Showing 130 items
matching bomber aircraft
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Kyneton RSL Sub Branch
Match box holder, 1942 hand-made
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 -
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc
Oral History, My RAAF Experience by Keith R.E. Johnston, 1980's
K. Johnston was in the RAAF from September 1941 until December 1945 and was a B-24 Liberator pilot between 1942 and December 1945. He was attached to Fifth Bomber Command USAF the 12 Squadron RAAF.This oral history of Keith Johnston is of historical significance because it provides a first hand account of this individual's experiences during World War II as a member of the RAAF who trained at Bradfield Park Sydney and Bundaberg and saw active service during the Pacific conflict flying B-24 Liberator aircraft in New Guinea and Darwin.A4 paper printed transcript, stapled in cornerMy RAAF Experience by R.E.Johnston, photo of 12 Squadron RAAF badge, Flight Lieutenant 12 Squadron RAAForal history raaf world war ii -
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc
Oral History, Momograoh of Activities 1944/1945 Russell (Buck) Rogers
R. Rogers was in the RAAF from 1944 until December 1945 and was a B-24 Liberator Ball Turret Gunner between July 1944 and December 1945 with 23 Squadron RAAF.This oral history of Russell Rogers is of historical significance because it provides a first hand account of the individual's experience during World War II.As a member of the RAAF he saw active service in the Pacific conflict in a B-24 Liberator aircraft from Leyburn,Fenton,Morotai and Balikpapan.A4 paper printed transcript in plastic cover.B.24 Liberator R.A.A.F. 23 Squadron Heavy Bomber. Monograph of Activities 1944/1945, Russell (Buck) Rogers. Warrant Officer 58413. Ball Turret Gunneroral history raaf world war ii -
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc
Suitcase from Mason Day Frecker, 1930s
Suitcase issued to aircraft captains or crew by RAAF during World War II. The contents of M D Frecker's suitcase include World War II medals awarded to the owner, photographs, maps, pilots' handbooks, language dictionaries (Malay, Pidgin, Japanese), propaganda leaflets dropped by Japanese.Has historical and social significance, also research significance. Provenance known, owner piloted B-24 Liberator bombers and General Blamey's personal aircraft; item was donated by son. Great interpretive potential.Worn dark suitcase belonging to Mason Day Frekker, strong cardboard covered with 'leatherette', metal fasteners on front, with carry handle. Suitcase contains Flying Log Book RAAF, Wedding Photo, National Archives Record Search Mason Day Frecker, Distinguished Flying Medal Register WW2 x 3, Papers on Medals and Victorian Ground Crew Numbers, Files 1 - 2 - 3 - Photographs, Leaflets, Pilots' Notes, Maps - Germany (28 maps), Buttons and badges and other medals."RAAF/402653/Frecker/M.D." on top surface, "M.D.F." on front surface under handle.b24 liberator bomber, world war ii, raaf pilot, world war ii aerial photographs, a22.00 -
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc
Astro Compass MKII, Air Ministry Compass made at Sperti, 1940-1950
Used by the Navigator in a B-24 Liberator bomberAir Ministry CompassAstronomical Compass used by the Navigator in B-24 Liberator aircraft. Complete in original wooden box.Compass marked - A.M. Astro compass MKII CA/1174 Box marked - Delicate instrument, to be handled with great care.astro compass mkii, a7 -
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc
Aircraft, B-24 Liberator, Consolidated Aircraft Corporation, c. 1940
