An extraordinary piece of wartime history is now on display at the RAAF Townsville Aviation Heritage Centre: a 10-shilling 'short snorter' banknote signed by Allied aviators in July 1942.
This rare artefact, discovered by chance in a Townsville second-hand store in the 1980s, has been safeguarded by the centre ever since.
The note, believed to have been signed at a café from July 1 to 19, 1942, carries up to 30 signatures from RAAF and United States Air Force personnel who served in the defence of Darwin and Townsville.
Among the identified names are Peter Howard Ash, Max Stanley Bott, Keith William Truscott, Clive 'Bardie' Newton Wawn and David Leon Pank.
Squadron Leader Andrew Chadwick of History and Heritage - Air Force described the note as an artefact more valuable than aircraft or radio sets.
"It is a living, documented piece of history; a physical, tangible example of a time when the outcome of the war was completely uncertain," Squadron Leader Chadwick said.
"That particular squadron, the American one, actually took over from 75 Squadron, which was the first squadron to go to Port Moresby, and it stopped the Japanese from advancing.
"They did their 44 days. They came home for rest and recuperation. 36 [Squadron] went up and did their tour and came back. 76 [Squadron] was in Townsville waiting to deploy and somehow those members who were on that note met up, probably to find out what the experience was up north.
"The importance of this allegiance occurring at that frontline level is incredible. That relationship projects forward 80-plus years to today."
'It is important that people get to know what these people had to go through, especially younger people who don't know the hardship of war.'
The tradition of the 'short snorter' began in the 1920s and gained popularity among American service members during World War 2.
Signed banknotes served as souvenirs of shared experiences, and failure to produce one often meant buying the next round of drinks.
The note's rediscovery sparked a remarkable connection.
Squadron Leader Chadwick, who also serves as a pilot with the Royal Flying Doctor Service, discovered that his colleague Dr Emma Wawn is the granddaughter of Clive Wawn, one of the signatories on the banknote.
This serendipitous link deepened the emotional resonance of the artefact.
"I just about fell down and thought, 'wow, this is truly incredible'," Squadron Leader Chadwick said.
"We are connected through the note - his granddaughter Emma and now Clive Junior and I are also great friends out of this. All thanks to Clive Wawn Senior."
Clive Wawn Junior, now 75, shared memories of his father's service, including a crash landing in France and his role in the Battle of Milne Bay.
"I never knew about 'short snorters' until this," he said.
"It's hard to explain the feelings it brings up. I do believe there is a higher power involved here.
"It is important that people get to know what these people had to go through, especially younger people who don't know the hardship of war. I have such a sense of pride that this is on display at the RAAF Townsville Aviation Heritage Centre."
The centre continues to investigate the remaining signatures, hoping to uncover a treasure trove of stories and connections.
In the meantime, the artefact stands as a powerful reminder of camaraderie, sacrifice and the enduring legacy of those who served.
