From the 466-462 Squadrons' Association, Sydney

Crew 22, of 462 Squadron, Driffield,

Crew outside the Respirator Workshop at Driffield, photo supplied by and used with permission of 466/462 Squadrons’ Association; originally published in “Brave and True” 2nd Edn. 2007, page 136; crew’s names as advised ..........
Back, left to right: F/O G S W RICHARDSON, F/Sgt I O ELLIS, F/Sgt H E STOKES, Sgt E R CANN;
Front, l-r: F/Lt J K MUNDLE, F/O P D WILSON, F/Sgt D A PLUMB.

 

 

 

Crew 22, 462 Squadron, Driffield, Yorkshire

Pilot: Paul Dean WILSON 417687 RAAF
Bomb Aimer 1: William Young ALLAN 428748 RAAF
Bomb Aimer 2: James Kennedy MUNDLE 126905 RAFVR
Wireless Op: Gordon Stewart Woollands RICHARDSON 415592 RAAF
Navigator: Donald Archie PLUMB 424934 RAAF
Mid-Upper Gunner: Harold Edwards STOKES 430636 RAAF
Rear Gunner: Ian Oliver ELLIS 428405 RAAF
Flight Engineer: E R CANN 54413 RAF (?)

Links to additional crew information; Crew Ops at 466 Squadron;
Crew Ops at 462 Squadron; and Honours and Awards.

Reference sources – Australian WW2 Nominal Roll; The National Archives of Australia (RAAF Service Files; 462 Squadron Operational Record Book (ORB); Movement of 462 Squadron Series A2217); books or other sources as referenced in the text, details in Acknowledgements.

Thank you to the 466-462 Squadrons' Association for the crew photo and for information supplied.

 

 

 

The Crew photo at left was undated, and identified as Crew 126 of 466 Squadron, Driffield (i.e. May to August 1944). However the Bomb Aimer shown is MUNDLE. Therefore this is possibly Crew 22 at 462 Squadron, Driffield, sometime between Sep and Oct 1944, as MUNDLE became the Crew’s permanent Bomb Aimer on 10 Sep. Their ranks are the same as on their postings to 462 Squadron.

 

 

From the National Archives of Australia: A9300, 417687

Pilot Paul Dean WILSON 417687 RAAF, at enlistment on 20 Jun 1942

Pilot

Name: Paul Dean WILSON
Service: Royal Australian Air Force
Service Number: 417687
Date of Birth: 21 February 1922
Place of Birth: Hyde Park, South Australia
Date of Enlistment: 20 June 1942
Place of Enlistment: Adelaide, SA
Next of Kin: Bertha STIDSTON
Date of Discharge: 06 December 1945
Rank at Discharge: Flying Officer
Posting at Discharge: 96 Squadron, RAF Leconfield
Honours and Gallantry: Distinguished Flying Cross
Prisoner of War: No

Photos at left, and below left

From the National Archives of Australia: A9300, 417687

Leading Aircraftman Paul Dean WILSON 417687 RAAF, in training, photo envelope marked as “LAC WILSON, PD, Course 29”, probably sometime between 11 Sep 1942 (Aircrew Course 29 at 4 ITS, and promotion to LAC) and 17 Dec 1942 (Pilot Course 29 at 1 EFTS).

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Bomb Aimer 1

Name: William Young ALLAN
Service: Royal Australian Air Force
Service Number: 428748
Date of Birth: 08 July 1921
Place of Birth: Waratah, New South Wales
Date of Enlistment: 10 October 1942
Place of Enlistment: Sydney, NSW
Next of Kin: Duncan ALLAN
Date of Discharge: 22 September 1945
Rank at Discharge: Flight Lieutenant
Posting at Discharge: 43 Base
Honours and Gallantry: No
Prisoner of War: No

Photos below left, and below right

From the National Archives of Australia: A9300, 428748

Bomb Aimer William Young ALLAN, 428748 RAAF, at enlistment on 10 Oct 1942

From the National Archives of Australia: A9300, 428748

Flight Lieutenant William Young ALLAN, 428748, full view, and cropped portrait, location not recorded, but in Australia after 17 Sep 1945 (date of promotion to F/Lt). He disembarked in Australia on 22 Feb 1945, ex-overseas. He was transferred to RAAF Reserve on 22 Sep 1945, at rank of F/Lt until his death on 16 Apr 1960. Photo was possibly taken somewhere in winter, due to his wearing a greatcoat.

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Bomb Aimer 2

Name:  James Kennedy MUNDLE (Jim)
Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Service Number: 126905 Officer (previously 1375144)
Date of Birth: ……
Place of Birth: ……
Date of Enlistment: ……
Place of Enlistment: ……
Next of Kin: ……
Date of Discharge: ……
Rank at Discharge: ……
Posting at Discharge: ……
Honours and Gallantry: Distinguished Flying Cross
Prisoner of War: No

No photo of MUNDLE available

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Wireless Operator

Name:  Gordon Stewart Woollands RICHARDSON (Rich)
Service: Royal Australian Air Force
Service Number: 415592 (later O51099 post-war)
Date of Birth: 08 September 1918
Place of Birth: Maylands, Western Australia
Date of Enlistment: 30 November 1941
Place of Enlistment: Perth, WA (home Kalgoorlie, WA)
Next of Kin: Winifred RICHARDSON
Date of Discharge: 21 December 1945
Rank at Discharge: Flight Lieutenant
Posting at Discharge: 96 Squadron
Honours and Gallantry: No
Prisoner of War: No

No photo of RICHARDSON available

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From the National Archives of Australia: A9300, 424934

Navigator Donald Archie PLUMB 424934 RAAF, at enlistment on 09 Oct 1942

Navigator

Name:  Donald Archie PLUMB (Don)
Service: Royal Australian Air Force
Service Number: 424934
Date of Birth: 17 December 1919
Place of Birth: Inverell, NSW
Date of Enlistment: 09 October 1942
Place of Enlistment: Sydney, NSW
Next of Kin: Alice PLUMB
Date of Discharge: 17 December 1945
Rank at Discharge: Flying Officer
Posting at Discharge: 96 Squadron
Honours and Gallantry: No
Prisoner of War: No

Photo at left

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From the National Archives of Australia: A9300, 430636

Mid-Upper Gunner Harold Edward STOKES 430636 RAAF, at enlistment on 26 Feb 1943

Mid-Upper Gunner

Name:  Harold Edward STOKES (Harry)
Service: Royal Australian Air Force
Service Number: 430636
Date of Birth: 17 October 1913
Place of Birth: Geelong, Victoria
Date of Enlistment: 26 February 1943
Place of Enlistment: Melbourne, Vic
Next of Kin: Marion STOKES
Date of Discharge: 21 September 1945
Rank at Discharge: Flying Officer
Posting at Discharge: 1654 Conversion Unit
Honours and Gallantry: No
Prisoner of War: No

Photo at left

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From the National Archives of Australia: A9300, 428405

Rear Gunner Ian Oliver ELLIS 428405 RAAF, at enlistment on 13 Oct 1942

Rear Gunner

Name:  Ian Oliver ELLIS
Service: Royal Australian Air Force
Service Number: 428405
Date of Birth: 04 August 1923
Place of Birth: Warrnambool, Vic
Date of Enlistment: 13 October 1942
Place of Enlistment: Melbourne, Vic
Next of Kin: William ELLIS
Date of Discharge: 24 September 1945
Rank at Discharge: Flying Officer
Posting at Discharge: 1661 Conversion Unit
Honours and Gallantry: No
Prisoner of War: No

Photos at left, and below left

From the National Archives of Australia: A9300, 428405

Leading Aircraftman Ian Oliver ELLIS 428405 RAAF – in training at Course 35, at 2 WAGS, between 03 March and 26 July 1943

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Flight Engineer

Name: E R CANN (Jim*)
Service: Royal Air Force
Service Number: 544513
Date of Birth: ……
Place of Birth: ……
Date of Enlistment: ……
Place of Enlistment: ……
Next of Kin: ……
Date of Discharge: ……
Rank at Discharge: ……
Posting at Discharge: ……
Honours and Gallantry: ……
Prisoner of War: No……

(Named as Jim in “To See the Dawn Again”, page 178;
if Jim is correct, what do the initials E R stand for?)

No photo of CANN available

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Additional Crew information
Sourced from National Archives of Australia (NAA) – Personnel Occurrence Report, Ref: A10605 POR Vol 03, 1944-1945 (Aus personnel only, with records for Officers listed separate from records for Other Ranks); Operational record Book (ORB) Forms 540 and 541; Series A9300 RAAF Service Files; other sources as noted in the text.

09 Nov 1943 – On or soon after; individuals posted to 27 OTU, Lichfield, UK, formation of crew of 6, training in Wellington aircraft
15 Apr 1944 – Posted to 41 Base (Acaster Malbis and 1652 HCU, Marston Moor) as Crew of 6; addition of Flight Engineer to crew, training in Halifax Aircraft

29 May 1944 – Posted to 466 Squadron, Yorkshire as crew of 7
(Note – “Brave and True” states that 466 Squadron was formed at Driffield on 10 Oct 1942, but moved to Leconfield on 27 Dec 1942, then returned to Driffield on 03 June 1944. The RAAF Service Files do not state at which location the crew commenced duty. Pilot WILSON’s first Op at 466 Squadron, as a second Pilot, was on 01 Jun 1944, flying from Leconfield (refer 466 Squadron ORB Forms 540 and 541, June 1944). Ops at 466 Squadron by WILSON with his usual crew were all flown from Driffield, commencing 12 Jun 1944 with ALLAN, PLUMB, RICHARDSON, ELLIS, STOKES, CANN, in Halifax LV955. This crew was probably posted to 466 Squadron at Leconfield, then relocated with 466 Squadron to Driffield on 03 June.)

