Difference between revisions of "Billy Kendall Collins"
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{{infobox soldier ww2 | {{infobox soldier ww2 | ||
| − | | image =[[File: | + | | image =[[File:Collins_Billy_Kendall.jpg]] |
| − | | caption = | + | | caption = Billy 5th from left in centre row |
| − | | image2 = | + | |
| + | | image2 =[[File:Collins_Billy_Kendall_2.jpg]] | ||
| caption2 = | | caption2 = | ||
| − | | dateofbirth = | + | | dateofbirth = 25 Apr 1920 |
| − | | placeofbirth = | + | | placeofbirth = Fremantle, Western Australia |
| − | | death = | + | | death = 11 Dec 2017, aged 85 |
| placeofdeath = | | placeofdeath = | ||
| − | | enlistmentage = | + | | enlistmentage = 20 years, 10 months |
| − | | description = | + | | description = 5'11½" (1.81m) tall; weight 144lbs; fair complexion, brown eyes, dark brown hair |
| − | | height = | + | | height = 5'11½" (1.81m) |
| − | | weight = | + | | weight = 144lbs |
| − | | complexion = | + | | complexion = fair |
| − | | eyes = | + | | eyes = brown |
| − | | hair = | + | | hair = dark brown |
| descriptionnote = | | descriptionnote = | ||
| − | | occupation = | + | | occupation = Sales clerk |
| − | | religion = | + | | religion = Methodist |
| − | | address = | + | | address = Perth, Western Australia |
| − | | relation = | + | | relation = Wife |
| − | | nextofkin = | + | | nextofkin = Mrs. Beatrice Collins |
| − | | regnumber = | + | | regnumber = [https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=5529320 406613] |
| − | | enlistmentdate = | + | | enlistmentdate = 3 Feb 1941 |
| − | | rank = | + | | rank = Warrant Officer |
| − | | unit = | + | | unit = [[No. 1651 Conversion Unit RAF]] |
| − | | fate1 = | + | | fate1 = Returned to Australia |
| fate2 = | | fate2 = | ||
| fate3 = | | fate3 = | ||
| fate4 = | | fate4 = | ||
| − | | monument1 | + | | monument1 = Ballarat POW Memorial |
| monumentnote1 = | | monumentnote1 = | ||
| monument2 = | | monument2 = | ||
| Line 45: | Line 46: | ||
| monumentawm = | | monumentawm = | ||
| monumentawmnote = | | monumentawmnote = | ||
| − | | monumentother = | + | | monumentother = [https://www.powmemorialballarat.com.au/ The Australian Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial Ballarat, Victoria] |
| monumentothernote = | | monumentothernote = | ||
| − | | medal1 = | + | | medal1 = 1939-45 Star |
| − | | medal2 = | + | | medal2 = Aircrew Europe Star |
| − | | medal3 = | + | | medal3 = Defence Medal |
| − | | medal4 = | + | | medal4 = War Medal 1939-45 |
| + | | medal 5 = Australian Service Medal 1939-45 | ||
}} | }} | ||
==Pre War== | ==Pre War== | ||
| + | During 1941 Billy married Beatrice Jackson in Victoria. She was living in Donnybrook with Billy's mother in early 1945. Billy's father Dr Collins died in January 1944 while Billy was in captiity. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==War Service== | ||
| + | Having enlisted on 3 Feb 1941, Billy was mustered as Aircrew and was sent to [[No. 5 Initial Training School RAAF]] at Clontarf and was promoted Leading Aircraftman on 1 Mar 1941. A month later on 6 Mar 1941 he was transferred to [[No. 1 Wireless Air Gunners School RAAF]] at Ballarat, Victoria. Having sucessfully completed the course he was next transferred to [[No. 2 Bombing & Gunnery School RAAF]] at Port Pirie in South Australia on 7 Aug 1941. Billy was promoted Sergeant on 17 Oct 1941 on completion of his training. He was sent back to Western Australia to [[No. 5 Embarkation Depot RAAF]] on 27 Oct 1941 to enjoy some leave prior to going overseas. On 10 Nov 1941 he was transferred to [[No. 2 Embarkation Depot RAAF]] in Sydney where on 13 November he embarked in Sydney for the UK. | ||
| + | |||
| + | |||
| + | Arriving in the UK on 26 Dec 1941 he was sent to [[No. 3 Personnel Reception Centre RAF]]. Billy was held there until 20 Mar 1942 when he was transferred to [[No. 7 Air Gunnery School RAF]]. He was next posted to [[No. 12 Operational Training Unit RAF]] on 21 Apr 1942, and now almost ready for operations he was posted on 23 Jun 1942 to [[No. 1651 Conversion Unit RAF]], which as well as transferring the crews skills to a new form of aircraft, also provided aircraft for raids on Germany. [[No. 1651 Conversion Unit RAF]] was based at RAF Waterbeach, about 9 kms north of Cambridge. They were training on aircraft known as the [[Short Stirling]]. During 1942 they also flew 49 operational sorties for RAF Bomber Command resulting in the loss of five aircraft, and damage to others including Billy's (R9302) during a raid on Dusseldorf. | ||
| − | + | Billy described the attack on his return to the UK: | |
