Australia @ War

3 Squadron RAAF engaged in its first aerial combat of WW2

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Dunn) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 10:52:00 +0000

This entry to my "Australia @ War" Blog has been provided by Gordon Clarke:-

On this day (19th November), 69 years ago 3 Squadron RAAF was engaged in its first aerial combat of WW2. At 1340 four Gloster Galdiator IIs took off from Gerawla led by F/L Blake Pelly (260226) on a tactical reconnaissance operation of enemy positions (ie. the Italians). F/L Pelly was in Gladiator N5753 and had as escort S/L Peter Heath (87) in N5750, F/O Alan Rawlinson (386) in L9044 and F/O Alan Boyd in N5752. As they approached the township of Rabia they spotted Italian Fiat CR.42s strafing British troops and tanks that were engaged in a battle with Italian artillery.

At 1300 hours 18 Fiat CR.42 from 13 Gruppo took off from Gambut and comprised of 12 aircraft led by Secondo Revetria with an escort of 6 aircraft led by Guglielmo Chiarini which were some 6,000' higher and behind the initial group of CR.42s. They came across the battle between the Italian artillery and British tanks and Revetria led his formation on a strafing attack of the British positions.

When the Australians led by Pelly saw the Italian Fiats they turned around and headed for their base as per their orders. However, before they had managed to fly any distance they were jumped by the 6 Fiats led by Chiarini, who had estimated the Australian strength at 8 Gladiators. In the ensuing combat the Australian formation was broken up and the other Italian formation entered the fray. In the opening moves of the combat F/O Boyd was attacked by 3 CR.42s, presumably from the section led by Chiarini. By manoeuvring desperately Boyd managed to shoot down two of his attackers and damage the third, unfortunately during the engagement his guns jammed though he managed to free two of them. Then he saw Pelly, who was attempting to land, being attacked by two CR.42s. He went to Pelly's aid. Boyd managed to shoot down one before his two remaining guns jammed again. He took off, hotly pursued by the remaining Fiat at low level, before the latter eventually gave up. Boyd joined up with Pelly, but the latter had to land early when his engine gave out.

The Italian pilots claimed 6 Gladiators shot down with a seventh shared probable and the eighth seriously damaged, which is interesting given there were only 4 in the combat. Of the Australians as already mentioned Pelly landed early due to a damaged oil tank, while Alan Boyd and Alan Rawlinson both landed back at their base. S/L Peter Heath was shot down and killed and it appears buried next to his aircraft by Libyan army personnel, who claimed to have confirmed the six aircraft shot down by the Italians. F/O Boyd claimed four destroyed, but was given three destroyed with the fourth that was last seen trailing black smoke and spinning towards the ground as a probable. F/L Pelly claimed he shot down a CR.42 but was given no credit, while F/O Rawlinson claimed a damaged. Perhaps Pelly did shoot down a Fiat and that is what the Libyan's counted on the ground - one Gladiator and five CR.42s.

Holidaying on the Continent

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Dunn) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 06:44:00 +0000

Holidaying on the Continent
The Journey of an RAAF Volunteer: 1940-45
460 RAAF Squadron
by Richard Munro

When Jim Munro wanted to join the RAAF he had a medical problem with his kidneys so he arranged another person to provide the test sample and Jim was soon training for his Pilot's wings. Like many others, he was "scrubbed" as a pilot and became a bomb aimer and was soon on his way to the United Kingdom.

After further training, he was sent to 460 Squadron RAAF flying Lancasters and then the night raids over German occupied Europe began.

Over the following months Jim and other members of the crew became a tight-knit team, raiding targets such as the notorious Ruhr Valley, Turin in Italy, Cologne, Hamburg, the previously secret Peenemunde rocket works and finally Berlin.

The raid to Berlin was one too many and they were singled out by the famous German night fighter ace, Wilhelm Herget. Using his innovative upward-firing cannons Herget attacked their Lancaster and, on his fourth pass, it was all over.

The Lancaster was in distress, and as it headed down, the crew frantically tried to exit the burning aircraft. Only three of the crew survived when the aircraft suddenly exploded throwing them clear and they parachuted to the ground. The rest of their mates were dead and the three survivors were too badly injured to attempt an escape from the Germans.

