This tuba, made between January 1939 and January 1940 by Boosey & Hawkes Ltd, was fomerly played by members of the 2/30th Battalion of the Australian Imperial Force during the World War II period. As a part of the musical band in the military unit, the tuba would have been used to play marching and ceremonial music. Players of this tuba could have likely to be Private Bertie Joseph (Bert) Edmondstone or Private John James (Ben) Templeman, from 2/30th Battalion, an infantry battalion. This unit was formed in November 1940 at Tamworth, New South Wales, Australia. and then sent to Malaya and Singapore. The battalion arrived in Singapore on 15 August 1941 and underwent training in Malaya and Singapore. They fought battles in Malaya and Singapore till the British surrendered on 15 February 1942. Those who stayed on in Singapore became prisoners of war.
