Keen during the Second World War, who subsequently passed it on to Robert who wore it during his deployment in Vietnam.