After weeks in hospital they were sent to prison camps and Jim Munro became a resident of Stalag IVB.

This excellent book tells the story of Jim Munro, his crew mates, the Lancaster they flew in and the way of life, fears and hopes that the young flyers experienced.

Hard Cover with General and People indexes
251 pages
135 Photographs and Sketches
13 Maps
4 Appendices

To order you copy of this excellent book, send a Cheque
or Money Order for $45:00 (includes postage) to:-

Richard Munro
PO Box 273
Beecroft
NSW 2119
Australia

For overseas orders please contact Richard Munro to determine extra postage charges

Make sure you tell Richard Munro that you found
out about his book on Peter Dunn's "Australia @ War" web site

http://www.ozatwar.com/

In Just Five Years - The RAAF & Nhill in WWII

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Dunn) — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 03:26:00 +0000

IN JUST FIVE YEARS

THE RAAF & NHILL

IN WORLD WAR II 1941 - 1946

The operational history of the RAAF during WWII – its aircraft, battles and heroes – has been well documented. Less well known are the extraordinary contributions of the training systems set up in Australia to support the war efforts not only of Australia but of the Commonwealth.

Kevin O`Reilly has indeed provided a valuable historical reference for RAAF operations in Nhill: its establishment as a training base with No 2 Air Observers (Navigators) School, the early presence of No 1 Operational Training Unit and No 97 Reserve Squadron and finally Air Armament and Gas School. But it is much more than that. The book draws you in with its recollections of a childhood in Nhill in the lead up to and during World War II.

A 208 page pictorial collection of reminiscences, RAAF records, news reports, photographs and official documents covering life in Nhill and the RAAF base in the War years between 1941 - 1946.

Contents include Nhill and District citizens who served in the RAAF and the names of over 800 personnel who served at Nhill either as Trainees, Instructors or Base Staff.

Click here to order your copy

of this excellent book

Please let Kevin O'Reilly know
you found out about his book on
Peter Dunn's "Australia @ War" web site

Miracle of the Mountains

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Dunn) — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 04:28:00 +0000

MIRACLE OF THE MOUNTAINS

Bernard O'Reilly and the Stinson Crash

HTML clipboard"Miracle of the Mountains"
60th Commemoration Edition

An outstanding docu-drama which relives the true story of a humble Australian bushman who sets out to solve the mystery of the Stinson airliner... and succeeds.

Extended version - New footage added!

This is the awe inspiring true story of the resourcefulness, courage and endurance of Australian mountain man, Bernard O'Reilly.

Working on no more than a bushman's intuition, O'Reilly battled for days over miles of dense and seemingly impenetrable rainforest; across ranges so treacherous that a single slip meant certain death, through constant blinding rain to try and locate a downed Stinson airliner.

While the official search continued hundreds of miles to the South, Bernard O'Reilly relentlessly followed his hunch. After a 2 day battle with the elements, he not only miraculously located the crashed Stinson but physically assisted in carrying out the 2 survivors.

This heroic epic is told in graphic docu-drama style with re-enactments so "real" that people who were there in 1937 believed they were seeing film of the actual event.

This is a documentary that will stoke the first of imagination in the most jaded viewer. Acclaimed within Australia, it gives overseas viewers their first unique glimpse of the tough, resilient and courageous breed of men on whom the Australian bush legends are based.

Click here to order your copy of this DVD Video

HTML clipboard
Please let John Schindler know you found out
about this DVD on the "Australia @ War" web site

By the Seats of their Pants

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Dunn) — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 04:20:00 +0000

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BY THE SEATS OF THEIR PANTS
(DVD Video)

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An enthralling flight with the men and women of Australia's aviation past and the spirit they share with the space pioneers of today.

When pilot Dick Scobee blasted off aboard the ill-fated Challenger Space Shuttle, he took with him a unique piece of Australia's aviation history: a rib from Bert Hinkler's glider.

As Dick's widow June recounts, this same piece was miraculously recovered floating in the ocean amongst the Challenger debris.

