Personal survival kit : Flying Officer M D Freudenstein RAAF, 640 Squadron RAF

Personally assembled survival kit packed in a yellow No 2 Anti-gas Ointment tin. The tin has been sealed using sticky bandage tape. Tin is printed on the top and bottom with instructions relating to the previous contents 'No.2. Anti-gas Ointment'. Crudely engraved on the lid is 'EMERGENCY RATIONS' and 'HORLICKS + 5 SINGLE P.K. CHEWING GUM'. 'FREUDENSTEIN' has been handwritten in ink.

Associated with 421324 Flying Officer Morris Dolf Freudenstein RAAF, who served with 640 Squadron RAF during World War Two. Freudenstein, a grazier from Young NSW enlisted in the RAAF on 31 January 1942 aged 21. Attending No 2 Wireless Air Gunners School in Parkes, Freudenstein embarked for the United Kingdom in early 1943. Mustered as Wireless Air Gunner and promoted to Flight Sergeant, Freudenstein attended further training until joining 640 Squadron on 30 April 1944. Operating in Halifaxes, 640 Squadron took part in the bombing offensive against Germany as part of Bomber Command's main bomber force. At his own request, Freudenstein resumed his civilian occupation as grazier, disembarking in Australia on 22 February 1945. Morris Freudenstein's wife Joan also served in the Second World War as an Aircraftwoman at 2 Central Recovery Depot Richmond.