Showing 437 items matching "raf"
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Federation University Historical Collection
Postcard - black and white, Saint-Omer - Le Rue de Calais, c1913
Saint-Omer is a commune and sub-prefecture of the Pas-de-Calais department 68 km west-northwest of Lille on the railway to Calais. The town is named after Saint Audomar, who brought Christianity to the area. (Wikipedia) During World War I on 8 October 1914, the British Royal Flying Corps (RFC) arrived in Saint-Omer and a headquarters was established at the aerodrome next to the local race course. For the following four years, Saint-Omer was a focal point for all RFC operations in the field. Although most squadrons only used Saint-Omer as a transit camp before moving on to other locations, the base grew in importance as it increased its logistic support to the RFC. Many Royal Air Force squadrons can trace their roots to formation at Saint-Omer during this period. Among which are No. IX Squadron RAF which was formed at Saint-Omer, 14 December 1914 and No. 16 Squadron RAF which was formed on 10 February 1915. (Wikipedia)Black and white postcard showing a group of children and some adults surrounding a horse drawn cart. The cobble stone street is lined with double story buildings. chatham-holmes family collection, saint-omer, world war, world war 1, postcard -
Ringwood RSL Sub-Branch
Photograph - Photo, middle east soldiers with locals, WW2
00154.1 RAAF Liberator flying over RAAF Base Dubbo Strip 250 00154.2 Crashed RAF Mosquito near Narramine NSW at Strip 650 Duddo. 00154.3 Vulter Vengenance at Strip 650 Dubbo NSW 00154.4 Planes and staff at Dubbo. 00154.5 Crashed Tiger Moth suspended in trees. 00154.6 RAAF Base Dubbo Strip 250 00154.7. “. “. “. “. “ Stores Depot. 00154.8. “ Officers and other ranks thought to taken at Dubbo NSW WW2. -
Tramways/East Melbourne RSL Sub Branch - RSL Victoria Listing id: 27511
Plaque, Royal Airforce Squadron Plaque, 1940's
This piece was given to servicemen to commemorate service, in each unit that they served. A bronze mounted on a wooden plaque, with the insignia of the Royal Airforce Squadron 14, and Arabic Script that translates to 'I spread my wings and keep my promise.'On the back of the plaque in black pen is marked 'On permanent loan from: 543369 Norman Storey, RAF, 14 Bomber Squadron M.E 1940 - 1943'. Marked on a white label on the back is also the translation of the script 'I spread my wings and keep my promise. (Arabic Script).' ww2, royal aiforce, 14, english royal airforce -
Bendigo Military Museum
Film - PHOTOGRAPH, FRAMED
Frederick Gardner DAVEY was born in Bendigo & worked at Hume & Iser prior to enlisting. He initially enlisted as No V24918 in the 17th Machine Gun Regt in 1939 aged 22. Fred was discharged from the Army with the rank of Sgt in 10.9.1941. He then applied to join the RAAF & was finally accepted & began his service on 30.1.1942 No 410533. Finally he was posted to No 44 Sqd RAF Rhodesian which were Lancasters on 16.3.1944, so named because 25% of the aircrew & ground staff were from Rhodesia. Fred flew on the Nuremberg Raid on 30/31.3.1944 which suffered the costliest in terms of RAF losses in a single night. A total of 779 aircraft were on the raid & 105 aircraft were lost with 534 crew & 157 captured. His Sqd during the war had the 3rd highest losses in Bomber Command. Fred flew 35 missions in total & was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in 1944. He was presented with his DFC at an investure at Buckingham Palace on 18.5.1945. Fred was discharged from the RAAF with the rank of Flying Officer on 28.9.1945.Framed colour portrait photo of a man in RAAF uniform. Frame is metal with photo covered in clear plastic. Folding stand attached at back.On mounting of photo: Vincent Riely Bendigophotography, portrait, raaf -
Frankston RSL Sub Branch
Sextant, Bubble
