"Update on Squadron Books"

"Questions for Members/Family and Friends"

"2003 Anzac Day Page - for Australia

"2007Anzac Day Page - for Australia"

"2007 South Australian Anzac Memorial Service"
"2008 Anzac Day Page - for Australia"

"2006 Anzac Day Page - for Australia"
"2006 Anzac Day Page - for Canada"

__________

THE LATEST BULLETIN - APRIL 2008

454 – 459 SQUADRONS ASSOCIATION – ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE

 Penny Griffiths, Hon. Secretary
e-mail : thesecretary@454-459squadrons.org.au
Web site: www.454-459squadrons.org.au

COMBINED 454/459 SQUADRONS ASSOCIATION BULLETIN APRIL 2008

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YOUR COMMITTEE 2008/2009

Leader:                       FLT John McKenzie

Assemble:                        

•  10.15 am           Elizabeth Street – Banner and flag raised.

•  10.30 am           Marchers form up.  Surviving WWII vets only - transport is available.

Disperse Elizabeth Street.

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MARCH ARRANGEMENTS

(Sydney)

For a number of reasons the RSL, the March organisers, have decided that this year (and maybe ensuing years) the March will be limited to WWII Veterans only with carers if necessary. Wheel chairs may be used with or without carers.  To follow the Vets will be post WWII services and then relatives, descendents etc. of veterans.

We will be asking for two army vehicles (capacity 12 persons – 6 per vehicle) to transport our Vets over the March route, but riding is not compulsory. Those choosing to march will follow the vehicles which will be preceded by the Squadron’s banner.  It is expected that the vehicles will be at the scheduled starting point in Elizabeth Street prior to 10.30 am.

REUNION LUNCHEON

Venue: Commercial Travellers' Club, Level 2 Bistro - MLC Centre, Martin Place, Sydney

Register and obtain name tag and if applicable a food voucher – (*see note below)
at the Committee table – see Penny. (Visitors & member’s costs – own responsibility).

•  12.45 pm – Toast absent friends, tributes, notices.

•  1.00 pm – Luncheon (note luncheon ends 2 pm)

•  4.00 pm – Function concludes.

The CTA Club opens at 11 am and serves bistro type meals (including sandwiches if required) but remember visitors under 18 years of age cannot be admitted.

 * Note: WWII vets and their ladies or widows are provided lunch and a drink free due to the generosity of Mr. Dick Caine, as last year.  Mr. Caine has been invited to attend our reunion but is unable to make it this year.

Commercial Travellers' Club

Getting to the Commercial Travellers' Club

• Parking: 19-29 Martin Place - entry via King Street.

• Hours: 8 am – 4pm – Cost: $10 [public holiday rate].

• Trains:   Martin Place is the closest station to the MLC Centre. However St James,    Wynyard and Town Hall are also within easy walking distance.

• Buses: Castlereagh St (right outside the MLC Centre) and Elizabeth Street

Folded Wings

 It is with regret that we have been notified of the passing of the undermentioned members:

We say farewell to old friends and comrades, and extend our deepest sympathy
to their families in their loss.

Lest we forget.

Tribute to Flight Lieutenant Alan Brian Norton-Baker - 459 Sqdn.
(30.3.1922 – 20.3.2008) - Service No. 407509 - Served : 12.10.1940 to 7.5.1948

Alan Norton-Baker was transferred from No. 39 (RAF) Squadron to the 459 Squadron.  He was part of the first air crew and served with Wing Commander P. Howson, Pilot Sergeant N. Powell, Navigator and Sergeant N. Martin (WOP/AG). He completed his tour with 459 and was posted to No. 70 Operation Unit at Nakaru, Kenya. 

“Alan’s granddaughter Michelle Norton-Baker provided the Squadron’s Association with the above information.”

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Tribute to Squadron Leader Vic Cashmore – 454 Squadron
 (3.9.1919 – 3.12.07) Service No. 407165 - Served 20.7.1940 – 18.10.1945

Vic Cashmore was posted to the Middle East and joined 113 RAF Squadron flying Blenheims on reconnaissance duties for the 8th Army.  He was posted to Rhodesia as a flying instructor in 1943, then to Egypt instructing on Baltimores until the 12th February 1944, when he joined 454 RAAF Squadron.  Here because of his assiduity to his allocated tasks he earned a DFC before leaving the Squadron on other duties.