20 Aug 1944 – Posting of crew TO 462 Squadron, Driffield, details as follow

Aug 1944 – ORB Form 540, Part III Personnel – Posted TO 462 Squadron (from 466 Squadron, Driffield)
Officers – F/O P D WILSON 417687, F/O W Y ALLAN 428748, F/O G S W RICHARDSON 415592 (in sequence).
Immediately following those entries …….
Officer posted Non-effective sick to Headquarters, 43 Base – F/O W Y ALLAN 428748.
No mention of F/Lt J K MUNDLE 126905, the Bomb Aimer who replaced ALLAN from the Crew’s Op 3 to 15. (Checks were carried out for Sept, Oct, and Nov ORB Forms 540, Posting TO 462 Squadron, and MUNDLE was not listed therein.)

Aug 1944 – ORB Form 540, Part III Personnel – Posted TO 462 Squadron (from 466 Squadron, Driffield)
Aircrew NCOs – F/S D A PLUMB 424934, F/S I O ELLIS 428405, F/S H E STOKES 430636, Sgt E R CANN 544513 (in sequence).

03 Sep 1944 – first Op for this crew at 462 Squadron.

Please refer to later section for details of Crew Ops

29 October 1944 – last Op for this Crew at 462 Squadron

03 Nov to 10 Nov 1944 – 9 days Leave for Pilot WILSON, Nav PLUMB, W/Op RICHARDSON, R/Ag ELLIS, and MU/AG STOKES (all RAAF).
Presumably all members of the crew would have taken leave at the same time, including B/Aimer MUNDLE and F/Eng CANN (?). This may explain why F/Eng CANN is not in the group photo of Flight Engineers’ of 462 Squadron, Driffield (that photo known to have been taken between 06 and 10 Nov 1944 – Ref: F/Eng A.A. NEWSTEAD, of ANDERSON Crew 45).

This Crew completed their first tour while flying with 462 Squadron at Driffield, and were posted out in 2 batches from 462 Squadron as ‘tour expired’ in Nov and Dec 1944.

They did not transfer with 462 Squadron to Foulsham (100 Group), so did not carry out any Special Duties Ops with WINDOW or RCM.

Nov 1944 – ORB Forms 540 – Posted FROM 462 Squadron
Officers – F/L J MUNDLE DFC 126905, P/O H E STOKES 430636
NCOs – F/S T ELLIS 428405

Dec 1944 – ORB Forms 540 – Posted FROM 462 Squadron
Officers – P/O D A PLUMB 424934, F/L G S RICHARDSON 415592, F/O P D WILSON 417687
NCOs – none listed form this crew
Sgt E R CANN 544513 was not listed in Postings FROM 462 Squadron in Nov or Dec 1944, and not in later months.

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Pilot Paul Dean WILSON 417687 RAAF
NAA Service File Series A9300 RAAF
Note: several pages of file are at low magnification and very difficult to read – my apologies for any errors in transcription.

19 Sep 1941 – Enlisted in Australian Army at Kensington, South Australia, in 29th Anti-Tank Battery, 8 Anti-Tank Regiment; age 19 y 7 m; position/rank Gunner; Service Number S12259; exemption approved on 12 Jan 1942, in order to enlist in RAAF.

11 Dec 1941 – Enrolment in the RAAF Reserve, at 5 Recruiting Centre (5 RC), Adelaide, South Australia; Reserve Badge Number 16734; age 19 y 9 m; Insurance Clerk; currently serving (for 3 weeks) as S.12259 in the 29th Anti-Tank Battery (Militia), Woodside, SA; vision 6/6 both eyes; Ishihara Colour Vision normal; hearing normal 20/20; medical classification A1B A3B (other details as per enlistment form dated 20 Jun 1942)

20 Jun 1942 – Enlisted in the RAAF, at 5 RC, Adelaide, SA; age 20 y 3 m, date of birth 21 Feb 1922, born at Hyde Park SA; British, single, next of kin was his ‘dependant’ mother, Mrs Bertha WILSON of 22 Purnana Street, St Georges, SA; name of next of kin later amended to Mrs B STIDSTON of 22 Beck St, Henley Beach, SA (no longer dependant due to re-marriage); his father, Charles WILSON was recorded in file as deceased; no additional contact in event of emergency; Civil occupation Insurance Clerk for Commercial Union Assurance Co Ltd, Adelaide, residing at St Georges, SA; one minor civil convictions traffic offence (5 shilling fine); previous Defence Force service of 6 weeks in 29th A/Tk Batt’y as Gunner, exempted to join RAAF; religion Anglican; height 6 ft 0.5 inches (184.2 cm), weight 160 lb (72.6 kg); medium complexion, brown eyes, auburn hair; distinctive marks of several scars, one birthmark, and a partially dislocated finger; medical examination on 11 Dec 1941, Medical Category A1B A3B; Education at Norton Summit Public School, and Muirden College, Adelaide, SA; Education Dept. Qualifying Certificate; Special Qualifications – Accident Insurance.

20 Jun 1942 – Issued RAAF Service Number 417687; mustered as Air Crew V, appointed as Aircraftman 2 (AC2 or ACII); photo at enlistment shown in previous section.
20 Jun 1942 – Posted to 4 Initial Training School (4 ITS), Victor Harbour, SA (sic)
20 Jun 1942 – Commenced Course 29 (P)

10 (or 11) Aug 1942 – Re-mustered as Air Crew V (P) – as Trainee Pilot

11 Sep 1942 – Completed Course 29 (P) at 4 ITS, PASS
12 Sep 1942 – Re-mustered as Air Crew II (P)
12 Sep 1942 – Re-classified as Leading Aircraftman (LAC); photo as LAC shown in previous section.

24 Sep 1942 – Posted to 1 Elementary Flying Training School (1 EFTS), Parafield, SA
17 Dec 1942 – Completed Course 29 (P) at 1 EFTS, PASS

19 or 20 Dec 1942 – Posted to 6 Service Flying Training School (6 SFTS), Mallala, SA

06 Apr 1943 – Completed Course 29 (P) at 6 SFTS, PASS
06 Apr 1943 – Awarded Flying Badge
08 Apr 1943 – Re-mustered as Airman Pilot
08 Apr 1943 – Promoted to Sergeant

12 Apr 1943 – Posted to 4 Embarkation Depot (4 ED), Mitcham, Adelaide, SA
12 Apr 1943 – 9 days Pre-embarkation Leave, until 20 Nov 1943
26 (or 28) Apr 1943 – Posted to 2 ED, Bradfield Park, NSW

05 May 1943 – Embarked from Brisbane, Queensland, for destination UK
05 May 1943 – Attached to RAF (UK, ACSEA (Air Command South East Asia))

07 Jul 1943 – Disembarked in UK
07 (or 08) Jul 1943 – Posted to 11 Personnel Despatch and Reception Centre (11 PDRC), Brighton UK

24 Aug 1943 – Posted to 3 (Pilots) Advanced Flying Unit (3 (P) AFU), South Cerney, Gloucestershire
24 Aug 1943 – Commenced Advanced Flying Training Course
21 Sep 1943 – Attached to 1540 Beam Approach Training Flight (1540 BATF) at 3 (P) AFU, to 28 Sep 1943

08 Oct 1943 – Promoted to Flight Sergeant

21 Dec 1943 – Completed Advanced Flying Training Course, and Beam Approach Training

21 Dec 1943 – Posted to 27 Operational Training Unit (27 OTU), Lichfield, UK

06 Mar 1944 – Discharged from RAAF, “On being granted a Commission”
07 Mar 1944 – Appointed to Rank of Pilot Officer, General Duties (from rank of Flight Sergeant)

03 Apr 1944 – 13 days Leave, to 15 Apr 1944

15 Apr 1944 – Posted to 41 Base
15 (or 17) Apr 1944 – Attached to A/Crew School, until 22 Apr 1944 (Acaster Malbis)
22 Apr 1944 – Attached to 1652 Conversion Unit (1652 CU), Marston Moor

25 (or 29) May 1944 – Posted to 466 Squadron

01 Jun 1944 – First Op at 466 Squadron, Leconfield, crew position second Pilot
03 Jun 1944 – Transferred with 466 Squadron from Leconfield to Driffield
12 June 1944 – First Op at 466 Squadron, Driffield, as Pilot with his usual crew

26 Jun 1944 – Granted rank of Acting Flying Officer, while occupying F/O post.

20 Aug 1944 – Posted to 462 Squadron, Driffield, Yorkshire (also as listed in ORB, Aug 1944 Forms 540)

07 Sep 1944 – Promoted to rank of Flying Officer

Ops – please refer to Ops Table in later section

03 Nov 1944 – 9 days Privilege Leave, until 11 Nov 1944

Dec 1944 – Posted from 462 Squadron (also as listed in ORB, Dec 1944 Forms 540)
20 Dec 1944 – Posted to 43 Base, (HQ, Driffield) as supernumerary

10 (or 11) Jan 1945 – Second Tour – Posted to 96 Squadron, RAF Leconfield

20 Feb 1945 – Awarded Distinguished Flying Cross (details in later Honours and Awards section)

25 Mar 1945 – Posted/transferred to Middle East (ME)

Not listed – Posted to 1330 C U, RAF Bilbeis, Egypt, for conversion to Dakota aircraft (?) – listed in PLUMB’s file, but not in WILSON’s or RICHARDSON’s files

28 Apr 1945 – Entered ACSEA (Air Command South East Asia), ex ME

01 Jul 1945 – Posted to RAF Bhopal, ACSEA, pending repatriation to Australia

26 (or 27) Sep 1945 – Embarked from, India
24 Oct 1945 – Detached from RAF (UK, ACSEA)
24 Oct 1945 – Disembarked at Adelaide SA, ex Overseas (India)
24 Oct 1945 – Posted to 4 Personnel Depot (4 PD), Springbank, Adelaide, SA, ex Overseas (India)

