Collapsible drinking cup with leather case : Flying Officer J J Allen, 41 Squadron, RAF

Collapsible metal drinking cup with the engraved words on its top segment: 'TO PILOT OFFICER ALLEN J.J / FROM / PRAIRIE LADIES WORKING BEE / 18.2.42'. The cup collapses in four ring segments and has larger round circular base with the maker's details engraved at the bottom. The cup comes in a dark brown leather holder, designed to hold the cup in its collapsed state. The case closes with a single button clasp on its side flap with the initials 'J.J.A' embossed in gold on it.

Associated with the service of 404842 Flying Officer John James Allen. Allen was born in Charters Towers, Queensland in 1919. Prior to his military service, Allen worked as a Jackeroo in Queensland. He joined the Militia in 1939 serving with 26 Battalion and enlisted with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) in December of 1940. Allen attained the rank of Flying Officer in March 1942 while attached to No.41 Squadron Royal Air Force (RAF) who were flying the famous Supermarine Spitfire. Flying Officer Allen was killed in an aircraft accident in Breighton, Yorkshire, England on 20 June 1942. He is buried at Holme-Upon-Spalding Moor (All Saints) Churchyard in Yorkshire.