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Photo Tribute to Flight Lieutenant Royal (Roy) Horatio Fagg – 459 Sqdn.
(30.5.20 – 8.3.2008) - Service No. 408825 - Served 20.7.40 – 18.10.45

‘A happy reunion - 1993’

 459 Squadron’s Hall’s Gap 1993 Reunion – En-route to Laurie Moll’s Holiday House
Left front to back: Lawrie Moll, Hec Ford, Peter Staughton, Bob McDonald & George Treeby.
Right - front to back: Roy Fagg, Barnard Campbell,  Bill Roehricht and Dave Barnard.

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Wing Commander Phillip Walter Howson – (22.10.18 – 20.12.94) – 459 Squadron
Service No. 222 – Served: 21.7.37 to 1.7.47

(AWM photo - reference MEC0783.)

Phil Howson joined the permanent airforce in 1937 and graduated in June 1938 as a Pilot Officer.  At age 22 he was promoted to Flight Lieutenant and became a Wing Commander aged 26.  He served in Squadrons 4, 23, 8, 2, 6 and 23 again, flying a variety of aircraft, before being posted to overseas Exchange Duties with the RAF 201 Group in November, 1941, and ultimately to 459 Squadron ME. He was temporary Commanding Officer of 459 from December 1941 to April 1942, when W/C Keith Hennock arrived but on his departure in September 1942, Phil took over again until October 1943. 

During his term as C/O the Squadron achieved a fine reputation and in January 1944 he was awarded an OBE (Military) for his services.  In December 1944 he transferred to the RAAF Reserve. (See Phil’s web page for the full updated story recently supplied by his son Phil Howson).

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OUR SQUADRON BADGES

It is probably generally understood that our squadron badges are unofficial.  Enter St. Clement Danes Church in London which this year on 15th October will celebrate its 50th Anniversary as the RAF’s Chapel Church.  On the white tiled floor of this centuries old church, are etched the badges of many RAF WWII squadrons and the effect is magnificent to see.

St. Clement Danes Church London

RAAF HQ have been aware of this for some time and have decided to offer the 400 series RAAF squadrons the opportunity to have their badges submitted for inclusion with those RAF ones already displayed.  A group of high ranking RAAF officers will be attending a ceremony in December 2008 and will be handling negotiations for the RAAF Squadrons affected.  More information will be available at a later time.

A brief history

One of 52 city churches in London by Christopher Wren – built to replace churches destroyed in the Great Fire of London in 1666.

Gutted in 1941, partially restored 1958, however, since then the church has been fully restored to pre-World War II condition and is the central church of the RAF.

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SOUTH AUSTRALIAN ANZAC DAY MARCH & SERVICES – 2007

Bob Mitchell 454 heads up the M.E. contingent

Above R-L: Middle East - Max Coghlan - 454 (Tas), Brian Ball - 454,  Tach Wells in scooter who has been a regular for years,  Bill Noyce - 454, Lindsay Broom (ME - Baltimore Pilot 223 Sqdn of Shandur,
last one unknown.

_____

A Memorial Service for ANZAC Day was also held on Sunday, 22nd April 2007 at Adelaide Airport.  Wing Commander Gary Illit – representing the Base Commander, RAAF Base Edinburgh, was invited to lay the first wreath on behalf of the RAAF and the Australian Flying Corps. Air Force Memorials – Adelaide Airport Assoc. Inc. - Units and Associations represented by Memorial Trees and Commemorative Plaques include – 454 Squadron dedicated on 26 April 1971 and 459 Hudson Squadron on the 25 April 1984.

_____

(Above) The RSL (S.A. Branch)
 2007 Dawn Service - Max Coghlan – 454 (Tasmania) attended with Bob Mitchell

 Web address : www.downunderclub.mb.ca

Ross Singleton (459 - Canada) recently contacted Gordon Keatch, President of the Down Under Club of Winnipeg who was able to provide our Association with the background history of the DUCW.

Gordon explained that the genesis of the DUCW goes back to WWII, and in particular, the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, which saw Canada as a training area for more than 132,000 air crew, including some 9600 Australian and 7000 New Zealanders. After the War many who had married Canadian girls emigrated back to Manitoba, leading to the formation of the Club in 1946.

The first significant function was an ANZAC DAY PARADE in 1949. In response to the media coverage the service received, members of the General Monash branch of the Royal Canadian Legion asked if they could join in future services, and have done so every year since 1950. The Club has prospered over the years, with a membership of about 160 and was incorporated in 1993. We issue an 8 page news letter monthly, and have an active social calendar.

