| Places | |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | PR03921 |
| Collection type | Private Record |
| Record type | Collection |
| Measurement | Extent: 1 cm; Wallet/s: 1 |
| Object type | Letter, Artwork |
| Maker |
Stirling, John |
| Place made | Australia, New Guinea |
| Date made | 1940-1942 |
| Access | Open |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
| Copyright |
Item copyright: Copyright expired - public domain
|
| Copying Provisions | Copyright expired. Copying permitted subject to physical condition. Permission for reproduction not required. |
Stirling, John (Captain, b.1907 - d.1942)
Description
Collection relating to the Second World War service of TX2125 Captain John Stirling, 2/40 Australian Infantry Battalion, New Guinea and Australia, c.1940-1942.
Collection consists of 28 letters written by Captain Stirling to his daughter Jean; one telegram from the Minister for the Army advising of Captain Stirling's death; and one printed letter on Buckingham Palace letterhead sending condolences following his death. Capt Stirling was executed by the Japanese in Timor on 15 May 1942, aged 34. He is buried at Ambon War Cemetery, Indonesia.
The letters are general in nature, addressed to Cpt Stirling's daughter, whom he calls "Rabbit". They contain sentiments such as missing his daughter, telling her to behave for her mother, and that he hopes she is enjoying school. Included is a Japanese government issued Netherlands Indies 5 roepiah note. Throughout there are small drawings by Cpt Striling, usually depiting himself, or animals.