Bubble Sextant model Mark 1XA type A.M. 6B/218 in protective storage box. Complete, with operation instructions. This is an aviation navigation instrument used by the RAF and RAAF during the World War 2 era. A sextant is used to measure the altitude of celestial bodies above a horizontal line of reference. A navigator can use the horizon as this line of reference, but when an aircraft is above the clouds or flying at night, the navigator can’t see the horizon. The bubble sextant solves this problem by providing an artificial horizon.The storage case has a label with the following: "A.M. 6B/218 MK IX A" and the number "10772/42 (V)" -
Moorabbin Air Museum
Equipment (item) - Royal Air Force (RAF) Aircrew Portable Oxygen Cylinder MK1A Ref. No. 6D/266
Case marked with Portable Oxygen Set MK1A Ref No 6D/266 AM Ref No. 6D/265 -
Lara RSL Sub Branch
Picture Lancaster Bomber Instrument Panel, Lancaster Bomber Instrument Panel S for Sugar R5868
Heavy 4 engines Avro-Lancaster Bomber - piIot area and instrument panel in service with R.A.F. during World War II. Registration S for Sugar R5868.World War 2 , heavy 4 engined Bomber Registration Number S for Sugar R5868 maintained at R.A.F. Museum Hendon U.K.Rectangular shaped color print of the interior of a Lancaster Bomber showing the pilots area and aircraft instrument cluster. Rear of the frame is a small strip stating photograph by Tony Watts - title - "After the Battle magazine. Lancaster Cockpit - that of R5868 at the RAF museum, Hendon U.K. Sticker - GEELONG PICTURE FRAMERS - Art Posters . Prints . Framing 70 Ryrie Street, Geelong- Telephone - (052) 29 7805world war two, avro lancaster bomber, r5868 -
Frankston RSL Sub Branch
Calculator, Course & Speed, E.R Watts & Son London Pty Ltd
Course and Speed calculator used as a navigational aid by Air Force pilots to calculate aircraft relative groundspeed whilst allowing for wind speed and direction. A similar example (MKIIA version) can be seen at the following Imperial War Museum web page: Inscribed "COURSE & SPEED CALCULATOR MKII", "E.R.WATTS & Son No 757/35", "A.M. REF No 6B/119".raaf, navigation, calculator, ww2, raf, aircraft, course, speed, wind drift -
Bendigo Military Museum
Photograph - PHOTOGRAPHS, BLACK & WHITE, R.A.F, c1946
Relates to the service of R.A.F. SQNLDR VMK James, in Hong Kong 1946.Seven Black and white photos. 1. Japanese war criminals lined up with RAF guards 8 Sep 1945. 2. Pix of a building Pan Yuen (Officers Mess). 3. Pix of three men, two Europeans, one Chinese. 4. Pix of bogged "Blitz Truck" on beach. 5. Pix of UK Soldiers in font of Japanese truck. 7 Sep 1946, looking for an American Airman. 6. Portrait of Chan Chung Hang given to SQNLDR VMK James. 7. Pix of Chinese children at a Christmas party.ww2, hong king, kowloon -
Dandenong/Cranbourne RSL Sub Branch
Spitfire Aircraft, framed print, Circa 1940
This is a print of a Supermarine Spitfire Mk1, 19th SQN, Royal Air Force, RAF Duxford -Summer 1940. (Refer https://ww2-weapons.com/supermarine-spitfire-mk-i-2/ ) ( This Print was kindly donated by the Family of the Late Alan Leslie Menlove British Soldier ) The print has description in writing regarding - Propeller, Merlin Engine, Spitfire Genesis, Armour Protection, Stopping the Luftwaffe, Spitfire P9386, No. 19 Sqn, Subsequent Spitfires, Armament, Carburettor, Main Undercarriage, Tactics, Camouflage, Manoeuvrability Wooden dark stain frame, glass protection over print. . Refer Physical description and photographs. -
Australian Gliding Museum
Machine - Glider – Sailplane, 1967
The Slingsby T53 glider was designed by J. Sellars in the 1960s as an easily maintained two seat trainer suitable for RAF Air Training Corp use and for sale in the USA and Australian markets where wooden gliders were becoming less popular. The Slingsby T53 prototype first flew in 1967. The T53B version has a conventional fixed tailplane with elevator instead of the all-moving tailplane of the original type. The “B” version also has ailerons of narrower chord and lacks wing flaps. Further changes were made to the fin (extended above the tailplane) for the final “C” version. Production of the T53 at Slingsby was disrupted by a fire at the factory in 1968. As a consequence the contract to supply 40 of the type to the RAF was cancelled and only a relatively small