| Places | |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | REL38084 |
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Uniform |
| Physical description | Brass, Cotton webbing, Leather |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Date made | Unknown |
| Conflict |
Malayan Emergency, 1948-1960 Vietnam, 1962-1975 |
Pattern 1937 Gaiters : Lieutenant M T Turrell, Royal Australian Infantry Corps
Description
Green cotton webbing ankle gaiters. The gaiters have two leather straps with brass buckles to secure around ankle. The gaiters have been reinforced with leather at contact points with the heel and front of boot. The inside of both the gaiters have been inked with 'L.T Turrell' and the number 1738
History / Summary
Born in Sydney on 19 January 1938, Maxwell Thomas Turrell was educated at Crows Nest Intermediate Boys High School and North Sydney Boys Technical High School. At both schools he served in the School Cadets, attaining the rank of cadet lieutenant. Turrell enlisted in the Australian Army in 1956, graduating from the Royal Military College, Duntroon.
In 1961, in the wake of the Malayan Emergency, Lieutenant Turrell served in Malaya with 2 Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (RAR). Operating as part the 28th Commonwealth Brigade, Turrell commanded 11 Platoon, D Company, 2 RAR in conducting patrols the 'Black Zone' on the Malay -Thailand border, aimed at suppressing continued Communist Terrorists (CT) activity in the region in 1962 and 1963. In May 1966 Captain Turrell was deployed to South Vietnam as adjutant of 6 RAR. Following his service in the Vietnam War, Turrell was promoted to Major and appointed Officer Commanding 2nd Army Recruiting Unit. Major Turrell served in the Army until his discharge in 1981.