| + | <blockquote>Rear Gunner of a 1651 Conversion Unit Stirling Bomber on his third mission. "Running up to target - shot up by flak and aircraft out of control- ordered abandon aircraft and jumped through rear escape hatch.Five other members of crew, Navigator and Bonb Aimer jumped front hatch. Aircraft pulled out by Pilot and flown back to England. Baled out approx 1500. No fire and aircraft seemingly under control. Pilot, Mid Upper Gunner, Wireless Operator, and Engineer returned with the aircraft. Navigator and Bomb Aimer taken POW at same place as myself".</blockquote> | ||
| + | The RAAF first received notification that Billy was a POW on 27 Aug 1942. An Air Force casualty list published in the 'West Australia' on 23 Sep 1942 confirms an earlier entry that had listed Billy as ''Missing, believed Prisoner Of War.'' and his records then recorded that his posting on paper at least changed to the '''War Casualty Acounts Department'''. Billy was held at Stalag VIIIB 344 with POW number 25115. He was promoted Flight Sergeant on 1 May 1943 while a POW, and to Warrant Officer on 1 May 1944 still while a POW. Finally he was liberated on 9 Apr 1945. | ||
| − | discharge | + | |
| + | On 13 Apr 1945 Billy arrived at [[No. 11 Personnel Despatch & Receiving Centre RAAF]], Brighton and noted as suffering from the effects of malnutrition. The previous day he had been debriefed: | ||
| + | <blockquote>POW number was 25115 and he had been captured (uninjured) near Dusseldorf. Sgt King RAF and Sgt Fellows RAF had been captured with him. He had been housed at STALAG VIII B (344) for 2 years and 8 months. Billy described the accommodation as poor - overcrowded, wooden beds and poor lighting. In addition they received insufficient food, and were given no cooking facilities. Sanitary facilities were very bad, but clothing and recreational facilities were fair. While Red Cross parcels were received, mail was poor. His hands were chained for several months ?. When he experienced some eye trouble he was sent to Lamsdorf hospital but only poor quality German dressings were available.</blockquote> | ||
| + | |||
| + | |||
| + | He embarked in the UK for Australia on 30 May 1945, and disembarked in Sydney on 7 Jul 1945 when he was housed at [[No. 1 Personnel Depot RAAF]] at Ransford. Billy was transferred on 12 Dec 1945 to [[No. 5 Personnel Depot RAAF]] for discharge which took place on 11 Jan 1946 with Billy receiving 97 days pay in lieu of leave entitlements. | ||
==Post War== | ==Post War== | ||
| − | + | Electoral Roll entries: 1949 at 40 Comer street, South Perth, salesman; 1958 - 1980 at 89 St Kilda road, Belmont, sales representative; | |
===Notes=== | ===Notes=== | ||
| + | Billy's brother Noel Thomas Collins also served in the RAAF, but in the Pacific. He was also a POW. | ||
<references /> | <references /> | ||
===External Links=== | ===External Links=== | ||
| + | * [[Ballarat POW Memorial]]<br> | ||
{{DEFAULTSORT:Collins , Billy Kendall}} | {{DEFAULTSORT:Collins , Billy Kendall}} | ||
| Line 75: | Line 93: | ||
[[Category:Born Australia ww2]] | [[Category:Born Australia ww2]] | ||
[[Category:Born WA ww2]] | [[Category:Born WA ww2]] | ||
| − | [[Category:]] | + | [[Category:Sales clerk ww2]] |
| − | [[Category:]] | + | [[Category:Methodist ww2]] |
| − | [[Category: | + | [[Category:POW ww2 - Germany]] |
| − | [[Category:]] | + | [[Category:POW ww2]] |
| + | [[Category:1942 POW ww2]] | ||
| + | [[Category:Returned to Australia ww2]] | ||
[[Category:Armadale-Kelmscott ww2]] | [[Category:Armadale-Kelmscott ww2]] | ||
Latest revision as of 13:53, 20 February 2024
 Billy 5th from left in centre row | |
 | |
| Personal Information | |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 25 Apr 1920 |
| Place of Birth | Fremantle, Western Australia |
| Death | 11 Dec 2017, aged 85 |
| Age at Enlistment | 20 years, 10 months |
| Description |
5'11½" (1.81m) tall ; 144lbs 65.317 kg ; fair complexion ; brown eyes ; dark brown hair |
| Occupation | Sales clerk |
| Religion | Methodist |
| Address | Perth, Western Australia |
| Next of Kin | Wife , Mrs. Beatrice Collins |
| Military Information | |
| Reg Number | 406613 |
| Date of Enlistment | 3 Feb 1941 |
| Rank | Warrant Officer |
| Unit/Formation | No. 1651 Conversion Unit RAF |
| Post War Details | |
| Fate | Returned to Australia |
| Monument(s) | Ballarat POW Memorial |
| External Monument(s) | The Australian Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial Ballarat, Victoria |
| Medals |
1939-45 Star Aircrew Europe Star Defence Medal War Medal 1939-45 |
Pre War
During 1941 Billy married Beatrice Jackson in Victoria. She was living in Donnybrook with Billy's mother in early 1945. Billy's father Dr Collins died in January 1944 while Billy was in captiity.
