Tropical Combat Trousers : Captain M T Turrell, Royal Australian Infantry Corps

Pair of olive green, US tropical combat trousers, featuring a five-button fly, pair of hip pockets, pair of front pockets and pair of expanding cargo pockets, over the thighs, with concealed buttons. The left cargo pocket includes a small inner pocket designed to hold a survival kit, and both cargo pockets are fitted with a cotton tape tie which can be tied through a crotch loop and around the leg to prevent excessive movement of the pocket contents. The waist is fitted with belt loops and a pair of adjusting buckles, while the legs are finished with a tunnelled draw-cord. A label sewn the inner, proper right pocket, describes the trousers as 'TROUSERS, MEN'S, COTTON WIND / RESISTANT POPLIN, OLIVE GREEN, / ARMY SHADE 101 / USA-100-1292' ,and includes instructions on cleaning and use. 'TURRELL' is written on the inside waist band.

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.