Trove (Newspapers & Gazettes) from National Library of Australia (online)
Advertiser (Adelaide), Wed 24 Oct 1945, page 8,

“1,000 AIRMEN HERE TODAY”
“Sontay At Outer Harbour”
A welcome by several thousand school children, a parade through Adelaide, and aircraft flying over- head will be features of the reception to be given today to Air Force men arriving this morning on the Sontay. She is expected to berth at the Outer Harbor between 8.30 and 9 a.m.
Of the 1,035 men on board, nearly 600 will be landed here. There will be 31 officers and 17 other ranks of the RAAF from South Australia, and a complete wing of 376 RAF personnel. The RAF men are part of 238 Squadron RAF, which is stationed at Parafield. The men who will arrive this, morning have come from Burma, where 238 Squadron previously operated.
About 130 RAAF men from Victoria and Tasmania will disembark here, as the Sontay will sail direct to Sydney.
Air Force authorities yesterday strongly recommended that next of kin should not visit Outer Harbor, but should go to 4PD Springbank, where a reception for the RAAF men will be held. It was stated that the wharf approaches to the ship would be guarded, and that no visitors would be allowed to go on board.
RAAF men would be taken to Springbank by bus soon after the ship berthed, and the RAF men would go to Parafield by train.
The airmen will be welcomed on arrival by the Mayor of Port Adelaide (Mr. W. H. Gilbert). The SA L of C band and the Mallala RAAF drum and bugle band will be at the Outer Harbor, and they will also take part in the procession through Adelaide. Air Force planes will "shoot up" the Sontay as she berths.
Children's Welcome
School children from nine schools along the route the RAAF men will be taken to Springbank will give them a rousing welcome. The schools are the Port Adelaide, Alberton, Woodville, Kilkenny, Hindmarsh, Lefevre Peninsula, Goodwood, Westbourne Park, and Colonel Light Gardens. Arrangements have been made with the Education Department and the headmasters for the children to line up outside their schools.
The buses will halt outside the Air Force Association clubroom on North terrace, where they will be joined by an escort of mounted and motor cycle police. The procession will pass along King William street, and outside the Town Hall the airmen will be welcomed by the Lord Mayor (Mr. Walker). The arrangements have been made by the secretary of the Air Force Association (Mr. R. A. V. Wallace), acting in co-operation with the Air Force authorities.
The following is the list of South Australians who are aboard the Sontay:—
……. 417687 FO P D Wilson ……………

The Sontay had previously berthed in Fremantle, West Aus, on Thurs 18 Oct 1945, when F//Lt G S W RICHARDSON disembarked. PLUMB disembarked in Sydney on 28 Oct 1945 (no ship details), but as all three had been posted to 96 Squadron for their second Tour, he was probably on the same ship.

24 Oct 1945 – 37 days Disembarkation Leave
30 Nov 1945 – Stat Dec signed, stating dates of overseas service.

06 Dec 1945 – Termination of Appointment, on demobilisation; home address 22 Beck St, Henley Beach, SA; 68 days payment in lieu of Leave (30 days Re-Establishment Leave and 38 days War Service Leave)

05 Feb 1946 – Issue of RAAF Airman’s Certificate of Service and Discharge, and Officer’s Certificate of Service No. 22310; home address 22 Beck St, HENLY BEACH SA (sic, HENLEY BEACH).
07 Apr 1946 – letter from WILSON re incorrect listing of medals in his Officer Certificate of Service (i.e. Burma Star)
28 May 1946 – Re-issue of Officer’s Certificate of Service to address c/- Great Western Hotel, 204 King Street, Melbourne.
29 May 1946 – Signed Receipt by WILSON for Officer’s Certificate of Service 22310.

07 Jul 1946 – Signed acknowledgement of receipt of Commission, by WILSON, address c/- Great Western Hotel, 204 King Street, Melbourne.
12 Nov 1984 – Request by Dept of Veteran Affairs for Statement of RAAF War Service
06 Feb 1985 – Statement of RAAF War Service

Medals – Distinguished Flying Cross, 1939-45 Star, Burma Star, France and Germany Star, Defence Medal, Returned from Active Service Badge

Summary of flying hours (hand-written form, completed in Australia at 2 PD, copy of log book is not available.)
Aircraft in which flown – DH 82 Tiger Moth, Anson, Oxford, Wellington X, Halifax II and III, Dakota

Training
1 EFTS, Aus, flying in DH82 Tiger Moth aircraft, 63 h 20 m;
6 SFTS, Aus, flying in Anson aircraft, 127 h 20 m;
Advanced Training
3 (P) AFU, South Cerney, UK, flying in Oxford aircraft, 82 h 30 m;
1540 BAT Flight, UK, flying in Oxford aircraft, 10 h 0 m (included in South Cerney hours);
27 OTU, Lichfield, UK, flying in Wellington X aircraft, 87 h 25 m;
1652 C U, Marston Moor, UK, flying in Halifax II aircraft, 40 h 25 m
Total all training – 401 h 00 m

Operational Flying, First Tour – from 29 May 1944 to 29 Oct 1944
466 Squadron, UK, flying in Halifax III aircraft, Bombing, 24 Ops, 109 h 10 m;
462 Squadron, UK, flying in Halifax III aircraft, Bombing, 13 Ops, 58 h 35 m;
Operational Flying, Second Tour – from 10 Jan 1945 to 08 Jul 1945
96 Squadron, India, Transport, flying in Dakota aircraft, 5 Ops, 35 h 0 m;
Total Operational Flying, 2 Tours – 42 Ops, 202 h 45 m all flying (correct)

Non-Operational Flying
Non-Operational Flying at 466 and 462 Sqdns, Halifax III aircraft – 25 h 55 m;
Non-Operational Flying at 96 Sqdn, Halifax III, aircraft – 16 h 45 m;
Non-Operational Flying at 96 Sqdn, Dakota, aircraft – 68 h 50 m;
Total all flying (training, non-op, 2 Tours) – 715 h 15 m, 42 Ops (correct)

Character &Trade assessments
Under Training – AC2, LAC, Sgt, – recorded as Character Very Good.
Trainee Pilot – F/Sgt – Character Very Good.

General Conduct Sheet
Certified No Entry at postings in Australia (4 ITS, 1 EFTS, 6 SFTS, 4 ED, 2 ED)
Certified No Entry at postings in UK (11 PDRC, 3 (P) AFU, 27 OTU, 1652 HCU) Service Conduct Sheet – Certified No Entry as of 14 Nov 1944.

Officer Confidential report, rank Flying Officer, age 22 y 11 m; supernumerary at 43 Base HQ Driffield; covers posting from 20 Dec 1944 to 10 Jan 1945; prior to posting to Transport; then with 595 hours flying, with 194 hours in the last 6 months; General Conduct – marked as “I K” by signing officer (i.e. Insufficient Knowledge); Assessments – all marked as “I K”; Special and General Remarks sections – all marked as “I K”; signed by S/Ldr W SCOTT on 30 Jan 1945; not co-signed.

Personal life, post war

Trove (Newspapers & Gazettes) from National Library of Australia (online)
The Argus (Melbourne), Thur 27 Nov 1947, page 10 “Approaching marriages”

“CALVERT-WILSON – The marriage of Janet, youngest daughter of Mrs M K Calvert, of Colac, and Paul Dean Wilson, younger son of Mrs S C Stidston, of Adelaide, will take place at Wesley Church, Lonsdale street, at 3 pm Monday, December 1.”

466-462 Squadrons’ Association – sourced from “Brave and True” 2nd Edn. 2007, by Stan Parker, and John McManus DFC; ISBN 978-0-646--47990-3; Copyright © 466-462 Squadrons “Association”, Sydney, Australia.

Page (xi) “Over the years, pension and welfare and related miscellaneous financial considerations have been attended to by ….. Paul Wilson and …….
Page (xii) “For many years, until becoming President in 2004, Paul Wilson was honorary photographer at 466-462 Squadrons Reunions. He attended 4 Group Reunions in Yorkshire on a regular basis. In 2006, Paul Wilson was the dominant force in having a small bronze 466 and 462 Squadrons memorial plaque placed on a kerb to a footpath in a garden adjoining the Australian War Memorial.”
Page (xii) “Present-day committee members of Paul Wilson, …….. have instigated, supported and contributed to the second edition.”
Page 41 – “On the 7th April 2006, Paul Wilson, President of the “Reunion”, presented 462 Squadron, via Brett Newell, a small, timber, shield-like plaque with the crest of 466-462 Squadrons mounted on it.” (Also page 41 – 462 Squadron was re-formed officially for the second time on 18th April 2005 and became an Information Operations Squadron (IOSQN) based in Canberra, ACT, with a motto “Information is Power”. The presentation was to W/Cdr Brett Newell, Commanding Officer of the new 462 Squadron.)

Page 177 – “Through the efforts of Ann Penny OAM, a Dedication Ceremony was held at Bull Creek, WA, on 1st June 2004 in regard to a copy of the Book of Remembrance (Memorial Book). Paul Wilson DFC represented 466-462 Squadrons Reunion and 462 Squadron, and Tom Lofthouse represented 466 Squadron. Paul Wilson presented a 466-462 Squadrons’ plaque with crest/badge to the Museum.”

Page 178 – On the 23 rd November 2006, Paul Wilson, President, 466-462 Squadrons Reunion, and Keith Campbell, President, Bomber Command Association in Australia, donated the following items to the Squadron Club of the resurrected 462 Squadron at a cocktail party hosted by W/Cdr Brett Newell and held in the Werriwa Defence Facility, Canberra (banner, painting, newspaper cuttings, photographs, CD of photos of plaque unveiling/dedication ceremony 10 Oct 2006).

Page 184 – President of Association from 2004 to publication of book in 2007 (and possibly later?).