"By The Seats of their Pants" is a fascination look at Australia's aviators. From pioneers such as Sir Charles Kingsford-Smith, Charles Ulm, and Lores Bonney, through to the pilots of both World Wars and Vietnam, to the barnstorming antics of today's airmen and women.

Experience the thrills of cattle mustering by helicopter in Australia's wild outback, spectacular aerobatics in a rugged Pitt Special, the life-saving endeavours of the Royal Flying Doctor Service and low-level manoeuvers by crop-duster adventurers.

A breathtaking view of Spitfires, F18's, Boston Bombers, Zeros, Kittyhawks. Sopwith Camels, Iroquois Helicopters, Tiger Moths, Catalinas, the Challenger Space Shuttle and many more! This is a first hand account from the pilots who were, and still are, flying "by the seats of their pants".

HTML clipboardDirector: Peter Wiltshire
Editor: Bob Blasdall
Producer: John Schindler

Click here to Order your copy of this great DVD Video

HTML clipboardPlease let John Schindler know you found out
about this DVD on the "Australia @ War" web site

The Story of the Krait - Tigers & Snakes

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Dunn) — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 10:44:00 +0000

THE STORY OF THE KRAIT
TIGERS & SNAKES
(DVD Video)

A gripping special of intrigue, heroism and tragedy. More powerful than fiction because it actually happened.

"Tigers and Snakes" is the story of Z Special Unit and it's men. It is the story of operation "JAYWICK" - a mission that should never have succeeded. It's also the story of a follow up mission that went tragically wrong.

Until now, little was known about the men of Z Special Unit. They were sworn to secrecy. The men of Z Special Unit would never speak of their experiences, not even to each other. "Tigers & Snakes" takes you on the two missions to experience the intrigue, danger and emotions of men at war.

Fourteen men and a tiny ex-Japanese fishing boat the "KRAIT" set out from Exmouth Gulf, to the islands south of Singapore. Reaching their destination, they transfer to canoes and armed with limpet mines proceed to destroy the forty thousand tons of Japanese shipping before returning through Japanese infested waters to Australia.

The second mission "RIMAU" took place almost exactly one year later and with many of the original men. Their objective, much the same as the first mission, enter Singapore Harbour and sink as much as you can. With their target in sight, something went horribly wrong - not one man survived. Why?

We talk to some of the survivors of Operation "JAYWICK" and find out why men volunteer for missions where violent death is an everyday experience.

Click here to order your copy of this great DVD Video

Please let John Schindler know you found out
about this DVD on the "Australia @ War" web site

Hangar 7 Open Day

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Dunn) — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 23:16:00 +0000

Eagle Farm Aviation Society (EFAS) open day at Hangar 7 at Eagle Farm in Brisbane this Sunday 16 Aug 2009 at 1 - 3 pm.

Please spread the word.

http://www.hangar7.org.au

Ph 07 3343 8407 if you would like to attend.

-- Post From My Ipod Touch

EFAS Public Meeting on the North side of Brisbane

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Dunn) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 01:20:00 +0000

"Pub #2", the second in a series of proposed
'around the suburbs' PUBLIC Meetings
to which we aim to attract interested
visitors / cum potential EFAS Inc members.

Eagle Farm Aviation Society Inc.
is holding a 2nd General Meeting at:-

Nundah and Districts Historical Society Inc., rooms,
adjacent to the BCC Nundah Library,
PRIMROSE Lane, NUNDAH

Assemble at 7:00 pm for a 7:30 pm start
on 18 June 2009

Visitors and prospective new
members are welcome to attend.

Help us to renew "The Legend of Hangar 7".

Visit our web page at:-

http://www.hangar7.org.au

Members of A.T.A.I.U. – Allied Technical Air Intelligence
Unit rebuilding a Japanese aircraft in Hangar 7 at Eagle Farm

The Eagle Farm Aviation Society, Inc. (EFAS) has been formed by AHQ - Aerospace Heritage Queensland to develop and then operate the Eagle Farm Community Heritage Centre located in Hangar 7 on the site of the old Eagle Farm airfield. This community heritage facility will be housed in the heritage listed “Hangar 7” which was used by the A.T.A.I.U. – Allied Technical Air Intelligence Unit during WWII.