... aircraft, liberator, bomber.... aircraft, liberator, bomber wwii Consolidated Aircraft Corporation ...This particular aircraft was modified with a search radar in the lower fuselage to help locate and track targets and was then redesignated as a B-24R model. The RAAF took A72-176 on charge in late 1944 and this saw it issued to 7 OTU (Operational Training Unit) based at Tocumwal, south west NSW. The training saw bomber crews learn how to fly the bomber, operate as a team and work with fighters. Towards the end of the war there were up to 50 aircraft located at Tocumwal along with 5000 personnel. A72-176 was noted as flown on training missions by various aircrew.This aircraft is one of the only remaining B-24 bombers in the southern hemisphere and 1 of only 8 remaining B-24 airframes still existing in the world, out of the nearly 19,000 which were originally built. The restoration honours the contribution of one of the RAAF’s main bombers of the WWII era. This restored Liberator aircraft was assembled from parts salvaged from B-24M models, manufactured during the 1940s in the USA. Made from aluminium, the plane is 68 feet long, with a wingspan of 110 feet, and is metallic silver with a distinctive blue and white target design on each side. The aircraft is powered by four wing-mounted engines, and is fitted with 10 heavy machine guns.Registration number on side of fuselage at rear of plane: 'A72-176' Inscription on side of fuselage at front of plane: 'ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE / US ARMY B24-10 CO / AIR FORCES SERIAL NUMBER 44-41956' aircraft, liberator, bomber, wwii -
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc
Accessory - Belt Buckle
Large Forged Iron embossed belt buckle.B-24 LIBERATOR, 1939-1989, 50th ANNIVERSARY (on front) LIMITED EDITION 50th ANNIVERSARY ISSUE,B-24 LIBERATOR, 1989 BUCKLE CONNECTION, SERIAL 0612 OF 1939. B-24 LIBERATOR Origin: Consolidated Vultee Aircraft Co Type: Long-range bomber with normal crew of 10 History: First flight(xb 24) December 29 1939 Withdraw from service 1955-56 It was built in bigger numbers than any other American aircraft in history and served on every front in WW11 and with15 allied nations. -
Moorabbin Air Museum
Book (item) - Anatomy of Aircraft, The Anatomy of Aircraft Ninety years of development from the Wright Flyer to the B2 Stealth bomber
... Flyer to the B2 Stealth bomber Aircraft Anatomy ...Aircraft Anatomy -
Moorabbin Air Museum
Photograph - various WW2 aircraft, includes , New Guinea theatre, Junkers, ME109, Fokkers, ME262, Heinkel, Beaufort bombers, Fishermans bend, Hellfire, Lockheed Lightning, Mustang, B17, Kittyhawk, Lincoln, Hurricane, Spitfire, Constellation, Avenger, Hudson, P40, Beaufighter, Burma, Mosquito, Vickers Wellesley, Banshee, Typhoon, Lockheed Hudson, CAC WW2 aircraft from Keith Meggs collection
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Moorabbin Air Museum
Document - Enemy Aircraft:- Dornier 217 E/1 Twin Engine Bomber No.U5DN, Examination of BMW 801A/1 Engine File No.17A, Farnborough Report No.EA. 41/22
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Moorabbin Air Museum
Assorted drawings and articles on small experimental aircraft - Description for details Keith Meggs Collection
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Moorabbin Air Museum
Document (Item) - The Future Interception Of Subsonic Bombers By E.C Cornford, B.A and M Powley, B.Sc
Royal Aircraft Establishment Technical Note No. G.W.6 -
Moorabbin Air Museum
Document - CAC Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation, CA.4 Bomber
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Moorabbin Air Museum
Mixed media (item) - Brian Ridgeway Collection Miscellaneous aircraft photos, newspaper items etc. See under "Description" Section
... April, 1941 Aircraft Identificaiton. Italian Fiters, Bombers... Training Bulletin number 2 Booklet 1942 Aircraft Spotters Guide ... -
Moorabbin Air Museum
Mixed media (item) - Brian Ridgeway Collection Miscellaneous aircraft photos, newspaper items etc. See under "Description" Section
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Moorabbin Air Museum
Album (item) - German Aircraft WW2 - Various technical info on German bombers and fighters
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Moorabbin Air Museum
Document (item) - Bryan Ridgeway Collection See Description for list of items
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Moorabbin Air Museum
Photograph (item) - Image of Moorabbin Air Museum's Bristol Beaufort Cockpit, Beaufort Cockpit Restored to Original 1943 Configuration
Caption reads: A major step towards the restoration of the entire aircraft, the nose section of a World War II RAAF Beaufort bomber is now on display. Authentically restored over a period of 20 years, the cockpit is a virtual time capsule from 1943. -
Moorabbin Air Museum
