Description
Object description
Australian NCO served as wireless operator with 467 (RAAF) Sqdn, No 5 Group, Bomber Command, RAF in GB, 1/1944-7/1944; evaded capture in France, 7/1944-9/1944
Content description
REEL 1 Background in Melbourne, Australia, 1923-1942: family; education; reaction to declaration of Second World War, 3/9/1939. Aspects of enlistment and training with Royal Australian Air Force in Australia and GB, 1942-1944: call-up to Royal Australian Air Force, 6/1942; selection as wireless operator/air gunner; journey across US; voyage aboard HMT Queen Mary from US to GB; wireless operator training in Brighton, GB; crewing up at RAF Lichfield and training bottleneck. Recollections of operations as NCO with 467 (RAAF) Sqdn, No 5 Group, Bomber Command, RAF in GB, 1/1944-7/1944: posting to squadron at RAF Waddington, 1/1944; briefings prior to operation; problems encountered during first operation; description of crew briefing; move to dispersal points; attitude to waiting for operation; take off; role as wireless operator.
REEL 2 Continues: location of wireless operator in Avro Lancaster; debriefing after operation; threat of German searchlights; use of bomber stream; German night fighter attack on aircraft and bailing out during raid on Revigny, France, 19/7/1944. Recollections of period evading capture in France, 7/1944-8/1944: injuries sustained when landing by parachute; discovery of crew members; attempts to cross canal and road; discovery by Frenchman; hospitalisation for injuries; reasons for removal from hospital; in hiding; reunion with surviving crew members, 5/8/1944; liberation from safe camp; debriefing on return to GB; physical and psychological condition on return to GB; return to Australia via US.
REEL 3 Continues: Aspects of operations as NCO with 467 (RAAF) Sqdn, No 5 Group, Bomber Command, RAF in GB, 1/1944-7/1944: types of operations carried out over France in support of invasion, 4/1944-6/1944; threat of night fighters and anti-aircraft fire; reaction to sight of naval armada on D-Day, 6/6/1944; attacking targets in Germany; staying with British families on leave; amusing story of crew member's leave in London; relations with ground crew; attitude towards service with Royal Australian Air Force.