Aerospace Heritage Queensland (AHQ) was formed with the assistance of the State Government to provide a single voice to Government on aviation heritage matters and to co-ordinate aviation heritage projects within Queensland. It is an amalgamation of several of this State’s present aviation and military museum/collection bodies. Its aim is to promote and provide a Brisbane based showcase for its members’ parent displays.

The Eagle Farm Aviation Society Inc. (EFAS) will work with the Brisbane City Council, the current owner of Hangar 7 towards establishing this community heritage centre. EFAS is working to secure the relevant lease for the hangar and is in negotiations with the Victoria Barracks Historical Society, Brisbane Inc. with the view to a shared occupation of the hangar. EFAS will be responsible for the day to day management and operation of the facility.

We would love to see you at our 2nd General Meeting at:-

Nundah and Districts Historical Society Inc., rooms,
adjacent to the BCC Nundah Library,
PRIMROSE Lane, NUNDAH

Assemble at 7:00 pm for a 7:30 pm start.
on 18 June 2009

AMPLE PARKING AVAILABLE

Please ring Roger Marks (07-3343 8407) to advise if you are able to attend the meeting.

Beaufort Bomber Memorial Unveiling Ceremony

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Dunn) — Sat, 30 May 2009 11:31:00 +0000

At 1720 hours on 10 April 1945, Beaufort bomber A9-670 of 32 Squadron RAAF, crashed at Greenbank, SSW of Brisbane, killing the crew of four. It crashed after completing an air to ground gunnery practice exercise at the nearby Gailes Gunnery Range (also known as the Gailes Armament Range or Gailes Bombing Range) which is now part of the Greenbank Military Camp.

An unveiling Ceremony was held on 27 May 2009 at Grande Park, Grande Avenue, Springfield Lakes in Memory of the following men who were all tragically killed in this accident.

F/O Eric David Stephenson, Pilot
Flt. Sgt. Neville James Barron, Wireless Operator Air Gunner
P/O John George Harvey, Observer
LAC Raymond Patrick McGuigan, passenger

Unveiling of the Memorial by Mayor Paul Pisasale, Mayor of Ipswich, Councillor

Sheila Ireland and Darlene Clark, Project Director Delfin Springfield Lakes

The "missing" Barron Family at the Beaufort Bomber Memorial ceremony.
L to R:- Monica Barron (sister-in-law), Maree Wylie (nee Barron - niece),
Neil Barron (nephew), Sandra Kerr, Jack McClelland (brother-in-law) and
Garry Burton (nephew). Except for Sandra Kerr, all are related (as indicated)
to the late Flt. Sgt. Neville James Barron

http://www.ozatwar.com/ozcrashes/qld91ceremony.htm

500,000th Visitor to "Australia @ War"

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Dunn) — Sat, 30 May 2009 04:20:00 +0000

Congratulations to Don Clark who confirmed with me that he was the half millionth visitor to my "Australia @ War" web site at 8:20 pm on 26 May 2009 (US Time).

A copy of the "Australia @ War" Data DVD will be in the mail to Don for being the 500,000th visitor to the main page.

Regards Peter Dunn
Webmaster of the "Australia @ War" web site.

Half Millionth Visitor soon

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Dunn) — Thu, 21 May 2009 11:32:00 +0000

Gidday ALL,

My "Australia @ War" web site started on 22 June 1996. I just noticed a while ago that the counter for the front page was 499, 372 so in a few days time it will have its half millionth visitor.

I'd like to point out that this is a counter for visitors just to that page only. It is not a site counter, just a page counter. These days I usually get somewhere between 70 and 100 visitors a day to the main front page. I now have well over 5,000 different web pages in the "Australia @ War" web site.

www.ozatwar.com

If you do happen to be the half millionth visitor to the site, send me a screen shot. Just press the "Print Screen" button and paste it into an e-mail or save it as a file and attach it to an e-mail.

Send it to me and I'll send you a complimentary copy of my "Australia @ War" Data DVD.