number (possibly 27) were made by Slingsby before the project was discontinued. The rights were later sold to Yorkshire Sailplanes. It designated the glider as the YS53 Sovereign – only a few were produced (possibly 3). The Australian Gliding Museum’s example is a type “B” model. It bears serial number 1686 and was manufactured in 1967. It was registered in Australia as VH-GUB in name of Boonah Gliding Club, Boonah, which is about 90 kilometres south west of Brisbane in Queensland. Locally it was called “the Bomber”! This exhibit is a representative example of the Slingsby T53 sailplane type. It is a rarity in Australia.All metal twin seat glider / sailplane, painted white with red tips and markings.“Slingsby T53B” on each side of fuselage below cockpit opening; Registration VH-GUB on each side of fuselage at rear.australian gliding, glider, sailplane, slingsby, t53, sellars, boonah gliding club, slocombe, boyle -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Photograph, 14/9/1943
Crew of "M" for Mother, a Lancaster aircraft belonging to No. 467 Squadron RAAF in Bomber Command. The Squadron is based at RAF Station Waddington, and this crew is just preparing to take off on a raid over Berlin. Left to right: 417035 Flight Sergeant (Flt Sgt, later Flying Officer [FO]) John Warrington Scott of Ballarat, Victoria; 413558 Flt Sgt (later FO) George Edward Erickson of Sydney, NSW; 412890 Flt Sgt (later Flight Lieutenant [Flt Lt]) Albert Reginald Thomas Boys of Sydney, NSW; 11615 Sergeant (later Flt Sgt) Charles Edward Adair of Swan Hills, NSW (lost on operations over Germany on 23 September 1943); 414407 Flt Sgt (later Flt Lt) Bertram Raymond Jones of Wyandra, Queensland; 400444 Flt Sgt (later Flt Lt) John Hudson Wilkinson, (later Distinguished Flying Cross), (bending down) of Rutherglen, Victoria (lost on operations over Europe on 30 August 1944); Sgt E L Tull, RAF. From collection of photographs and cuttings dedicated to the memory of WILKINSON JOHN HUDSON : Service Number - 400444 : Date of birth - 18 Feb 1914 : Place of birth - RUTHERGLEN VIC : Place of enlistment - MELBOURNE : Next of Kin - WILKINSON HUDSON. The crew of “M for Mother”, a Lancaster bomber from 467 Squadron, preparing to take off on a raid over Berlin. John Wilkinson is standing at far right. Wilkinson was awarded the distinguished flying cross in March 1944 and tragically killed in action over Germany in August 1944. black and white photograph of seven airmen in front of Lancaster bomber planeRear of photograph - John Wilkinson on right standing behind man bent over pilot, kia, killed in action, dfc, distinguished flying cross, wwii, world war two, air force, lancaster, 1944 -
Melbourne Legacy
Document - Article, Legatee Richard Wheeler, President 1986
A cutting from from a Melbourne Legacy President's report showing a photo of Legatee Richard Norman Wheeler (President of Melbourne Legacy in 1986). It was collected to be a record of a photo of past presidents. During World War 2 Dick served as a pilot with the RAAF and the RAF in North Africa, Italy and Yugoslavia. He joined Melbourne Legacy in 1976. The newspaper cuttings of his death notice from September 1989. The article was part of an album of past presidents from 1965 to 1989. The folder included biographical details and obituaries, eulogies and death notices of prominent Legatees. The items have been catalogued separately.A record of Legatee Dick Wheeler a past president of Legacy. The information was collected to record the lives of prominent legatees in a folder.An article with a black and white photo of Legatee Richard Wheeler - President 1986 and two newspaper cuttings of his death notice.past presidents, dick wheeler -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Clothing - MEN'S BLACK WOOLLEN SWIMMING TRUNKS, 3/10/1943
