Bob and Merle's Lost Loves

Wedding photograph 6 January 1945
Private Robert James and Aircraftwoman Merle James (nee Downie)

Love letters 1945–46
exchanged between Private Robert and Aircraftwoman Merle James (nee Downie)

Kodak Box Brownie camera c 1940
belonging to Private Robert James

Gilt framed portrait 1943
Aircraftwoman Merle James (nee Downie)

Private Robert James’ dugout ‘Shrapnel Shanty’ 1941
Tobruk, Libya

Personalised wallet and prayer card signed by ‘Minnie’ 1941
belonging to Robert James

Identity discs, RAAF pin and General Service Badge 1942 – 45
belonging to Aircraftwoman Merle Downie

Sixteen letters from Merle Downie's boyfriends 1942 – 45
belonging to Aircraftwoman Merle Downie

Pin with the motto ‘AMOR VINCIT OMNIA’ (Love conquers all)
belonging to Aircraftwoman Merle Downie

ON LOAN COURTESY OF TARRAN JAMES