The seven photographs shown above are part of an anonymous donation, by a relative, of the photographic collection of a former member of No. 3 Squadron RAAF 1939-1945. They cover the African, Sicily and Italian campaigns. The entire collection comprises 175 photographs. The collection has been divided into sets depicting various aspects of 3 Squadron operations. The above images are representative of this particular set of 34 photographs, featuring allied aircraft from British and American squadrons that that shared airfields with 3 Squadron in Africa and Italy. Of note are the photographs from Foggia in Italy, home to dozens of bomber and fighter squadrons. The museum has digitized the complete set.Set of 34 black and white photographs featuring Allied aircraft from other squadrons, Australian, British and American. The full set numbering and description is as follows: 9664.01P Avro Anson Africa.jpg 9664.02P B 17 Italy 2.jpg 9664.03P B17 Italy.jpg 9664.04P B17 Lil Joan 346 Bombr Squadron 99th bomb group Italy.jpg 9664.05P B17.jpg 9664.06P B24 Foggia Italy.jpg 9664.07P B24 Liberator Italy.jpg 9664.08P B24 Transport.jpg 9664.09P B25 Mitchell 1943.jpg 9664.10P B25 Mitchell Italy.jpg 9664.11P Beaufighter with nose radar.jpg 9664.12P Beaufighter.jpg 9664.13P Beaufort.jpg 9664.14P Bristol Blenheim.jpg 9664.15P Bristol Bombay 1st Ambulance Air Unit Africa.jpg 9664.16P Crashed Havoc.jpg 9664.17P Crashed Liberator Italy.jpg 9664.18P Crashed Spitfire.jpg 9664.19P DeHavilland DH86 .jpg 9664.20P Formation of Baltimores at Mtapin Malapis.jpg 9664.21P Havoc.jpg 9664.22P Hawker Fury Africa.jpg 9664.23P Lightening.jpg 9664.24P Lockheed Hudson.jpg 9664.25P Mosquito.jpg 9664.26P P38 Lightning Italy.jpg 9664.27P P47D Thunderbolt.jpg 9664.28P P47G Thunderbolt .jpg 9664.29P Shanghai Lil insignia on Mitchell Loggia Italy 1943.jpg 9664.30P Vultee Vengeance .jpg 9664.31P Walrus.jpg 9664.32P Wellington.jpg 9664.33P Wimpy.jpg 9664.34P Harrow.jpgno. 3 squadron raaf 1939-1945, african campaign ww2, italian campaign ww2, raf squadrons, usaaf squadrons

Navy blue RAF Squadron Leader Mess Jacket with 5 Miniature Medals and 2 Cummerbunds with button fasteners.raaf officer, dining in uniform, formal attire

Maxwell Hay Proctor was a member of the top air crew in his RAF squadron in WW11, 1944. Unfortunately there are no details of Max's squadron. His family may know.A decorative gold metal framed photo of Max Proctor in his RAF uniform with his arms folded, showing his AG, Air Gunner Air Crew Badge, 1939 - 45 Star above his left breast pocket and Sergeant chevron stripes on both sleeves.'AG, Air Gunner Air Crew Badge, 1939 - 45 Star' above his left breast pocket.ww11, royal australian air force, raf 1944, war

From front dustcover flap. "Against All Odds is the story of the small/ band of RAAF pilots who flew with the RAF/ fighter squadrons in the Battle for Malta in 1942".Hardcover book with dustcover. Hardcover - cardboard with red colour buckram, white colour print on spine. Dustcover - paper, with white and black print on red colour background. Illustrated, six small black and white photographs of RAAF pilots and aircraft. Flaps, front and back with printed information. 242 pages, cut, plain, white paper. Illustrated black and white maps and photographs. Endpapers - front and back, black ink print of a map titled "AIRSTRIKE RANGE/ FROM MALTA". FRONT - ADHESIVE OWNER'S LABEL.book, publication, military history, raaf, ww2