Regards Peter Dunn

Spitfire collided with B-24 Liberator 18 Sep 1944

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Dunn) — Wed, 20 May 2009 12:08:00 +0000

RAAF B-24 Liberator

RAAF Spitfire

On 18 September 1944, Flying Officer Arthur Keith Kelly (401968) of 452 Squadron RAAF, piloting Spitfire A58-435, was taking part in an interception and attack exercise on B-24 Liberator #42-40935 of the 380th Bomb Group, 5th Air Force over Cape Van Diemen. During a head on simulated attack, F/O Kelly's Spitfire collided with the B-24 and spiralled into the sea. His body was never found.

Collision of a D-82A Tiger Moth with a P-39 Airacobra

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Dunn) — Thu, 07 May 2009 10:29:00 +0000

RAAF Tiger Moth

I received a bundle of photos a few days ago of the 36th Fighter Squadron, 8 Fighter Group. Then last night Justin Taylan of Pacific Wrecks asked me about the crash of a Tiger Moth at Halifax Bay near Townsville on 10 September 1942.

I already had a web page on this crash and at that stage I knew that the pilot, Captain "Hoot" Bevlock, had been killed in this crash and his passenger had bailed out safely. There was a suggestion that the Tiger Moth had collided with another aircraft.

I went through the photos I had received earlier in the week and found two photos of "Hoot" Bevlock and then to my amazement I found a photo of a Tiger Moth at Ross River Airfield in Townsville with the following caption written in pencil on the back of the photo:-

"Bill Bennett - standing. 'Hoot' Bevlock in Gypsy Moth, Ross River, Townsville, Aust. August 1942. 'Hoot' was killed in this plane same day picture was taken. Collided with a P-39 flown by Lt. Grover Gholson."

The above caption incorrectly stated that it was a Gypsy Moth and also stated that the crash was in August 1942 rather than on 10 September 1942. This caption did however confirm that the Tiger Moth had collided with a P-39 Airacobra piloted by Lt. Grover Gholson.

So this would have been the last photograph taken of "Hoot" Bevlock sitting in the Tiger Moth on the day that he was killed.

I have now added the new photos and added some more information about the crash to the following web site.

www.ozatwar.com/ozcrashes/qld133.htm

.

Eagle Farm Aviation Society General meeting 30 April 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Dunn) — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 09:13:00 +0000

Eagle Farm Aviation Society Inc. is holding a General Meeting at the Royal Queensland Aero Club (RQAC) at Beatty Road, Archerfield, President's Room at 7.30 PM THURSDAY, 30 APRIL 2009.

Visitors and prospective new
members are welcome to attend.

Help us to renew "The Legend of Hangar 7".

Visit our web page at:-

http://www.hangar7.org.au

Members of A.T.A.I.U. – Allied Technical Air Intelligence
Unit rebuilding a Japanese aircraft in Hangar 7 at Eagle Farm

The Eagle Farm Aviation Society, Inc. (EFAS) has been formed by AHQ - Aerospace Heritage Queensland to develop and then operate the Eagle Farm Community Heritage Centre located in Hangar 7 on the site of the old Eagle Farm airfield. This community heritage facility will be housed in the heritage listed “Hangar 7” which was used by the A.T.A.I.U. – Allied Technical Air Intelligence Unit during WWII.

Aerospace Heritage Queensland (AHQ) was formed with the assistance of the State Government to provide a single voice to Government on aviation heritage matters and to co-ordinate aviation heritage projects within Queensland. It is an amalgamation of several of this State’s present aviation and military museum/collection bodies. Its aim is to promote and provide a Brisbane based showcase for its members’ parent displays.

The Eagle Farm Aviation Society Inc. (EFAS) will work with the Brisbane City Council, the current owner of Hangar 7 towards establishing this community heritage centre. EFAS is working to secure the relevant lease for the hangar and is in negotiations with the Victoria Barracks Historical Society, Brisbane Inc. with the view to a shared occupation of the hangar. EFAS will be responsible for the day to day management and operation of the facility.

