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 

---