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

A copy of the proposal to form the No 44 (Rhodesia) Squadron RAF was sent to F.G. Davey. Davey flew with this squadron during WW2. The proposal gives a brief outline of the squadrons role at the time of the Falklands War and at the time of its disbandment. Davey was not involved with the association as he had passed away in 1975, prior to it being formed. Part of the F.G. Davey Collection. See catalogue no, 3536P for his service record.Two page document on cream coloured paper. Pages are stapled in the top left hand corner with a copper coloured metal staple. Text is printed in black type. Page one had printing on both sides. Page two is a proforma with printing on one side only.no44 (rhodesia) squadron, f.g. davey

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

During the First World War 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. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint-Omer, accessed 14/07/2014) During World War II, the Luftwaffe used the airfield. When the RAF's legless Battle of Britain ace, Douglas Bader, parachuted from his Spitfire during an aerial battle over France, he was initially treated at a Luftwaffe hospital at Saint Omer. He had lost an artificial leg when bailing out, and the RAF dropped him another one during a bombing raid.(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint-Omer, accessed 14/07/2014)Four postcards of Saint Omer in Francechatham-holmes family collection, saint omer, france, ww1, postcard

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

The seven photographs shown above are part of an anonymous donation by a relative of the photographic collection of a former member of No. 3 Squadron RAAF 1939-1945. They cover the African, Sicily and Italian campaigns. The entire collection comprises 175 photographs. The collection has been divided into sets depicting various aspects of 3 Squadron operations. The above images are representative of this particular set of 39 photographs, featuring the various aircraft used by No. 3 Squadron, mainly the P40 Kittyhawk and variants. The museum had digitized the complete set.Set of 39 black and white photographs featuring aircraft flown by No. 3 Squadron RAAF in WW2. The full set numbering and description is as follows: 9662.01P 3 Squadron Africa P40.jpg 9662.02P 3 Squadron Africa Lysander.jpg 9662.03P 3 Squadron badly damaged P40 Tripoli.jpg 9662.04P 3 Squadron Italy P40 with nose art .jpg 9662.05P 3 Squadron P40 Italy 1943.jpg 9662.06P 3 Squadron P40s.jpg 9662.07P 3 Squadron Mustang Italy 1944.jpg 9662.08P P40 caption Sicily 2.jpg 9662.09P P40 Sicily.jpg 9662.10P 3 Squadron bad prang Sicily.jpg 9662.11P 3 Squadron P40 showing tail fin.jpg 9662.12P 3 Squadron Mustang Italy .jpg 9662.13P 3 Squadron Mustang Italy dispersal.jpg 9662.14P Africa Lysander.jpg 9662.15P Africa Lysander.jpg 9662.16P Africa Lysander.jpg 9662.17P Africa Spitfire of 417 Squadron RCAF.jpg 9662.18P American P40.jpg 9662.19P Caption The famous Spitfire.jpg 9662.20P Italy Foggia.jpg 9662.21P Italy P40 .jpg 9662.22P Italy P40 Caption On the job in Italy.jpg 9662.23P Italy P40 taken in Italy.jpg 9662.24P P40 Africa.jpg 9662.25P P40.jpg 9662.26P P40 250 Squadron RAF Sicily Sicily.jpg 9662.27P P40 Africa.jpg 9662.28P P40 ground crew.jpg 9662.29P P40 Italy .jpg 9662.30P P40 loaded with bombs.jpg 9662.31P P40 of 112 Squadron RAF.jpg 9662.32P P40 prang caption Sicily.jpg 9662.33P P40 prang caption Sicily.jpg 9662.34P Pranged P40s from 112 and 250 Squadrons RAF.jpg 9662.35P P40s taking off.jpg 9662.36P Mustang Italy 1944.jpg 9662.37P Sicily P40 bad prang caption taken in Sicily.jpg 9662.38P Squadron P40 prang.jpg 9662.39P Gloster Gladiator Africa .jpgno. 3 squadron raaf 1939-1945, p40 kittyhawk, african campaign ww2

