Object numberM2017/056
DescriptionFour swing-mounted medals and accompanying set of miniatures that belonged to British Ex-Serviceman Jack Epstein. He immigrated to Australia in July 1951, travelling from Southampton on the Esperance Bay. In 1989 he married Odette Epstein at the Temple Emanuel in Woollahra, but soon after moved to the Gold Coast, where he lived until his death in 1998.
Jack Epstein served as a rifleman in the King’s Royal Rifle Corps. He fought in Italy as part of the Allied Sicilian campaign, but was seriously wounded and subsequently hospitalised for 6 months to recover. Jack arrived in Sydney in 1951 and in the same year, he joined NAJEX (NSW Association of Jewish Ex-Servicemen and Women). From 1951 to 1973 he worked tirelessly to compile information on the contribution of Australian Jews during WWII, collecting details on those who had served in Australian forces; those killed in action or died as prisoners of war; compiling military decorations, photos and stories. His research was the basis for the book ‘Australian Jewry’s Book of Honour World War II’, published and edited by Gerald Pynt. Jack Epstein’s research was fundamental in recording and honouring Jewish Australians who served in campaigns during WWII.
“My grateful thanks are due to NAJEX historian Jack Epstein, without whose zeal and enthusiasm this book could not have been started…” - Gerald Pynt, acknowledgements in ‘Book of Honour’ 1973.
Jack Epstein served as a rifleman in the King’s Royal Rifle Corps. He fought in Italy as part of the Allied Sicilian campaign, but was seriously wounded and subsequently hospitalised for 6 months to recover. Jack arrived in Sydney in 1951 and in the same year, he joined NAJEX (NSW Association of Jewish Ex-Servicemen and Women). From 1951 to 1973 he worked tirelessly to compile information on the contribution of Australian Jews during WWII, collecting details on those who had served in Australian forces; those killed in action or died as prisoners of war; compiling military decorations, photos and stories. His research was the basis for the book ‘Australian Jewry’s Book of Honour World War II’, published and edited by Gerald Pynt. Jack Epstein’s research was fundamental in recording and honouring Jewish Australians who served in campaigns during WWII.
“My grateful thanks are due to NAJEX historian Jack Epstein, without whose zeal and enthusiasm this book could not have been started…” - Gerald Pynt, acknowledgements in ‘Book of Honour’ 1973.
Production date 1939 - 1945
Subjectimmigration, NAJEX, decorations (military), injuries, service records, Australian Jewish history, military service
Object namemedals
Dimensions
- width: 127.00 mm
height: 95.00 mm
Credit lineSydney Jewish Museum Collection, Donated by Odette Epstein