The Australian War Memorial Collection. Test site
Piece of cream cotton sheeting cut to the shape of a ribbon. Marked vertically in dark blue ink 'JUDGE ADAM PARK RACING CLUB'.
Worn by NX41407 Driver Edward 'Ted' Robert Davis in his capacity as a judge of a Melbourne Cup meet for frog racing held by the Adam Park Racing Club at Sime Road prisoner of war camp on 3 November 1942. A frog named Triggerman won the event. The cup awarded to Triggerman's owner is also in the War Memorial's collection (see RELAWM31985).
Another POW, VX37222 Private James Purtill, later described frog racing in Singapore as 'this popular amusement did not last long, but while it was going it drew ... the whole camp in fact to the frog racing courses...The idea was simple. You chalked a big ring on the asphalt, put your candidates (suitably marked with coloured rags, papers etc.) in a box in the middle and when the betting was finished the caller lifted the box, and a dozen or so scared looking frogs hesitated a few seconds and then commenced hopping. First over the line, of course, won. The sweepstakes were small but the betting was in many cases heavy ...the crowds at the courses were two deep and money changed hands in big quantites'. According to Purtill all the frogs were given names and pedigrees, e.g. 'Gordon Bennett, out of Singapore by Capitulation'.
Ted Davis was born in 1902 and enlisted for service in the Second World War on 28 September 1940. Assigned to 2/3 Australian Motor Ambulance Convoy with 8 Division in Malaya, he became a prisoner of war in Singapore on 21 February 1942. He subsequently served with H Force on the Burma Thailand Railway. Davis was discharged from the army on 19 March 1946. He died in 2000.
Improvised trophy cup made of two parts of a coconut shell joined together in the centre by a nut and bolt. Each side of the cup has a curved metal handle attached by two small nuts and bolts. The cup
Improvised trophy cup made of two parts of a coconut shell joined together in the centre by a nut and bolt. Each side of the cup has a curved metal handle attached by two small nuts and bolts. The cup
Small circular sterling silver medallion with a decorative scroll attached to the top. The front of the medallion has a hammered finish with a gold shield in the centre. The shield is surrounded by a
Defence Medal. Impressed around edge with recipient's details. Driver Roy Hamilton Coyte was born on 3 November 1919 at Crows Nest NSW. Before he enlisted in the Second World War he had served in th
Pacific Star. Impressed reverse with recipient's details. Driver Roy Hamilton Coyte was born on 3 November 1919 at Crows Nest NSW. Before he enlisted in the Second World War he had served in the mil
Horse's rear hoof mounted as a souvenir inkwell. The hoof is fitted with a light aluminium racing plate, attached with six nails. The nails pass through the wall of the hoof, where they have been cut
1939-45 Star. Impressed reverse with recipient's details. Driver Roy Hamilton Coyte was born on 3 November 1919 at Crows Nest NSW. Before he enlisted in the Second World War he had served in the mil