"PATHFINDER" A War Autobiography by Air Vice-Marshal D.C. BENNETT, C.D., C.B.E., D.S.O.. RAF WW2.Hardcover book. Cover - cardboard, dark blue color buckram. Gold print on spine. 287 pages - cut, plain, off white paper. Illustrated black and white photographs. Front and back end papers - owner's stamps. Front end paper - price notation.Front and back end papers - owner's stamp - purple ink "AIR CADET CORPS/ CITY OF BENDIGO SQUADRON. Blue ink "RETURNED & SERVICES LEAGUE/ MEMORIAL HALL BENDIGO" . Front end paper - price notation - grey lead pencil "4590/22/6"books, military history, ww2, autobiography, raf

The original owner Victor James. Squadron Leader. R.A.F Refer Cat no 5084PA large wood shield made for a hardwood, on the shield is a carved British RAF badge. Badge- a crown, flying eagle.At the borrow is a carved wooden banner with the Latin words “per ardua ad astra carved”“Per Ardua Ad Astra”ww2, r.a.f

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

This compass was confiscated from a Japanese soldier, when the Japanese surrendered to the British in Hong Kong, September 1945. It was acquired by Squadron Leader Victor James RAF, stationed in Hong Kong and New Territories Refer Cat No 5084P.Small circular compass of 25mm diameter. It has a black dial. A simple double ended arrow indicates bearing, arrow also has glow in the dark material on end. It has a small black leather strap and buckle. The top outer circumference is divided into segments with Japanese symbols.japanese, wwii, raf, hong kong

Possibly friends of Victor James. Later Squadron Leader Victor James, RAF, WWII. Refer Cat No 5084P..1 Portrait (black and white) photograph of British WWI soldier. He is wearing a peaked cap, leather bandolier. The hat badge appears to be a galloping horse. .2 Portrait (black and white) photograph of a man wearing what appears to be a band uniform with cross straps and loops on his chest, no hat. .3 Portrait (black and white) photograph of a man in civilian suit and tie. He is seated on a bench seat in a studio.1 On rear is noted "Friend of VMKJ 1914-18" .2 On rear is noted "Friend of VMKJ 1914-15" .3 On rear is noted " Freddie Cacusitut Accrington France, 14th Worcesters 1916-1917"wwi, portraits

The Hawker Hurricane is a British single-seat fighter aircraft of the 1930s–40s that was designed and predominantly built by Hawker Aircraft Ltd. for service with the Royal Air Force (RAF). It was overshadowed in the public consciousness by the Supermarine Spitfire's role during Battle of Britain in 1940, but the Hurricane actually inflicted 60 percent of the losses sustained by the Luftwaffe in the engagement, and it went on to fight in all the major theatres of the Second World War. Url Hurricane.html. The Hawker Hurricane Mk.IIc - LF363, first flew on the 1st January 1944 and is believed to be the last Hurricane to enter service in the RAF. It was in service with 63 squadron and 26 squadron. After hostilities, LF363 was spared the scrap yard and used on various station flights and also appeared in films 'Angels one five', 'Reach for the Sky' and 'The Battle of Britain'. Whilst flying to Jersey in September 1991, LF363 suffered engine problems and had to be diverted to RAF Wittering but on the final approach the aircraft suffered complete engine failure and had to make an emergency landing. The pilot was saved with relative minor injuries (a broken ankle and minor burns) but the aircraft suffered severe damage. Historic Flying Limited completely rebuilt LF363 and by 1998 it was flying again as part of the B.B.M.F. LF363 currently wears the colour scheme of a Mk.I Hurricane of 17 squadron, P3878 'YB-W' which was flown by Flying Office Harold Bird-Wilson at Debden and Tangmere. Harold 'Birdy' Bird-Wilson had previously been badly burned in a pre-war flying accident. Upon his recovery he joined 17 squadron and fought through the 'Battle of France' and the 'Battle of Britain' achieving 6 confirmed kills. On 24th September 1940, 'Birdy' was shot down by Adolf Galland, his 40th 'kill', and had to bale out. 'Birdy' survived the war and when he retired from the RAF he had reached the rank of Vice Marshall and had been awarded the CBE, DSO, DFC & Bar and the AFC & Bar. British single-seat fighter aircraft manufactured by Hawker Aircraft, Ltd., in the 1930s and ’40s. The Hurricane was numerically the most important British fighter during the critical early stages of World War II, sharing victory laurels with the Supermarine Spitfire in the Battle of Britain (1940–41) and the defense of Malta (1941–42). Hurricanes served in all theatres of war where British forces were engaged. https://www.britannica.com/technology/Hurricane-airplane Framed coloured picture print on plastic sheetOn the aircraft are the markings LF 363