Donated by the great niece of Richard Harry Adams Flight Sergeant Richard Harry Adams, Date of birth 6/2/1922. Place of birth, Brighton Victoria. Brighton State School and Hampton High School. Completed Merit Certificate on 18.12.1936. Enrolled in architectural draughtsman course at Melbourne Technical College May 1938 - May 1940. Occupation in civil life Architectural Draughtsman, applied for RAAF air crew 30.4.1940. Listed sports and games: running swimming, tennis, shooting, bicycle riding, cricket, camping, 8 years' scouting experience and a member of the YMCA. Enlisted 21.6.1941. Conflict/operation: 2nd World War,1939-1945, Height 5'11'', Weight 10 stone 5 lbs. NoK: Father Albert Ward Adams, Rate collector. Place of enlistment, Melbourne. Service No. 409012. Embarked at Sydney 2.11.1941. Service RAAF No. 1449 Flight (RAF). Date of death, 3.10.1943. Place of death Scilly Islands, Cornwall, UK. Aircraft: Hurricane WL BD 729 - Single-engine, single-seat monoplane fighters/fighter bombers. Casuality notification for ''P'' file. Name:409012 F/Sgt. ADAMS, R, H. Att. RAF U.K. Nature of casualty: Missing believed, killed air.ops from UK. Casualty Report No. 280. Date 3 October 1943. C.D. 155/43 ZMen's black woollen swimming trunks. Wide ribbed horizontal pattern. Front skirt panel over trunks. Decorative double line of black and white zig zag seams forming belt keeper loops at waist. Embroidered patch on lower front of LHS with a picture of a sailing yacht. White cotton woven belt with silver coloured clip fastener.costume, male, swimming trunks -
Bendigo Military Museum
Uniform - SHIRT COLLARS, RAAF, Alfred Portrate, 5) and .6) 1946
Part of Flight Lieutenant Ian A. 'Joe' Lyons MBE Collection. See Catalogue No. 5374P for details of his service record..1) to .8) Detachable starched blue/grey shirt collars by various manufacturers..1) Stamped on the inside: 'Pelaco 15' and 'Ian Lyons'. .2) and .3) Stamped on the inside: 'VAN HEUSEN, 15 1/2, STYLE RAF, PATEND AND MADE IN AUSTRALIA'. .4), .7) and .8) Stamped on the inside: ' Ian Lyons, A (upwards arrow) E, 15 1/2'. .5) and .6) Stamped on the inside: ' ALFRED PORTRATE, 1946, MADE IN AUSTRALIA'.uniform, raaf, ian a. lyons -
Bendigo Military Museum
Photograph - SUNDERLAND PHOTO, Post 1943
Item in the collection of Reginald Charles Allardice No 418557 RAAF. Refer Cat No 3627.5 for his service details.Aerial B & W photo of a Sunderland Flying Boat over land. On the rear a paper is pasted to with typed writing in purple.On rear, “ BRITISH OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPH, No CH 3210 Air Ministry photograph - crown copyright reserved. On patrol, a short Sunderland Flying Boat of the RAF Coastal Command sets out on a patrol. This particular aircraft is flown by the RAAF Squadron operating with Coastal Command The Sqd is on the 9,000 hours flying mark during its 16 months operating duty in this country”photography, sunderlands, military -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Photograph - Eleven Airmen WWII, Alwyn Till
Probably group of class at Empire Air Training Scheme held in Canada Members named on rear of photographBlack and white photograph of 11 airmen 4 standingNames on rear|Rear Row Sgt Scott RAAF| Sgt Williams (Dan)|RAAF| Sgt Till Alwyn RAAF| Sgt Thurston RNZAF| Sgt Hall RNZAF|Front Row Sgt Sansome RAAF| Sgt|Grigg RAAF| Sgt Davey RAAF| Sgt Wilson RAAF| P/O Amey RAF| Sgt Drury RNZAFalwyn till, empire air training scheme, r a a f, ww2 -
Moorabbin Air Museum
Clothing (item) - RAF H-Type Heated Flying Suit
Inside the suit it is labelled with abroad arrow mark Code No. 8848 Stores Ref No. 22C/1013 Size MEDIUM Serial No. 1064 Inspector 7 -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Letter
Letter dated 7/1/1945 from Wing Commander ???? 83 Squadron RAF in Lincolnshire to Mrs Wilkinson acknowledging her letter dated 30/11/1944 seeking names and addresses of members of her late son's crew on the night they went missing. From collection of photographs and cuttings dedicated to the memory of WILKINSON JOHN HUDSON : Service Number - 400444 : Date of birth - 18 Feb 1914 : Place of birth - RUTHERGLEN VIC : Place of enlistment - MELBOURNE : Next of Kin - WILKINSON HUDSON. Wilkinson was awarded the distinguished flying cross in March 1944 and tragically killed in action over Germany also in 1944. See also 237 and 240. Original letter in black type Single page with embossed crest letterheadpilot, kia, killed in action, dfc, distinguished flying cross, wwii, world war two, air force -
