Chinese banner presented by Beaufort Public School, North Borneo : Lieutenant E A Bacon, 24 Infantry Brigade

Rectangle of white calico bordered with a orange cotton fringe consisting of small separate triangular pieces. Printed at the top of the banner in black capital lettering is the following:

'The Australian Army Education Service. The staff and pupils of the Beaufort Public School, have much pleasure in presenting this small gift as a token of appreciation for the restoration of education in Beaufort. The Beaufort Public School, Beaufort, North Borneo. 28th October, 1945.'

The Chinese inscription reads: 'During this war, our educational institutions were destroyed to nothing by the Japanese Army (9 Division, 24 Brigade).

'The Australian Army was concerned about our education and the Australian Army gave us [again the opportunities to] discuss education. The recovery of our education system depended on the Australian Military giving us the greatest sympathy and help.

'We cannot stop being very touched. With this small present we would like to express out sincerity and gratitude. - Beaufort Public School, North Borneo'.

This inscribed banner was presented in late October 1945 (after the surrender of the Japanese on the island on 10 September) by grateful staff and pupils of the Chinese public school at Beaufort in North Borneo to 24 Infantry Brigade's Education Officer, QX34663 Lieutenant Edwin Alexander Bacon. Bacon's work was also recognised by his Brigade, which wrote 'Bacon did much valuable work in re-opening the civilian schools, not only in Beaufort, but also in the surrounding villages, This work has been greatly appreciated by the civilians who have expressed their gratitude in many ways.'

Born in Warwick, Queensland on 10 September 1913, Bacon enlisted in the Second AIF on 10 March 1941 at New Farm, Brisbane and served until discharge on 11 January 1946. He had previously served with the Militia under service number Q46638 and appears to have been a prominent and active Communist Party member, especially after the Second World War. Lieutenant Bacon worked closely with Malayan teacher Yussof Bin Suleman to establish the school's requirements.