Maps 11-02-43 Wilhelmshaven,8-03-43 Nurnburg 27-03-43 Berlin, logs Nurnburg and Berlin. Lancaster Squadron 156 Pathfinder RAF Warboys Huntingdonshire.Sgt. Patrick Brougham(Faddy) Commenced operations Feb 1943 killed on operation to Skoda16-04-1943 aged 18 1/2, buried with his six companions Brimond near Rheims France.Maps three Missions and Engineers log for two missions

Awarded to Alan Bowers (A236814) who was a R.A.A.F. dental mechanic who serverd during WWII including service in Darwin, and then continued in the R.A.A.F. for some years after the end of WWII The Royal Australian Air Force (and all Commonwealth Air Forces) Long Service and Good Conduct Medal: Awarded to NCOs and ORs of the RAAF (RAF, RCAF etc) for 15 years service. A cupro-nickel plated medal, the obverse features the sovereign's head, the reverse features the crown and eagle emblem of the RAAF (and RAF). Officers are eligible for the award provided they have served a minimum 12 years in the ranks. The riband is dark blue and maroon with white edges. This medal ceased to be awarded in Australia in 1975 when it was replaced by the National Medal (and sbsequently the DFSM and DLSM) in the Australian system of honours and awards. http://www.heritagemedals.com.au/medals-1/service-long-service/air-force-long-service-and-good-conduct-medal.html History of the RAAF Dental Branch It took six years following the formation of the RAAF in 1921 for the first Dental Clinic to be established at Point Cook, Victoria. On 10th June 1927 Flying Officer James Carl Rosenbrock commenced work as an RAAF Dental Officer for the FlyingTraining School at Point Cook. As personnel numbers were still relatively small, Rosenbrock was also responsible for the dental care of all Victorian RAAF units, which involved treating members at 1AD Laverton, as well as Air Force Headquarters at Victoria Barracks in Melbourne. As Army Dental Officers were currently caring for RAAF personnel at Richmond, NSW, the Senior Dental Officer of the 3rd Military District in Victoria (SDO 3MD) requested through the military board that a similar arrangement be established, where that the newly appointed RAAF Dentist provide part time dental services to the Army units stationed at Queenscliff. This was seen as an effective reciprocal arrangement, with both units having a Dental Officer in attendance for, in total, around 3-4 weeks a year. Rosenbrock continued to serve as the sole RAAF Dental Officer until the middle of 1933, when the Air Board asked for his service to be terminated following ‘behaviour unbecoming of a RAAF officer'. He had borrowed several sums of money, of around 40 Pounds or so, from junior ranks on base (as well as from the Regimental Sergeant Major) and had failed to pay the money back. He was replaced by a fellow Victorian, FLGOFF Norman Henry Andrews, on the 18th Sep 1933, who went on to become our first Director of Dental Services, and was instrumental in establishing the organisations and conditions of the Branch that are still present today. Through a fair amount of persistence and hard work on the part of Norman Andrews, the RAAF Dental Branch began to expand from 1937, with the introduction of 2 additional positions, at RAAF station Richmond, and at the FlyingTraining School at Point Cook. This gave the RAAF 3 uniformed Dental Officers, which was expanded to 5 in the months leading up to WW2. 4 of these Dental Officers were based in Victoria and 1 at Richmond, with the other two RAAF units being cared for by the Army (as in the case of Pearce in WA) or by civilians (as in Darwin). With the sudden increase in RAAF personnel required at the outbreak of WW2, the number of RAAF Dental Officers increased dramatically, from 5 in 1939, 28 in 1940, 64 in 1941, 147 in 1942, 193 in 1943, 219 in 1944, and peaking at 227 in 1945. RAAF Dental Officers were required to work in a variety of locations, both in and out of Australia. Between 1940 and 1942 a massive construction programme occurred, with new dental clinics being established around Australia. Priority was given to aircrew training units in order to get these personnel dentally fit for operational deployment, but Dental Officers could equally find themselves posted to recruit depots, fixed stations, medical clearance stations, mobile dental sections, and RAAF and civilian hospitals. RAAF Dental Officers were posted to the large dental centres at Ascot Vale (Vic) and Bradfield Park (NSW) when first appointed, where they received military and clinical training, before being deployed to their needed location. Mobile Dental Units When Japan