Photograph (item) - Image of Bristol Beaufort Construction in Victoria
Caption reads: This factory in Victoria is now being reconverted to peactime aircraft building. Plant is seen here during wartime construction of Beaufort torpedo bombers.Mar 46 -
Moorabbin Air Museum
Machine - Avro Lincoln RF392 (G-Aprj "G-29-1"), 1945
Historical Details: AVRO LINCOLN B.2 G-APRJ/RF342 DELIVERED TO RAF FROM AVRO 6-1945. RAF 6-1945 to 7-1948 at TFU. AWA LTD/EMI LTD LOAN FROM RAF 7-1948/7-1955 D NAPIER & SONS LTD LOAN FROM RAF 7-1955 / 12-1958 SOLD TO D NAPIER & SONS LTD LUTON 12-1958; SOLD TO COLLEG. Description: The Avro Lincoln bomber was the successor to the famous Avro 683 Lancaster of World War 2 . In the immediate post war era the Australian Government Aircraft Factory undertook the licenced manufacture of 73 Lincolns for the RAAF the first of which flew. Level of Importance: Regional -
Moorabbin Air Museum
Functional Object - De Havilland Mosquito Undercarriage Leg (Sectionalised)
Historical Details: . Description: The world war II wooden fighter bomber, the de Havilland Mosquito, used rubber blocks in its undercarriage legs for shock absorbtion. The original idea dated from at least as early as 1926 and had been used on some pre-war British light aircraft, but the. Level of Importance: -
Moorabbin Air Museum
Machine - Rolls Royce Avon 6,500 Lbs Of Thrust Turbo Jet
Historical Details: Example of the Avon Engine built locally by CAC to support the local manufacture of the GAF Canberra Bombers. Description: The Avon was first run in 1946 and entered service in 1950. When Australia decided to build the Sabre the Avon engine was chosen as its power plant and CAC built the Avon under licence. The Avon powered many aircraft including the GAF Canberra and H. Level of Importance: s/n CA21504A -
Moorabbin Air Museum
Machine - De Havilland DH112 Sea Venom N4-901 (WZ901)
Historical Details: . Description: The de Havilland Venom was a development of the de Havilland Vampire and first appeared as a single seat fighter/bomber in 1949. Further demand for a two seat version suitable for aircraft carrier operation in the all-weather interceptor role, resulted in. Level of Importance: State -
Moorabbin Air Museum
Machine - DAP (Bristol) Beaufort Mk VII (Cockpit) A9-150
Historical Details: . Description: The DAP (Bristol) Beaufort Bomber cockpit A9-150, was acquired in 2005 following restoration by Ralph Cusack to raise funds for his airworthy restoration of Beaufort A9-141. The Beaufort Bomber was the first product of the Department of Aircraft Produc. Level of Importance: State -
Moorabbin Air Museum
Equipment (item) - Graviscope for Lincoln (Australian) RAAF Ident No G6C/3972, Graviscope for Lincoln
Description White plastic doubled sided Graviscope stored in protective leather carry case. Case is fitted with pair of press studs, pocket in front for holding instructions and is stamped "Graviscope / for / Lincoln / (Australian) / Manufactured by / Melb > W & G < Aust / R.A.A.F / Ident. No G6C/3972". Plastic graviscope consists of a 277mm white disc, printed on both sides, overlaid on one side by a 224mm disc and the other side by a 175mm disc. All discs located by central screw, to which is attached a 160mm long x 25mm wide clear celluloid strip. History / Summary The graviscope is a computing device, which in aircraft was used for measuring the centre of gravity in an aircraft. This would vary depending on crew, bomb load, fuel and stores carried. It was used in the British designed but Australian manufactured, Government Aircraft Factory (GAF) Lincoln heavy bomber, which was operated by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) in the years following the Second World War. This aircraft was originally a derivative of the famous Avro Lancaster bomber. The Lincoln was used by both the RAAF and the Royal Air Force in operations against Malayan Communist terrorists during the Malayan Emergency, 1948-1960. This graviscope is of the type designed for and used by RAAF and RAF aircrew who operated this aircraft.Many by W and G Australia -
Moorabbin Air Museum
Book (Item) - Bomber Command