Page 194 – Bronze Plaque in the Sculpture Garden, Australian War Memorial, Canberra. A ceremony to unveil and dedicate the plaque was held on the 10th October 2006. Paul Wilson delivered a Commemorative Address, which is include in “Brave and True” on pages (viii) and (ix).

Page 195 – The plaque was dedicated and unveiled whilst standing on a table in the Western Courtyard (Courtyard Gallery) prior to being set in a pathway within the gardens of the AWM. Paul Wilson DFC, President, 466-462 Squadrons Reunion, was the driving force in having the bronze memorial-plaque approved and procured and placed in Canberra. The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) funded the cost of the project, therefore much gratitude is expressed to DVA by ex-members of 462 and 466 Squadrons, and by relatives of members.
In early November 2006, the bronze plaque was set on a kerb to a pathway, at position 108, in the Sculpture Garden near the Western Courtyard (Courtyard Gallery) of the main building of the AWM.

Page 200 – Message from message from Paul Wilson and Stan Parker, on behalf of 466-462 Squadrons Reunion, was read at the unveiling and dedication of the new, replaced monument at Hofstade, Belgium, on the 5th February 2005. A 466-462 Squadrons’ timber plaque with crest was sent to Belgium with the message (copy of the message on page 202 of book).

Page 312-313 – acknowledgement to the many contributors and supporters on the book, one of whom was Paul Wilson.

Award of OAM – Australia Day Honours, 2009 – please refer to later Honours and Awards section

Ryerson Index, online
Paul Dean WILSON, death 20 January 2012, age 89, late of Pymble, Notice published in Sydney Morning Herald on 25 January 2012
Funeral Notice published 27 January 2012 may be viewed online at the Sydney Morning Herald website, with a link to listen to an Obituary; and public guest book for comments. Paul was the husband of Jane (deceased), father of Steve, Tim, Andy; grandfather and great-grandfather. His funeral service was in the Guardian Chapel, Warrawee on Mon 30 Jan 2012.

If you can assist with further information or photos, please make contact.

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Bomb Aimer 1 – William Young ALLAN 428748 RAAF
NAA Service File Series A9300 RAAF

05 Mar 1942 – Enrolment in the RAAF Reserve; Reserve Badge Number 17966; at 2B Mobile Unit, Newcastle; age 20 y 7 m; cadet Draughtsman, business address c/o Lake Macquarie Shire, Speers’ Point, NSW; vision 6/9 left eye, 6/12 right eye; Colour Vision normal; hearing normal; medical classification A1B (other details as per enlistment form dated 10 Oct 1942)

10 Oct 1942 – Enlisted in the RAAF, at 2 Recruiting Centre (2 RC), Sydney, age 21 y 3 m, date of birth 08 Jul 1921, born at Waratah, Newcastle, NSW; British, single, next of kin was his father, Duncan Gillies ALLAN, of Vera Street, Waratah, NSW; additional contact in event of emergency was his mother Anne ALLAN, of the same address; Civil occupation Cadet Draughtsman; residing in Waratah, NSW; no civil convictions; no previous Defence Force service; religion Presbyterian; height 5 ft 7.5 inches (171.5 cm), weight 133 lb (60 kg); fair complexion, blue eyes, fair hair; medical category A1B. Educational qualifications Intermediate and Leaving Certificates.

10 Oct 1942 – Issued RAAF Service Number 428748; mustered as Air Crew V, appointed as Aircraftman 2 (AC2 or ACII); photo at enlistment shown in previous section.
10 Oct 1942 – Posted to 2 Initial Training School (2 ITS), Bradfield Park, NSW

06 Nov 1942 – Re-mustered as Air Crew V (O)

04 Dec 1942 – Completed Course 32 (O) at 2 ITS, PASS
05 Dec 1942 – Re-classified as Leading Aircraftman (LAC)
05 Dec 1942 – Re-mustered as Air Crew II (O)

30 Jan 1943 – Re-mustered as Air Crew II (B)
30 Jan 1943 – Posted to 2 ED, Bradfield Park, NSW
26 Feb 1943 – Posted to 1 ED, Ascot Vale, Vic

06 Mar 1943 – Embarked from Melbourne, Vic, for destination Canada

22 Mar 1943 – Disembarked in Canada
26 Mar 1943 – Posted to 17 SFTS, Souris, Manitoba, Canada

18 Apr 1943 – Posted to 8 Bombing and Gunner School (8 BAGS), Lethbridge, Canada
15 Jun 1943 – Admitted to Station Hospital.
09 Jul 1943 – Discharged from Station Hospital

08 Aug 1943 – Posted to 2 Air Observers School (2 AOS), Edmonton, Canada

17 Sep 1943 – Awarded Air Bombers Badge
17 Sep 1943 – Re-mustered as Air Bomber
16 Sep 1943 – Discharged from RAAF, “On being granted a Commission”
17 Sep 1943 – Appointed to Rank of Pilot Officer, General Duties (from rank of Leading Aircraftman)

14 to 20 Oct 1943– Embarked from Canada, destination UK (hand-written record as being between those dates, but by comparison with the dates of later postings in the UK, embarkation from Canada was more likely to have been on or soon after 17 Sep 1943)

Undated 1943 – Disembarked in UK
08 Oct 1943 – Posted to 11 PDRC, Brighton UK

26 Oct 1943 – Posted to 4 (Observers) Advanced Flying Unit (4 (O) AFU), West Freugh, Scotland

21 Dec 1943 – Posted to 27 OTU, Lichfield, UK

17 Mar 1944 – Promoted to rank of Flying Officer

15 Apr 1944 – Posted to 41 Base

29 May 1944 – Posted to 466 Squadron
12 Jun 1944 – Commenced Ops at 466 Squadron, Driffield (substituted on occasions by three other Navs)

20 Aug 1944 – Posted to 462 Squadron, Driffield, Yorkshire (also as listed in ORB, Aug 1944 Forms 540)
21 Aug 1944 – Posted Non-effective sick to Headquarters, 43 Base (also as listed in ORB, Aug 1944 Forms 540, immediately following the Officers posted to 462 Squadron).

Ops at 462 Squadron – none listed for ALLAN, however please refer to Ops Table in later section

29 Sep 1944 – Discharged from RAF Hospital, Northallerton (admission date not recorded)
29 Sep 1944 – Admitted to Harewood House (convalescence)
02 Oct 1944 – Discharged from Harewood House

16 Nov 1944 – Letter from Overseas Headquarters, Kodak House, London, to Dept of Air, Melbourne; noting that F/O W Y ALLAN 428748 Air Bomber had approx 375 hours and had carried out 21 sorties in Halifax aircraft; was medically boarded on 08 Nov for asthma at No. 1 C M B, London and categorised …… (multiple abbreviations); repatriation was recommended; and instructions had been issued for repatriation on medical grounds.

01 Dec 1944 – Posted to 11 PDRC, pending repatriation to Australia
05 Dec 1944 – Confidential Report (Officers) – for Repatriation, at rank of Flying Officer, age 23 y 5 m; Air Bomber, Non-effective Sick; at 43 Base; covering period from 21 Aug 1944 to 01 Dec 1944; total hours flown 351; 110 hours in last 6 months; General Conduct “satisfactory”; or temperate habit; Assessed as 7 for zeal and energy in performance of duties; 7 for general standard of professional ability; 6 for personality, character and leadership; 6 for reliability and judgment; 6 for initiative; present duties no applicable’ – (high assessments when compared with some other reports)
The Wg/Cdr of 462 Squadron made remarks that “An above average bomb aimer, but unfortunately he had to be taken off flying duties due to medical reasons. He has done several courses which should make him a very useful man for instructional work” signed by Wg/Cdr D E SHANNON on 05 Dec 1944; Co-signed by the G/Capt with remarks “Insufficient Knowledge” on 07 Dec 1944.

Undated – Embarked from UK
22 Feb 1945 – Disembarked at Sydney, Australia, ex Overseas
22 Feb 1945 – Posted to 2 Personnel Depot (2 PD), Sydney, ex overseas
01 Apr 1945 – Re-posted to 2 PD (reason not recorded in file)

26 Jun 1945 – Voluntary request for release to civil employment by Transfer to the RAAF Reserve; address 12 Vera St, Waratah, NSW.
17 Sep 1945 – Promoted to rank of Flight Lieutenant
20 Sep 1945 – Stat Dec signed, stating dates of overseas service; 74 days payment in lieu of Leave (14 days Recreation Leave, 30 days Re-Establishment Leave and 30 days War Service Leave)
22 Sep 1945 – Transferred to RAAF Reserve; home address 12 Vera St, Waratah, NSW
29 Oct 1945 – Issue of RAAF Officer’s Certificate of Service

Commission and Promotions – published in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazettes as follows
Commission to rank of Pilot Officer from rank of Leading Aircraftman – Gazette Issue 145, Thurs 20 Jul 1944, page 1481;
Promotion to Flying Officer – Gazette Issue 154, Thurs 03 Aug 1944, page 1578;
Promotion to Flight Lieutenant – Gazette Issue 224, Thurs 22 Nov 1945, page 2522;
Transfer to the Reserve – Gazette Issue 69, Thurs 11 Apr 1946, page 1011.

Medals – Returned from Active Service Badge (no others listed)

Summary of flying hours (hand-written form)

Training
2 AOS, Edmonton, Canada, flying in Anson aircraft, 42 h 05 m;
8 BAGS, Lethbridge, Canada, Anson Bolingbroke aircraft, 46 h 15 m;
Advanced Training
4 (O) AFU, West Freugh, UK, flying in Anson aircraft, 37 h 25 m;
27 OTU, Lichfield, UK, flying in Wellington aircraft, 76 h 10 m;
1652 C U, Marston Moor, UK, flying in Halifax II aircraft, 40 h 25 m
Total all training – 242 h 20 m (correct)
Special Courses
Bomber Command Bombing Analysis, Bruntingthorpe, England (no flying)

Operational Flying, First Tour – from 07 Jun 1944 to 10 Aug 1944
466 Squadron, UK, flying in Halifax III aircraft, Bombing, 21 Ops, 108 h 47 m;
462 Squadron, UK, nil
Total First Tour – 21 Ops, 108 h 47 m all flying (correct)
Total all flying (training, First Tour) – 351 h 07 m, 21 Ops (correct)

Character and Trade assessments
Under Training – AC2 – recorded as Character Very Good.

