Trench art shell case : Sapper S J Benham, 2/4 Field Company

Brass shell casing engraved with a flat line drawing of a barbed wire fence. Between the posts of the fence capital letters reading 'TOBRUK' are individually suspended from loops of wire attached around the second strand of barbed wire. Between the 'B' and 'R', a tall post with a horizontal sign is engraved with the words 'NO ADMITTANCE'. The shell is a cut down British Second World War 4.5 inch naval cartridge case for marks I, III and IV naval guns.

Trench art shell case associated with the service of NX24647 Sapper Sidney Joseph Benham and his step brother NX96020 Private Harold Quinn. It is thought to have been made in Tobruk by Australian troops as a memento of their successful defence of the town. Benham, who served at Tobruk, brought shell case back to Australia. In later years he gave the shell to his step brother.

Sidney Benham was 20 years old and working as an electrician and labourer when he enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force on 3 June 1940. He was assigned as a Sapper to 2/4 Field Company, Royal Australian Engineers, 7 Division. He embarked from Sydney in November 1940 bound for service in the Middle East. Benham served in Egypt, Tobruk in Libya, and later in New Guinea. He was discharged on 15 September 1945.

Harold Quinn was 25 years old and working as a lorry driver prior to his enlistment, on 13 May 1942. He and was assigned as a Private to 2/45th Australian Transport Platoon as a driver. Quinn was discharged 31 January 1946.