Emergency ration tin : Corporal J H Welch, 66 Battalion, BCOF

Empty, Khaki tin with removable lid and remains of adhesive tape. The black printing on the front reads 'MADE IN AUSTRALIA/EMERGENCY RATIONS/ To be consumed only when no other rations of any kind are procurable. Consumption of this ration must be reported at first opportunity./Instructions for use are printed INSIDE the lid./KEEP PACK INTACT'. The broad arrow symbol and the letters 'D D' are printed below these words. The inside of the lid has 'INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE/ FRUIT RATION & MILK TABLETS: To be consumed as found./MEAT & VEG.RATION: 1.May be eaten as packed./2.A more palatable meal results by cooking in or heating with four times its bulk of boiling water./3.Moistened with water it can be fried as a Rissole without added fat.'

Used by 3961 Corporal James Hamilton Welch. Welch was born in September 1927 and enlisted in the Australian Military Forces on 4 March 1946. With the rank of Corporal he was posted to Japan on 15 October 1946 with 66 Australian Infantry Battalion as part of the British Commonwealth Occupation Force. He was promoted to Sergeant while serving with 66 Bn and returned to Australia on 5 September 1947. He then served during the Korean War with A Company, 1 Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment from 3 March 1952 to 20 January 1953. On 11 April of that year he was promoted to Lieutenant. He again served overseas in New Guinea with the Pacific Islands Regiment from 4 September 1955 to 10 January 1957. Welch continued to serve with the army and retired with the rank of Major.