Description: Wright Cyclone - 9 Manuals Installation Note (Operation) and Aircraft Lubrication AAP Date: Author: Amended to AL Publisher: Various Pages: Binding: Content/Keywords: Level of Importance: . -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Lester Neil Ingram with his Morris Ten Series II delivery van, c.1942
The van is a Morris Ten Series II which was manufactured 1935-1937. The numeral only Victorian Registration plate 112-984 was part of the sequence of numeral only plates issued 1910-1939. Lester Neil Ingram was born at Kew, 8 November 1911, the son of John and Ada (Key) Ingram of Research. According to Electoral Roll records, in 1903, John Ingram was a farmer at Lancefield, his wife Ada, a milliner. By 1906, John Ingram was a baker at Research and from about 1912, an orchardist. The family moved to Anglesea River sometime between 1937 and 1942. A sheet metal worker by trade, Lester had run the bakery business for 14 years, his father retired, and was working as a baker at Anglesea when he enlisted in the R.A.A.F. on 5 December 1941 at Melbourne. Previously he had worked as a baker at Research (1937). He undertook training as Aircrew at No. 4 Initial Training School at Victor Harbour, South Australia, followed by No. 1 Wireless Air Gunners School at Ballarat, Victoria, and No. 3 Bombing and Gunnery School, West Sale, Victoria. On October 15, 1942 Lester qualified as an Air Gunner, promoted to Sergeant, and was posted to 1 Embarkation Depot at Ascot Vale, Victoria, and attached to R.A.F. UK. Lester embarked from Australia December 2, 1942 and arrived at 11 Personnel Despatch and Reception Depot on January 13, 1943. On March 9 he was transferred to 10 Operational Training Unit, Group No. 91, Bomber Command, R.A.F. Lester’s service file reveals that on the evening of 22 April 1943, Lester was a member of the aircrew of Whitley V bomber, N.1374. The airframe had run 1,127 hours. A full moon was just rising. The flight was non-operational, its purpose a dual conversion on type mission flown by a student pilot with almost two hours completed at night on similar flights. They had just changed aircraft as their previous aircraft had become unserviceable. The pilot had accepted the aircraft, which was technically unserviceable as the NCO in charge of flight had not completed the inspection paperwork correctly. The aircraft had undergone a major engine repair the day before. The aircraft took off at 2348 hours from R.A.F. Abington. It was reported that the aircraft take-off was quite normal and after climbing to 800 feet it passed out of view of the ground observers. A few seconds later the aircraft crashed, and it was reported that the sound of the engines seemed to become desynchronised. The crash occurred one and a half miles northwest of Longworth, Berkshire and the aircraft destroyed by fire. It carried a crew of five. Lester is commemorated on the Eltham Roll of Honour Board, which was commissioned by the Eltham War Memorial Trust to be hung in the Eltham Infant Welfare Centre, part of complex of buildings that form the Eltham War Memorial. The Honour Roll is presently (2023) hanging in the Eltham Library Community Gallery space. Lester was remembered with the following notices published in The Argus newspaper, Saturday 22 April 1944, p2: INGRAM. —In treasured memories you are with me still. Sgt. Lester Neil Ingram, killed, aircraft accident, England, April 22, 1943. (Mother and father.) INGRAM. —In proud and ever loving memory of Lester, 410236, Sgt. L. N. Ingram, R.A.A.F., air crash England, April 22, 1943. —Per ardua ad astra. (Ellen Peake and family.) [“Per ardua ad astra” is a Latin phrase meaning “through adversity to the stars” or “through struggle to the stars” which was the motto of the Royal Air Force and other Commonwealth air forces such as the Royal Australian Air Force.] And from his fiancé Ellen, in The Argus, Wednesday, 5 May 1943, p2: INGRAM. —On April 22 (result of aircraft accident near Lodgeworth Village, Berks, England), Sgt. Lester Neil Ingram, R.A.A.F., fiance of Ellen. -Treasured memories till we meet again. Lester is buried at Brookwood Military Cemetery, Surrey, United Kingdom, Grave 4. 1. 11. INGRAM, Flt. Sgt. LESTER NEIL, 410236. R.A.A.F. 22nd April 1943. Age 31. Son of John and Ada Ingram, of Anglesea, Victoria, Australia. He gave his life For freedom’s cause ◊ ◊ ◊ LEST WE FORGET “They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them.”On reverse "Lester Ingram"112-984 (victorian registration), lester neil ingram, morris ten series ii, bakery, delivery van, pam thoonen (nee ingram) collection -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Leading Aircraftsman, Lester Neil Ingram, RAAF, c.1943
