https://www.birtwistlewiki.com.au/index.php?title=Special:NewPages&feed=atom&hideredirs=1&limit=100&offset=&namespace=0&username=&tagfilter=&size-mode=max&size=0Our Contribution - New pages [en]2024-03-28T15:23:06ZFrom Our ContributionMediaWiki 1.30.1https://www.birtwistlewiki.com.au/wiki/No._3_Airfield_Defence_Squadron_RAAFNo. 3 Airfield Defence Squadron RAAF2024-03-25T10:20:20Z<p>Linton: /* Brief History */</p>
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<div>{{Infobox<br />
| name = No. 3 Airfield Defence Squadron RAAF<br />
| title = <br />
| above = <br />
| subheader = <br />
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| image = [[File:3_AFDS.jpg]]<br />
| caption = Aerodrome Defence Guards manning a Vickers Gun 1944<br />
| image2 = <br />
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}}<br />
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==Brief History==<br />
Little is known about this unit - any assistance would be appreciated.<br />
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<br />
Originally designated as '''No. 3 Airfield Defence Squadron (3AFDS)''', the squadron was disbanded in the mid-2000s and its resources dispersed between No 1AFDS (RAAF Edinburgh) and No 2AFDS (RAAF Amberley)<br />
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===Unit Personnel===<br />
* [[John Thomas Thomson]] 26 Jan 1944 - 16 May 1945<br />
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====Notes====<br />
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<references /><br />
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====External Links====<br />
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[[Category:RAAF ww2]]</div>Lintonhttps://www.birtwistlewiki.com.au/wiki/No._94_Squadron_RAAFNo. 94 Squadron RAAF2024-03-25T10:09:00Z<p>Linton: </p>
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<div>{{Infobox<br />
| name = No. 94 Squadron RAAF<br />
| title = <br />
| above = <br />
| subheader = <br />
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| image = [[File:94_Squadron.jpg]]<br />
| caption = Mosquitos line runway at Castlereagh<br />
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}}<br />
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==Brief History==<br />
No, 94 Squadron, equipped with Mosquito aircraft, was formed at Castlereagh Strip near Richmond in New South Wales, on 30 May 1945. It <br />
was planned that the unit would form part of No. 86 Wing. Personnel were initially accommodated at Richmond until the adjutant and 100 men moved to the camp at Castlereagh on 27 June 1944. The move was completed on 29 June.<br />
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During July 1945, the Squadron flew a total o( 73.35 hours training in Australian-built Mosquito FB Mk 40, aircraft. The Castlereagh site was waterlogged and required work by a flight from the No. 9 Airfield Construction Squadron to prepare hard standing for the aircraft. <br />
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<br />
During July a Rolls Royce representative, and a representative from de Havilland Propeller Division, lectured the ground staff and aircrew to familiarise them with their various tasks before the Mosquitos were delivered. This activ1ty continued until September 1945 when the unit was advised that No. 94 Squadron would cease to function on 20 Sep 1945. On 29 Oct 1945, an airmen's tent was burnt down, and on 7 Jan 1946 the Squadron vacated the Castlereagh camp site, and moved to R1chmond, where the unit was disbanded on 24 Jan 1946.<br />
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<br />
===Unit Personnel===<br />
* [[John Thomas Thomson]] 12 Jun 1945 - 22 Feb 1946<br />
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====Notes====<br />
Content has come from ''Units of the Royal Australian Air Force - A Concise History - Volume 2 Fighter Units'' - Australian Government Publishing Service - 1995 page 99.<br />
<references /><br />
<br />
====External Links====<br />
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[[Category:RAAF ww2]]</div>Lintonhttps://www.birtwistlewiki.com.au/wiki/Air_Armament_and_Gas_School_RAAFAir Armament and Gas School RAAF2024-03-25T04:02:02Z<p>Linton: </p>
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<div>See [[Air Armament School RAAF]]</div>Lintonhttps://www.birtwistlewiki.com.au/wiki/John_Thomas_ThomsonJohn Thomas Thomson2024-03-25T04:00:20Z<p>Linton: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{infobox soldier ww2<br />
| image =[[File:Thomson_John_Thomas.jpg]]<br />
| caption =<br />
| image2 =[[File:Thomson_John_Thomas_2.jpg]]<br />
| caption2 = photo courtesy Ken Thomson<br />
| dateofbirth = 2 Jan 1923<br />
| placeofbirth = Byford, Western Australia<br />
| death = 7 Sep 1`946<br />
| placeofdeath = East Perth, Western Australia<br />
| enlistmentage = 18 years, 3 months<br />
| description = 5'8½" (1.74m) tall; weight 138lbs; fair complexion, blue eyes and brown hair with scars on both knees<br />
| height = 5'8½" (1.74m)<br />
| weight = 138lbs<br />
| complexion = fair<br />
| eyes = blue<br />
| hair = brown<br />
| descriptionnote = scars on both knees<br />
| occupation = Apprentice Fitter & Turner<br />
| religion = Presbyterian<br />
| address = 348 Lord street<br />
| relation = Brother<br />
| nextofkin = Mr James Alexander Thomson<br />
| regnumber = [https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=4433706 38666]<br />
| enlistmentdate = <br />
| rank = Acting Sergeant<br />
| unit = <br />
<br />
| fate1 = Remained in Australia<br />
| fate2 = <br />
| fate3 = <br />
| fate4 =<br />
| monument1 = <br />
| monumentnote1 =<br />
| monument2 = <br />
| monumentnote2 =<br />
| monument3 = <br />
| monumentnote3 =<br />
| monument4 = <br />
| monumentnote4 =<br />
| monument5 = <br />
| monumentnote5 =<br />
| monument6 = <br />
| monumentnote6 =<br />
| monument7 =<br />
| monumentnote7 =<br />
| monumentawm =<br />
| monumentawmnote =<br />
| monumentother =<br />
| monumentothernote =<br />
| medal1 = War Medal 1939-45<br />
| medal2 = Australian Service Medal 1939-45<br />
| medal3 =<br />
| medal4 =<br />
}}<br />
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<br />
==Pre War==<br />
John Thomas Thomson, affectionally known as “Ian” by his family, and later by his RAAF mates as “Jock”, was born in Byford Western Australia on 25th January 1923 to parents John Edward [Jack] Thomson 1892-1938, and Mary Baillie Reid 1890-1934. Ian’s father Jack was born in Brunswick, Victoria, Australia from Scottish/English heritage, while his mother Mary Baillie was born in Mossend, West Calder, Midlothian, in Scotland. His father Jack had served during WWI. In May 1923 Ian and his older brother were baptised by Presbyterian Minister Robert Haulin at the Byford Congregation of the Presbyterian Church and attended Byford State School for their education. In June 1938 Ian and his older brother James were left orphans after both of their parents had died prematurely, Ian had not yet turned 15 and his brother had just turned 17 so they were taken under the guardianship of their uncle Patrick Fox, half-brother of their father.<br />
<br />
<br />
The boys moved from their family home in Byford to go and live with their uncle and aunt in Perth. In 1939 Ian secured an apprenticeship as a Fitter & Turner in the Engineering Department of Malloch Bros in Leederville. In March 1941 Ian applied for entry into the RAAF Reserved and passed all entry exams, however, his employer wrote to the RAAF objecting to his enrolment stating…“it would be extremely inconvenient to release him from our Engineering Department which has already been depleted. As you know our factory is engaged on general Engineering work including munition work”. Eventually, Malloch Bros. withdrew their objection to his enlistment and on the 11th of March 1941 he was placed on the RAAF Reserve.<ref>Ken Thomson email 26 Mar 2024</ref><br />
<br />
==War Service==<br />
John enlisted in the RAAF on 8 May 1941 at the [[No. 4 RAAF Recruiting Centre]] in Perth, mustering as a Trainee Trade Group V. Following Recruit Drill training from 8 May until 12 Jun 1941 he was posted on 30 Jun 1941 to [[No. 5 School of Technical Training RAAF]] in Mounts Bay road, Perth where he completed the No. 94 Trainee Technical Fitter's course. John's next posting was to the [[Air Armament School RAAF]] at Point Cook, Victoria on 24 Sep 1941 to undertake the No. 26 Fitter/Armourers course from 10 Oct 1941 until 6 Jan 1942. <br />
<br />
<br />
Training completed he was transferred to [[No. 25 (City of Perth) Squadron RAAF]] at Pearce in Western Australia where on 28 Apr 1942 he was promoted Leading Aircraftman and then, from 1 Jul 1942 he was paid as an Acting Corporal until he departed on 10 Oct 1942 for the [[Air Armament and Gas School RAAF]]. There he was a member of the No. 15 Junior Armament Instructors' course from 12 Oct - 7 Nov 1942 at Hamilton, Victoria. With training again completed successfully, he was paid as an Acting Corporal from 8 Nov 1942 and posted on 11 Nov 1942 to [[No. 2 Bombing & Gunnery School RAAF]] at Port Pirie in South Australia, reverting to Leading Aircraftman on 1 Apr 1943. While in this unit he had transgressed against AFA Section 9 (In that he, at 1830 hours on 19 Jun 1943 when ordered by Flight Sgt Price to report back to his unit, failed to do so), earning a Severe Reprimand.<br />
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<br />
On 23 Oct 1943 John was posted for a third time to what was now known as [[Air Armament School RAAF]], this time to undertake the 12 week long No. 15 Squadron Warrant Officers Armament Course from 26 Oct 1943 until 16 Jan 1944. On the completion of the course, John's next posting was to [[No. 3 Airfield Defence Squadron RAAF]] on 26 Jan 1944. He remained with them until 16 May 1945 during which time he was promoted Acting Sergeant as from 14 Sep 1944, retaining the rank until he transferred to [[No. 2 Aircraft Depot RAAF]] on 9 May 1945. From 8 - 22 Jan 1945 he had undertaken the No. 2 Mosquito Conversion Course for Fitter Armourers. On 12 Jun 1945 he was reposted to [[No. 94 Squadron RAAF]], arriving there on 26 Jun 1945. While with this unit which was equipped with Mosquito aircraft, John transgressed AFA Section 15 (1) (AWOL from 10:00am 16 Jun 1945 until 9:00am 19 Jun 1945) earning a Reprimand and the loss of three days pay.<br />