Melbourne Legacy
Document, Leigh F Johns 60th birthday, 1983
This document was written to celebrate the 60th birthday of Legatee Leigh Johns in 1983. It is a collection of poems written about L/ Johns by different authors as a tribute to him reaching 60 years of age. Leigh Johns was born in 1923, the date of the founding of Melbourne Legacy, and became a Legatee in 1956, serving on 15 ML Boards and as an executive member of the Legacy Co-ordinating Council . He had a distinguished war record in the RAF during WWII and survived 32 bombing raids over France and Germany. He was an enthusiastic contributor of poetry to the Melbourne Legacy Bulletin which explains why this document is in the form of a poem. He was granted Reserve status in 2001 and died in 2008.The tone of the document reveals the affection with which Leigh Johns was regarded amongst his peers, and illustrates the collegiality which existed in the organisation during his membership.White A4 photocopy paper with black type x 13 pages.'Box 16' on title page. Typed title 'Leigh F Johns / 60th Birthday / 10 February 1983'.legatee, birthday -
Bendigo Military Museum
Award - MEDAL DFC, C.1944 - 46
Allan Frederick GOODALL DFC. Allan enlisted in the RAAF on 10.10.1941 No 409828 age 18 years. He was mustered as Aircrew on elisted and was designated as WO/AG ( Wireless operator Air Gunner) on 23.7.1942. he rose through the ranks from AC2, LAC, Sgt, F/Sgt, W/O, F/O to Flt/Lt on 1.3.1945. Embarked for England on 24.8.1942 and posted to RAF Station Bournemouth on 18 .11.1942, posted to MEC (Middle East Command) with 150 Sqd RAF flying Wellingtons from North Africa. On 21.12.1943 on a non operational flight from Africa to Italy his flight crashed into Mt Etna, they were coming out of a cloud when the Pilot saw Etna. Allan as least injured made sure his mates were okay and sheltered he walked down to a nearby village (Maletto) to get help. Allan spent from 21.12.1943 to 5.1.1944 in hospital with Abrasions. He was awarded the DFC (Distinguished Flying Cross) in 1944 for operations over Italy, at the time he was classed as Sqd Signals Leader. According to his records he flew 37 Operational sorties. He was discharged from the RAAF on 3.1.1946. The crew of the Plane were; Bruce Hayman (NZ) Pilot, Fractured leg. Allan Goodall Aust (WOP/AG) abrasions and injured wrist. Alan Warner (Aust) Navigator, Fractured Ankle. Y.F.Redknap (UK) injured shoulder. C.A. Carr (UK) Fractured Dorsal Spine. J.E. Ward (UK) Dislocated shoulder. Alfred Dugdale (UK) Deceased. Tony Moore (UK) Deceased. Both are buried at the Catania War Cemetery Sicily. Refer Cat No 1025P for his photo.543.1 Medal-Distinguished FLying Cross won by FO Alan F Goodall. Rear of medal is engraved "Italy FO Alan Goodall 1944" 543.2 Case-to suit DFC above. Case rear has a note "Alan's sister Jean, Mrs R.T Mitchell, 22 O'Dea Cres Kangaroo Flat 3555 471428." Written inside case in pen "F/O Alan Goodall Bendigo Won in Italy 1944 Presented by HRH Duke of Gloucester 13-11-1946"awards, dfc ww2, raaf -
Bendigo Military Museum
Photograph - PHOTOGRAPHS, 1939-1945
Donated by W.G. Selwyn 421514 RAAF .1) Sir Winston Churchill in centre of a crowd. .2 This photo is the same as the Imperial War Museum photo, item C3780. U 459 was scuttled after being severely damaged by the RAF. 24 JULY 1943. .3 This photo is the same as the Imperial War Museum photo, item C3543. Its caption is titled "TWO AUSTRALIAN SUNDERLANDS DESTROY A U BOAT". caption reads..."Original wartime caption: Depth charges from Sunderland "P" straddling U-boat which had been apparently partially disabled by "F"'s attack and unable to crash dive. Wake shows U-boat still capable of considerable surface speed, unsuccessfully attempting to evade the Sunderland's attack, which ultimately "killed" it."..1) Photograph- black and white, crowd, horse and Sir Winston Churchill .2) Photograph- black and white photo of a submarine circling and damaged after air attack ..3) photograph- black and white white photo, submarine under air attack from Australian Sunderland aircraft.photograph, sir winston churchill, u boats second world war., u 459. -
