Lithographic plate in canvas case : Lieutenant W C Thompson, 1 Squadron, Australian Flying Corps

Metal and wooden lithographic plate contained in a padded white canvas bag. The metal plate is mounted on a 20 mm thick piece of plywood and fastened in various places with 29 small screws. The plywood has been stained from the printing process and is now a faint green colour. The metal plate has a decorative border and an AFC Association insignia, the writing beneath reads 'AFC ASSOCIATION This is to Certify that ... has been elected a ... of the Australian Flying Corps Association (Victoria). Melbourne ... President ... Secretary'. The canvas case is padded at the front where the plate rests with a grey quilted felt material. There is a top flap which is fastened shut with two silver press studs. The bag is stained and the material under the flap and inside the bag show the original white colour. The master copy of the lithographic plate is inside the bag on a scrap piece of paper with handwritten annotations in red ink.

Associated with Lieutenant William Charles Thompson of 'C' Flight, 1 Squadron, Australian Flying Corps (AFC). Thompson was born in Melbourne in October 1894. He was an apprentice turner and fitter with Grinrod & Carter Engineers and Machinists in Victoria from 1913 to October 1915. He enlisted in the AFC on 2 February 1916 as an air mechanic No 325 and was posted to 'C' Flight, No 1 Squadron. He sailed from Melbourne on 16 March 1916 on the troopship RMS Orsova arriving in Egypt on 14 April 1916. On 25 September 1916 he was promoted to 1st Air Mechanic. On 29 November 1917, Thompson began training as a pilot flying DH6, AVRO, BE2E, BE2C, RE8, Martinsyde and Bristol Fighter aircraft. He graduated as a pilot on 25 January 1918 and was promoted to the rank of 2nd Lieutenant. Further training with the School of Aerial Gunnery and the Aerial Observation School followed and he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant on 25 April 1918 and finally finishing his training on 5 June 1918. Thompson returned to 1 Squadron AFC on 15 June 1918 where he continued to fly Bristol Fighters. He was engaged in patrol, reconnaissance, escort, bombing and despatches in places such as Kutrani, Biara, Waddy Fara and Haifa. Thompson ceased flying on 15 January 1919 and he returned to Australia shortly afterwards. Thompson is mentioned in Vol. VIII AFC, The Official History of Australia for his efforts on an escort and reconnaissance mission on 14 August 1918.