<br />
<br />
With hostilities over, John was transferred on 22 Feb 1946 to the [[No. 5 Personnel Depot RAAF]] who discharged him on 6 Mar 1946.<br />
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==Post War==<br />
On 11 Feb 1946 he became engaged to Audrey Kinnish of North Esplanade, Glenelg, South Australia. However, before they could be married, on 7 Sep 1946, while returning from a party on his brother's motorcycle, he was tragically killed in an accident, believed to be on Scarborough Beach Road. John was very popular with his family and friends, known for his happy disposition and for always smiling. Tributes poured in from family, friends, and his RAAF mates after his death.<ref>Ken Thomson email 26 Mar 2024</ref> <br />
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<br />
<ref>Trove-South Western Advertiser Fri 13 Sep 1946, page 1</ref><br><br />
[[File:Thomson_John_Thomas_1.jpg|thumb|400px|]]<br />
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===Notes===<br />
<references /><br />
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===External Links===<br />
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Thomson , John Thomas}}<br />
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[[Category:RAAF ww2]]<br />
[[Category:Born Australia ww2]]<br />
[[Category:Born WA ww2]]<br />
[[Category:Apprentice Fitter & Turner ww2]]<br />
[[Category:Presbyterian ww2]]<br />
[[Category:Remained in Australia ww2]]<br />
[[Category:Armadale-Kelmscott ww2]]</div>Lintonhttps://www.birtwistlewiki.com.au/wiki/No._21_Operational_Training_Unit_RAFNo. 21 Operational Training Unit RAF2024-02-26T07:04:08Z<p>Linton: </p>
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<div>{{Infobox<br />
| name = <br />
| title = <br />
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| image = [[File:21_OTU_RAAF.jpg]]<br />
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}}<br />
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==Brief History==<br />
Operational Training Units (OTU) were created during World War II to take the pressure off Operational squadrons, which previously would have had training Flights. RAF OTU were the last stage of training for aircrew before being assigned to an operational unit in NW Europe and other theatres of war. By this stage, individuals had undertaken all their preparatory and qualifaction training, and shortly after arrival at the OTU, if they were operating a crewed aircraft, they would be 'crewed up' with the other men with whom they would go to war. This was done on an almost random basis by men just picking each other out in the crowd until they had got the necessary mix of 'musterings' (Pilot Navigator Wireless Operator / Air Gunners depending on the aircraft type) to make up their crew with whom they would fly, until separated by death, injury, illness or re-posting. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
This was formed at Moreton-in-Marsh on 21 January 1941 from an element supplied by No 15 OTU, to train night bomber crews on Wellingtons. At the time of formation the station was still under construction but its first aircraft began arriving in February, although none of these were fitted with dual controls so two had to be borrowed from No 15 OTU. Through February a steady stream of personnel began to arrive to man the unit. No 1 Course began on 1 Mar 1941 with just two aircraft, but as more aircraft arrived No 2 Course began on 18 March, after which further courses arrived at approximately fortnightly intervals. Initially it had made use of Chipping Warden for night flying but when this was transferred to Benson, the unit lacked a satellite until September when it took over RAF Edgehill.<br />
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<br />
On 11 May 1942 it's aircraft took part in the first of the 'Thousand Bomber' raids without a losing an aircraft. The unit also sent aircraft on the subsequent raids, lost one on the 1-2 June raid on Essen and another one on the 25-26 June raid on Bremen. On 12 Apr 1943 the satellite at Edgehill was transferred to Chipping Warden and was replaced by a new one at Enstone. Following the end of hostilities steps were taken to close the satellite which took place in January 1946 with it being transferred to Maintenance Command. In November 1946 the unit moved to Finningley being disbanded there by being renamed No 202 Advanced Flying School on 15 Mar 1947. Aircraft from this unit were involved in 121 Accidents or were lost due to enemy action, involving eight Anson aircrat and 113 Wellingtons.<br />
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===Unit members===<br />
* † [[Maxwell Wellman Marsh]] 3 Aug 1943 - 5 Mar 1944<br />
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====Notes====<br />
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<references /><br />
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====External Links====<br />
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[[Category:RAF Units]]</div>Lintonhttps://www.birtwistlewiki.com.au/wiki/No._9_(Observers)_Advanced_Flying_Unit_RAFNo. 9 (Observers) Advanced Flying Unit RAF2024-02-26T02:59:06Z<p>Linton: Created page with "{{Infobox | name = No. 9 (Observers) Advanced Flying Unit RAF | title = | above = | subheader = | image = File: | caption..."</p>
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<div>{{Infobox<br />
| name = No. 9 (Observers) Advanced Flying Unit RAF<br />
| title = <br />
| above = <br />
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| image = [[File:]]<br />
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}}<br />
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==Brief History==<br />
The base was known as RAF Penros, and its purpose was to train personnel arriving from overseas in the techniques and conditions of flying in a blacked-out northern Europe.<br />
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<br />
No. 9 (Observers) Advanced Flying Unit conducted its night-flying training at Llandwrog and later moved its headquarters there. It was disbanded on 14 June 1945 and flying activities ended.<br />
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===Trainees===<br />
* † [[Maxwell Wellman Marsh]] 7 Jul - 2 Aug 1943<br />
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====Notes====<br />
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<references /><br />
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====External Links====<br />
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[[Category:RAF Units]]</div>Lintonhttps://www.birtwistlewiki.com.au/wiki/Camp_Myles_StandishCamp Myles Standish2024-02-26T02:02:58Z<p>Linton: /* RAAF Personnel */</p>
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<div>{{Infobox<br />
| name = Camp Myles Standish<br />
| title = <br />
| above = <br />
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| image = [[File:Camp_Myles_Standish.jpg]]<br />
| caption = <br />
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}}<br />
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==Brief History==<br />
A U.S. Army camp located in Taunton, Massachusetts, during World War II. It was the main staging area for the Boston Port of Embarkation, with about a million U.S. and Allied soldiers passing through the camp on their way overseas or returning for demobilization after the war. Some RAAF personnel also spent time there enroute to the UK.<br />
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<br />
It was also a prisoner-of-war camp. German soldiers who were captured during the war were detained at this camp. Italian soldiers were detained there as well although they were considered 'co-belligerents' because Italy had surrendered by the time the Italian soldiers arrived at Camp Myles Standish. The camp closed in January 1946 following World War II.<br />
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===RAAF Personnel===<br />
* † [[Maxwell Wellman Marsh]] April - June 1943<br />
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====Notes====<br />
Information from Wikipedia<br />
<references /><br />
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====External Links====<br />
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[[Category:RAF Units]]</div>Lintonhttps://www.birtwistlewiki.com.au/wiki/No._4_Medical_Rehabilitation_Unit_RAAFNo. 4 Medical Rehabilitation Unit RAAF2024-02-20T04:21:17Z<p>Linton: Created page with "{{Infobox | name = | title = | above = | subheader = | image = File: | caption = | image2 = | caption2..."</p>
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<div>{{Infobox<br />
| name = <br />
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| image = [[File:]]<br />
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==Brief History==<br />
''No. 4 Convalescent Depot'' was formed on 30 Aug 1943, at the No. 5 Embarkation Depot, Subiaco, Western Australia, with instructions to move to Yanchep at a later dnte, and accommodated at the Yanchep' Inn. The move took two days from 21 Oct 1943, but both the inn and hostel were found to be badly in need of repair. The hostel in particular was in a shocking condition and little or no attention had been paid to the grounds, gardens, lawns or tennis courts for at least 18 months. <br />
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Nevertheless the first new patient was received on 25 Oct 1943. On 2 November, the hostel was closed for three days to allow for the fumigation of bed bugs and white ants. Further treatment for bed bugs was carried out later in the month. The daily average number of patients was now 25. <br />
The major aim of the Unit was to return cases of operational fatigue and illness to duty as soon as possible and the rehabilitation of unfit <br />
personnel into either service or civilian life. <br />
<br />