Lester Neil Ingram was born at Kew, 8 November 1911, the son of John and Ada (Key) Ingram of Research. According to Electoral Roll records, in 1903, John Ingram was a farmer at Lancefield, his wife Ada, a milliner. By 1906, John Ingram was a baker at Research and from about 1912, an orchardist. The family moved to Anglesea River sometime between 1943 and 1949. A sheet metal worker by trade, Lester had run the bakery business for 14 years, his father retired, and was working as a baker at Anglesea when he enlisted in the R.A.A.F. on 5 December 1941 at Melbourne. Previously he had worked as a baker at Research (1937). He undertook training as Aircrew at No. 4 Initial Training School at Victor Harbour, South Australia, followed by No. 1 Wireless Air Gunners School at Ballarat, Victoria, and No. 3 Bombing and Gunnery School, West Sale, Victoria. On October 15, 1942 Lester qualified as an Air Gunner, promoted to Sergeant, and was posted to 1 Embarkation Depot at Ascot Vale, Victoria, and attached to R.A.F. UK. Lester embarked from Australia December 2, 1942 and arrived at 11 Personnel Despatch and Reception Depot on January 13, 1943. On March 9 he was transferred to 10 Operational Training Unit, Group No. 91, Bomber Command, R.A.F. Lester’s service file reveals that on the evening of 22 April 1943, Lester was a member of the aircrew of Whitley V bomber, N.1374. The airframe had run 1,127 hours. A full moon was just rising. The flight was non-operational, its purpose a dual conversion on type mission flown by a student pilot with almost two hours completed at night on similar flights. They had just changed aircraft as their previous aircraft had become unserviceable. The pilot had accepted the aircraft, which was technically unserviceable as the NCO in charge of flight had not completed the inspection paperwork correctly. The aircraft had undergone a major engine repair the day before. The aircraft took off at 2348 hours from R.A.F. Abington. It was reported that the aircraft take-off was quite normal and after climbing to 800 feet it passed out of view of the ground observers. A few seconds later the aircraft crashed, and it was reported that the sound of the engines seemed to become desynchronised. The crash occurred one and a half miles northwest of Longworth, Berkshire and the aircraft destroyed by fire. It carried a crew of five. Lester is commemorated on the Eltham Roll of Honour Board, which was commissioned by the Eltham War Memorial Trust to be hung in the Eltham Infant Welfare Centre, part of complex of buildings that form the Eltham War Memorial. The Honour Roll is presently (2023) hanging in the Eltham Library Community Gallery space. Lester was remembered with the following notices published in The Argus newspaper, Saturday 22 April 1944, p2: INGRAM. —In treasured memories you are with me still. Sgt. Lester Neil Ingram, killed, aircraft accident, England, April 22, 1943. (Mother and father.) INGRAM. —In proud and ever loving memory of Lester, 410236, Sgt. L. N. Ingram, R.A.A.F., air crash England, April 22, 1943. —Per ardua ad astra. (Ellen Peake and family.) [“Per ardua ad astra” is a Latin phrase meaning “through adversity to the stars” or “through struggle to the stars” which was the motto of the Royal Air Force and other Commonwealth air forces such as the Royal Australian Air Force.] And from his fiancé Ellen, in The Argus, Wednesday, 5 May 1943, p2: INGRAM. —On April 22 (result of aircraft accident near Lodgeworth Village, Berks, England), Sgt. Lester Neil Ingram, R.A.A.F., fiance of Ellen. -Treasured memories till we meet again. Lester is buried at Brookwood Military Cemetery, Surrey, United Kingdom, Grave 4. 1. 11. INGRAM, Flt. Sgt. LESTER NEIL, 410236. R.A.A.F. 22nd April 1943. Age 31. Son of John and Ada Ingram, of Anglesea, Victoria, Australia. He gave his life For freedom’s cause ◊ ◊ ◊ LEST WE FORGET “They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them.”On reverse "Lester Ingram"lester neil ingram, baker, eltham, honour board, raaf, research (vic.), roll of honour, pam thoonen (nee ingram) collection -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Leading Aircraftsman, Lester Neil Ingram, RAAF, c.1943
