From the Archives: Will you be my Valentine?

Some of the items that we have in the archives come to us with a story. Like this ladies’ compact; it is made of sterling silver and in embossed with the Badge of the RAAF – The Royal Australian Air Force.  Accompanying it were a few photos that told the story of Mike and Helen.

“They met when Helen walked into a friend’s kitchen and there sat Mike at the table eating a banana and drinking whiskey.  She remarked on the odd combination and the attraction began. 

They planned to marry when he was done his service. Helen told me that he was officially done and waiting to come home. Flu hit the barracks so Mike filled in and was killed. Helen didn’t marry ‘til later in life…..”

Compacts were popular gifts and often came with a promise. Other ‘sweetheart’ gifts were pendants, bracelets and brooches.  The badge of the airman’s service could be purchased separately and then a jeweller could put it on the item of choice.

Pillows were also a sweetheart gift but that sweetheart might be the airman’s mother or sister.