Photo of Bluey Truscott. Squadron Leader Keith William (Bluey) Truscott was regarded as one of Australia’s most well known WW2 fighter pilot aces. He was born on the 17/5/1916 and died over Exmouth, Western Australia on 28/3/1943 in an Aircraft accident whilst on duty. He initially trained under the Commonwealth Empire Training Scheme In Canada at the beginning of WW2, and later on was posted to Number 452 Squadron England where he flew Spitfires over Europe. He was awarded the distinguished Flying Cross in 1941 for his Air action and bravery. In 1942 he was further awarded the DFC Bar for further outstanding Air action and bravery. He returned to Australia and commanded number 76 Squadron who undertook duties in Papua New Guinea, specifically Milne Bay. When with 76 Squadron they largely flew Kittyhawks. There is a club named after SQN LDR Truscott, called the Truscott Club, at Airforce Base Darwin. There is also a decommissioned WW2 Airfield in the Kimberley’s called after him ( Truscott Air Base). Truscott has more recently been called Mungalu-Truscott Air Base as it is now owned by the traditional people of the Wunambal Gaambera. The Airfield is now used for commercial and private flying and is heritage listed under the National Trust of Australia (W.A.) due to its historical significance relating to WW2 and the remaining artefacts that are still in place presently. Bluey Truscott was also a well known Australian Rules Football player prior to WW2 having played for Melbourne. Photograph of Keith William (Bluey) Truscott in uniform.ww2, bluey truscott, flying cross

Darwin, Pacific, New Guinea & surrender of Japanesesecond world war (ww2), 1939 - 1945, photo/pictures, ballarat rsl, ballarat

This object relates to SGT Francis John BALMAIN VX133588, 2/1 AUST FORESTRY COYSilver engraved - "HQ R.A.E. 2ND DIV."; Note from Sgt F J Balmain reads "A memento of my 21st Birthday Darwin 24.10.1943 at Coomalie Creek"second world war (ww2), 1939 - 1945, collectables, ballarat rsl, ballarat

Darwin after the bombing; convoys taking supplies; Alice Springs cup 1942; various

Darwin was bombed by Japanese fighter bombers from Feb 1942 until Nov 1943. On 19 February 1942 Darwin itself was bombed. Japanese fighters and bombers attacked the port and shipping in the harbour twice during the day, killing 252 Allied service personnel and civilians. On 3 March Broome, in Western Australia, was strafed. In succeeding months air attacks were made on many towns in northern Australia including Wyndham, Port Hedland and Derby in Western Australia, Darwin and Katherine in the Northern Territory, Townsville and Mossman in Queensland, and Horn Island in the Torres Strait. Despite popular fears these raids were not the precursor to an invasion but they did serve to interrupt the use of Darwin's port facilities. The raids also tied up anti aircraft defences and air force units that would have otherwise been sent to more forward areas. The Bombing of Darwin www.awm.gov.auFolded metal to cover a match box top and bottom and one side. Would leave one side of the box exposed to strike a match. Lettering on top and bottom created by letter punchFront: Zero Mitsubishi Fighter Shot down over Darwin 19/2/1942 Back: From Frank to Dad.ww2, souvenir, darwin

1. Card sent by "Alfred W. Baron" VX29810, 14th Anti Tank battery, A.I.F. to his mother. 2. Card sent by Alfred W. Baron, VX29810 to his mother. Part of the Cooper Collection.1. Illustrated Christmas/New Year card. Front cover has word "Greetings" in blue and red type. Below is a drawing of a cannon above a colour patch. Across the bottom 'Darwin 1941' are printed in black type. Inside type in blue below a red coloured Rising Sun badge. Card tied with blue and red cord on LHS. 2. Black and white illustrated Christmas/New Year card folded into four quarters. Front illustration features a Kangaroo and joey. Inside illustrations feature a soldier in uniform and two cannon crews. Text in black type. In unfolded section - hand drawn illustration and message in black ink.1. Handwritten on inside: "Your Loving son, Alf". 2. Handwritten illustration in black ink. Handwritten message in black ink: "To my Dear Mum from your ever loving son, Alf xxxxxxx"cooper collection, alfred w baron, christmas card, ww2, 14th anti-tank battery