entered the war in 1941, the rapid deployment of troops to northern operational areas with less than ideal dental fitness was extremely high. As a result, the RAAF deployed a range of mobile dental units, either alone or with medical sections, to support the increasing number of isolated deployed personnel within Australia and overseas. There were three types of mobile unit used: a. Mobile Dental Unit – relied on using either a semi-trailer to get around or by building a surgery directly on to the truck chassis, and installing hydraulic chairs, units, x-rays, and laboratory equipment. They were able to move around between small units, such as RAAF radar stations, where they could plug into the local power supply and work immediately. b. Transportable Dental Units – used for stops of longer duration, where field equipment was carried in panniers from one unit to another by road or rail and housed in whatever accommodation was available at the destination. They were often carried within Australia on Tiger Moths and Dakota aircraft. c. Itinerant Dental Units – in some areas, the dental equipment was installed at the RAAF unit and the Dental Officer and their staff would travel from unit to unit, using the equipment available at each location. RAAF Dental BadgeAs the war developed in Europe, it soon became obvious that the RAF Dental support was not capable of supporting the increasing numbers of RAAF aircrew that were being sent for service with the RAF, with only enough Dental Officers available to provide one to every 2000 men ( instead of the preferred 1 to 600). As a result, the RAAF provided a mobile dental unit, fitted out in a caravan and pulled by a Ford V8 Coupe, to travel around England in support of RAAF personnel at various squadrons. Some degree of tact was needed to ensure that the RAF did not take this as a comment on the treatment they were providing, but it proved successful in maintaining a satisfactory state of dental fitness in RAAF personnel, and a second mobile unit was soon dispatched. They were also set up with a laboratory on board as well as the surgery, which was a major difference between the RAF and RAAF, as the RAF did not provide dentures for their troops (the RAAF would, providing they had served for 6 years). In 1943 the RAF was no longer able to provide Dental support to Australian troops in the Middle East, which resulted in the need for a transportable dental unit to be deployed from Australia. It functioned in a similar manner to the RAF, by moving from one squadron to another. It served in the Middle East and Africa, from Cairo across North Africa, to Italy, and eventually back to England to treat returned prisoners of war. GPCAPT Norman Andrews The growth and development of the RAAF Dental Branch owes a debt to one man in particular, GPCAPT Norman Andrews. As the second RAAF Dental Officer to enlist on 18 Sep 1933, Andrews became the principal architect of the structure and organisation of the RAAF Dental Branch leading up to and during WW2. Until early 1940, the RAAF Dental Branch was administered by the Director of Medical Services (Air), which placed it under the control of the Army Medical staff. The Army would provide their Inspector of Dental Services for advice whenever needed. In April 1940, the RAAF Medical service separated from the Army, resulting in the control of the RAAF Dental Branch shifting back to the RAAF. Andrews became the first Director of Dental Services, when the position was created in 1943 as recognition of the higher profile the Dental Branch was now playing in the RAAF Medical service. Until this time, Andrews's title had been as the Dental Staff Officer to the RAAF Medical Service. Andrews was responsible for the establishment of the war-time structure of the Dental service, establishing new dental centres at all major bases, creating mobile and transportable dental units, ensuring the continual growth of the Branch, maintaining professional development of staff through the establishment of a professional journal, and by organising renowned lecturers to speak at RAAF bases. He also believed in visiting as many dental units as possible to see for himself what conditions were like and to talk first-hand to staff in remote units. His itinerary during the war years, both in and out of Australia, shows a large number of trips in a variety of modes of transport in order to reach remote areas where units were serving. He was promoted to GPCAPT in July 1944, as the numbers of Dental Officers soon peaked at 227 towards the end of the war (1 GPCAPT, 9 WGCDRs, 60 