How the General Monash Legion in Winnipeg chose the name goes back to WWI. Though Monash is a household name in Australia why would a group of Manitoba veterans meeting in 1934 to form a Canadian Legion branch, choose his name? It appears the first President of that branch may have had a hand in that decision. He had served in France, earning a Military Cross and would no doubt have been familiar with Monash's achievements. Also, most of the newly formed branch members were of Jewish background, as was Monash.

Due to our research out here we now have the name and address of the incumbent President of the Monash Legion in Winnipeg and we are currently contacting him.  For those wondering what all this is about it is because of Ross’s report on Anzac Day observances being held in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.  (More to follow.)

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Click here for Anzac Day Sydney 

AN INTERESTING PHOTO REQUEST

Our Hon. Secretary, Penny Griffiths was contacted by a gentleman via email on the 11th March this year (see below) - he lives in Rijeka in Croatia (formerly Fiume, Yugoslavia). Penny has asked if anyone could help contact her and she will forward on the information to him.   His message reads as follows:

“Dear Mrs. Griffiths,

I saw very interesting photographs of Australian pilots flying over the harbour of city Fiume on your web site. I believe that photo was made at the beginning of the march 1945 (3rd March Germans leave out from the city, put mines at harbour and Refinery, destroy almost everything).  Australian bomber on the photo fly one or two days after Germans leave the city.

I am living today in this city and working in the Oil Refinery. The Refinery is just 100-200 meters on the west from the position of the photo on your site. This year Refinery have Jubileum – 125 years of its start to work. It is founded at 1882, start to work at 1883. I am writing the book about Refinery now. In the book I have a chapter about WW II, of course.

I have one question – do you, or your colleges, maybe have a photos with the airplanes over the Refinery? In this case, it will be amazing to put this photo in the book, with my grateful to you.

     Questions

The following questions were submitted by relatives, or friends of the Association,
if anyone can assist with any of these queries please reply to Penny Griffiths,
as shown at the beginning of this Bulletin.

(1) Ingrid Wiggins, widow of Sergeant J. Wiggins M.I.D. Fitter. IIA 459 RAAF Squadron - (Question dated 20 March 2008)

“I would like to know whether there is anyone in the 459 Squadron who might have a photo of the ice machine that Joe built in the Desert (refer to 1999 454/459 Squadron's Bulletin - "The Tale of the Ice Making Machine”)?  I am sorting out all his photos and cannot find a photo of the ice machine.  If there is anyone who might be able to help me I would be grateful?  All I need is a copy of a photo if possible. Hoping someone might be able to help me. Thanking you.”  

(2) Question from Sandra Scofield re. Flight Sergeant Jack Arthurs - (Born Reading, England. – 3.4.1900) – Enlisted 30.9.40 – Brisbane Qld - Service No – 23625 - Discharged : 26.10.45  (Question dated 7 Feb 2008) 

TIME FOR A LAUGH

Patient : Doctor, Doctor, I have a serious problem, I can never remember what I just said.

Doctor : When did you first notice this    problem?

Patient : What problem?

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Patient : Doctor, Doctor, whenever I drink tea, I have a tremendous pain in my eye. What should I do?

Doctor : Perhaps take the spoon out of the mug before your drink your tea.

<>

You know, somebody complimented me on my driving today. 
They left a little note on the windscreen, which said PARKING FINE.
So that was nice.

<>

  >>>> "THE END" OF THE
APRIL 2008 BULLETIN<<<<

2008 -- SOUTH AUSTRALIAN ANZAC MEMORIAL SERVICES

TO BE ADVISED

Update on Squadron Books

"Desert Scorpions" [a history of the 459 Squadron] by Professor Leon Kane-Maguire.

This new book can now be ordered for delivery. You can order by contacting:
"The War Bookshop" in Sydney on
02 9543 6771 or Email: warbookshop@bigpond.com. 
You can print a copy of the order form by clicking on this order form link.
The early bird price for this paperback is AU$39 [normal retail price will be AU$45].
You will need to contact the bookshop if you are purchasing from overseas.

