| Places | |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | REL/21579.004 |
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Heraldry |
| Physical description | Perspex |
| Maker |
McLennan, Lachlan |
| Place made | New Guinea1 |
| Date made | c 1944-1945 |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
Perspex butterfly buckle : Sapper L McLennan, 2/2 Forestry Unit
Description
Perspex belt buckle carved into the shape of a butterfly.
History / Summary
Born in Clunes, Victoria in July 1905, Lachlan McLennan enlisted in the Army on 25 April 1940 in Melbourne. With the rank of sapper and the service number VX12940, McLennan joined the 2/2 Forestry Unit and served initially in England preparing timber for railway units. In 1943 the Forestry Unit returned to Australia via America and New Zealand and was then posted to New Guinea and New Britain. During his time in New Guinea McLennan collected butterflies and shells from which he crafted belts and jewellery. The butterfly wings were carefully lined with clear cellophane obtained from American cigarette packets and the buckles were made from perspex and scrap metal from aircraft. Most of the belts he made were sold to US servicemen who paid high prices for unique gifts to send home to loved ones. McLennan returned home to Australia in May 1945 and was discharged on the 14th of that month.