This dress jacket belonged to Flight Lieutenant Ernest Joseph (Ernie) Abraham who served as a pilot in the 75 (NZ) Squadron during World War II. He earned a Distinguished Flying Cross on 10 November 1945 as he " invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage, and devotion to duty" during the numerous missions he flew. After the war he he taught briefly at Whanganui before operating a country store near Whanganui for four or five years with his wife Muriel. The Abrahams then bought the Albion Hotel at Patea. Later after a period teaching at Waverley District High School he taught from 1966 to 1985 at New Plymouth Boys' High School where he became head of the geography and history departments. He also served as commanding officer of the New Plymouth Air Training Corps. He was also an active lawn bowler and served as president of the Taranaki Bowling Centre as well as being a life member of the East End Bowling Club.