“Alamein to the Alps”
>> 454 History <<
by Air Commodore Mark Lax CSM

There are still copies of this book available.  There is around 210 pages, filled with over 150 B & W photos, maps and a full appendices and index.   Many books were sold at the 2006 Anzac Day luncheon in Sydney,  to secure your copy as follows:

PRICES:

• Paperback @ A$29.95 (incl. GST);

• Packaging & Post [within Australia] will be A$9.30. (Australia Post Red satchel)  
   

Please send your cheque or money order in Australian dollars to:

c/- Mark Lax,
26 Maltby Circuit,
Wanniassa, ACT, 2903,
Australia.

QUESTIONS FOR MEMBERS,
FAMILY & FRIENDS OF THE ASSOCIATION

Can you help?    latest questions & contact details at the end of this page.

• Rick Capel the nephew of Cam Stephen (Roll of Honour member) --  459 Squadron -  would like to hear from any member or relation/friend of those who died in the Hudson bomber accident on 1 June 1942.

  Can anyone help, especially when Cam Stephen was at the Bombing & Gunnery School in Jarvis, Ontario in mid-1941? Could you please Contact Us.  Thank You. (posted 20.11.06)

• Phillipa Ettore [UK Question] -- asks the question about her father, she is not sure what Squadron he was on, but can anyone help?

  Maxwell George Trethewey, service No. 408115.
   

  He signed up in 1940. Victoria No.1 ITS at Somers Western Port Bay.
  He was in No.9 Course , he flew Tigermoths, his first was DH82 T5 484.
  April 1941 he was sent o Victoria No.1 Service Flying training  school at Point Cook, his first solo flight  was in a Hawker Demon, then  to Central Flying School in NSW for a Flying Instructor's Course . He was tested at the end of this course by a Wing Commander from Britain's RAF. Next he was sent to No.8 Elementary Flying Training School at Narrandera. In 1942 he was promoted to Flying Officer, 1943 he was posted to Central Flying School at Tamworth NSW for another Instructor's Course, he became part of No26 Service Flying Instructors Course and became a senior at Wirraways.  Next he was posted to No.5 Service Flying Training School at Uranquinty 1943. Feb. 1944 he was promoted to Flt. Lt. and stationed at Parkes no.42 Fighter Operational Training.  His first solo flight in a Spitfire was A58-239.  In conjunction with the Fighter Course at Parkes he also took a course in the Boomerangs and eventually became their Sqdn. Leader.  He was just about to be sent to fighter duty when the Americans dropped the atomic bomb.

   

• [Jack Stainton - 454 - (England) Question] - "When we were in Falconara (Italy) we had a football team consisting of Scots, Welsh and English, with the exception of one, he was Aircrew and played football in Western Australia, I think.  His name was Fleetwood Smith, Centre Forward I think, would anyone remember him?  We played a Polish 11 in Ancona.  The Polish CO said to our CO, I didn't know Australians played football?  Our CO said of course they do, and we will have a little bet that they can beat you!!  I don't think so , said the Polish CO, but our team won, the CO won his bet and then told the Polish CO there was one Aussie and 10 Brits on the team, we all had a good laugh.  Does anyone remember this? "
   

• [Malcahy Question] >> "Does anyone in 459 Squadron remember Arthur Stewart Killham, Service No. 1071482?  He was a gunnery sergeant who was killed on 5th August, 1942 aged 19. My name is John Mulcahy and Arthur was my wife's uncle whom she never met".
   

• [A Navigator's Bag Question?]   "My husband was a Nav. on 454 Squadron and I was wondering what he needed to navigate the Baltimore, "Wandering Willy"?  I guess he had charts, maps, slide rule, compass, dividers, etc.?  Perhaps there is still a 454 Nav. who might be able to enlighten me.?"
   

• [Pickervance Question] Does anyone have any information with regard to -- Mr. Robert F. Pickervance, service no 1453030, Flight Sergeant, Wireless Op, Air Gunner who trained at No 75 OTU from 21.1.44 to 10.12.44?  He was a member of a RAF crew, the pilot of which was Ken Ilott(454 Sqdn)". Could the person who contacted the Hon. Secretary regarding this question please email the following email address -- [Crew can be located on page 127 of Mark Lax's book].
  - click here - Hon. Sec.  thank you.
   

• [George Smith - 454 RAAF Oddbods Assoc -- Question] George received a letter from the UK asking if anyone knew Jack Nevitt, he thought he may have been on 454, he flew Baltimores in Italy and went to 75 OTU Egypt.
   

• Does anyone know of the whereabouts of the family of F/O. George Ringrose, RAF, 459 Squadron? [see Colin Coote's page -459].
   