Federation University Historical Collection
Book - Booklet, Soldiering On: The Australian Army at Home and Overseas, 1942
Belonged to Clarence (Clarrie) Edward Nicholls who was a communications person on the Sunderland Flying Boats. He was in the Battle of Britain. He was seconded to the RAF and flew out of Plymouth. He was shot down a number of times. He was in the peace keeping corps in Japan and then Korea, and then went into the full time Korea. At one time Clarrie and his two brothers were in New Guinea at the same time. They knew they were all there together but they could not find each other, and officials would not tell them where they were. He flew the last Sunderland back to Lake Boga. He wanted to buzz his parents in Wodonga so he knew he was on the way, but the authorities wouldn't let him. Clarrie Nicholls was a flag bearer for the Melbourne Olympics.Red hard covered book of 200 pages. The following images are by official war artist Geoff Mainwaring (SX13471) who later taught painting at the Ballarat Technical Art School. * 'And Again. So-Heave', page 121 * 'Day's Work Done', page 121 * Untitled image, pg 185 Includes photographs of General Sir Thomas Blamey, Corporal Jim Gordon, John Lavarack, Iven Maccay, Australian Women's Army Service, Convalescent Diggers at Heidelberg Hospital; and maps of the Malay Peninsula and Singapore.clarence nicholls, nicholls, world war 2, geoffrey mainwaring, new guinea, singapore, libya, solomon islands, charles bush, ivor heale, g.j. browning -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Newspaper - Newspaper Cutting
Photograph of Australian crew J W Scott, Ballarat, G E Erikson, Balmain, A R T Boys, Dulwich Hill Sydney, C E Adair, Swan Hill, B R Jones, Wyandra, J H Wilkinson, Rutherglen, E L Tull (RAF) and K G Campbell of Willoughby taken prior to a raid on Berlin on the night August 31. From collection of photographs and cuttings dedicated to the memory of WILKINSON JOHN HUDSON : Service Number - 400444 : Date of birth - 18 Feb 1914 : Place of birth - RUTHERGLEN VIC : Place of enlistment - MELBOURNE : Next of Kin - WILKINSON HUDSON. Wilkinson was awarded the distinguished flying cross in March 1944 and tragically killed in action over Germany also in 1944. See also 237 and 240. Newspaper cutting of picture of airmen with plane in backgroundpilot, kia, killed in action, dfc, distinguished flying cross, wwii, world war two, air force -
Lara RSL Sub Branch
Framed Picture Print of a Lancaster Bomber
The Lancaster Bomber was one of the most famous aircraft of World War II. It first saw service in 1941 and became the RAF’s main bomber during the war. The first prototype Lancaster flew in January, 1941. A total of 7,377 Lancasters were made, after the first one rolled off the production line in October, 1941. It carried a crew of 7 and could fly at about 454 kmh. The plane was just over 21 metres long, had a wingspan of 31 metres and a flying range of 4,000 km. The Lancaster was normally armed with 8 Browning machine guns, as well as bombs. Some planes were modified so they could carry the so called Grand Slam bomb, weighing 10,000 kg. During World War II, Lancasters flew over 156,000 sorties, or raids. They dropped over 50 million incendiary bombs and over 608,000 tons of explosive bombs.One of the most famous bombing raids was a 1942 raid on Cologne, Germany. Over 1,000 bombers dropped bombs on the industrial city, destroying over 600 acres. Many Lancaster crew members were given medals for heroic actions while flying. Guy Gibson had flown 170 missions by the age of 24 and was awarded the Victoria Cross. Towards the end of World War II, Lancaster Bombers dropped food into the occupied Netherlands.Rectangular shaped glass covered picture frame with photo print of a Lancaster Bomber.lancaster bomber, ww2, avro, lara r.s.l. british aircraft. -
Lara RSL Sub Branch