By the end of April 1944, after the arrival of a masseuse, pntients were being accepted for physiotherapy. During May 1944 the occupational therapy section was expanded. In August, the establishment of the Unit was increased from 50 to 75 beds, due to the steady increase in patient numbers. A <br />
The lost entry in the Unit History Record was made on 27 January 1946. <br />
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===Patients===<br />
* [[John Francis George Collins]] 28 Jan - 28 May 1944<br />
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====Notes====<br />
Content has come from ''Units of the Royal Australian Air Force - A Concise History - Volume 9 Ancillary Units'' - Australian Government Publishing Service - 1995 pages 92 & 93<br />
<references /><br />
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====External Links====<br />
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[[Category:RAAF]]</div>Lintonhttps://www.birtwistlewiki.com.au/wiki/No._4_Convalescent_Depot_RAAFNo. 4 Convalescent Depot RAAF2024-02-20T04:10:37Z<p>Linton: Created page with "See No. 4 Medical Rehabilitation Unit RAAF"</p>
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<div>See [[No. 4 Medical Rehabilitation Unit RAAF]]</div>Lintonhttps://www.birtwistlewiki.com.au/wiki/No._1_General_Reconnaissance_School_RAAFNo. 1 General Reconnaissance School RAAF2024-02-18T12:50:34Z<p>Linton: /* Trainees */</p>
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<div>{{Infobox<br />
| name = <br />
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==Brief History==<br />
The ''General Reconnassance School'' was formed at Point Cook on 29 Apr 1940, iand it moved to the RAAF base at Laverton on I July. The unit was to <br />
train pilots in general reconnaissance duties and officers in specialist navigation duties. At the time the unit was ra1sed, there were four navigation instructors courses being run. <br />
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During December 1940, the School combined exercises with operations under the control of Area Combined Headquarters in Melbourne, as well <br />
as undertaking many photographic missions to check the camouflage of facilities. They flew anti-submarine and shipping searches. In January 1941, the School was divided onto an lnstructional Squadron and a Flying Squadron, each of four flights, before commencing a move lto Cressy on 20 Apr l942. <br />
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General Reconnaissance School aircraft flew from Cressy until 22 Apr 1943, when the unit made its final move to Bairnsdale, Victoria. At the end of October 1945, 2,753 students had graduated from the School. On 5 Jan 1946 notification was received that the School would move to Sale, and be re-named the ''School oi Air Navigalton''.<br />
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===Trainees===<br />
* † [[Arthur Matthew Aitken]] 4 Dec 1942 - 8 Feb 1943<br />
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====Notes====<br />
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<references /><br />
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====External Links====<br />
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[[Category:RAAF]]</div>Lintonhttps://www.birtwistlewiki.com.au/wiki/No._67_(General_Reconnaissance)_Squadron_RAAFNo. 67 (General Reconnaissance) Squadron RAAF2024-02-17T15:56:22Z<p>Linton: </p>
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<div>{{Infobox<br />
| name = No. 67 (General Reconnaissance) Squadron RAAF<br />
| title = <br />
| above = <br />
| subheader = <br />
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| image = [[File:67_Squadron_1.jpg]]<br />
| caption = Ground crew adjust a No. 67 Squadron Avro Anson's radar in 1945 AWM VIC0192<br />
| image2 = [[File:67_Squadron.jpg]]<br />
| caption2 = <br />
<br />
}}<br />
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==Brief History==<br />
''No. 67 {General Reconnnaissance) Squadron was formed at RAAF' Base Lavcrton on 6 Jan 1943, with 180 personnel and 14 Avro Anson aircraft. The Squadron's role wns to carry out anti-submarine patrols nnd act as escort to Allied shippmg. 67 Squadron operated from Laverton. Mallacoota, Yanakie, Bairnsdale and Warmambool. The Squadron was later div1ded into "A" and "B" Flights, operating alternately from lLaverton and Mallacoota. <br />
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<br />
Continuous seaward patrols were carred out for the first few months of 1943 with a number of possible submarine sightings investigated. An Anso was lost on 21 Jun 1943 when it crashed into the sea, with two survivors rescued. Another force landed in the ocean on 7 Jul 1943, wih all three crew uninjured.<br />
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<br />
By the end of March 1944, 244 personnel and 17 Anson aircraft were attached to No. 67 Squadron. Plying hours for the month totaled 775. Over the rest of the year, aircraft were used to train Army personnel and to provide training for Air Training Corps personnel. hey also assisted with searches for a mising 40 foot launch.<br />
<br />
<br />
A successful Navy co-operation exercise was also carried out on 13 Apr 1945. At 1100 hours on 15 August 1945, a siren sounded announcing the <br />
cessation of hostilities and the surrender of japan. Leave was granted for the rest of the day, and the followiong day to all ranks. As at 17 Aug 1945 the Squadron was declared non-operational and on 10 November the squadron was disbanded.<br />
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===Unit personnel===<br />
* [[Henry Frederick Wills]] 16 oct 1944 - 17 Jan 1945<br />
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====Notes====<br />
Content has come from ''Units of the Royal Australian Air Force - A Concise History - Volume 4 Maritime & Transport Units'' - Australian Government Publishing Service - 1995 pages 84 - 87<br />
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[[Category:2nd AIF Units]]</div>Lintonhttps://www.birtwistlewiki.com.au/wiki/No._1_Radar_School_RAAFNo. 1 Radar School RAAF2024-02-17T14:58:46Z<p>Linton: /* Brief History */</p>
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<div>{{Infobox<br />
| name = No. 1 Radar School RAAF<br />
| title = <br />
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| image = [[File:]]<br />
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==Brief History==<br />
Known originally as ''No. 1 Radio School'', it was formed on 4 Aug 1941 at RAAF Station Richmond, New South Wales, to train officers and airmen in the duties and techniques of radao location- known later as '' radar''. The School was later renamed as ''Radar School, Richmond''. Its initial training staff numbered three. By 8 Aug 1941 the School came under the command of No. 2 Training Group. <br />
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<br />
The first course for radio mechanics began on 29 Jul 1941 with 24 airmen under instruction; the first radio location officers course began <br />
on 4 Aug 1941, and on 5 Jan 1942, 23 airmen arrived from No. 3 School of Technical Training to undergo No. 1 Radio Operators Course. There were also American personnel in attendance at the School. Other courses run by the school included radar operators, radar mechanics 'air' and 'ground', controllers, aircrew special radar, radar special 'air' and 'ground', fitter, radar familiarisation, radar refresher, air·to-surface radar and bombing leaders radar courses. <br />
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<br />
On 1 Nov 1944 all training ceased until 11 November, when the school reopened at Maryborough midway between Bendigo and Ballarat. The Radar School disbanded on 26 Nov 1945. <br />
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===Trainees===<br />
* [[Henry Frederick Wills]] 18 Jan - 16 Feb 1945<br />
<br />
====Notes====<br />
Content has come from ''Units of the Royal Australian Air Force - A Concise History - Volume 8 Training Units'' - Australian Government Publishing Service - 1995 page 79<br />
<references /><br />
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[[Category:RAAF]]</div>Lintonhttps://www.birtwistlewiki.com.au/wiki/Henry_Frederick_WillsHenry Frederick Wills2024-02-17T08:36:41Z<p>Linton: /* Post War */</p>
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<div>{{infobox soldier ww2<br />
| image =[[File:Wills_Henry_Frederick.jpg|300px]]<br />
| caption =<br />
| image2 =<br />
| caption2 =<br />
| dateofbirth = 31 Aug 1925<br />
| placeofbirth = Wembley, Western Australia<br />
| death = 8 Oct 2006 aged 81<br />
| placeofdeath = Bullcreek, Western Australia<br />
| enlistmentage = 18 years old<br />
| description = 5'8" (1.73m) tall; weight 136lbs; medium complexion, grey eyes, black hair<br />
| height = 5'8" (1.73m)<br />
| weight = 136lbs<br />
| complexion = medium<br />
| eyes = grey<br />
| hair = black<br />
| descriptionnote = <br />
| occupation = Armament Assistant<br />
| religion = Church of England<br />
| address = 'Westminster Orchard', Byford, Western Australia<br />
| relation = Father<br />
| nextofkin = Mr. William Thomas Wills<br />
| regnumber = [https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=5547420 35385]<br />
| enlistmentdate = 10 Sep 1943<br />
| rank = Warrant Officer<br />
| unit = <br />
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| fate1 = Remained in Australia<br />
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| medal1 = War Medal 1939-45<br />
| medal2 = Australian Service Medal 1939-45<br />
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}}<br />
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==Pre War==<br />
Attended Byford State School in Grades 6 & 7, before moving to Perth Boys School to complete Year 8. he had been a member of the Air Training Corps 79 Squadron for 14 months from 9 Apr 1942.<br />
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==War Service==<br />