• [Richard Capel -- question]  -- His uncle Campbell Stephen, 459 Squadron, would like to get in touch with anyone who knew his uncle, either in Canada during training or in the Middle East.  Also he would like to contact any relatives of Campbell's crew on board when the plane crashed on 1st June,1942.
   

• [Alan Fraser Rush -- 459 Squadron -- question]  --  Can anyone help with information on this member?

  Service No. 405258

  DOB 2/7/1917

  Date of Enlistment 3/3/1941

  Passed away about 12 years ago.

  Was working for Burns Philp in New Guinea and came back to Oz. to enrol for RAAF.

  Last known address: Coleman Pde, SYNDAL.  VIC.

  Prev. also lived at 44 Smith St, Manly and 48 Gordon St, Mosman, Fathers address" 18 Gordon St, MOSMAN.

  February 2007 :Answer:  Ian Robinson explains “Alan was my boss in the Valuation Office of the Australian Tax Office.  Alan on his discharge from the RAAF undertook the Valuation cover, I think in Sydney.  I worked with him for some six years until I retired into my own practise.  Alan was a genial person who commanded the utmost respect from his staff.  While we both served on the same Squadron we had only limited contact.  I know his crew respected him.”  Does anyone else have information on Alan Rush during his WW2 days?

   

• [Noel Arthur Fitzpatrick -- 459 Squadron -- question]  --   Service No.405969 (decd.1961) was a WAG with 459 Squadron and flew with Jim Morrison, Gordon MacKenzie, and Bill Hamilton, however none of them are mentioned on the nominal roll.  Lee, Noel's son has copies of the 459 Squadrons Sergeant's Mess (Xmas 1944) Middle East which is signed by people on our roll. Lee would like confirmation for the inclusion on the roll.

   
• [Harry Keelan - 454 Squadron -- question -- 18.7.06]
   

  Harry Keelan 454 Service No. 432815 ---  Full name Henry (Harry) Leslie James Keelan - can anyone give information with regard to Harry flying with 454? 

  April 2008 : Answer from Mark Lax - author of Alamein to the Alps : Warrant Officer Henry Leslie James Keelan, RAAF 432815, flew with 454 9/5/45 to 14/8/45 - Gaskell Crew.
   

• [Noel Arthur Fitzpatrick -- 459 Squadron -- question]  --   Service No.405969 (decd.1961) was a WAG with 459 Squadron and flew with Jim Morrison, Gordon MacKenzie, and Bill Hamilton, however none of them are mentioned on the nominal roll.  Lee, Noel's son has copies of the 459 Squadrons Sergeant's Mess (Xmas 1944) Middle East which is signed by people on our roll. Lee would like confirmation for the inclusion on the roll.

   

• [Harry Hawkin's - 459 Question -- 9.5.06] Dr. Phil Vardy (son of the late Alan Vardy - 459) asks:

  a. ‘Does any one have a contact address for the descendents of Harry Hawkins?’
  b. Does anyone have any photos of Harry Hawkins when with 459?

   

• Question from Wilf Darby – Canada

  Looking for Leonard Sattin.  Leonard was a Navigator with 454. ???

   

• Question from Lee Fitzpatrick

  Noel Arthur Fitzpatrick, Service No. 405969, (dec’d 1961) Noel was a WAG with 459 Squadron and flew with Jim Morrison, Gordon MacKenzie and Bill Hamilton.  Alas none of these members are listed on our nominal roll.  Lee has copies of 459 Squadron Sergeant’s Mess (Christmas 1944) Middle East. ???
   

• Question from David Evans  [posted Feb 2007]

  454 Squadron – Colin Ware Evans – Service No. 421797- Date of Birth: 23.7.17, Place of Birth: Bronte, NSW, Date of Enlistment: 28.3.1942 - Sydney NSW, Next of Kin at time of enlistment: Violet Evans, Date of Death 12.4.45, Rank - Flight Sergeant - Posting on Death 454 Sqn.

  

   

• Question from Judy Rochow - Monday, November 20, 2006

  459 Squadron – Roy Douglas Shaw DFC – Service No. 402406 – Born: 25.11.1913 in Richmond Victoria, Date of Enlistment: 19.8.1940 in Sydney, Next of Kin at time of enlistment: Alfred Shaw, DFC awarded 27.1.44; Date of Discharge 19.9.47, Rank Squadron Leader, Posting on Discharge: Eastern Area HQ Bradfield Park. 
  