World War 2 War Graves of Lara Men, Photograph of Head Stone of grave site Pte. A. Bowler at Bomana War Cementary, New Guinea and Grave Site of Flight Lieutenant J.S. Austin DFC grave site Adelaide River, N. T
Flt Lt J S Austin DFC, 400363. No 608 Sqn RAF, Nos 32, 13 & 2 Sqns. Stock agent of Lara, Vic; b Melbourne 15 May 1918. Died of illness 9 Nov 1943. Timor was the target for the night of 6 July, when Flight Lieutenant "Bunny" Austin (A16-207) led five Hudsons to bomb Koepang town. The next night he led back seven aircraft against the airfield at Penfoei, attacking before dawn on the 8th prior to United States Liberators bombing the runways and barracks. 75 Austin's aircraft was caught by Penfoei's master defensive searchlight, and Austin used violent evasion and switching on and off of his IFF equipment, a tactic used in Europe. The radar-controlled searchlights went out. Flying Officer Mick Helsham (A16-160) attacked first to act as a pathfinder and mark the target for the other Hudsons and Liberators:Full service records of J. S. Austin held by Lara R.S.L.Plain Sheet A4 paper with 2 photographs 1. A. Bowler W. 9.8 cm H. 13.8 cm photograph 2. J.S. Austin W. 1`5.9 cm H. 10.0 cmA4 sheet heading as: W.W. 2 War Graves of Lara Men. Note on photograph 1. Grave of A. Bowler, Bomana War Cemetery.r.a.f., graves, lara -
Bendigo Military Museum
Photograph - PHOTOGRAPHS FRAMED RAAF, SAFE HOME, C.1944 - 45
John Joseph MASON No 418670 Wireless Air Gunner (WAG) enlisted in the RAAF on 29.5.1942 age 19 years. After 5 Training postings he embarked for Canada on 15.1.1943 arriving 31.1.1943. He then did Training in Edmonton, Calgary and Mossank before embarking to England 21.10.1943 arriving 30.6.1943. After more Training at several postings he was finally posted to No 158 SQD RAF flying Halifax Bombers and commenced operational flying on 5.11.1944. He rose through the ranks to Flt Sgt on 31.12.1944 and then granted a Commission as F/O on 12.3.1945. He transferred to 466 SQD RAAF on 26.5.1945. His records are a bit sketchy but it appears he flew 11 Operational Sorties. His Commission was terminated on 19.3.1946. His brother Hugh who was also in the RAAF and home at the time told the story that when the aircraft was hit his mother new something had happened to Jack.Photograph, framed. Safe home. The frame is black smooth wooden type. A montage of 2 black and white photos and a description. Large photo shows 4 crew members standing in front of a damaged Halifax bomber. Small photo is of air crewman flying officer JACK MASON (WAG) of Bendigo. The story covers the raid that aircraft was on, how the side exploded out, and the crew members names.Rear has "From HUGH MASON and the MASON family"photography - photographs, raaf ww2, 158 sqd -
Melbourne Legacy
Photograph, Anzac Day 1987, 1987
Photo of Fred Bush on Anzac Day 1987. His medals include the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Distinguished Flying Medal. It is assumed Fred Bush was a Legatee. Was found in an envelope marked "For Melbourne Legacy. Anzac Day Parade featuring Legacy Lads.' From his medals it appears he served in the RAF in UK during World War 2 as he has the Europe Air Crew Star. He has a New Zealand War Service medal (on black and white ribbon on far right of photo), which implies he might have originally been from New Zealand. According to Forces War Records UK, the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) is awarded to Officers and Warrant officers for "an act or acts of valour and courage or devotion to duty performed whilst flying in active operations against the enemy". The Distinguished Flying Medal was the other ranks' equivalent to the Distinguished Flying Cross.A record of Legatees marching on Anzac Day and that their medals show a history of distinguished service.Photo of Fred Bush with his medals on Anzac Day 1987.Handwritten on the back 'Fred Bush Anzac Day '87 DFC, DFM' in black pen.anzac day, march, fred bush -
Bendigo Military Museum
Newspaper - NEWSPAPER ARTICLE 2002, original 2002
