Gerard Henzell Straughan Hemy
From Our Contribution
 | |
| Personal Information | |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 5 Jan 1910 |
| Place of Birth | Perth, Western Australia |
| Death | 22 Nov 1987 aged 77 |
| Place of Death | Mandurah, Western Australia |
| Age at Enlistment | 30 years, 10 months |
| Description |
5'4½" (1.64m) tall ; 134lbs 60.781 kg ; medium complexion ; brown eyes ; dark brown hair |
| Occupation | Farm hand |
| Religion | Roman Catholic |
| Address | Konnongorring, Western Australia |
| Next of Kin | Wife , Mrs Gwendoline Hester Hemy |
| Military Information | |
| Reg Number | 406455 |
| Date of Enlistment | 9 Dec 1940 |
| Rank | Flight lieutenant |
| Post War Details | |
| Medals |
1939-45 Star Africa Star Pacific Star Defence Medal |
Pre War
During 1935 Gerard married Gwendoline Hester Kidd. Gwen died in Thornlie on 12 Mar 1966, aged 57
War Service
Enlisted in the Commonwealth Air Force on 9 Dec 1940 as an Aircraftsman Grade II and sent to the No.5 Initial Training School at Pearce. In January 1941 he was posted to No 1 Air Observers School where he spent 30 hours in de Haviland DH.89 Dragon Rapide aircraft, and in April to No 1 Bombing and Air Gunnery School where he clocked up 10 hours in Fairey Battle aircraft. These were followed by him attending the Air Navigation School in May 1941 where they aircraft were Avro Anson (10 hours). He graduated as a Navigator and was awarded his Flying Badge on 26 Jul 1941. Gerard was attached to the RAF from 9 Sep 1941, the day he embarked in Fremantle for the Middle East where he disembarked on 10 Oct 1941.
In Egypt in November 1941 Gerard was posted to the No. 70 Operational Training Unit flying Bristol Blenheims for 50 hours. Training finished he was posted to No 244 Squadron in February 1942. At the time they were in what is now known as Iraq (Basra). Onhis arrival they were equipped with Vickers Vincent aircraft but soon after his arrival they were equipped with Bristol Blenheim aircraft for anti-submarine patrols. In May 1942 they moved to RAF Sharjah in what is now the UAE. Here the planes were spread out over three airfields. Gerard clocked up 100 hours in Vincents and Blenheims during 25 soties.
Following a Medical in Heliopolis in November, Gerard was transferred in December to No. 458 Squadron which was based at El Shallufa in Egypt, conducting maritime patrols, convoy escorts and mine laying, flying Wellington bombers. Gerard was promoted to Flight Sergeant on 25 Jan 1943. On 30 Mar 1943, 458 Squadron was relocated within Egypt to LG 91, and the squadron enjoyed considerable success against Italian shipping, including naval vessels. In June 1943 the Squadron deployed to Tunisia, followed by another move, this time to Bone in Algeria in October 1943. While in Tunisia on 20 Aug 1943 Gerard was granted Commissioned rank - Pilot Officer. Soon after, having spent 208 hours during 26 sorties in Vickers Wellingtons. on 7 Dec 1943 he was relieved from flying duties and sent as an instructor to No. 3 (Coastal) Operational Training Unit (later renumbered 6 OTU) at RAF Haverfordwest in Pembrokeshire until April 1944 when he was posted to the No. 11 Personnel Depot & Receiving Centre. During the time he was an Instructor, on 20 Feb 1944 Gerard was promoted to Flying Officer. He had by this time accumulated 600 flying hours as aircrew. Following another short stint at Coastal Operational Training Unit, he embarked 10 Jul 1944 in the UK to return to Australia, arriving on 10 Oct 1944 after which he was granted 28 days leave.
On 3 Oct 1944 posted to No 3 Personnel Depot Attended the No 10 Bombing Leaders Course between 15 Dec 1944 and 19 Jan 1945, followed by the No 2 Bombing Leaders Radar Course between 9 and 17 Feb 1945. On 19 Feb 1945 he was posted to the No 2 Personnel Depot Flight Lieutenant 20 Aug 1945
Flew in Blenheim and Wellington bombers discharged 21 Dec 1945, and on 20 May 1948 he joined the Citizen Air Force Reserve until Nov 1960.
Post War
In 1948 Gerard was employed by the Greenough Road Board as a Vermin Inspector.
Notes
Children are Michael Claude ; Gerard Anthony; and Pamela Margaret.
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