  Judy Rochow asks: "I was wondering if any one could supply any information/photos of SQNLDR Roy Douglas Shaw who flew with 459 Sqn from Nov 1942 and won a DFC whilst with that unit.  My husband is his grand nephew and only vaguely remembers him. Any information would be much appreciated, Email: Judy Rochow.
   

• Question from Tom Hancock U.K.
   

  "I crewed up with  Harry Hawkins at Silloth, Harry Pilot, Frank Granger (Canadian) observer, Les and I (English ) Wop/Air Gunners in May 1942. I believe Harry has passed away, maybe someone can fill us in.?"

  Harold Hawkins - RAAF - Service No. 405128 - Date of Birth:  18.2.21 -  Place of Birth: Toowoomba, QLD - Date Of Enlistment:  2.2.41 - Place of Enlistment: Brisbane – QLD - Next of Kin at Enlistment: Thomas Hawkins - Date of Discharge: 26.11.45 - Rank: Flight Lieutenant - Posting at Discharge:  7 Operational Training Unit
   

  >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

   

• Question from Devon Williams - dated 4th May 2007 -- Can anyone provide information on his Uncle W/O Robert Devon Williams - Service No. 415370 - 454 Squadron, killed in action 27 February 1944. 

  April 2008 - Answer from Mark Lax - author of Alamein to the Alps : Warrant Officer Robert Devon Williams, RAAF 415370 - flew with 454 squadron from RAF Gianaclis on 18/12/43. KIA aged 21 27/02/44 - the story is on page 112 Alamein to the Alps.

   

• Question from Janette - daughter of George AGG - 454 - dated 28 July 2007 --

  "Hi,  I am the daughter of George Townson AGG (who died 30 Oct 2001).
  Dad was in a 454 Squadron crew as Observer.
  His pilot was Dave Paul when their plane was shot down
  over the Mediterranean in 1943, and they ended up in a POW camp in Germany.
  
  I was wondering if you know whether Dave Paul is still alive,
  and how to contact him? He would be 87 years old by now.
  
  Regards, Janette"

  June, 2008 - Answer from Joanne Paterson re. Dave Paul.

  
  "Can you please forward this email to Janette, George Townsend AGG's daughter. I 'googled' my great uncle Dave's name and your website came up with a message wanting to know the whereabouts of David Paul. I am sorry to tell you this, but my great uncle Dave passed away in May 1973. Unfortunately, I do not know much about him as he died a year before I was born. I would be grateful if you had any info you could pass on to me. Sorry I couldn't be of more help.

  Regards, Joanne Paterson."

•  Question from Mark Edwards  - posted 8 September 2007:

  I think it was around Anzac Day (2007)was shown on the evening news about 454 & 459 Association. At that time I was up at Inverell with an Aviation Art exhibition. I have attached an article about myself and a photo from the Inverell Gallery showing myself and two of my children with Laurie Woods DFC President of 460 Squadron Association (Brisbane Branch).

  The article basically tells my story and what I am trying to do. I have a very long story but basically I had my grandfather and his brother served in the First World War. Unfortunately the brother was lost in the Third Battle of Ypres (Passchendaele) and has no known grave. My father and his three brothers served in World War II, one uncle in the Middle East and the Dad and his three brothers in New Guinea in the Engineers. All survived the war with battle trauma.

  Apart from the aviation paintings, I am currently assisting my father write his book of his war experiences, he turns 84 in just over a fortnight. Through circumstances too long to go into at this point my grandfathers history to as very great extent was lost to us, partly because he died when my father was only 9, and I want to dedicate my efforts to prevent history being unnecessarily lost.

  I would be most interested in talking to any of your members willing to talk to myself.

  My email :  ooggy.edwards@bigpond.com & my mobile is 042 777 2190.

  Hoping to hear from you and/or your members.

  Regards Mark Edwards

  To see this article click here. 

