Winter service dress tunic: Wing Commander Francis Alexander Arthur, 460 Squadron, RAAF

Officer's RAAF blue wool gabardine winter service dress tunic with notched collar, a pair of pleated breast patch pockets with triple pointed flaps, a pair of expanding patch waist pockets with rectangular flaps and self fabric belt with black plastic buckle. The tunic fastens down the front with four black plastic RAAF buttons. The same buttons fasten the pockets. A vent extends from the centre back to the bottom of the skirt. Each cuff carries rank stripes for a wing commander surmounted by an oxidised metal RAAF eagle and King's crown. The left beast carries an embroidered Observer's brevet above a ribbon bar for the Distinguished Flying Cross.

The body of the tunic is lined with black polished cotton twill; the sleeves with cream, grey and brown striped cotton. A black embroidered manufacturer's label for Gowing Bros, Sydney is sewn inside the right breast pocket and is typed. The label is typed 'No J762G Date 21.1.41 Name P.O. F. ARTHUR'.

Born at Kogarah, New South Wales in 1913, Francis Alexander 'Frank' Arthur was employed as a bank clerk when he enlisted in the RAAF on 26 May 1940. After training in Australia he qualified as an observer (navigator), service number 402072. Posted to the Middle East he left Australia in February 1941 and joined 70 Squadron RAF there, operating Wellington bombers. Arthur remained with the squadron until January 1942. During this time he flew 332 operational hours, including 36 night sorties, over targets in Libya, Crete, Greece and the Dodecanese, and 12 attacks on shipping in Benghazi Harbour. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) for the consistently high standard of his flying operations, with special mention of an attack on Piraeus Harbour near Athens.

Arthur, together with other members of 70 Squadron, was sent to the United Kingdom to form the nucleus of a new Liberator squadron which they would take back to the Middle East. However the men were found to be 'operationally tired' and were sent to 15 Officer Training Unit instead. While there they took part in approximately 5,000 bomber raids over Germany.

In June 1943 Arthur was posted to 460 Squadron RAAF, operating Lancaster bombers. From October 1943 until January 1944 he commanded the squadron as an acting wing commander. He flew 104 operational hours with the squadron, including 16 night sorties over Germany and Italy. He was awarded a bar to his DFC in 1944. The recommendation for this award reads, in part: 'Wing Commander Arthur...has participated in attacks on some of the most strongly defended targets in Germany. A first class navigator and squadron commander, he has consistently displayed a fine fighting spirit, great courage and devotion to duty, undertaking each sortie with enthusiasm and determination.'

While Arthur was in command of 460 Squadron discussion arose about the possible selection of a Lancaster bomber for future display at the Australian War Memorial, which had opened two years previously. G for George had already been suggested, and Arthur, in his reply to RAAF Headquarters, referred to the aircraft's 'unique historical value' - the oldest Lancaster still in service, with a high and distinguished operations tally, crewed mainly by Australians. Arthur further suggested that a crew of men who had completed two operational tours should accompany George to Australia, where the aircraft could tour the country as a publicity tour for wartime fundraising. His suggestions were largely accepted although it was some months before George finished operational service.

Arthur returned to Australia later in 1944 and was attached to RAAF Headquarters, travelling extensively in the south west Pacific area as part his duties. He was discharged from the RAAF at the beginning of 1946.