Thomas Douglas (Dougie) Ellis
From Our Contribution
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 l to r: Violet May Ellis, Mabel Ellen Ellis, Thomas Henry Ellis, Thomas Douglas (Dougie) Ellis at 'Wyworrie' Farm, Wungong | |
| Personal Information | |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 18 Jul 1918 |
| Place of Birth | Meekatharra, Western Australia |
| Death | 23 Sep 1943, aged 25 |
| Place of Death | Barrow, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom |
| Age at Enlistment | 22 years, 11 months |
| Description |
5'8" (1.73m) tall ; 139lb "lb" is not declared as a valid unit of measurement for this property. ; fair complexion ; green eyes ; black hair |
| Occupation | Engine driver |
| Religion | Church of England |
| Address | Orchard ave, Armadale, Western Australia |
| Next of Kin | Father , Mr Thomas Henry Ellis |
| Military Information | |
| Reg Number | 415076 |
| Date of Enlistment | 23 Jun 1941 |
| Rank | Flight Sergeant |
| Unit/Formation | No. 218 Squadron RAF |
| Military Movement | |
| 1st Departure from Australia | |
| Journey Dates | 24 Aug 1942 ‒ 18 Nov 1942 |
| Transport Details |
. Property "Transport" (as page type) with input value "." contains invalid characters or is incomplete and therefore can cause unexpected results during a query or annotation process. Sydney to UK via Canada? |
| Post War Details | |
| Fate | KIA - death caused by aircraft crashing in UK following significant flack damage over Germany 23 Sep 1943 |
| Monument(s) |
Armadale War Memorial WA State War Memorial |
| Australian War Memorial | Australian War Memorial |
| Medals |
1939-45 Star Aircrew Europe Star Defence Medal War Medal 1939-45 Australian Service Medal 1939-45 |
Pre War
Was a student at Scotch College in 1934. In 1939 he obtained an Internal Combustion Engine Driver's Certificate.
War Service
On 23 Jun 1941 Dougie enlisted as an Aircraftsman in the RAAF, mustered as Air Crew V. He was sent to No. 5 Initial Training School RAAF, and having completed bsic training he was appointed a Leading Aircraftsman. On 17 Sep 1941 he arrived at No. 2 Air Observers School RAAF at Mt Gambier in South Australia to undergoe Course 17 (Observers). On 13 Dec 1941 the next stage of his training began at No. 2 Bombing & Gunnery School RAAF in Port Pirie. However, he then underwent a change from Air Observer to Navigator. His next training posting was on 9 Mar 1942 to the No. 2 Air Navigation School RAAF at Nhill in Victoria, on completion of his training there he was on 2 Apr 1942 promoted Sergeant. On 5 Apr 1942 Dougie entered No. 7 Service Flying Training School RAAF at Deniliquin in New South Wales.
On 29 May 1942 Dougie was posted back to the No. 5 Embarkation Depot RAAF in Perth to enjoy some leave before transferring on 26 Jun 1942 to the No. 2 Embarkation Depot RAAF at Bradfield Park in New South Wales to prepare for embarkation to the UK on 24 Aug 1943. Australian training complete Dougie was promoted to Flight Sergeant on 2 Oct 1942. Arriving in the UK on 18 Nov 1942, Dougie was sent to No. 3 Personnel Reception Centre RAF. On 30 Mar 1943 he was transferred to No. 1 Advanced Flying & Refresher Unit RAF to hone his skills prior to transfer on 4 May 1943 to No. 11 Operational Training Unit RAF. Training as a Navigator behind him, Dougie was on 29 Jul 1943 sent to No. 1657 Conversion Unit RAF. Finally on 28 Aug 1943 Dougie was posted to No. 218 (Gold Coast) Squadron RAF, based at Downham Market in Norfolk.
Dougie was a Navigator in the crew of Short Stirling bomber EJ 105 HA-N which had flown from Downham Market, on a raid against Hanover on the night of 22/23 Sep 1943. During the raid the plane had taken flak damage such that it crashed 6 minutes after midnight with one engine on fire W.S.W of Bury St Edmunds, in Suffolk. The pilot also died in the crash while three of the crew had baled out over Germany, two of whom survived as POWs. Dougie's mother received a pension from 25 Oct 1943 of £2/15/9 ($5.58) per fortnight.
Notes
The raid was to Hanover - the first of four large raids. 711 aircraft, 26 losses (3.7%). Five American B-17s also took part. Visibility was good but strong winds hampered target marking efforts and consequently the bombing by the main force. No local report is available but it is unlikely that significant damage was caused.
A family framed photo and medals includes a statement that he was awarded a 'Mention in Despatches' -yet to be verified as it is not included in his records.