RSL state secretary Phil Orchard with the collection of British World War II material.
Camera IconRSL state secretary Phil Orchard with the collection of British World War II material. Credit: Supplied/Marcus Whisson

WW II material handed to RSL

Karen Valenti, Eastern ReporterEastern Reporter

A second batch of war paraphernalia was handed in at the Rockingham sub branch of the RSL, soon after the Weekend Courier published the story about the medals being handed into the Stirling Times and Eastern Reporter office.

The person who relinquished the five medals in December said he did not want anything to do with police but had bought the medals from another person in the hope that they could be returned to the gunner’s family.

The letters and numbers L-70769 GNR C ADAMS RA appear on the side of two of the largest military medals.

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Coincidentally, the latest paraphernalia also relates to a war veteran named Adams.

‘The material initially appeared to be about the same person as in the Community Newspaper Group article, because he has the same surname,’ RSL State president Graham Edwards said.

‘However, on further reading, they are from different eras ” the first was a World War I gunner and the second served in World War II.

‘We will send the latest box of material on for further examination and inquiry.’

The new batch comprises dozens of black and white photos, some personal letters, and several World War II tags in an old tobacco tin, each with the same number 14324400 and the name ADAMS D.

The RSL believes his full name was Douglas A. Adams.

RSL state secretary Phil Orchard, who served in the British Navy for 20 years and in the Australian Navy for 10 years, said the dog tags were the only indication that Adams served in the military.

‘The tags are the only indication that a Doug Adams served in the military and are pre-issue of the metal tags used by today’s service personal,’ Mr Orchard said.

‘One tag would have been worn by the soldier and the second attached to the outside of his gas mask.’