| Accession Number | REL/17543 |
|---|---|
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Trench Art |
| Physical description | Brass |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Place made | Libya: Tobruk |
| Date made | 1941 |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
Trench art vase: Corporal Reginald Wilfred Langsford, 9 Division Signals
Description
Brass trench art vase made from an Italian 47 mm anti-tank shell casing. The top is flared and a copper Rising Sun badge is affixed 110mm above the base. The shell is impressed 'TOBRUK 1941'.
History / Summary
Trench art vase made from a German 47mm shell casing sent to Miss L 'Tommie' Thomas for Christmas 1941. A note accompanying the vase reads: 'Tommie, This is to wish you a very happy Xmas. If you give the souvenir of Tobruk a polish I think you will like it. Cheers & lots of Love, Reg.'
Langsford was awarded a Military Medal for his actions at El Alamein between October 1942 and January 1943. He died on 9 June 1944 while on leave in Australia as a result of a fall from a chimney stack at 105 (Adelaide) Military Hospital.