Some of Dad's service medals.
Within a fortnight of Australia joining the war he enlisted. I941 found him in Trobruk where during a six month siege the Australian 9th Division successfully held the fortress against Rommel's Africa Korps - the first defeat inflicted upon German forces. In 1942 they were brought back to defend Australia against the Japanese. At Milne Bay he was wounded but this battle too was a first - the first defeat of the advancing Japanese army. Upon recovery he rejoined forces supporting the efforts to defend Australia until the end of the war.
The two little stones? The smaller is from the desert around Trobruk brought home by him as a souvenir. The larger was from the shores of Gallipoli. I found them, along with the sprig of rosemary, in his box of medals when I took them out to show the grandchildren recently.
What treasure's to have from your Dad. You can't replace something like this. I bet you are so proud of your Dad and what a good way to do the thumbnail-project.
What treasured memories you are able to share with your family and with us. The medals are one thing but to think he brought back stones from each place is really special.