General Conduct Sheet – Not in File

Service Conduct Sheet – Not in File

16 Apr 1960 – Death – “Minute Paper” of 27 Jul 1960 for “ex F/L W Y ALLAN (428748)” stamped “Deceased 16 Apr 60, Authority CWGC 22/7/60”

1960 – Death of William Young ALLAN, 428748; NAA File A8233 refers to “Crematorium, Mount Thompson, Qld”
It appears that he died while still serving in the RAAF, however his name is not listed in the CWGC (Commonwealth War Graves Commission), online Index.

Personal life, post war
Details of any marriage, family, post war occupation not yet known.
If you can assist with further information or photos, please make contact.

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Bomb Aimer 2, James Kennedy MUNDLE 126905 RAFVR
No RAFVR service file available.

The Air Force List of July 1945 – checked for identification as Officer, and for possible promotions in the officer ranks.
The London Gazette – checked for Commission, promotions and Awards, as listed below.
Internet, and various genealogical sites – insufficient knowledge to correctly identify this Bomb Aimer.

However in the 1939 Register, there is a household living at the address “9 Palace Gate, Kensington, London” consisting of Author/Journalist Harold HEAD, and Kate HEAD; Cook/general help Georgina O’HARA (later MURPHY); student Clement W MUNDLE; and James K MUNDLE, single, date of birth 11 May 1921, occupation Insurance Clerk.
(Relationship between MUNDLE and HEAD family not known.)
Is this the same person as the later Bomb Aimer James Kennedy MUNDLE?

Enlistment – Sometime soon after August 1940, based on the following.
From the website http://www.ab-ix.co.uk/rfc_raf.pdf which details RFC and RAF Service Numbers: No. 1375001 to 1400000 were allocated from August 1940 from Euston. This batch includes 1375144 for J K MUNDLE.

Training – postings not yet known.
Postings – dates not known

76 Squadron – Crew details and Ops there not known, but his actions there earned him a Distinguished Flying Cross. (See later Awards and Honours section.)

466 Squadron, Driffield (?) – date of posting TO and FROM 466 Squadron not known. His only listings in The Book “Brave and True” record him as Bomb Aimer for the WILSON Crew 126, but not for any other crew.

462 Squadron, Driffield – His Posting TO 462 Squadron was not listed in the ORB; permanent replacement Bomb Aimer for the WILSON Crew 22, did not fly with any other crew.

12 September 1944 – First Op at 462 Squadron with WILSON Crew
26 September 1944 – from this date, the DFC for MUNDLE was included after his name in the ORB, Forms 541, Ops.
29 October 1944 – Last Op at 462 Squadron with WILSON Crew
Ops – please refer to Ops table in later section

November 1944 – Posted from 462 Squadron, as listed in the ORB.

Later posting and duties not known.

Promotions from London Gazette

London Gazette, issue 35678, dated Tuesday 25 August 1942, page 3712

ROYAL AIR FORCE VOLUNTEER RESERVE.
GENERAL DUTIES BRANCH
To be Pilot Officers on prob. (emergency) ….
Sergeants……
1375144 James Kennedy MUNDLE (126905) 28th June 1942.
(Note – Gazette page is badly marked, so word search fails; found by backdating from dates of later promotions to F/O and F/LT)

London Gazette, issue 35881, dated Friday 29 January 1943, page 544

ROYAL AIR FORCE VOLUNTEER RESERVE.
GENERAL DUTIES BRANCH
Pilot Officers (prob.) to be Flying Officers on prob. (war subs.) ….
28th December 1942
J. K. MUNDLE (126905)

London Gazette, issue 36617, dated Friday 21 July 1944, page 3391

ROYAL AIR FORCE VOLUNTEER RESERVE.
GENERAL DUTIES BRANCH
Promotions …..
Flying Officer to Flight Lieutenant (war subs.) ….
28th June 1944
J. K. MUNDLE (126905)

Distinguished Flying Cross at previous posting at 76 Squadron – please see later Honours and Awards section

A Citation for any specific action was not listed, so the DFC may have been for consistent good work.
From 26 Sep 1944, the DFC for MUNDLE was included after his name in the 462 Squadron ORB, Forms 541, Ops.

If you can assist with correct identification, or a photo, or any other information, including his DFC – please make contact.

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Wireless Operator Gordon Stewart Woollands RICHARDSON 415592 RAAF
NAA Service File Series A9300 RAAF, and WW2 Nominal Roll
Note: A9300 file (Officer) has only 14 pages, and lists mainly non-officer details. The Australian WW2 Nominal Roll records him with his WW2 Service Number 415592, and also as O51099, indicating he enlisted post-war in the permanent Air Force, with issue of new Officer’s Service Number. NAA also lists him with 2 files, both with Service Number A51099, date range 1950-1955. It is probable that the missing pages are with his post war files, and not yet available. He is not listed in the Nominal Roll for the Korean War.

19 Apr 1939 – Marriage to Winifred Mary; later birth of daughter Judith Gail; both listed as dependents in Service File.

30 Nov 1941 – Enlisted in the RAAF, at 4 Recruiting Centre (4 RC), Perth, Western Australia; age 23 y, date of birth 08 Sep 1918, born at Maylands, WA; British; formerly of Kalgoorlie, WA; married, next of kin his wife Winifred Mary RICHARDSON, of 20 Lyons St South, Ballarat, Vic; no additional contact in event of emergency; Civil occupations Warehouse Assistant and Commercial Traveller, and Mine Tally Clerk; religion Methodist; Medical physical examination not included in file, no medical Category listed.

30 Nov 1941 – Issued RAAF Service Number 415592; mustered as Air Crew V, appointed as Aircraftman 2 (AC2 or ACII); no enlistment photo in file.

05 Dec 1941 – Posted to 4 Initial Training School (4 ITS), Victor Harbor, South Australia
31 Dec 1941 – Character &Trade assessment, at rank of AC2, Under Training – recorded as Character Very Good.

18 Feb 1942 – Re-mustered as Air Crew V (G)
27 Feb 1942 – Completed No. 23 (G) Course at 4 I T S; PASS
28 Feb 1942 – Re-classified as Leading Aircraftman (LAC)

02 Apr 1942 – Posted to 1 Wireless and Gunnery School (1 WAGS), Ballarat, Vic
02 Apr 1942 – To live out and draw ..…. (illegible, looks like monetary allowances per day; possibly living “at home” with his wife and child, at their address in Ballarat)
05 Apr 1942 – Commenced No. 24 WAG Course at 1 WAGS

16 Sep 1942 – Completed No. 24 WAG Course at 1 WAGS, PASS
17 Sep 1942 – Re-mustered as Air Crew II (G)
20 Sep 1942 – Commenced No. 24 (G) Course at 3 BAGS
21 Sep 1942 – Posted to 3 BAGS, West Sale, Vic (sic, out of sequence)

14 Oct 1942 – Discharged from RAAF, “On being granted a Commission”
15 Oct 1942 – Appointed to Rank of Pilot Officer, General Duties (from rank of Leading Aircraftman) – from Comm Gazette
15 Oct 1942 – Completed No. 24 (G) Course at 3 BAGS, PASS
15 Oct 1942 – Awarded Air Gunner’s Badge

15 Apr 1943 – Promoted to rank of Flying Officer – from Comm Gazette

15 Oct 1944 – Promoted to rank of Flight Lieutenant – from Comm Gazette

Not included in File
Posting and advanced training as Wireless Operator in Australia
Embarkation from Aus
Disembarkation in UK
Posting to 11 PDRC
Advanced training as W/OP in UK

Not included in File – The following dates are speculation, based on RAAF service files for the other members of this crew, and assuming that they crewed together during their training in UK.

~ 21 Dec 1943 – Posted to 27 OTU, Lichfield, UK, for crew formation
~ 15 Apr 1944 – Posted to 41 Base
~ 15 Apr 1944 – Attached to A/Crew School, (Battle Course) until 22 Apr 1944 (Acaster Malbis
~ 22 Apr 1944 – Attached to 1652 CU, Marston Moor, until 29 May 1944
29 May 1944 – Posted to 466 Squadron
12 Jun 1944 – Commenced Ops at 466 Squadron, Driffield
20 Aug 1944 – Posted to 462 Squadron, Driffield, Yorkshire; also listed in Aug 1944 Forms 540 in the 462 Squadron Operational Record Book.
Ops – please refer to Ops Table in later section, extracted from the Operational Record Book.
Dec 1944 – Posted from 462 Squadron, as listed in Dec 1944 Forms 540 in the 462 Squadron Operational Record Book.

Not included in File
Later Instructional postings or “Tour”
Posting to 11 PDRC, pending repatriation to Australia
Officer Confidential Report
Embarkation from UK
Disembarkation in Aus, ex Overseas
Postings in Aus

Trove (Newspapers & Gazettes) from National Library of Australia (online)
West Australian (Perth), Friday 19 Oct 1945, page 8 –

“RAAF MEN RETURN”.
The steamer “Sontay” berthed at North Wharf early on 18 Oct, which included 585 RAAF personnel on board. 39 West Australians disembarked at Fremantle, one being F/Lt G S W RICHARDSON.

