| Place | Oceania: Australia, Northern Territory, Melville Island |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | ART93395 |
| Collection type | Art |
| Measurement | Overall: 28.6 x 39.6 cm |
| Object type | Work on paper |
| Physical description | watercolour on paper |
| Maker |
Campbell, Les |
| Place made | Australia: Northern Territory |
| Date made | 1945 |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
| Copyright |
Item copyright: AWM Licensed copyright |
Melville Bay, Northern Territory
Description
A military truck is depicted alongside other vehicles and machinery in Melville Bay, Northern Territory. The gum trees of the Australian bush are the main backdrop, with the distinctive green and grey of the trees providing a natural camouflage. The Northern Territory became a large base for campaigns in the Pacific during the Second World War. The strength of the RAAF in the area ensured that the 'threat' of a Japanese landing on mainland Australia was reduced.
Les Campbell enlisted into the RAAF in 1943 at the age of 18 as a leading aircraftman. Campbell was stationed in several RAAF stations around the Northern Territory and provided mechanical assistance in the fighting at Balikpapan, Borneo. During his service Campbell produced a number of watercolours depicting RAAF movements in the latter stages of the Second World War.