On 10 Sep 1943 Henry enlisted in the RAAF at [[No. 4 RAAF Recruiting Centre]] in Perth, and was mustered as Aircrew TG V. The following day he was transferred to [[No. 4 Recruit Depot RAAF]] to undergo a Recruit Drill course. On 27 Oct 1943 Henry was transferred to [[No. 5 Initial Training School RAAF]] at Clontarf. Promoted Leading Aircraftman on 31 Jan 1944, he was next he was sent to Ballarat on 3 Feb 1944 to join [[No. 1 Wireless Air Gunners School RAAF]] and on completion of the training was remustered as Aircrew (E) TG II and on 14 Aug 1944 promoted Temporary Sergeant. On 15 Sep 1944 he transferred to [[No. 3 Bombing & Air Gunnery School RAAF]] at West Sale. Training completed for the moment, he was posted to [[No. 1 Personnel Depot RAAF]] on 10 Oct 1944.<br />
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On 16 Oct 1944 Henry was posted to [[No. 67 (General Reconnaissance) Squadron RAAF]] at Laverton, and while there he participated in an operational flight to sea on 26 Oct 1944. On 18 Jan 1945 Henry transferred to the [[No. 1 Radar School RAAF]] at Maryborough in central Victoria before returning on 17 Feb 1945 to [[No. 1 Wireless Air Gunners School RAAF]] at Ballarat. Henry was on 14 Mar 1945 promoted Temporary Flight Sergeant. On 22 Apr 1945 Henry was posted for three weeks to the A/C School at Watsonia. This was followed by another visit to [[No. 1 Wireless Air Gunners School RAAF]] at Ballarat from 12 May 1945 until 5 Aug 1945, On 6 Aug 1945 Henry was posted to [[No. 7 Operational Training Unit RAAF]] at Tocumwal on the NSW/Vic border. He was detached to No. 3 Personnel Depot Brisbane from 25 - 28 Oct 1945. <br />
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On 7 Nov 1945 Henry was posted to [[No. 21 Squadron RAAF]], then based at Morotai but moving back to Tocumwal on 17 Nov 1945. Henry spent from 12 - 15 Dec 1945 on Morotai. He remained with the squadron until 6 May 1946 at Tocumwal, being promoted on 14 Mar 1946 to Temporary Warrant Officer. He was on 6 Jun 1946, posted to [[No. 5 Personnel Depot RAAF]] in Perth, and for a time (12 Jun to 4 July 1946) he was detached to HQ WA. On 4 Jul 1946 he transferred to the units discharge Section and was discharged on 24 Jul 1946. Total flying hours 250, with 150 operational.<br />
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==Post War==<br />
Henry married Patricia<br />
===Notes===<br />
<references /><br />
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===External Links===<br />
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Wills , Henry Frederick}}<br />
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[[Category:RAAF ww2]]<br />
[[Category:Born Australia ww2]]<br />
[[Category:Born WA ww2]]<br />
[[Category:Armament assistant ww2]]<br />
[[Category:Church of England ww2]]<br />
[[Category:Remained in Australia ww2]]<br />
[[Category:Armadale-Kelmscott ww2]]</div>Lintonhttps://www.birtwistlewiki.com.au/wiki/Works_Training_Unit_RAAFWorks Training Unit RAAF2024-02-16T13:29:07Z<p>Linton: /* Brief History */</p>
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<div>{{Infobox<br />
| name = Works Training Unit RAAF<br />
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==Brief History==<br />
The ''Works Training Unit'' was raised at Ascot Vale, Victoria, to train personnel in the use of machinery and in the techniques to be used by mobile works units (later known as airfield construction squadrons). In tlle first four courses, a high standard was attained, with only four <br />
failures out of the 86 who undertook the course, and thcse were due to the absence of the students on sick leave. <br />
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During December 1942, 400 airmen were posted to thc unit, where they were accommodated at Royal Park, pending the formation of ''6 Mobile Works Squadron''. With the planned establishment of 7 and 8 Mobile Works Squadrons, a further 357 members reported to the ''Works Training Unit''. During January 1943, tractor driver (diesel). fitter (diesel) and motor grader operators courses were run. Also during March 1943, training commenced with 11 Works Supply Unit and 30 members of the United States Army, beginnmg a new phase of operation-loading equipment destined for North Western Area during April. <br />
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On 2 Aug 1943, the Unit transferred its headquarters to Wooloomanata. The school continued the training of plant operators and other specific <br />
trades required for the manning of airfield construction units until 29 Sep 1945, when it ceased to function as a training unit. The <br />
equipment was disposed of and the Works Training Unit disbanded on 25 Jan 1946<br />
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===Unit Personnel===<br />
* [[Malcolm Trevor Kitching]] 17 May -20 Dec 1945<br />
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====Notes====<br />
Content has come from ''Units of the Royal Australian Air Force - A Concise History - Volume 8 Training Units'' - Australian Government Publishing Service - 1995 page 208<br />
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<references /><br />
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====External Links====<br />
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[[Category:RAAF]]</div>Lintonhttps://www.birtwistlewiki.com.au/wiki/No._7_Transport_%26_Movements_Office_RAAFNo. 7 Transport & Movements Office RAAF2024-02-16T10:22:35Z<p>Linton: Created page with "{{Infobox | name = No. 7 Transport & Movements Office RAAF | title = | above = | subheader = | image = File: | caption..."</p>
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<div>{{Infobox<br />
| name = No. 7 Transport & Movements Office RAAF<br />
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==Brief History==<br />
RAAF Transportation and Movement Offices were established to move large volumes and numbers of RAAF equipment and personnel by ship, rail and road during the war. They were set up in northern areas of Australia, New Guinea and surrounding islands. They also assisted American units when called on to do so. Most of the units were disbanded in early 1946.<br />
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No. 7 Transport & Movement Office was formed on 3 Jun 1944 in Milne Bay with detachments at Port Moresby, Goodenough Island, Hollandia, Lae, Holandia and Tadji. On 26 Apr 1946 this unit was disbanded. <br />
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===Unit Personnel===<br />
* [[Neil Frederick Dowell]] 14 Sep 1944 - 23 Nov 1945<br />
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====Notes====<br />
Content has come from ''Units of the Royal Australian Air Force - A Concise History - Volume 6 Logistics Units'' - Australian Government Publishing Service - 1995 pages 147 & 148.<br />
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====External Links====<br />
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[[Category:RAAF]]</div>Lintonhttps://www.birtwistlewiki.com.au/wiki/No._82_Operational_Base_Unit_RAAFNo. 82 Operational Base Unit RAAF2024-02-15T14:47:07Z<p>Linton: Created page with "{{Infobox | name = | title = | above = | subheader = | image = File: | caption = | image2 = | caption2..."</p>
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==Brief History==<br />
On 12 September 1944, 82 Operational Base Unit was established at ''5 Personnel Depot'', Subiaco. Western Australia. During October equipment and personnel arrived - the personnel from the disbanded ''81 Operational Base Unit''. The Unit commenced operations from Riverside Drive on 1 Nov 1944, and moved to Crawley Bay on 13 November, where it remained until disbandment. The Unit maintained visiting service flying boats and Qantas Catalinas, and the boats were used in torpedo recovery duties and supplying the radar station located on Rottnest Island. <br />
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During January 1946, boats and personnel from the Unit were involved in the disposal of Royal Air Force Catalina aircraft at the 'graveyard' off <br />
Rottnest Island. In addition, the boats also assLsted with the disposal of bombs off the island and during May 1946 the boats from 82 Operational <br />
Base Unit transported radar equipment and personnel from Rottnest Island to the mainland. <br />
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82 Operational Base Unit was disbanded on 16 July 1946.<br />
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===Unit Personnel===<br />
* [[Gerald Kingsley Denny]] 18 May - 25 Oct 1945<br />
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====Notes====<br />
Content has come from ''Units of the Royal Australian Air Force - A Concise History - Volume 1 Bases, Supporting Organisations'' - Australian Government Publishing Service - 1995 page 78 <br />
<references /><br />
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====External Links====<br />
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[[Category:RAAF]]</div>Lintonhttps://www.birtwistlewiki.com.au/wiki/No._44_Operational_Base_Unit_RAAFNo. 44 Operational Base Unit RAAF2024-02-15T14:32:33Z<p>Linton: Created page with "{{Infobox | name = No. 44 Operational Base Unit RAAF | title = | above = | subheader = | image = File: | caption = |..."</p>
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<div>{{Infobox<br />
| name = No. 44 Operational Base Unit RAAF<br />
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==Brief History==<br />
''No. 44 Operational Base Unit'' was formed at Garbutt, Townsville, in December 1942. The Unit relocated to Merauke on the south coast of Dutch New Guinea on 15 May 1943, after transiting through Horn Island, which was bombed on 11 May 1943, but without casualties to members of the Unit. <br />
The landing strip at Merauke was approximately 2 miles from the Unit headquarters, which controlled aerodrome control personnel and <br />
the permanent duty crew of fitters, firemen and medical orderlies. <br />
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86 Squadron Kittyhawks operated at this time and were used in defence during Japanese air raids. On 10 Sep 1943 five ''No. 12 Squadron'' Vengeance aircraft arrived to carry out patrol duties. During this time, the strip was lengthened to 4290 feet. A new control tower was erected in June 1944, and a radio telephony communications system was instaiJed by The United States Army Air Force. Beauforts and Venturas of the RAAF carried out bombmg and strafing attacks from the strip, and as the Japanese were being pushed further back, ''44 Operational Base Unit'' became more a staging camp for personnel moving on to postings further north. <br />