Item in the collection of Gilbert John Mitchell (Jack) Pre WW2 Jack had service for a brief time in the 38th BN Bendigo No 447203. He enlisted in the RAAF on 31.1.1942 No 410686 age 20 years. Embarked for England on 6.1.1943 for further Training. Posted to 166 Sqd RAF Wellington Bombers then posted Operational to No 466 Sqd RAAF flying Halifax Heavy Bombers. On 18.7.1944 he and his crew in MZ313 were on a mission to attack Railway Sidings at Vaires. This was new Aircraft on 11.6.1944. They were hit by Anti Aircraft shells exploding in the fuselage. The Bomb Aimer Flt/Lt Finley advised the crew to leave by parachute as it was possible the craft could disintegrate. The Pilot Officer R.J. Evans decided to try and get the aircraft back to England, once there they abandoned the craft which was seen to disintegrate in mid air. Both were awarded the DFC. Jack was taken POW and sent to Stalag Luft 1 near Barth on the Baltic Sea for Allied Airmen. The Crew were; Roger John Evans No 410202, enlisted 5.12.1941 age 31 years. Peter Hamiliton Finley No 412294, enlisted 22.6.1941 age 22 years. L.C. Abbott, British/Allied. G.J. Mitchell, POW. Keith Mossman Tranent POW, No 426402, enlisted 20.6.1942 age 19 years 2 months. J.P.T. Finn RAF (Paddy) T.W. Wild British/Allied. On 30.4.1945 The Germans vacated the Camp Jack was in and 2 days later the Russians released them and he was placed in a British Hospital weighing 6 stone. He arrived home in Sept 1945. He stayed in the RAAF No 033130 and served in No 35 Sqd flying VIPs. He was in the Berlin Airlift 1948 - 1949, he also went on exchange with the RAF and flew in No's 24 & 511 Sqd's one a transport the other VIP transport. He was discharged from the RAAF with the rank of Flt/Lt on 6.7.1956 in No 11 Sqd. "Maunder and Sheean". In the article Jacks says that Lofty Maunder always had a joke etc when near the target to settle everyone down. The crew of Halifax LV875 were shot down by a Night Fighter near the target "Terngier" north of Paris 0n 11.4.1944. There was 157 Halifax's on the raid with 10 being lost. The Crew were; John Henry Maunder No 412562, Navigator, enlisted 19.7.1941 age 19 years 10 months. Brian Leo Sheean, No 409855, Wireless Operator, enlisted 1.10.1941 age 18 years. Research shows there were at least 3 more of the Crew KIA. Cecil John Bond No 420433, Pilot, enlisted 8.11.1941 age 19 years 11 months. John Neville Keys No 426112, Bomb Aimer, enlisted 23.5.1942 age 19 years 6 months. Clifford Young Warren No 427047, Rear Gunner, enlisted 26.4.1942 age 19 years 3 months. J.A. White, Flight Engineer, British/Allied. D.K. Messenger, Mid Upper Gunner, British/Allied. Newspaper article Herald Sun 19.4.2002, copy. Article re Jack Mitchell. The article has 6 photo insets 3 of Jack, 2 show Airmen beside an aircraft. The one with 2 Aircrew is "Lofty" Maunder and Jack. The article is mostly about "Maunder and Brian Sheean" mates of Jack. The inset photo of a women in uniform is believed to be "Maunders" English wife who he had married previously. Maunder and Sheean were KIA. "FLY THE FLAG FOR A MATE"newspaper, article, 466 sqd -
Moorabbin Air Museum
Clothing (item) - Tie - Type Unknown, Belonging To W.A.Eacott
This tie was owned by Walter Alexander Scott. Joined RAF December 1940 to be trained as a pilot, he got his wings December 1941, became a night fighter pilot after OTU and posted to 219 Squadron. Was posted to 603 Squadron December 1942 flying Beaufighters on coastal command convoy escorts, desert patrols, supporting Sicilian and Italian invasions (all from the N.African desert, then on Greek Island " Armed Rovers" until 10 November 1943, just at the end of ops, when he was shot down in the Aegean Sea and became a POW the next day 11 November 1943. Transferred to Germany he was in Stalag IVB for 3 months, before exchanging ID with an Irish soldier ,in order to get out of the main camp into a working sub-camp in order to escape. Post war Walter returned to Australia, he became "Citizen of the Year" in Werribee 1992 for his service to the community. In 1993 he was awarded the Order of Australia Medal for services to youth and to the retired. Manufactured by Austico Australia