War Service
Having enlisted on 3 Feb 1941, Billy was mustered as Aircrew and was sent to No. 5 Initial Training School RAAF at Clontarf and was promoted Leading Aircraftman on 1 Mar 1941. A month later on 6 Mar 1941 he was transferred to No. 1 Wireless Air Gunners School RAAF at Ballarat, Victoria. Having sucessfully completed the course he was next transferred to No. 2 Bombing & Gunnery School RAAF at Port Pirie in South Australia on 7 Aug 1941. Billy was promoted Sergeant on 17 Oct 1941 on completion of his training. He was sent back to Western Australia to No. 5 Embarkation Depot RAAF on 27 Oct 1941 to enjoy some leave prior to going overseas. On 10 Nov 1941 he was transferred to No. 2 Embarkation Depot RAAF in Sydney where on 13 November he embarked in Sydney for the UK.
Arriving in the UK on 26 Dec 1941 he was sent to No. 3 Personnel Reception Centre RAF. Billy was held there until 20 Mar 1942 when he was transferred to No. 7 Air Gunnery School RAF. He was next posted to No. 12 Operational Training Unit RAF on 21 Apr 1942, and now almost ready for operations he was posted on 23 Jun 1942 to No. 1651 Conversion Unit RAF, which as well as transferring the crews skills to a new form of aircraft, also provided aircraft for raids on Germany. No. 1651 Conversion Unit RAF was based at RAF Waterbeach, about 9 kms north of Cambridge. They were training on aircraft known as the Short Stirling. During 1942 they also flew 49 operational sorties for RAF Bomber Command resulting in the loss of five aircraft, and damage to others including Billy's (R9302) during a raid on Dusseldorf.
Billy described the attack on his return to the UK:
Rear Gunner of a 1651 Conversion Unit Stirling Bomber on his third mission. "Running up to target - shot up by flak and aircraft out of control- ordered abandon aircraft and jumped through rear escape hatch.Five other members of crew, Navigator and Bonb Aimer jumped front hatch. Aircraft pulled out by Pilot and flown back to England. Baled out approx 1500. No fire and aircraft seemingly under control. Pilot, Mid Upper Gunner, Wireless Operator, and Engineer returned with the aircraft. Navigator and Bomb Aimer taken POW at same place as myself".
The RAAF first received notification that Billy was a POW on 27 Aug 1942. An Air Force casualty list published in the 'West Australia' on 23 Sep 1942 confirms an earlier entry that had listed Billy as Missing, believed Prisoner Of War. and his records then recorded that his posting on paper at least changed to the War Casualty Acounts Department. Billy was held at Stalag VIIIB 344 with POW number 25115. He was promoted Flight Sergeant on 1 May 1943 while a POW, and to Warrant Officer on 1 May 1944 still while a POW. Finally he was liberated on 9 Apr 1945.
On 13 Apr 1945 Billy arrived at No. 11 Personnel Despatch & Receiving Centre RAAF, Brighton and noted as suffering from the effects of malnutrition. The previous day he had been debriefed:
POW number was 25115 and he had been captured (uninjured) near Dusseldorf. Sgt King RAF and Sgt Fellows RAF had been captured with him. He had been housed at STALAG VIII B (344) for 2 years and 8 months. Billy described the accommodation as poor - overcrowded, wooden beds and poor lighting. In addition they received insufficient food, and were given no cooking facilities. Sanitary facilities were very bad, but clothing and recreational facilities were fair. While Red Cross parcels were received, mail was poor. His hands were chained for several months ?. When he experienced some eye trouble he was sent to Lamsdorf hospital but only poor quality German dressings were available.
He embarked in the UK for Australia on 30 May 1945, and disembarked in Sydney on 7 Jul 1945 when he was housed at No. 1 Personnel Depot RAAF at Ransford. Billy was transferred on 12 Dec 1945 to No. 5 Personnel Depot RAAF for discharge which took place on 11 Jan 1946 with Billy receiving 97 days pay in lieu of leave entitlements.
Post War
Electoral Roll entries: 1949 at 40 Comer street, South Perth, salesman; 1958 - 1980 at 89 St Kilda road, Belmont, sales representative;
Notes
Billy's brother Noel Thomas Collins also served in the RAAF, but in the Pacific. He was also a POW.