SQNLDRs, and 157 FLTLTs). After the war, with the reduction in RAAF personnel required in uniform, the Dental Branch also reduced its numbers significantly. By 1947 there were only 18 Dental Officers serving (many part-time), with 1 GPCAPT, 1 WGCDR, 10 SQNLDRs, and 6 FLTLTs, and only 13 by 1950. With the decrease in Branch personnel numbers, the ‘powers to be' saw fit to reduce the Director of Dental Service rank to WGCDR, and as a result Norman Andrews found that in order to continue serving in the RAAF he would have to wear a reduced rank. This appears to have been a contributing factor in his decision to discharge at the relatively early age of 43 and accept an administrative job as Director of the Victorian Government's School Dental Service. Norman Andrews holds the proud honour of being the founder of the RAAF Dental Branch, which during the war was instrumental in educating servicemen of the importance of dental health and maintaining the dental fitness of troops in a variety of areas. Dental Orderlies (Assistants) The dental orderly mustering was first introduced in 1937. Until that time, medical orderlies were assigned to assist the Dental officer with their duties. As early as 1931 it had been noted by both RAAF and Army Dental Officers working in Victoria and Richmond that a lot of the troubles they were having would be solved by appointing a permanent Dental Orderly. Often they would find that the medical orderly they were assigned was a different one each day, and as a result the administration and work in general was very inefficient. By 1937, with the increase in Dental Officers to 3, it was realised that a Dental Orderly mustering needed to be created. Dental Mechanics/Technicians Before WW2, dental laboratory work was provided by civilian laboratories, as most RAAF units were stationed around metropolitan areas. At this time, service personnel were still required to pay for their own dentures, unless they had served for six years or had their dentures damaged during performance of their duties. In July 1940, mainly in response to the development of more remote RAAF dental units and the increasing demand for dental prostheses, the Dental Mechanic mustering was established. Unfortunately there was a very limited pool of civilian dental mechanics to recruit from, and as a result the RAAF set up a training school at Laverton (which was later moved to Ascot Vale) in June 1941 which conducted an intensive 6 month course in Dental mechanics. Dental mechanics were quickly in demand. In all fixed and mobile dental units at least 1 Mechanic was supplied for each Dental Officer, and indeed the RAAF supplied Dental Mechanics throughout all its deployments, something the RAF were unwilling, or unable, to do. Two grades of dental mechanic existed: the Senior Mechanic (with the rank of NCO), who was competent in all phases of laboratory work; and the Junior Mechanic, who could only handle routine work and not more advanced denture work. The progression to Senior required a further trade test in techniques including setting up, clasp-forming, casting and backing teeth. During the course of the War, two special courses were held for Mechanics. The first, directed at senior mechanics so that they could instruct others, was in 1942 when Acrylic Resin was first introduced as a denture base material, as an alternative to the current option of vulcanite. Later, towards the end of the War, a ‘refresher' course was provided for those that had served for the greatest period of time in order to allow them retraining in techniques that they had not practised during their service and which were common in civilian life. This included cast base dentures, crowns and bridges, partial dentures, and retainers. Towards the end of the War, a course was held with WAAAF trainees to train them as Mechanics. However, as the War was soon to end they never had the opportunity to progress within the mustering to become Senior Mechanics. The RAAF Dental Branch has survived 75 years of turbulence, with reviews of its viability occurring regularly every few years from as early as 1937. The Branch continues to provide excellent service to the ADF community and, despite reduced manpower, will continue to play an important role in Air Force Health operations. http://www.defence.gov.au/health/about/docs/RAAFDental.pdf40cm cupro-nickel plated medal, the obverse features the sovereign's head, the reverse features the crown and eagle emblem of the RAAF (and RAF). A23814 BOWERS.A. A. F.r.a.a.f long service medal, r.a.a.f good conduct, r.a.a.f. dental service medal