• Question from Richard McKinnon (posted 13.9.2007)
  Richard McKinnon (son of Alex McKinnon - 459) is trying to contact  Pilot - Kenneth Crook who flew with his father in 459 Squadron.  If Ken or any family or friends are able to contact him please do so via this email address:  alexpegmac@hotmail.com  
  
   

• Question from Sandra Scofield (dated 7 Feb 2008) "I was wondering if you would possibly have some information  concerning my grandfather, or point me in the right direction.  He didn't let out much information but I know he was in the British Navy in WW1 and the RAAF in WW2 and I know he was stationed at Maryborough for a while in WW2 training people in wireless telegraphy and he was a Flight Sergeant.  He then went to Northern NSW for a spell.  His name was John or sometimes went by Jack Arthurs. From what I understand he played quite a significant role in setting up the wireless telegraphy in WW1 while in the British Navy.  Any help would be greatly appreciated.  More information below to help anyone who may have known Jack.

   

  Service Record
  Name:	ARTHURS, JACK
  Service:	Royal Australian Air Force
  Service No.:	23625
  Date of Birth:	3 Apr 1900
  Place of Birth:	READING, ENGLAND
  Date of Enlistment:	30 Sep 1940
  Locality on Enlistment:	DUNMORA VIA MARYBOROUGH, QLD
  Place of Enlistment:	BRISBANE, QLD
  Date of Discharge:	26 Oct 1945
  Rank:	Flight Sergeant
  Unit on Discharge:	SIGNALS SCHOOL
  Prisoner of War:	No

   

   

• Question from Ingrid Wiggins (Joseph Wiggins' widow - (Sgt J Wiggins M.I.D. Fitter. IIA 459 RAAF Squadron - more details go to 459 History Page ) 
  I would like to know whether there is anyone in the 459 Squadron who might have a photo of the Ice Machine that Joe built in the Desert. I am sorting out all his photos and cannot find a photo of the Ice Machine.  If there is anyone who might be able to help me I would be grateful.  All I need is a copy of a photo if possible. Hoping someone might be able to help me. Thanking you, Mrs. Ingrid Wiggins. (15.02.2008)
   

• Question from Greg White "My great uncle, Flight Sergeant Stanley Unger, who was killed in the Hudson crash of June 1, 1942, and noticed another member of a crewman's family is searching for details. [see Cam Stephens see posting above].

  As a kid, I grew up hearing stories of Uncle Stan's life and exploits and my late father (his nephew) who died last November always believed he was the last member of the family to have physical contact with him after hugging him as he was leaving the farm at Lansdowne.

  Uncle Stan's death had a devastating effect on the family that is still felt to this day - he had studied for six years to be a priest and delayed his ordination until after the war so he could complete air crew training.

  There are so many questions known and so many more unanswered.

  I'd love to hear from anybody searching..."

   

• Question from Peter Robinson son of Ian Robinson 459 Squadron -

  You may be able to help me on this one - there's a Bill Barlow mentioned on the squadron, was he the same Barlow who went into 617 and flew in the Dambusters raid?

  cheers, Peter

  Peter Robinson
  www.australianplaces.com.au
  ph 0407 032613

   

   

• Question from David Bawden regarding his father William John Bawden - dated 13th Aug 2008:
   

  "I found the 454 squadron site whilst gathering information to give to my Father who served in 454.
  
  I was unable to find his name on the site possibly because dad was in the RAF and was seconded to 454 as an armourer (as he recalls it was because 454 had no armourer's of their own).
  
  I also have another name (dad's friend also RAF that served) Dad's friend has since passed away and dad has a war diary complied during the time in the Middle East. Dad also has many photo's taken during his involvment (I hope he hasn't lent them to someone).
  
  Dad is now approaching 88 and no longer attends the ANZAC day march. We celebrate at Epping (Vic) RSL.
  
  I was hoping you might have information that could trace dad's service history.
  
  Dad's details.

  William John Bawden
  I have his service number which I will find out.
  
  Many thanks for the site information, I am about to print it and take it to Dad.
  
  David Bawden. email:  c'dbfs@live.com.au
   

• Question from Stephen Williams dated 22 September 2008

  "My name is Steve Williams and I live in the Midlands, U.K.  My dad Llewellyn Williams was assigned to the Australian 454 Squadron during the war.  He was a wireless mechanic, servicing the communication systems in the bombers while the squadron was in North Africa and Palestine.  Hitting your website and others I can find a good amount of information on members of the squadron but I don't think it includes ground crews and in particular Brits who were assigned to the RAAF.  My dad says very little about his time in the war except to say how very lucky, compared to most, he was to be where he was and given the job that he was given.

  Can you suggest any sites that might give me information about the support staff that serviced the planes?  I would love to be able to put him in touch with any surviving members that fulfilled the same sort of role. Regards, Steve."

   

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