18 Oct 1945 – Disembarked in Fremantle, WA, ex overseas service (from Trove)
21 Dec 1945 – Termination of Appointment, on demobilisation, at rank of Flight Lieutenant, as recorded in the Nominal Roll. His last posting was listed on the Roll as 96 Squadron.

Not included in File
Medals
Summary of flying hours and Aircraft in which flown
General Conduct Sheet
Service Conduct Sheet
Post War RAAF Career

14 May 1948 – Appointed as Flight Lieutenant in the RAAF Reserve (refer Comm Gazette, below)
19 Mar 1950 – Termination of appointment on the RAAF Reserve, at rank of Flight Lieutenant.
20 Mar 1950 – Enlisted in the permanent Air Force, as Trainee Group 4 (category radio serviceman, Air.); new Service Number O51099.
1958 – Confirmed Appointment as Flying Officer in permanent Air Force (ref Comm Gazette)
1960 – Promoted to Fight Lieutenant (ref Comm Gazette)
1972 – Retired from Permanent Air Force, Flight Lieut with honorary rank of Squadron Leader (ref Comm Gazette)

Commonwealth of Australia Gazette (Trove, Newspapers & Gazettes, Nat Lib Aus, online)

Issue 309, Thurs 26 Nov 1942, page 2754
The following Airmen (Wireless Operator Air Gunners) are appointed to commissions on probation with the rank of Pilot Officer with effect from 15th October 1942:- (Leading Aircraftmen) …… 415592 Gordon Stewart Woolland Richardson (sic).

Issue 113, Thurs 27 May 1943, page 1121
The probationary appointments of the following Pilot Officers are confirmed and they are promoted to Flying Officers with effect from the date indicated:- ……
G S W Richardson (415592) … 15th April 1943

Issue 8, Thurs 11 Jan 1945, page 88
The following Flying Officers are promoted to the temporary rank of Flight Lieutenant with effect from the dates indicated:- ….
(Wireless Operators (Air) “G”) …… G S W Richardson (415592), 15th October 1944

Issue 91, Thurs 16 May 1946, page 1359
The appointments of following Officers are terminated on demobilization with effect from the dates indicated:- ….
(Temporary Flight Lieutenants) …. G S W Richardson (415592) …. 21st December 1945

Issue 148, Thurs 21 Oct 1948, page 3732
RESERVE General Duties Branch
The following ex-officers are appointed to commissions with the ranks as indicated:- ….
Temporary Flight Lieutenants. …….
Gordon Stewart Woolland Richardson (sic) (415592) .… 14th May 1948

Issue 29, Thurs 18 May 1950, page 1141
RESERVE General Duties Branch
The appointments of following officers are terminated:- ….
Temporary Flight Lieutenants …. G S W Richardson (415592) 19 March 1950

Issue 75, Thurs 11 Dec 1958, page 4198
PERMANENT AIR FORCE General Duties Branch
The probationary appointment of Flying Officer G S W Richardson (O51099) is confirmed.

Issue 68, Thurs 13 Oct 1960, page 3522
PERMANENT AIR FORCE General Duties Branch
The following Flying Officers are promoted to the rank of Flight Lieutenant:- ….
G S W Richardson (O41099) 2nd September 1960 (sic, error in Service number)

Issue 38, Thurs 11 May 1972, page 17
PERMANENT AIR FORCE General Duties Branch
Flight Lieutenant G S W Richardson (O51099) is placed on the Retired List 5 April 1972 with the honorary rank of Squadron Leader.

Personal life – no information other than marriage and one child as recorded in his Service file.
If you can assist with details or photos, please make contact.

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Navigator Donald Archie PLUMB 424934 RAAF
NAA Service File Series A9300 RAAF
Note: File has a Document Removal Advice form, dated 18 Jun 2013, records that “envelopes of nitrate negatives, extremely deteriorated, blocked together, inseparable”. Only one print remained, a damaged enlistment photo, as shown in previous section.

09 Oct 1942 – Enlisted in the RAAF, at 2 Recruiting Centre (2 RC), Sydney, age 22 y 10 m, date of birth 17 Dec 1919, born at Inverell, NSW; British, single, next of kin was his mother, Mrs Alice Amelia PLUMB, of Paxton, via Cessnock, NSW; additional contact in event of emergency George Albert PLUMB, brother of same address; Civil occupation School Teacher residing at Guyra, NSW; no civil convictions; previous Defence Force service as Private in Sydney University Regiment, Dec 1940 to May 1941; religion Methodist; height 6 ft 0 inches (183 cm), weight 161 lb (73 kg), vision 6/6 both eyes; medium complexion, eye colour not recorded, auburn hair; medical category A3B (Fit Air Observer or Air Gunner). Educational qualifications Intermediate and Leaving Certificates; Teacher’s training and exams; Special Qualifications – ‘French’

09 Oct 1942 – Issued RAAF Service Number 424934; mustered as Air Crew V, appointed as Aircraftman 2 (AC2 or ACII); photo at enlistment shown in previous section.
09 Oct 1942 – Posted to 2 Initial Training School (2 ITS), Bradfield Park, NSW

30 Nov 1942 – Re-mustered as Air Crew V (O) – as Trainee Observer

01 Jan 1943 – Completed Course 33 (O) at 2 ITS, PASS
02 Jan 1943 – Re-classified as Leading Aircraftman (LAC)
02 Jan 1943 – Re-mustered as Air Crew II (N)
02 Jan 1943 – Posted to 2 ED, Bradfield Park, NSW

08 Feb 1943 – Embarked from Sydney, NSW, for destination Canada
08 Feb 1943 – Attached to RCAF, Canada

02 Mar 1943 – Disembarked in Canada
02 Mar 1943 – Posted to # Manning Depot (3 MD), Edmonton, Canada
07 (or 09) Mar 1943 – Posted to 2 AOS, Edmonton, Canada; commenced Course 71 at 2 AOS

23 Jul 1943 – Awarded Air Navigator Badge
23 Jul 1943 – Re-mustered as Air Navigator
23 Jul 1943 – Promoted to Sergeant

23 Jul 1943 – Posted to 1 ‘Y’ Depot, Halifax, Canada

24 Aug 1943 – Detached from RCAF, Canada
25 (or 26) Aug 1943 – Embarked from Canada, destination UK
25 Aug 1943 – Attached to RAF (UK, MEC, ACSEA)

01 Sep 1943 – Disembarked in UK
01 (or 02) Sep 1943 – Posted to 11 PDRC, Brighton UK

19 Oct 1943 – Posted to 4 (O) AFU, West Freugh, Scotland

21 Dec 1943 – Posted to 27 OTU, Lichfield, UK

23 Jan 1944 – Promoted to Flight Sergeant

03 Apr 1944 – 13 days Leave, to 15 Apr 1944
15 Apr 1944 – Posted to 41 Base
15 Apr 1944 – Attached to A/Crew School, until 22 Apr 1944 (Acaster Malbis)
22 Apr 1944 – Attached to 1652 CU, Marston Moor, until 29 May 1944

29 May 1944 – Posted to 466 Squadron
12 Jun 1944 – Commenced Ops at 466 Squadron, Driffield

20 Aug 1944 – Posted to 462 Squadron, Driffield, Yorkshire (also as listed in ORB, Aug 1944 Forms 540)
Ops – please refer to Ops Table in later section

13 Sep 1944 – Discharged from RAAF, “On being granted a Commission” (subsequently Re-posted to 462 Squadron, as Officer)
14 Sep 1944 – Appointed to Rank of Pilot Officer, General Duties (from rank of Flight Sergeant)

03 Nov 1944 – 9 days Privilege Leave, until 11 Nov 1944
20 Nov 1944 – 9 days Privilege Leave, until 28 Nov 1944

Dec 1944 – Posted from 462 Squadron (also as listed in ORB, Dec 1944 Forms 540)
20 Dec 1944 – Posted to 43 Base, (HQ, Driffield) as supernumerary

10 Jan 1945 – Second Tour – Posted to 96 Squadron

14 Mar 1945 – Promoted to rank of Flying Officer

25 Mar 1945 – Posted to M E (Middle East)
Undated – Posted to 1330 C U, RAF Bilbeis, Egypt, for conversion to Dakota aircraft
28 Apr 1945 – Re-posted to M E (?)

[MRC CCTF (Transport), India, Dakota aircraft – meaning of MRC CCTF ?]

01 Jul 1945 – Posted to RAF Bhopal, ACSEA, pending repatriation to Australia

28 Sep 1945 – Embarked from Calcutta, India

28 Oct 1945 – Disembarked at Sydney, Australia, ex Overseas (ship not named, but probably the Sontay, sailing from India to Fremantle when RICHARDSON disembarked, then to Adelaide when WILSON disembarked, then direct to Sydney.)
28 Oct 1945 – Detached from RAF
28 Oct 1945 – Posted to 2 Personnel Depot (2 PD), Sydney
29 Oct 1945 – 7 days Annual Rec Leave, to 05 Nov 1945

06 Nov 1945 – 30 days Disembarkation Leave, to 05 Dec 1945

17 Dec 1945 – Stat Dec signed, stating dates of overseas service.
17 Dec 1945 – Termination of Appointment, on demobilisation; home address Paxton, via Cessnock, NSW; 75 days payment in lieu of Leave (7 days Recreation Leave, 30 days Re-Establishment Leave and 38 days War Service Leave)

19 Feb 1946 – Issue of RAAF Airman’s Certificate of Service and Discharge, and Officer’s Certificate of Service No. 14522; home address Paxton, via Cessnock, NSW.
11 Mar 1946 – Signed Receipt by PLUMB for Certificates of Service

13 Feb 1948 – Signed acknowledgement of receipt of Commission, by PLUMB, address Stewart’s Brook via Scone, NSW.

29 Jan 1985 – Request by Dept of Veteran Affairs for Statement of RAAF War Service
15 Feb 1985 – Statement of RAAF War Service

Medals – 1939-45 Star, France and Germany Star, Defence Medal, Returned from Active Service Badge

Summary of flying hours (hand-written form with Maths error. Copy of log book is not available, so data is not able to be confirmed or corrected.)