We would love to see you at our General Meeting at:-

Royal Queensland Aero Club (RQAC)
Beatty Road,
Archerfield
President's Room

7.30 PM THURSDAY, 30 APRIL 2009.

Please ring Roger Marks (07-3343 8407) to advise you are able to attend the meeting.

Anzac Day Brisbane 25 April 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Dunn) — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 10:44:00 +0000

Two mates helping each other on Anzac Day

I had the honour again today to march with the veterans of 460 Squadron RAAF on Anzac Day in Brisbane. My late father-in-law, John Goulevitch, was a member of 460 Squadron RAAF.

After the march the 460 Squadron group traditionally retires to the Irish Club in Elizabeth Street, for a meal and few friendly drinks to remember their mates who did not return

Click on the link above to see a new web page with many photos of Anzac Day in Brisbane - 25 April 2009.

6 Stores Depot RAAF, Dubbo, NSW

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Dunn) — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 11:59:00 +0000

6 Stores Depot RAAF Dubbo

The nucleus of 6 Stores Depot RAAF was formed at at 2 Stores Depot at Waterloo in New South Wales on 1 December 1942. The advance party of 6 Stores Depot moved to Dubbo in New South Wales by train on 4 December 1942. Wing Commander Denis Archibald John Creal (03126) was the initial Commanding Officer for 6 Stores Depot.

The 45 hectare (110acre) site of the former 6 Stores Depot is bounded by the Mitchell Highway (Cobra Street) at its northern boundary, a railway line to the east, High Street at the southern boundary and Palmer Street on the western boundary. It comprised 5 type W3 igloo hangars (Buildings 4, 5, 7, 8 and 11) and 3 Bellman hangars, a "Rabaul" design storehouse and a number of other smaller buildings including a Sidney Williams hut. The 5 main igloos and two Bellman hangars can still be clearly seen on Google Earth.

Open Day at Caboolture Airfield 2 August 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Dunn) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 09:32:00 +0000

The Beaufort Restoration Group in conjunction with the Warplane Museum and the Caboolture Aero Cub is holding an Open Day at Caboolture Airfield on 2nd August 2009 between 10.00a.m. and 4.00p.m.

The Beaufort Restoration group have a fabulous raffle prize on sale. How would you like to have

- a 20 minute flight in a P-51 Mustang!!!

- or a flight in a CAC Wirraway!!

- or a flight in a powered glider!

The Spirit of the Forty-Second

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Dunn) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 11:26:00 +0000

Spirit of the Forty-Second, Narrative of the 42nd Battalion
11th Infantry Brigade, 3rd Division, Australian Imperial Forces,
during the Great War, 1914-1918
by Vivian Brahms

Around Christmas time in 1915, the 42nd Battalion under Commanding Officer Lt.-Colonel A. R. Woolcock, was allocated a site at Thompson's Paddock, at Enoggera, some few miles distant from Brisbane.

Then ensued the preparation of rolls, attestation-papers, allotments and pay-books. Issues of clothing and equipment followed in due course. Spasmodic training, fatigue duties and the furnishing of picquets, vaccination and innoculations, gradually eliminated the civilian side of life from the embryo soldier.

They were soon headed off overseas to England for training and then into battle.

Story of the 42nd Australian Infantry Battalion in WWII

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Dunn) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 11:21:00 +0000

Story of the 42nd Australian Infantry Battalion in World War II
by Cpl. S.E. Benson

From Yeppoon the story follows the battalion on its moves to Tiaro, north again to Townsville and New Guinea, through the Salamua campaign to Lae, back again to Australia and finally over to Bougainville, where the battalion saw its last action before being broken up at the end of the war.

Collision of 2 Airspeed Oxfords 1 mile west of the You Yangs

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Dunn) — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 12:15:00 +0000

Airspeed Oxford

Airspeed Oxford BM712 collided with Airspeed Oxford X7115 whilst formation flying one mile west of the You Yangs in Victoria at approximately 1420 hours E.A.S.T. on 23 January 1943. Both aircraft were with 1 Service Flying Training School (1 S.F.T.S.)

Aircraft BM712 while in a turn to the left collided with the tail fin of X7115 and went into a spin one mile west of the You Yangs hitting the ground. The crew of three personnel were killed in this tragic accident.