Lester Neil Ingram was born at Kew, 8 November 1911, the son of John and Ada (Key) Ingram of Research. According to Electoral Roll records, in 1903, John Ingram was a farmer at Lancefield, his wife Ada, a milliner. By 1906, John Ingram was a baker at Research and from about 1912, an orchardist. The family moved to Anglesea River sometime between 1943 and 1949. A sheet metal worker by trade, Lester had run the bakery business for 14 years, his father retired, and was working as a baker at Anglesea when he enlisted in the R.A.A.F. on 5 December 1941 at Melbourne. Previously he had worked as a baker at Research (1937). He undertook training as Aircrew at No. 4 Initial Training School at Victor Harbour, South Australia, followed by No. 1 Wireless Air Gunners School at Ballarat, Victoria, and No. 3 Bombing and Gunnery School, West Sale, Victoria. On October 15, 1942 Lester qualified as an Air Gunner, promoted to Sergeant, and was posted to 1 Embarkation Depot at Ascot Vale, Victoria, and attached to R.A.F. UK. Lester embarked from Australia December 2, 1942 and arrived at 11 Personnel Despatch and Reception Depot on January 13, 1943. On March 9 he was transferred to 10 Operational Training Unit, Group No. 91, Bomber Command, R.A.F. Lester’s service file reveals that on the evening of 22 April 1943, Lester was a member of the aircrew of Whitley V bomber, N.1374. The airframe had run 1,127 hours. A full moon was just rising. The flight was non-operational, its purpose a dual conversion on type mission flown by a student pilot with almost two hours completed at night on similar flights. They had just changed aircraft as their previous aircraft had become unserviceable. The pilot had accepted the aircraft, which was technically unserviceable as the NCO in charge of flight had not completed the inspection paperwork correctly. The aircraft had undergone a major engine repair the day before. The aircraft took off at 2348 hours from R.A.F. Abington. It was reported that the aircraft take-off was quite normal and after climbing to 800 feet it passed out of view of the ground observers. A few seconds later the aircraft crashed, and it was reported that the sound of the engines seemed to become desynchronised. The crash occurred one and a half miles northwest of Longworth, Berkshire and the aircraft destroyed by fire. It carried a crew of five. Lester is commemorated on the Eltham Roll of Honour Board, which was commissioned by the Eltham War Memorial Trust to be hung in the Eltham Infant Welfare Centre, part of complex of buildings that form the Eltham War Memorial. The Honour Roll is presently (2023) hanging in the Eltham Library Community Gallery space. Lester was remembered with the following notices published in The Argus newspaper, Saturday 22 April 1944, p2: INGRAM. —In treasured memories you are with me still. Sgt. Lester Neil Ingram, killed, aircraft accident, England, April 22, 1943. (Mother and father.) INGRAM. —In proud and ever loving memory of Lester, 410236, Sgt. L. N. Ingram, R.A.A.F., air crash England, April 22, 1943. —Per ardua ad astra. (Ellen Peake and family.) [“Per ardua ad astra” is a Latin phrase meaning “through adversity to the stars” or “through struggle to the stars” which was the motto of the Royal Air Force and other Commonwealth air forces such as the Royal Australian Air Force.] And from his fiancé Ellen, in The Argus, Wednesday, 5 May 1943, p2: INGRAM. —On April 22 (result of aircraft accident near Lodgeworth Village, Berks, England), Sgt. Lester Neil Ingram, R.A.A.F., fiance of Ellen. -Treasured memories till we meet again. Lester is buried at Brookwood Military Cemetery, Surrey, United Kingdom, Grave 4. 1. 11. INGRAM, Flt. Sgt. LESTER NEIL, 410236. R.A.A.F. 22nd April 1943. Age 31. Son of John and Ada Ingram, of Anglesea, Victoria, Australia. He gave his life For freedom’s cause ◊ ◊ ◊ LEST WE FORGET “They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them.”On reverse "Lester Ingram"lester neil ingram, baker, eltham, honour board, raaf, research (vic.), roll of honour, pam thoonen (nee ingram) collection -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Leading Aircraftsman, Lester Neil Ingram, RAAF, c.1943