Aircraft in which flown – Anson, Wellington, Halifax II and III, Dakota
Training
2 AOS, Edmonton, Canada, flying in Anson aircraft, 100 h 15 m;
Advanced Training
4 (O) AFU, West Freugh, UK, flying in Anson aircraft, 43 h 40 m;
27 OTU, Lichfield, UK, flying in Wellington aircraft, 76 h 0 m;
1652 CU, Marston Moor, UK, flying in Halifax II aircraft, 40 h 25 m
1330 CU, Egypt, flying in Dakota aircraft, 7 h 45 m;
Total all training – 268 h 05 m (correct)

Operational Flying, First Tour – from 12 Jun 1944 to 29 Oct 1944
466 Squadron, UK, flying in Halifax III aircraft, Bombing, 23 Ops, 104 h 55 m;
462 Squadron, UK, flying in Halifax III aircraft, Bombing, 13 Ops, 58 h 40 m;
Non-Operational Flying at 466 and 462 Squadrons – 23 h 30 m;
Total First Tour – 36 Ops, 187 h 05 m all flying (correct)
(Note that Ops at 466 Sqn were listed as Leconfield, not Driffield.)

Operational Flying, Second Tour – from 12 Feb 1945 to … (undated)
96 Squadron, CCTF (Transport) India, flying in Dakota aircraft, 5 Ops, 35 h 5 m;
Non-Operational hours towards second tour – 74 h 40 m;
Total Second Tour – 5 Ops, 109 h 45 m all flying (correct)
Total all flying (training, First, Second Tours) – 530 h 35 m, 41 Ops (maths error, incorrect total; 564 h 55 m, short by 34 h 20 m; completed in Australia at 2 PD)

Character and Trade assessments
Under Training – AC2 – recorded as Character Very Good.
Operational Navigator – Sgt, F/Sgt – Character Very Good; Proficiency and skill as Navigator Satisfactory; Ability as NCO Satisfactory.

General Conduct Sheet
Certified No Entry at postings in Australia (2 ITS, 2 ED)

Offence on 08 Apr 1943, at 2 AOS, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, at rank of LAC – “Failing to obey DRO in that while stationed at No. 2 AOS, failed to pass through the Guard House when entering the station area, as detailed in DRO No. 55 dated 5 March 1943). Punishment awarded on 08 Apr 1943 – Confined to Barracks for 14 days.
This blemish on his service record did not appear to affect his later Commission to Pilot Officer from the rank of Flight Sergeant, and his subsequent promotion to Flying Officer.

Certified No (Further) Entry at postings in UK (11 PDRC, 4 (O) AFU, 27 OTU, 1652 HCU, 466 Sqdn, 462 Sqdn)

Service Conduct Sheet – Certified No Entry as of 16 Jan 1943, and again on 21 Mar 1945.

Officer Confidential Report not included in Service File

Personal life, post war

Ryerson Index, online
Donald Archie PLUMB, death 29 July 1989, age 69, late of Wentworthville, Notice published in Sydney Morning Herald on 01 Aug 1989

Trove (Newspapers & Gazettes) from National Library of Australia (online)
Gov. Gazette of the State of New South Wales, Fri Dec 1989, issue 119, page 10730
Refers to intended distribution of estate of Donald Archie PLUMB, late of Wentworthville, retired teacher, who died on 29th July 1989; Probate of Will date dated 6th September 1979 was granted on 16th Sep 1989 (Public Trustee, Public Trust Office, Parramatta, NSW)

From the above Probate record, Donald Archie PLUMB’s post war occupation was Teacher, the same as at his enlistment.

Any marriage and later family – not known.

If you can assist with further information or photos, please make contact.

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Mid-Upper Gunner Harold Edward STOKES 430636 RAAF
NAA Service File Series A9300 RAAF

04 Jan 1943 – Medical examination, Melbourne; details as per the enlistment form below; medical category A1B, A3B.

26 Feb 1943 – Enlisted in the RAAF, at 1 Recruiting Centre (1 RC), Melbourne; age 29 y 4 m, date of birth 17 Oct 1913, born at Geelong, Vic; British, single, next of kin was his mother, Marion E STOKES, of 72 High St, Belmont, Geelong, Vic; additional contact in event of emergency Andrew MURRAY, of Herne Hill, Geelong; Civil occupation Welder, for 5 years at T. K. Heal, Belmont Geelong; no civil convictions; no previous service except for Medical examination for AMF (STOKES apparently did not proceed with Army enlistment, as he is only recorded in the Aus WW2 Nominal Roll under his RAAF enlistment); religion Methodist; height 5 ft 8.5 inches (174 cm), weight 190 lb (86.2 kg), vision 6/9-6/6 both eyes; dark complexion, hazel eyes, and dark hair.
Educational qualifications – High School Merit Certificate. Additional qualifications – Fire Fighter.

26 Feb 1943 – Issued RAAF Service Number 430636; mustered as Air Crew V, appointed as Aircraftman 2 (AC2 or ACII); photo at enlistment shown in previous section.
26 (or 27) Feb 1943 – Posted to 2 Initial Training School (2 ITS), Bradfield Park, NSW

19 Apr 1943 – Re-mustered as Air Crew V (P) – as Trainee Pilot

21 May 1943 – Completed No. 38 Course for Air Crew (P) at 2 ITS; PASS
22 May 1943 – Re-classified as Leading Aircraftman (LAC)
22 May 1943 – Re-mustered as Air Crew II (P)

08 Jun 1943 – Posted to 8 EFTS, Narrandera, NSW, as Trainee Pilot

19 Aug 1943 – Re-mustered as Air Crew V (G)
19 Aug 1943 – Posted to 3 BAGS, West Sale, Vic, as Trainee Air Gunner
23 Aug 1943 – Commenced Course 36 (G), to 16 Sep 1943; PASS
Undated – Modified Musketry Course at 3 BAGS, PASS

16 Sep 1943 – Awarded Air Gunner’s Badge
16 Sep 1943 – Re-mustered as Air Gunner
16 Sep 1943 – Promoted to Sergeant

17 (or 18) Sep 1943 – Posted to 1 ED, Ascot Vale, Vic

27 Sep 1943 – Embarked from Melbourne, Vic, for destination UK
27 Sep 1943 – Attached to RAF, UK; and Overseas HQ (Attachment also dated as 09 Nov 1943)

16 Oct 1943 – Disembarked in San Francisco (possibly across Canada by train, thence by ship to UK, however this is supposition only, and not recorded in any documentation in Service File)

09 Nov 1943 – Disembarked in the UK
09 (or 10) Nov 1943 – Posted to 11 PDRC, Brighton, UK

21 (or 22) Dec 1943 – Posted to 27 OTU, Lichfield, UK

16 Mar 1944 – Promoted to Flight Sergeant

03 Apr 1944 – 13 days Leave, to 15 Apr 1944
15 Apr 1944 – Posted to 41 Base
15 Apr 1944 – Attached to A/Crew School, (Battle Course) until 22 Apr 1944 (Acaster Malbis
22 Apr 1944 – Attached to 1652 CU, Marston Moor, until 29 May 1944

29 May 1944 – Posted to 466 Squadron
12 Jun 1944 – Commenced Ops at 466 Squadron, Driffield

20 Aug 1944 – Posted to 462 Squadron, Driffield, Yorkshire
Ops – please refer to Ops Table in later section

01 Oct 1944 – Discharged from RAAF, “On being granted a Commission”
02 Oct 1944 – Appointed to Rank of Pilot Officer, General Duties (from rank of Flight Sergeant)
In addition to his mother as next of kin, a newly listed person to be notified in event of casualty, was his brother, P/O R N STOKES, 430066 RAAF, c/o RAAF Kodak House, London. (Robert Norman STOKES, later F/O, served as Pilot flying Liberator and Halifax aircraft in 148 Squadron, Middle East and Italy; demobbed 04 Dec 1945; birth 04 Jun 1923, so 10 years younger than Mid-Upper Gunner STOKES.)

24 Nov 1944 – Posted as Instructor to 1669 Conversion Unit (1669 CU), Langar, UK

16 Mar 1945 – Posted as Instructor at 1654 CU, Wigsley, UK (also listed as 1645 CU, but believed to be a transcription error from original documents)

02 Apr 1945 – Promoted to rank of Flying Officer

04 Jun 1945 – Posted to 11 PDRC, pending repatriation to Australia
June 1945 – Officer Confidential Report – not included in Service File

Undated – Embarked from UK
28 Jul 1945 – Detached from RAF, UK
28 Jul 1945 – Disembarked at Sydney, Australia, ex Overseas
29 Jul 1945 – Posted to 1 Personnel Depot (1 PD), Melbourne
31 Jul 1945 – 7 days Annual Rec Leave, to 06 Aug 1945
07 Aug 1945 – 30 days Special Leave, to 05 Sep 1945

21 Sep 1945 – Stat Dec signed, stating dates of overseas service.
21 Sep 1945 – Termination of Appointment, on demobilisation; home address to be 72 High St, Belmont, Geelong, Vic; 60 days payment in lieu of Leave (30 days Re-Establishment Leave and 30 days War Service Leave)

27 Oct 1945 – Issue of RAAF Airman’s Certificate of Service and Discharge, and Officer’s Certificate of Service No. 5423; home address 72 High St, Belmont, Geelong.
03 Nov 1945 – Signed Receipt by STOKES for Certificates of Service

30 Oct 1950 – Request for destruction of Service Will of H E STOKES, as requested by him.

19 Oct 1977 – Request by Dept of Veteran Affairs for Statement of RAAF War Service
09 Dec 1977 – Statement of RAAF War Service.

