Traditional New Guinea Hair Combs: Major Alan Ray 'Bill' David, 2/2 Anti-Aircraft Regiment (Heavy)

Five traditional New Guinea hair combs made from wood and bamboo with decorative elements around handles made from twine and dried palm fronds twisted into patterns.

Alan Ray 'Bill' David enlisted in the Second AIF on 14 June 1940 at Newtown, Victoria. Allocated the service number VX26884, he served with 2/2 Anti-Aircraft Regiment in the Middle East in Egypt, Palestine, Lebanon and Syria. He later served in New Guinea.

While on leave in Melbourne he met Sheila Mary MacLean who was serving with the Australian Women’s Army Service (AWAS) as a staff driver. They became engaged and he sent these combs to her in 1943. They were married on 8 July 1944 in Victoria.

David was discharged from the army with the rank of major on 18 October 1945. He later went on to become an accountant and businessman. He received the Medal of the Order of Australia in 1988 for services to the Geelong community. Sheila David became a volunteer driver for the Association of the Blind, and Meals on Wheels. They had four children.