Lester Neil Ingram was born at Kew, 8 November 1911, the son of John and Ada (Key) Ingram of Research. According to Electoral Roll records, in 1903, John Ingram was a farmer at Lancefield, his wife Ada, a milliner. By 1906, John Ingram was a baker at Research and from about 1912, an orchardist. The family moved to Anglesea River sometime between 1943 and 1949. A sheet metal worker by trade, Lester had run the bakery business for 14 years, his father retired, and was working as a baker at Anglesea when he enlisted in the R.A.A.F. on 5 December 1941 at Melbourne. Previously he had worked as a baker at Research (1937). He undertook training as Aircrew at No. 4 Initial Training School at Victor Harbour, South Australia, followed by No. 1 Wireless Air Gunners School at Ballarat, Victoria, and No. 3 Bombing and Gunnery School, West Sale, Victoria. On October 15, 1942 Lester qualified as an Air Gunner, promoted to Sergeant, and was posted to 1 Embarkation Depot at Ascot Vale, Victoria, and attached to R.A.F. UK. Lester embarked from Australia December 2, 1942 and arrived at 11 Personnel Despatch and Reception Depot on January 13, 1943. On March 9 he was transferred to 10 Operational Training Unit, Group No. 91, Bomber Command, R.A.F. Lester’s service file reveals that on the evening of 22 April 1943, Lester was a member of the aircrew of Whitley V bomber, N.1374. The airframe had run 1,127 hours. A full moon was just rising. The flight was non-operational, its purpose a dual conversion on type mission flown by a student pilot with almost two hours completed at night on similar flights. They had just changed aircraft as their previous aircraft had become unserviceable. The pilot had accepted the aircraft, which was technically unserviceable as the NCO in charge of flight had not completed the inspection paperwork correctly. The aircraft had undergone a major engine repair the day before. The aircraft took off at 2348 hours from R.A.F. Abington. It was reported that the aircraft take-off was quite normal and after climbing to 800 feet it passed out of view of the ground observers. A few seconds later the aircraft crashed, and it was reported that the sound of the engines seemed to become desynchronised. The crash occurred one and a half miles northwest of Longworth, Berkshire and the aircraft destroyed by fire. It carried a crew of five. Lester is commemorated on the Eltham Roll of Honour Board, which was commissioned by the Eltham War Memorial Trust to be hung in the Eltham Infant Welfare Centre, part of complex of buildings that form the Eltham War Memorial. The Honour Roll is presently (2023) hanging in the Eltham Library Community Gallery space. Lester was remembered with the following notices published in The Argus newspaper, Saturday 22 April 1944, p2: INGRAM. —In treasured memories you are with me still. Sgt. Lester Neil Ingram, killed, aircraft accident, England, April 22, 1943. (Mother and father.) INGRAM. —In proud and ever loving memory of Lester, 410236, Sgt. L. N. Ingram, R.A.A.F., air crash England, April 22, 1943. —Per ardua ad astra. (Ellen Peake and family.) [“Per ardua ad astra” is a Latin phrase meaning “through adversity to the stars” or “through struggle to the stars” which was the motto of the Royal Air Force and other Commonwealth air forces such as the Royal Australian Air Force.] And from his fiancé Ellen, in The Argus, Wednesday, 5 May 1943, p2: INGRAM. —On April 22 (result of aircraft accident near Lodgeworth Village, Berks, England), Sgt. Lester Neil Ingram, R.A.A.F., fiance of Ellen. -Treasured memories till we meet again. Lester is buried at Brookwood Military Cemetery, Surrey, United Kingdom, Grave 4. 1. 11. INGRAM, Flt. Sgt. LESTER NEIL, 410236. R.A.A.F. 22nd April 1943. Age 31. Son of John and Ada Ingram, of Anglesea, Victoria, Australia. He gave his life For freedom’s cause ◊ ◊ ◊ LEST WE FORGET “They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them.”On reverse "Lester Ingram"lester neil ingram, baker, eltham, honour board, raaf, research (vic.), roll of honour, pam thoonen (nee ingram) collection