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Toward the end of 1944 the urgency of the War was not noticeable at Meraukc, however, he unit continued with its work of refueling visiting aircraft, general maintenance and admmistration duties connected w1th the organisation of the Unit. In February 1945 aircraft, including Spitfires staged through the base enroute to Morotai. The final entry in the unit history record was made on 31 Oct 1945.<br />
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===Unit Personnel===<br />
* [[Gerald Kingsley Denny]] 2 Jan 1944 - 17 May 1945<br />
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====Notes====<br />
Content has come from ''Units of the Royal Australian Air Force - A Concise History - Volume 1 Bases, Supporting Organisations'' - Australian Government Publishing Service - 1995 pages 34 & 35<br />
<references /><br />
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====External Links====<br />
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[[Category:RAAF]]</div>Lintonhttps://www.birtwistlewiki.com.au/wiki/No._2_Flying_Boat_Repair_DepotNo. 2 Flying Boat Repair Depot2024-02-15T14:09:26Z<p>Linton: /* Notes */</p>
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<div>{{Infobox<br />
| name = No. 2 Flying Boat Repair Depot<br />
| title = <br />
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| image = [[File:2_Flying_Boat_Repair_Depot.jpg]]<br />
| caption = 29 May 1945 Repairs being carried out on a SHort Sutherland aircraft AWM VIC1255<br />
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==Brief History==<br />
No. 2 Flying Boat Repair Depot was formed at RAAF Station Rathmines, New South Wales, on 10 Feb 1943. The Depot carried out repairs, overhauls and modifications to flying boats. Catalina aircraft had camera installation, armament installation and armament modifications carried out by the Depot, and aircraft were camouflaged. <br />
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The Depot serviced a large variety of aircraft, including Catalina, Dolphin, Dornier, Seagull and Walrus aircraft from the RAAF, United Slates <br />
Navy and lhe Royal Navy. The Depot was involved in salvage operations of wrecked aircraft. The Depot disbanded on 26 Apr 1946.<br />
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===Unit Personnel===<br />
* [[Gerald Kingsley Denny]] 1 - 25 Jul 1943<br />
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====Notes====<br />
Content has come from ''Units of the Royal Australian Air Force - A Concise History - Volume 7 Maintenance Units'' - Australian Government Publishing Service - 1995 page 58<br />
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====External Links====<br />
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[[Category:RAAF]]</div>Lintonhttps://www.birtwistlewiki.com.au/wiki/No._6_Central_Reserve_RAAFNo. 6 Central Reserve RAAF2024-02-14T10:58:41Z<p>Linton: Created page with "{{Infobox | name = No. 6 Central Reserve RAAF | title = | above = | subheader = | image = File: | caption = | image..."</p>
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<div>{{Infobox<br />
| name = No. 6 Central Reserve RAAF<br />
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==Brief History==<br />
In June 1942 a decision was taken to construct ''No. 6 Central Reserve RAAF''at Nokanning. The stores were to be of semi-underground concrete type, proof against bomb blast, splinters, and front gun attack. 6 Central Reserve was formed in nucleus at ''No. 5 Embarkation Depot'', at Subiaco on 7 Mar 1944. The advance party left Perth for Nokanning on 16 Mar 1944 and by 27 March the unit was considered to be operational. Initial stocks were transferred from ''No. 6 Replentishing Centre. 450 tons of explosives stocks arrived at the Nokanning rail siding on 4 May, and unloading was completed on 7 May, despite beign hampered by heavy rain that made roads almost 1mpassable. More stocks were received from ''No. 1 Central Reserve'' on 4 June, and unloading was completed on 9 June 1944. <br />
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A rather disturbmg incident occurred on the morning of 3 Sept 1944 when the cook, Corporal Gorring, d1scovered a live hand grenade placed in the furnace under a copper on the airmen's mess kitchen. Whether the pin had been removed or the grenade intended to be set off by the fire, is not known. On 21 September two senior police officers escorted a member or the unit from Perth to assist in the investigation into the attempted sabotage. On 13 Oct 1944 the person respons1blc was identified and was escorted back to the unit for further investigation. A recommendation was made in September 1944 that ''6 Central Reserve'' could be downgraded to a detachmcnt of either ''6 Replentishing Centre'', or ''10 Stores Depot''. In fact, the Commanding Officer was advised at the November 1944 Commanding Officers Conference that the opposite was to happen. During January 1945, the unit was to re-locate to Muresk and take over ''No. 6 Rcplentishing Centre''. A small detachment was left behind at Nokanning and it became part of ''No. 10 Stores Depot''. <br />
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On 6 July 1945, two members of the unit strayed from the 'straight and narrow' whilst in Northam, taking possession of an Army truck without <br />
permission and crashing it into a civilian vehicle injuring four civilians. The months following the end of the war were routine. During May <br />
1946, personnel were engaged in transferring explosives from Nokanning to Woodmans Point for dumping at sea. This was followed in June by <br />
movang explosives from Muresk to Woodmans Point. On 12 Aug 1946, instructions were received that No. 6 Central Reserve was to be disbanded by incorporatmg it into ''No. 10 Store Depot''<br />
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===Unit Personnels===<br />
* [[Joseph Charles Colton]] 6 Mar - 24 Jun 1946<br />
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====Notes====<br />
Content has come from ''Units of the Royal Australian Air Force - A Concise History - Volume 6 Logistics Units'' - Australian Government Publishing Service - 1995 pages 46 & 47<br />
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====External Links====<br />
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[[Category:RAAF]]</div>Lintonhttps://www.birtwistlewiki.com.au/wiki/No._79_Operational_Base_Unit_RAAFNo. 79 Operational Base Unit RAAF2024-02-14T10:24:52Z<p>Linton: </p>
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<div>{{Infobox<br />
| name = No. 79 Operational Base Unit RAAF<br />
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==Brief History==<br />
Australia's sheer expanse of sparsely populated landscape posed all sorts of challenges to the movement of aircraft with relatively modest operating range. Safety was paramount, to provide emergency and designated landing grounds to support the safe transit of aircraft from one side of the country to the other.<br />
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A large network of Operational Base Units was established to operate and administer these transit airbases as required, to provide emergency services and in some cases a facility to effect repairs and servicing of aircraft in transit.<br />
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Some were co-located with major bases but most were set up to ensure adequate coverage of transit routes between major fixed bases and operational areas. No. 79 Operational Base Unit was formed at Broome, Western Australias, on lO Apr 1944. It was an active base with planes needing refueling passing through on active missions and at times based there for patrols and photo reconnaissance. It was a regular stop for planes conducting missions over Indonesia.<br />
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During October 1945, an 11 Squadron Catalina arrived from Darwin, with five prisoners of War being repatriated from Java. On 22 October, <br />
aircraft from the Unit participated in the search for Salvation Army Captain Pederson. The final entry in the Unit History record was made on 31 May 1946, although the disposal sale for the Unit was scheduled for 17 Aug 1946. <br />
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===Unit Personnel===<br />
* [[Joseph Charles Colton]] 14 Nov 1945 - 6 Mar 1946<br />
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====Notes====<br />
Content has come from ''Units of the Royal Australian Air Force - A Concise History - Volume 1 Bases, Supporting Organisations'' - Australian Government Publishing Service - 1995 pages 75 & 76<br />
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====External Links====<br />
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[[Category:RAAF]]</div>Lintonhttps://www.birtwistlewiki.com.au/wiki/No._17_Replenishing_Centre_RAAFNo. 17 Replenishing Centre RAAF2024-02-13T14:37:03Z<p>Linton: Created page with "{{Infobox | name = No. 17 Replenishing Centre RAAF | title = | above = | subheader = | image = File: | caption = |..."</p>
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| name = No. 17 Replenishing Centre RAAF<br />
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==Brief History==<br />
No. 17 Replenishing Centre was established at Bowral, New South Wales, on 3 Feb 1943, with the purpose of serving the explosives requirements of units located in that State. By the end of the month, 774 tons of explosives stocks had been transferred from Picton, and a disused railway tunnel was the main storage facility. The camp site was owned by the Sydney City Mission, who offered the farm outhouses for the accommodallon of the men. <br />
