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After looking at your website, I’m very impressed with the content. Thank you for all the efforts that are put into it.
I have a bit of a strange question.
Recently I bought an old watercolour painting (London Thames view) in an antique shop in Brisbane.
On the back is an address: 25 Cobra Street, which I assume is a RAAF address in Amberley.
It also has a name; I think it says ‘Malva Sheehy’.
As this is a watercolour that is about 80 years old, I was wondering if it was related to a RAAF serviceman (and his family) that may have been based there, during or just after WWII.
I noticed the name Michael Brian Sheehy on your website, but I guess there are more potential Sheehy’s that could be a relation to ‘Malva Sheehy’.
Is this something you could help me with?
Or if not, could you guide me in the right direction?
I’m trying to piece together the journey this artwork has been on, and the potential WWII connection is intriguing.
Thank you for your guidance,
Maud Holvast
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Subject: Re: QUERY via AIRMAN AIRCREW ASSOCIATION WEBSITE
Date: Mon, 15 Jun 2026 20:07:34 +1000
From: AA Webmaster <webmaster@airmanaircrew.com.au>
To: Maud Holvast <maud.holvast@gmail.com>
Good Evening, Maud,
Thank you for contacting me and for your comments regarding the RAAF Airman Aircrew Association website.
What an interesting purchase. Yes, Cobra Street was one of the streets within the married quarters area at RAAF Base Amberley. Sadly, the entire married quarters precinct was demolished about 15 years ago to make way for the expansion of the base.
The Michael Brian Sheehy you found on the website was a flight engineer who was based at RAAF Base Richmond during the latter part of his service in the late 1950s and early 1960s. He also served during World War II. It is quite possible that he served at Amberley at some stage and may have had a connection to the painting. Unfortunately, I do not have any contact information for Michael Sheehy's family.
If you are on Facebook, there are several groups where you could post your enquiry. Someone may be able to provide information about the painting or its history. These groups include:
• I Served at RAAF Base Amberley – Past and Present (I served at RAAF Base Amberley Past and Present. | Facebook)
• RAAF Memorial (RAAF Memorial | Facebook)
• RAAF Memories (RAAF Memories | Facebook)
You will need to join these groups before posting.
In the meantime, I will place your email on the message board of the Airman Aircrew Association website. Please check the website from time-to-time in case any responses are received.
If I can be of any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.