Blann, Edwin Keith (Driver, b.1899 - d.1972)

Collection relating to the Second World War service of NX69003 (N75240) Driver Edwin Keith Blann, 2/3 Motor Ambulance Convoy, Second Australian Imperial Force, Singapore and Australia, 1941-1945.

Wallet 1 of 1 – Contains two folders of material relating to Driver Edwin Keith Blann.

Folder 1 of 2 consists of one notebook within black leather wallet. This notebook was used by Driver Blann during his service with 2/3 Motor Ambulance Convoy in Malaya and time as a prisoner of war of the Japanese, between 1941 and 1945. This notebook contains names and addresses of acquaintances, details of forces leaving Changi prisoner of war camp, a list of dates and locations, a draft of a letter to his wife, notes on financial matters, and a list of prisoners reported to have died on a work party.

Folder 2 of 2 consists of correspondence and documents relating to the service of Driver Blann.
It contains:
1x Postcard featuring troopship, Australia, [1941]. Note on reverse.
1x Pocket calendar featuring two kookaburras on cover, Malaya and Singapore, 1942. Contains brief diary notes.
1x Letter from 'Jay' [identity unknown] to Driver Blann, Bexley, New South Wales, 4 July 1942. In his letter, Jay sends his best wishes and encouragements.
1x Letter from Driver Blann’s daughter, Miss Myra Blann, to Driver Blann, Bexley, New South Wales, 25 September 1943. In her letter, Myra informs Driver Blann that his card had been received, and sends her best wishes.
1x Letter from Driver Blann’s wife, Mrs Jean Blann [née Jolley], to Driver Blann, Bexley, New South Wales, 4 October 1943. In her letter, Mrs Blann informs Driver Blann that his card had been received and sends her love.
1x Hand-coloured Christmas card from an unknown prisoner of war [signature unable to be deciphered] to Driver Blann, Changi, Singapore, December 1944. Handwritten recipe on reverse.
1x Letter from Mrs Jean Blann to Driver Blann, Bexley, New South Wales, 20 August 1945. In her letter, Mrs Blann sends her best wishes and her hope that Driver Blann returns to good health.
1x Poem titled 'To a Soldier and a Man', published by the Australian Young Men’s Christian Association, Australia, [date unknown].
2x Papers containing names and addresses, [date unknown].
1x Newspaper clipping for funeral notice of Mary Jolly, Bexley, New South Wales, [date unknown].

Driver Edwin Keith Blann enlisted to the Second Australian Imperial Force on 6 March 1941, after previously serving with the Citizen Military Force. He served with 2/3 Motor Ambulance Convoy in Malaya. In February 1942, Driver Blann was captured as a prisoner of war when Singapore was captured by the Japanese. After the war, Driver Blann returned to Australia and was discharged on 20 February 1946.