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During May 1943, 16 days of continuous rain resulted in the storage tunnel being flooded to a depth of 38 centimetres, fortunately without damage to the stock held there. Fires were also a hazard. During 28 Feb 1944, members of the unit combined with the local firc bngade to control a fire which was burning 11 kilometres from Bowral, and a mall fire broke out on 18 March at 'Hopewood'- where a WAAAF training unit was established - requiring the assistance of unit members to bring it under control. They assisted locals to fight a number of fires each summer, including one that threatened the strage tunnel. The fire which most threatened the unit broke out during the morning of 1 Jan 1945. Having burnt to within 50 metres of the firebreaks near the incendiary store, the fire was extinguished with the assistance of the Mittagong Fire Brigade. <br />
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The Sydney C1ty Miss1on facilities were 1mproved by the RAAf and, during November t944, the members of the unit commenced a project to manufacture toys for the children of the Mission Home, which was adjacent to the camp. Toys were manufactured and presented to the children as a Christmas treat at a special parade on 20 Dec 1944. <br />
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At the end of the War, the strength of the un1t was 38 officers and men, and the unit disbanded on 1 Dec 1945. Six airmen remained as caretakers, maintaining the remaining explosives in the tunnel, and it became a detachment of ''No. 1 Central Reserve.<br />
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===Unit Personnel===<br />
* [[Ronald Keith Allen]] 30 Jul 1944 - 25 Jul 1945<br />
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====Notes====<br />
Content has come from ''Units of the Royal Australian Air Force - A Concise History - Volume 6 Logistics Units'' - Australian Government Publishing Service - 1995 paged 76 & 77<br />
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====External Links====<br />
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[[Category:RAAF]]</div>Lintonhttps://www.birtwistlewiki.com.au/wiki/No._549_Squadron_RAFNo. 549 Squadron RAF2024-02-02T15:24:19Z<p>Linton: /* Unit Personnel */</p>
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| caption = 549 pilots with Spitfire - June 1945<br />
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==Brief History==<br />
This in squadron was formed at Lawnton Airfield Queensland on 15 Dec 1943. It blended RAF Aircrew with RAAF ground staff and its role was to provide air defence with Spitfires which the RAAF Kittyhawks were unable to. On 1 Jan 1944 they moved to Petrie Airfield, near Strathpine in Queensland. In April 1944 the squadron's Spitfires arrived, and in May 1944 the unit moved to RAAF Base Amberley, and then in June they moved to Strauss Airfield, Northern Territory with a detachment at Truscott Airfield, Western Australia. <br />
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On 5 Sep 1944 it joined ''No. 548 Squadron RAF'' on a sweep over Selaru Island, 300 miles north of Darwin. In October they went to Parap Airfield (Darwin/Civil), Northern Territory, maintaining their detachment in Truscott. The squadron was disbanded on 31 Oct 1945, at Melbourne, with RAF personnel returniong to the UK.<br />
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===UnGround Crew===<br />
* [[Maurice Raymond Lawson]] 27 Feb - 13 Oct 1945<br />
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[[Category:RAF Units]]</div>Lintonhttps://www.birtwistlewiki.com.au/wiki/Air_Armament_School_RAAFAir Armament School RAAF2024-02-02T11:13:20Z<p>Linton: /* Brief History */</p>
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<div>{{Infobox<br />
| name = Air Armament School RAAF<br />
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==Brief History==<br />
Little is known about this unit. Assistance in expanding this page would be appreciated.<br />
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On 13 December 1943 the ''RAAF Armament School'' relocated from Hamilton to Nhill airfield, withthe first course commecing the following day. The unit was renamed as the ''Air Armament School'' on 15 Jan 1944 and later renamed again to the ''Air Armament and Gas School''. Initially it comprised 688 personnel with 3 [[Bristol Beaufort]]s; 6 [[Avro Anson]]; 3 Wirraways and 1 Moth Minor aircraft.<br />
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The disbandment of Air Gunnery School at RAAF West Sale on 27 Nov 1945 brought an end to the school in name only, as a nucleus detachment moved to RAAF Station East Sale and became the ''Air Armament School''. Three men died while posted to the unit, 1 of illness and two suffered accidental deaths.<br />
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===Trainees===<br />
* [[John Thomas Thomson]] 24 Sep 1941 - 13 Jan 1942 & 10 Oct - 11 Nov 1942 & 23 Oct 12943 - 25 Jan 1944<br />
* [[Maurice Raymond Lawson]] 15 Feb - 30 Apr 1943 <br />
====Notes====<br />
<br />
<references /><br />
<br />
====External Links====<br />
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[[Category:RAAF]]</div>Lintonhttps://www.birtwistlewiki.com.au/wiki/No._74_Operational_Base_Unit_RAAFNo. 74 Operational Base Unit RAAF2024-02-01T14:31:26Z<p>Linton: Created page with "{{Infobox | name = No. 74 Operational Base Unit RAAF | title = | above = | subheader = | image = File: | caption = |..."</p>
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<div>{{Infobox<br />
| name = No. 74 Operational Base Unit RAAF<br />
| title = <br />
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| image = [[File:]]<br />
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}}<br />
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==Brief History==<br />
No. 74 Operational Base Unit was formed at RAAF Station Pearce on 5 Jan 1943. The purpose of the Unit was to provide refuelling and service for passing aircraft. On 17 Jan 1941, a convoy of 34 vehicles and personnel (including those of No. 4 Medical Receiving Station) departed for Geraldton en route to Yanrey Station, arriving on 23 Jan 1941, and commenced to set up camp. At the end of the month a reserve storage of 5,000 gallons of fuel had been obtained. Two runways were being built at Yanrey at the time of the Unit's arrival. One was suitable for operations in good weather, and work was still to be carried out on the other. In early February heavy rain rendered the aerodrome unserviceable.<br />
<br />
<br />
Once the wet season ended, the Unit was kept busy refueling visiting Anson, Kingfisher, Beaufort and Tiger Moth aircraft. ln May 1944 the first <br />
air raid warning was received and all guns were manned. <br />
<br />
In October 1944 the excessive heat was starting to affect the tar sealed strips which started to show signs of deterioration. When aircraft landed on a hot day they tended to tear sections of the surface away. With the end of the war in the Pacific in August 1945 the unit commenced winding down and it was disbanded on 23 Jan 1946.<br />
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===Unit personnel===<br />
* [[Clarence Albert Curtis]] 8 Jan -15 Aug 1943<br />
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====Notes====<br />
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<references /><br />
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====External Links====<br />
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[[Category:RAAF]]</div>Lintonhttps://www.birtwistlewiki.com.au/wiki/No._5_Medical_Rehabilitation_Depot_RAAFNo. 5 Medical Rehabilitation Depot RAAF2024-01-31T17:17:50Z<p>Linton: </p>
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==Brief History==<br />
''No. 5 Convalescent Depot'' was formed at Mount Osmond, South Australia, on 19 Oct 1942. On 20th October, the first patient arrived for admission, <br />
followed on 31 October by quantities of comforts, chairs, lockers and fittings donated by the Red Cross, who also supplied cigarettes for the <br />
patients in November. The Burnside Council visited the Unit on 8 December, when fire reaks were made and discussions held on precautions to be taken in the prevention of bushfires. <br />
<br />
<br />
The physiotherapy department began functioning on 14 December. In December 1942, Livestock were donated to the Unit, increasmg the availability of fresh milk and eggs. Sporting facilities on the Unit were excellent, consisting of a nine-hole golf course, and two lawn tennis courts, one of which was used for bowls. Swimming parades were held once or twice weekly. Workshop, gardening and livestock work, and study, were available in the way of occupational therapy. Most patients gladly participated in activities offered. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The Unit moved to Mount Barl<er on 16 Sep 1943, taking over the Red Cross rest home. Up until now, two-thirds of pat•ents had been accommodated in this home. which was situated 15 miles from the depot. The move made it easier to run a carefully planned program and routine of work, play and rest, combined with remedial games, physiotherapy and occupational therapy. During September 1943, plans were made to set up a model farm on seven acres of land adjoining the Unit. Functions of the farm mcluded instructing patients in methods of mixed farming, wh1lst making some profit for welfare by the sale of stock and produce. By January 1944, occupational therapy activities had expanded to include leather work, bookbinding, spinning. and twine and basket work. On arrival at the depot, each man was issued with a card, setting out a daily program on a weekly basis. By the end of March 1944, there were 65 beds equipped at the Unit. Work ceased on the model farm at the beginnmg of October 1944, as the Unit awaited a decision on a move to a new location. A week-long move to Victor Harbour commenced on 14 May 1945, with Limited function resuming at the new location on 23 May. In August 1945, a special daily program of activities was introduced, after the arrival of a number of ex-POWs. During the months after the Japanese surrender, the main function of the Unit was the rehabilitation of ex-POWs. <br />