Index, ill (b/w plates), p.342.non-fictionThe story of Douglas Bader's life is the stuff of legend. After losing both his legs in a flying accident he returned to the RAF at the beginning the Second World War to become Britain's most famous airman and hero. In the Battle of Britain he led his squadron of Spitfires to kill after kill, keeping them going with his unstoppable banter. Shot down in occupied France, his German captors had to confiscate his tin legs in order to stop him trying to escape. And Bader faced it all, disability, leadership and capture, with a charm and determination that was to become an inspiration to all around himbader douglas - biography, battle of britain - history

p.394.fictionWhen war was declared on 3 September 1939, No. 1 Squadron was posted to France to help the BEF halt the German advance. The Squadron is hardy, intensely loyal, and at the beginning of the campaign, hugely successful in shooting down German planes when they are often outnumbered. Then the offensive begins in earnest, the losses mount and the horror of the retreat to Dunkirk gives a whole new meaning to the concept of total war.Told through the experiences of an English pilot, Kit Curtis, who dreams of gallant deeds and personal glory, and a more battle hardened American, Ossie Wolf, this is 'Band of Brothers' for the RAF, a no-holds-barred, action packed war thriller.world war 1939-1945 - britain - aerial operations - fiction, fighter pilots - fiction

p.254fictionIn the summer of 1940, the Battle of Britain rages in the skies over southern England. Nineteen-year-old Pilot Officer Peter Stuyckes arrives at RAF Westhill and is immediately put to the test. Based on the author's own service as an RAF Flight Engineer, Squadron Airborne unfolds over one unforgettable week that summer, depicting the work of the many ground crew and other staff with intensity and brilliance as they support the Few in their fight against the Luftwaffe. world war 1939-1945 - aerial operations - fiction, battle of britain - fiction

Ill, p.244.non-fictionDon Charlwood was born in Melbourne in 1915. Accepted as a RAF navigator in 1940, he was posted to 103 Squadron at Elsham Wolds in the winter of 1942. There he crewed up with a pilot from Western Australia and a British crew to fly a Lancaster bomber. In No Moon Tonight he gives a profound insight into the inner lives of the men of Bomber Command and their hopes and fears in the face of mounting losses. He depicts the appalling human cost of the air war in an account which has been favorably compared to other enduring memoirs of the 1st World War, namely Sassoon's Memoirs of an Infantry Officer and Remarque's All Quiet on the Western Front. A memorable first hand account of the air war over Germany.world war 1939-1945 - aerial operations - britain, world war 1939-1945 - personal narratives - australia

Index, ill, maps, p.193.non-fictionBy the summer of 1940, the overwhelming might of the German air force had triumphed over Poland, Norway, France, Holland and Belgium. As the fighters and bombers of the Luftwaffe amassed on the north west coast of Europe, they had no reason to believe that the heavily outnumbered squadrons of the Royal Air Force (RAF) would prove any more difficult to overcome than their earlier opponents. However, these illusions of invulnerability were soon to be shattered in whirling combats over southern England in the conflict that would be known as the Battle of Britain.world war 1939-1945 - aerial operations - britain, battle of britain

bib, ill, maps, p.144.non-fictionRelates the experiences of RAF bomber squadron 101 to illustrate their social and operational conditions world war 1939-1945 - aerial operarions - britain, royal air fore - 101 squadron

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

During World War II, the city of Modane in the southeast region of France was bombed on 13 or 17 September 1943 by Allied aircraft. The objective of the bombing was the station, an important centre of transit between France and Italy. The bombing caused 60 victims and 100 houses were destroyed. A second bombing took place on the night of 10–11 November 1943. Crew of "M" for Mother, a Lancaster aircraft belonging to No. 467 Squadron RAAF in Bomber Command.included: - 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; 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) 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 Wilkinson was awarded the distinguished flying cross in March 1944. The significance of this item records the names of the Lancaster aircraft flight crew which took part in the second allied bombing of Modane a small city in the south eastern region of France which was an important centre of transit between France and Italy during the second world war. The bombing took place on the 10-11 November 1943 killing five civilians.oval shaped copy of black and white photograph of a Lancaster plane above scroll containing names of servicemen.Modane 10/11.11.1943 Signatures of Sergeant Holt, Sergeant Tull and Flight Sergeant Boysdistinguished flying cross, world war two, air force, modane, france, pilot officer john hudson wilkinson