| Places | |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | REL27837.001 |
| Collection type | Technology |
| Object type | Firearm |
| Place made | United States of America |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
Colt Model 1911 Pistol : Sergeant B L'Estrange, 2/7 Commando Company, AIF
Description
Colt Model 1911 semi automatic pistol. The top slide is marked on the left side with the manufacturers details and on the right MODEL OF 1911 U.S.A. ARMY CALIBRE 45. The checkered wooden grips are carved MUBO on the left and YPRES on the right. The pistol is complete with a magazine.
History / Summary
This pistol was obtained by Sergeant L'Estrange from a colleague who was training with him at Wilsons Point in 1941. This character had a possible dubious past working with the local underworld. The butt has the words MUBO (an area between Salamaua and Wau and YPRES (Belgium) in memory of Australian soldiers fighting on the Somme during WW1. Sergeant L'Estrange's father was in the 1st AIF, although he was not at Ypres. Sgt Bruce (Slugger) L'Estrange was a member of the 2/7th Commando Company and won the Military Medal for saving the life of an officer under fire.