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<br />
<br />
At Christmas 1945 the Red Cross donated Christmas hampers. Ex-POW numbers had decreased, and maximum effort was put into occupational <br />
therapy and physiotherapy, as most convalescents were orthopaedic patients just out of hospital. The unit ceased to hlnction on 20 Apr 1946, and patients were transferred to [[No. 7 RAAF Hospital]] and [[No. 4 Personnel Depot RAAF]]. No. 5 Medical Rehabilitation Unit ceased to be a RAAF unit as of 8 May 1946.<br />
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<br />
<br />
===Patients===<br />
* [[Francis Thomas Briggs]] 25 Jan - 10 Feb 1944<br />
<br />
====Notes====<br />
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<references /><br />
<br />
====External Links====<br />
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[[Category:RAAF]]</div>Lintonhttps://www.birtwistlewiki.com.au/wiki/No._5_Convalescent_Depot_RAAFNo. 5 Convalescent Depot RAAF2024-01-31T17:16:44Z<p>Linton: Created page with "See No. 5 Medical Rehabilitation Depot RAAF"</p>
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<div>See [[No. 5 Medical Rehabilitation Depot RAAF]]</div>Lintonhttps://www.birtwistlewiki.com.au/wiki/No._7_RAAF_HospitalNo. 7 RAAF Hospital2024-01-31T16:54:50Z<p>Linton: /* Brief History */</p>
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<div>{{Infobox<br />
| name = No. 7 RAAF Hospital<br />
| title = <br />
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==Brief History==<br />
No. 7 RAAF Hospital was formed as RAAF Wing, Royal Adelaide Hospital, South Australia, on 11 Jan 1943. Hospital staff were responsible for med1cal care of RAAF personnel, performing major and minor operations, medical boards, treating infectous diseases such as malaria and tuberculosis, etc <br />
They were also responsible for WAAAF personnel working at the hospital and all naval cases at [[105th Australian Military Hospital]] (105 AMH) as well as Army urological cases. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The unit's name was changed to '''No. 7 RAAF Hospital''' on 27 Sep 1943. Space and bed numbers were always a problem. This was slightly alleviated in January 1944 when ''lOS AMH'' allowed a further 25 bed allocation to the RAAF element of the hospital. Facilities were a little run down and improvements were made. <br />
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<br />
With the end or the War talks began regarding when the RAAF would hand back the building to the Adelaide Hospital. In February 1946 a tentative date for the transfer of the hospital at Frome Road to ''105 AMH'' was set as 1 Apr 1946. All skin cases were transferred to ''121 Army General Hospital'' and eye cases were to be operated on at Royal Adelaide Hospital. An increase of tuberculosis cases prompted a request to supply additional orderlies to care for RAAF cases at the ''121 Army General Hospital'' at Northfield. On 17 Apr 1946 the decision was taken to withdraw from the Frome Road Section. All patients were then transferred. A medical officer was attached at ''121 Army General Hospital'' to assist in the care of RAAF chest and skin cases. Sick parades for all Adelaide RAAF units were then held at the Discharge Squadron, Exhibition Buildings. On 12 May 1946 the headquarters staff transferred from Frome Road to Daws Road, Springbank. On 30 Jun 1946, '''No. 7 RAAF Hospital''' was absorbed by [[105th Australian Military Hospital]], and on 27 Aug 1946 the Hospital was officially disbanded. <br />
<br />
<br />
===Patients===<br />
* [[Francis Thomas Briggs]] 9 - 25 Jan 1944<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
====Notes====<br />
Content has come from ''Units of the Royal Australian Air Force - A Concise History - Volume 9 Ancillary Units'' - Australian Government Publishing Service - 1995 pages 116 & 117<br />
<references /><br />
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====External Links====<br />
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[[Category:RAAF]]</div>Lintonhttps://www.birtwistlewiki.com.au/wiki/No._30_SquadronNo. 30 Squadron2024-01-23T09:52:01Z<p>Linton: </p>
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<div>{{Infobox<br />
| name = No. 30 Squadron RAAF<br />
| title = <br />
| above = <br />
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| image = [[File:30_Suadron_1.jpg]]<br />
| caption = March 1943 a 30 Squadron Beaufighter returning from a strike on Lae AWM P01273.005<br />
| image2 = [[File:No._30_Squadron_2.jpg]]<br />
| caption2 = <br />
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}}<br />
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==Brief History==<br />
No. 30 Squadron, the original Auslralian Beaufighler squadron, was formed at Richmond, New South Wales, on 9 Mar 1942, as a long range fighter unit. The Squadron staged at Bohle River, Townsville on its way north, and it was from there that the Squadron opened its operational record, with <br />
three of 1ts aircraft being detailed to operate with torpedo carrying Beauforts of 100 Squadron and three Hudsons of 6 Squadron in an attack on a japanese cruiser and destroyer. One of the Squadron's aircraft crashed on take off.<br />
<br />
<br />
On 12 Sep 1942, 30 Squadron arrived in New Guinea, bringing with it 23 Beaufighters, which later became known as 'Whispering Death' by the Japanese. The squadrons role changed to that of an Attack Squadron, and on 17 Sep 1942 they had a major success in an attack on a concentration of Japanes barges at Sananda Point and Buna Beach. The squadron carried our numerous sorties against Japanese troops and installations on the New Guinea coast as well as theiur installations inland in support of the Australian troops that were then forcing the Japanese back to their landing points and then as they tried to escape further north. On 17 Nov 1942 a raid on the Lae airstrip resulted in eight enemy aircraft either damaged or destroyed along with personnel. On 28 November another raid on Lae airstrip caused the enemy further losses. <br />
<br />
<br />
1943 opened with a bu~y itinerary for the Beaufightcrs. Troop concentrations, grounded aircraft, barges, small shipping, enemy supplies and dumps, and landang parties were the chief targets for 30 Squadron which flew a large number of missions before they enjoyed a lull for the next three months. I June 1944 the squadron movd to Tadji, near Aitape in north west New Guinea. Soon after they relocated to Noemfoor, and then to Morotai on 2 Mar 1945 to prepare for their role in the liberation of Borneo.<br />
<br />
<br />
On 3 May 1945 the Squadron's advance group boarded [[HMAS Manoora]] and [[HMAS Westralia]] for Tarakan, disembarking on 7 May 1945. The remainder of the Squadron and their equipment followed in a Landing Ship Tank (LST) convoy which arrived on 16 May 1945. With cessation of hostilities, the Squadron departed Tarakan on 2 Dec 1945 for Sydney where the squadron was disbanded at Deniliquin on 15 Aug 1946. Sixty four memers of the Squadron died while serving with it.<br />
<br />
<br />
===Individual Awards===<br />
* 1 x Order of the British Empire<br />
* 2 x Distinguished Service Orders<br />
* 25 x Distinguished Flying Cross<br />
* 1 x Distinguised Flying Cross and Bar<br />
* 1 x Distinguished Flying Medal<br />
* 3 x Mentioned in Despatches<br />
<br />
===Aircrew===<br />
* [[John Chadwick Meachem]] 19 Sep 1944 - 15 Jul 1945<br />
<br />
<br />
====Notes====<br />
Content has come from ''Units of the Royal Australian Air Force - A Concise History - Volume 2 Fighter Units'' - Australian Government Publishing Service - 1995 pages 26 - 29<br />
<references /><br />
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====External Links====<br />
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[[Category:RAAF]]</div>Lintonhttps://www.birtwistlewiki.com.au/wiki/No._1_RAAF_Recruiting_CentreNo. 1 RAAF Recruiting Centre2024-01-23T08:35:28Z<p>Linton: Created page with "{{Infobox | name = No. 1 RAAF Recruiting Centre | title = | above = | subheader = | image = File:1_Recruiting_Centre.jpg | ca..."</p>
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<div>{{Infobox<br />
| name = No. 1 RAAF Recruiting Centre<br />
| title = <br />
| above = <br />
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| image = [[File:1_Recruiting_Centre.jpg]]<br />
| caption = New WAAAF enlistees Dec 1942 AWM photo Vic 1472<br />
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}}<br />
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==Brief History==<br />
The No. 1 Recruiting Centre was formed at the Radio School Technical College, on Latrobe Street, on 17 Sep 1939. It moved to Flinders Street on 29 Nov 1939. The unit was to recruit personnel for RAAP musterings. The establishment was 15 officers, 10 medical and 74 other ranks. Two mobile recruiting units, lA and 1B, commenced operations in country districts of Victoria on 16 Mar 1940 and on 22 Mar the Centre moved to Vaughan House on Queen Street. On 5 Apr 1941 it moved again, this time to the Preston Motors Building at the comer of Russell and Little Collins Streets. <br />
<br />
<br />
Recnliting of WAAAF commenced in September 1941 for entry into the non-technical musterings such as clerks, teleprinter operators, mess stewards and storehands. In December 1942 the WAAAF opened its own recruiting and enquires bureau in Maples Street, Prahran. 1n March 1944 WAAAF recruiting was moved to the Women's Employment Bureau. Total recruitments were 48,430 ground staff, 13,128 aircrew and 6,541 WAAAFs. ln August 1945 the Recruiting Centre ceased to function as a separate unit and it was officialy disbanded in October. <br />
<br />
<br />
===Enlistees===<br />
* [[Beatrice Mary Coulson]] 24 May 1943<br />
<br />
====Notes====<br />
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<references /><br />
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====External Links====<br />
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[[Category:RAAF]]</div>Lintonhttps://www.birtwistlewiki.com.au/wiki/No._5_Volunteer_Air_Observers_Corps_RAAFNo. 5 Volunteer Air Observers Corps RAAF2024-01-22T14:53:10Z<p>Linton: /* Unit personnel */</p>