Radioman, An Eyewitness Account of Pearl Harbor and World War II in the Pacific

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Dunn) — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 11:51:00 +0000

A new book by by Carol Edgemon Hipperson

"Radioman" is the biography of Ray Daves, a non-commissioned officer in the U.S. Navy and an eyewitness to World War II. It is based on the author's handwritten notes from a series of interviews that began on the 82nd birthday of the combat veteran and gives a first-person account of the world's first battles between aircraft carriers.

"Radioman is the best written biography of a World War II career I've ever read."

Mal Middlesworth, National President Pearl Harbor Survivors Association, Inc.

Crash of a B-24 Liberator near Fenton Airfield - 2 Feb 1945

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Dunn) — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 12:13:00 +0000

B-24 Liberator

RAAF B-24L Liberator, A72-88 (#44-41460), of 24 Squadron RAAF, crashed when attempting to land at Fenton airfield in the Northern Territory on 2 February 1945 after a bombing raid on shipping targets. Six aircraft from 24 Squadron had taken part in this raid. The Liberator was out of fuel and losing height rapidly. It was just before midnight and conditions were very hazy and the pilot, Flight Lieutenant Arthur Cambridge could not see the runway flare path. On his first approach to land he was too far to the left of the runway. He was advised of this by radio contact with ground control.

On his second attempt to land, three of the four fuel pressure gauges dropped to zero and the Liberator swung violently to port. Cambridge ordered the crew to crash positions and with his undercarriage still retracted the Liberator crashed through some trees 3 kilometres from Fenton airfield and struck the ground in a more or less level attitude. A fire broke out below the flight deck, possibly due to damage to the auxiliary power unit.

The fire spread quickly and crew members Flight Lieutenant J.R. Parkinson and Flying Officer J.M. Pitt were trapped in the aircraft and killed. They were buried at Adelaide River cemetery the following day. A small section of this Liberator is now on display at the Darwin Aviation Museum.

Crash of a De Havilland DH84 Dragon at Mt Druitt, NSW

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Dunn) — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 12:31:00 +0000

DH84 Dragon

De Havilland DH84 Dragon A34-65 of 2 Aircraft Depot Richmond (2 AD) RAAF encountered engine problems and attempted to make a forced landing at about 1215 hours on 5 January 1945 during a travel flight. Whilst attempting to reach a small clearing it stalled and spun into the ground at Plumpton Road, Mt. Druitt, New South Wales. The five personnel on board, 3 RAF and 2 RAAF were all killed.

Crash of a Lockheed Hudson near Richmond Airfield

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Dunn) — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 11:34:00 +0000

Lockheed Hudson

Lockheed Hudson A16-68 of 2 Aircraft Depot (2 A.D.) crashed after a test flight on its landing approach to Richmond airfield at 1635 hours on 20 December 1944. Whilst making a normal landing approach with wheels and flaps down, when it was approximately a 1/4 of a mile for the airfield boundary at about 200 - 300 feet it was seen to make a flat turn to port slowly, and then drop the port wing, strike overhead wires in falling, then spin into the ground on a vacant block in Dight Street and burst into flames. The 8 RAAF personnel on board were all killed.

Crash of an Avro Anson on Richmond Golf Course, NSW

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Dunn) — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 06:03:00 +0000

Avro Anson N4887 of 1 Flying Training School (1 F.T.S.) crashed on the Richmond Golf Course near Richmond, New South Wales at 0119 hours on Monday 18 December 1939 during a a night reconnaissance flight to Point Cook, Victoria.

The following crew were all killed in this tragic crash:-

Flight-Lieutenant Arthur Moorehouse Watkins, 25 yrs old
Flight-Lieutenant Hugh Vaughan Bonham Horner, 27 yrs, married (Service No. 2)
Flying Officers Henry Parker Fitzgerald, 21 yrs, married
Flying Officer Malcolm Musgrave McInnes, 21 yrs
Leading Aircraftman Leonard John King, 23 yrs (Service No 3891)

The aircraft had arrived at Richmond from Victoria on Friday 15 December 1939.