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<div>{{Infobox<br />
| name = No. 5 Volunteer Air Observers Corps RAAF<br />
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}}<br />
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==Brief History==<br />
The Volunteer Air Observers Corps was devised by the RAAF during the latter months of 1941, with the purpose of sighting and reporting enemy aircraft over Australian territory. On 22 Dec 1941, the Volunteer A1r Observers Corps was organised and the first observation station became operational at Bainsdale, Victoria, on 25 Dec 1941. <br />
<br />
<br />
The organisation covered a 150-mile (250 km) band inland from Port Douglas, Queensland. to Port Lincoln, South Australia, and from Albany to Northampton, Western Australia. Tasmania was covered by a ring of observation posts around their industrial centres.<br />
<br />
<br />
Observation posts were manned by volunteers, under the control of a Chief observer, and linked to control posts under a civilian commandant. <br />
Control posts used existing Civil Defence and Volunteer Defence Force facilities wherever possible. Volunteer Air Observer Corps personnel were controlled by the RAAF and recruited from local areas. They came under RAAF control on 28 Mar 1942.<br />
<br />
<br />
From October 1943 The volunteers were to be supervised by experienced RAAF personnel. The Corps peaked in manpower in 1944, with approximately 24,000 members manning 2,656 observation posts and 39 control posts. 14,310 volunteers manned. Between January 1943 and August 1945, the organisation had definately saved 78 aircraft, substantialy aided another 710 and assisted a further 1098. On 11 Dec 1945 the organisation was placed on hold and on 10 Apr 194 it was formally wound up. <br />
<br />
===Unit personnel===<br />
* [[Beryl Marian Francis]] 6 Feb - 10 Nov 1943<br />
<br />
====Notes====<br />
Content has come from ''Units of the Royal Australian Air Force - A Concise History - Volume 1 Bases, Supporting Organisations'' - Australian Government Publishing Service - 1995 pages 208 - 211.<br />
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<references /><br />
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====External Links====<br />
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[[Category:RAAF]]<br />
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BetWl't'll january 19~3 and Augu~l l'l'-15, till' ur!i.mi,atlon had <br />
'deflnitt'ly' s.wccl 78 .oircraft, '>ub::.tantially' .:~idt•cl 7111 .md ',Jssish:d' a <br />
further 10'1!1. A</div>Lintonhttps://www.birtwistlewiki.com.au/wiki/No._3_WAAAF_DepotNo. 3 WAAAF Depot2024-01-22T09:03:28Z<p>Linton: /* Trainees */</p>
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<div>{{Infobox<br />
| name = No. 3 WAAAF Training Depot<br />
| title = <br />
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| image = [[File:]]<br />
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}}<br />
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==Brief History==<br />
This unit was formed at Karrinyup, Western Australia on 24 Apr 1942 with an establishment or four officers, 40 airwomcen and 100 trainees who wold rotate through the unit each month. It took over the Lake karinup Golf Course and was responsible for ongoing recru1t training including drill, signals, clerical and mess steward training. In May 1943, as the war in the Pacific progressed, members of the Voluntary Defence Corps (VDC) and Australian Military Forces (AMF) patrolled the grounds of the unit. The Depot was disbanded on 24 Mar 1945. A total of 1,417 airwomen were trained by the unit.<br />
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<br />
<br />
===Trainees===<br />
* [[Beryl Marian Francis]] 4 Jan - 5 Feb 1943<br />
* [[Dora Terry]] 19 Jul - 25 Aug 1943<br />
<br />
====Notes====<br />
Content has come from ''Units of the Royal Australian Air Force - A Concise History - Volume 8 Training Units'' - Australian Government Publishing Service - 1995 page 119.<br />
<references /><br />
<br />
====External Links====<br />
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[[Category:RAAF]]</div>Lintonhttps://www.birtwistlewiki.com.au/wiki/No._17_Operational_Training_Unit_RAFNo. 17 Operational Training Unit RAF2024-01-21T13:31:58Z<p>Linton: /* IUnit Personnel */</p>
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<div>{{Infobox<br />
| name = No. 17 Operational Training Unit RAF<br />
| title = <br />
| above = <br />
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}}<br />
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==Brief History==<br />
RAF OTUs were the last stage of training for aircrew before they were assigned to an operational unit. By this stage, individuals had undertaken all their preparatory and qualifaction training, and shortly after arrival the the OTU, if they were operating a crewed aircraft, they would be 'crewed up' with the other men with whom they would go to war. This was done on an almost random basis by men just picking each other out in the crowd until they had got the necessary mix of 'musterings' (Pilot, Navigator, Wireless Operator / Air Gunners depending on the aircraft) to make up their crew with whom they would fly, until separated by death, injury, illness or re-posting. <br />
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No. 17 Operational Training Unit RAF (17 OTU) was formed in April 1940 as part of No. 6 Group RAF Bomber Command at RAF Upwood to train light bomber crews using the Bristol Blenheim aircraft. The field was frequently unable to be used due to water soaked fields, and the squadron moved to RAF Silverstone in April 1943 to train night bomber crews on the [[Vickers Wellington]]. It was re-designated No. 201 Advanced Flying School in March 1947.<br />
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===Unit Personnel===<br />
* [[Phillip Herbert Martin DFC & Bar]] 2 Nov 1943 - 15 Feb 1944<br />
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====Notes====<br />
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<references /><br />
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====External Links====<br />
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[[Category:RAF Units]]</div>Lintonhttps://www.birtwistlewiki.com.au/wiki/Roger_William_DaviesRoger William Davies2024-01-11T03:29:08Z<p>Kathy: </p>
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<div>{{Infobox_wall<br />
|image=[[File:unknown.png]]<br />
|headstonetranscription=In Loving Memory of Roger William Davies Born 15 June 1929 Died 13 Nov 2017 Aged 88 Years<br />
|dateofbirth= 15 June 1929<br />
|dateofdeath= 13 Nov 2017<br />
|ageatdeath= 88 Years<br />
|panel=P12<br />
|row=F<br />
|grave=3<br />
|gravelocation=Columbarium Wall<br />
}}<br />
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==Early Life==<br />
Rodger William Rees Davies was born on 15 June 1929 at the Nurse Stockley's Hospital 590 Newcastle Street Perth. His father was Rodger Evan Rees Davies and his mother was Gabriellae Davies (nee Gabriellae Hough).<br />
==Marriage==<br />
Rodger married [[Dorothy Rose Davies]] (nee Dorothy R. Allen) in Perth in 1951.<br />
==Electoral Rolls==<br />
1954 - Rodger lived at Crackline W.A. In 1963 until 1972 he live at 15 Robinson Street Northam. In 1977 he lived at 24 Elliot Road Trigg and in 1980 he lived at Lot 2 Sydney Road Wanneroo. Rodger's occupation in 1954 was a Primary Producer, Farmer, Wood Merchant.<br />
==Death==<br />
Rodger died at the age of 88 years on 13 November 2017.<br />
==Other Notes==<br />
<br />
{{DEFAULTSORT:Davies, Roger William}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Saint Mary-in-the-Valley Cemetery]]<br />
[[Category:St Mary Columbarium Wall]]</div>Kathyhttps://www.birtwistlewiki.com.au/wiki/George_Stanley_CoxGeorge Stanley Cox2024-01-11T03:17:03Z<p>Kathy: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Infobox_wall<br />
|image=[[File:unknown.png]]<br />
|headstonetranscription=In Loving Memory of George Stanley Cox 10 Feb 1931 to 19 Mar 2018 Aged 87 Years<br />
|dateofbirth=10.02.1931<br />
|burialdate=19.03.2018<br />
|ageatdeath=87 Years<br />
|panel=P7<br />
|row=B<br />
|grave=1<br />
|gravelocation=Columbarium Wall<br />
}}<br />
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<br />
==Early Life==<br />
George was born on 10February in 1931 to parents [[John Osborne Cox]] and [[Elsie Maud Cox]] (nee Wills). He had an older brother, [[Albert Cox]] born in 1927.<br />
<br />
==Marriage==<br />
<br />
==Electoral Rolls==<br />
According to the electoral roll George lived at Glitha, Mid West district, 36kms North Morawa. At 34 Tyers Road Roleystone and Connollu Perth WA. His occupation was a Farmer and PMG employee. <br />
==Community Involvement==<br />
When George was 16 years old he went missing from Subiaco.<br />
==Death==<br />
George died at the age of 87 years on 19 March 2018.<br />
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Cox, George Stanley}}<br />
[[Category:Saint Mary-in-the-Valley Cemetery]]<br />
[[Category:St Mary Columbarium Wall]]</div>Kathyhttps://www.birtwistlewiki.com.au/wiki/Elizabeth_AllenElizabeth Allen2024-01-04T01:57:07Z<p>Kathy: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Infobox_wall<br />
|image=[[File:unknown.png]]<br />
|headstonetranscription=In Loving Memory of Elizabeth Allen Born 28 Nov 1928 Died 27 Aug 2023 Aged 94 Years<br />
|dateofbirth=27.11.1923<br />
|burialdate=27.08.2023<br />
|ageatdeath=94 years<br />
|panel=P11<br />
|row=D<br />
|grave=3<br />
|gravelocation=Columbarium Wall<br />
}}<br />
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<br />
==Early Life==<br />
<br />
==Marriage==<br />
<br />
==Electoral Rolls==<br />
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==Community Involvement==<br />
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==Death==<br />
<br />
==Other Notes==<br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category:Saint Mary-in-the-Valley Cemetery]]<br />
[[Category:St Mary Columbarium Wall]]<br />
{{DEFAULTSORT:Allen, Elizabeth)}}</div>Kathy