Medals – 1939-45 Star, France and Germany Star, Defence Medal, War Medal 1939-45, Australia Service Medal 1939-45, Returned from Active Service Badge (and Aircrew Europe Star?)

Summary of flying hours (type-written form with Maths error. Copy of log book is not available, so data is not able to be confirmed or corrected.)

Aircraft in which flown – DH 82, Battle, Oxford, Wellington, Halifax II and III
Training
3 BAGS, West Sale, Aus, flying in Oxford, and Battle aircraft, 9 h 30 m;
8 EFTS, Narrandera, Aus, flying in Tiger Moth DH82 aircraft, 12 h 30 m
27 OTU, Lichfield, UK, flying in Wellington aircraft, 75 h 35 m;
1652 C U, Marston Moor, UK, flying in Halifax II aircraft, 34 h 25 m
Total training – 132 h (correct)

Operational Flying – from 12 Jun 1944 to 29 Oct 1944
466 Squadron, UK, flying in Halifax III aircraft, Bombing, 23 Ops, 105 h 15 m;
462 Squadron, UK, flying in Halifax III aircraft, Bombing, 13 Ops, 58 h 40 m;
Total First Tour – 36 Ops, 163 h 55 m (correct)

Non-Operational Flying, Instructional – from 24 Nov 1944 to 03 Jun 1945
1669 HCU, Langar, UK, Halifax II and Lancaster aircraft, 32 h 20 m
1654 HCU, Wigsley, UK, Lancaster aircraft, 45 h 30 m
Total Instructional – 77 h 50 m (correct)
Total all flying – 392 h 30 m (incorrect total; 373 h 45 m; missing hours may cover non-operational flying at 466 or 462 Squadrons, but not listed on form)

Character and Trade assessments
Under Training – LAC (P) – all recorded as Character Very Good.
Operational Air Gunner – Character Very Good; Proficiency and skill as Gunner Satisfactory; Ability as NCO Satisfactory.

General Conduct Sheet
Certified No Entry at all postings in Australia (2 ITS, 8 EFTS, 3 BAGS, 1 ED) and all posting in the UK (11 PDRC, 27 OTU, 1652 CU, 466 Sqdn, 462 Sqdn)

Service Conduct Sheet – Certified No Entry as of 14 Oct 1943, and again on 01 May 1945.

Personal life, post war

Trove (Newspapers & Gazettes) from National Library of Australia (online)

The Argus (Melbourne) Wed 19 Sep 1945, page 16, Classified Advertising … (quote)
MARION EVELYN STOKES, Late of 72
High Street, Belmont, in the State of
Victoria, Widow, Deceased – After 14 clear
days Harold Edward Stokes, of High street,
Belmont, aforesaid, a member of the Royal
Australian Air Force, and Andrew Rokewood
Murray, of Minerva road, Herne Hill,
in the said State, turner and fitter, the
executors appointed by deceased’s will,
dated 24th March, 1936, will APPLY to
the Supreme Court for PROBATE of this
WILL. WHYTE, JUST, & Moore, solicitors,
27 Malop street, Geelong.

It would have sad home-coming for Harold STOKES, having to deal with his mother’s death so soon after his return to Australia in July. The second executor, A R MURRAY, had also been named on the enlistment form in Feb 1943 for STOKES, as a contact in event of emergency, but relationship not investigated. Harold’s brother, Pilot Robert Norman STOKES, also named as emergency contact, disembarked in Australia on 17 Oct 1945.

Marriage, Occupation, any later family, and date of death – not known.
If you can assist with further information or photos of Ian ELLIS, please make contact.

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Rear Gunner Ian Oliver ELLIS 428405 RAAF
NAA Service File Series A9300 RAAF

29 Sept 1942 – Agreement to enlist in RAAF; age 19 y and 1 m; home address 234 Mitchell St, Northcote; work address at Cyclone Fence & Gate Co., Abbotsford; no previous Defence Force service (except for being “Sworn In”); other details as per the Enlistment form below).
29 Sept 1942 – Medical examination, Melbourne; colour vision – normal Ishihara; hearing 20/20 both ears; other medical details as per the Enlistment form below; medical category A1B, A3B.

13 Oct 1942 – Enlisted in the RAAF, at 1 Recruiting Centre (1 RC), Melbourne; age 19 y 2 m, date of birth 04 Aug 1923, born at Warrnambool, Vic; British, single, next of kin was his father, William Ellis, also of 234 Mitchell S, Northcote; Civil occupation Mechanical-Engineering Draftsman; no civil convictions; no previous service except for being “sworn in as U.T. in Area 52a” (U.T. under training; ELLIS apparently did not proceed with Army enlistment, as he is only recorded in the Aus WW2 Nominal Roll under his RAAF enlistment); religion Church of England; height 5 ft 10.75 inches (179.7 cm), weight 140 lb (63.5 kg), vision 6/9-6/6 left eye and 6/6 right eye; fresh complexion, hazel eyes, and auburn hair; one scar. Educational qualifications – High School Merit and Intermediate Certificates; Mechanical Engineering Drawing Gr 1, 2A, 2B.

13 Oct 1942 – Issued RAAF Service Number 428405; mustered as Air Crew V (Guard), appointed as Aircraftman 2 (AC2); photo at enlistment shown in previous section.
13 Oct 1942 – Posted to 1 Recruit Depot (1 RD)
13 Oct 1942 – Attended No. 813 Recruit Drill Course at 1 RD, to 03 Nov 1942; PASS

08 Nov 1942 – Posted to 1 Armament School (1 AS), Hamilton
01 Dec 1942 – Forfeiture of 3 days’ pay, at AS – see later Service Conduct Sheet for details.

03 (or 04) Jan 1943 – Posted to 1 Initial Training School (1 ITS), Somers, Vic

24 Feb 1943 – Re-mustered as Air Crew V (G)
27 Feb 1943 – Re-classified as Leading Aircraftman (LAC)
04 March 1943 – Posted to 2 WAGS, Parkes, NSW
Photo as LAC, Course 35, at WAGS shown in previous section.

26 Jul 1943 – Posted to 2 BAGS, Port Pirie, SA
26 Jul 1943 – Attended No. 35 G. Course, to 19 Aug 1943; PASS

19 Aug 1943 – Awarded Air Gunner’s Badge
19 Aug 1943 – Re-mustered as Air Gunner
19 Aug 1943 – Promoted to Sergeant

20 Aug 1943 – Posted to 1 ED, Ascot Vale, Vic

08 Sep 1943 – Posted to 2 ED, Bradfield Park, Sydney, NSW
10 Sep 1943 – Embarked from Brisbane, Queensland, for destination UK
10 Sep 1943 – Posted to O/S HQ (UK)

19 Oct 1943 – Disembarked in the UK
20 Oct 1943 – Posted to 11 PDRC, Brighton, UK

09 Nov 1943 – Posted to 27 OTU, Lichfield, UK

19 Feb 1944 – Promoted to Flight Sergeant

03 Apr 1944 – 13 days Leave, to 15 Apr 1944
15 Apr 1944 – Posted to 41 Base
15 Apr 1944 – Attached to A/Crew School, until 22 Apr 1944 (Acaster Malbis)
22 Apr 1944 – Attached to 1652 CU, Marston Moor, until 29 May 1944

29 May 1944 – Posted to 466 Squadron
12 Jun 1944 – Commenced Ops at 466 Squadron, Driffield

20 Aug 1944 – Posted to 462 Squadron, Driffield, Yorkshire
Ops – please refer to Ops Table in later section

02 Oct 1944 – Discharged from RAAF, “On being granted a Commission” (also recorded as 12 Oct)
03 Oct 1944 – Appointed to Rank of Pilot Officer (from rank of Flight Sergeant)

24 Nov 1944 – Posted to 1669 Conversion Unit (1669 CU), Langar, UK
02 Dec 1945 – Appointment to 1669 CU
29 Dec 1944 – Posted as Instructor at 1669 CU

16 Mar 1945 – Posted as Instructor at 1661 CU, Winthorpe, UK

03 Apr 1945 – Promoted to rank of Flying Officer

04 Jun 1945 – Posted to 11 PDRC, pending repatriation to Australia

14 June 1945 – Officer Confidential report, rank Flying Officer, age 21 y 10 m, duty as Instructor, Air Gunner general Duties Branch, at 1661 CU; covers posting from 16 Mar 1945 to 04 Jun 1945; General Conduct was Satisfactory; was of Temperate Habit; scored 5 for all Assessments; the Wg/Cdr of 1661 CU made remarks that “This officer was of average ability. He did not show any great instructional or leadership capabilities; and was chiefly employed as a checking instructor in the Air” signed by Wg/Cdr on 09 Jun 1945; Co-signed by the G/Capt on 11 Jun 1945.

Undated – Embarked from UK

29 Jul 1945 – Disembarked at Sydney, Australia, ex Overseas
29 Jul 1945 – Posted to 1 Personnel Depot (1 PD)
31 Jul 1945 – 7 days Annual Rec Leave, to 06 Aug 1945
07 Aug 1945 – 30 days Special Leave, to 05 Sep 1945

22 Sep 1945 – Stat Dec signed, stating dates of overseas service.
24 Sep 1945 – Termination of Appointment, on demobilisation; home address to be 234 Mitchell St, Northcote Vic; 60 days payment in lieu of Leave (30 days Re-Establishment Leave and 30 days War Service Leave)

17 Oct 1945 – Issue of Airman’s and Officer’s Certificates of service
30 Oct 1945 – Signed Receipt by ELLIS for RAAF Airman’s Certificate of Service and Discharge, and Officer’s Certificate of Service No. 5404; home address 234 Mitchell St, Northcote, Vic.

14 Oct 1951 – Despatch of Service Will of I O ELLIS 428405 as requested to be forwarded to him at 21 Swinden Ave, Cheltenham, Vic.

Medals – Aircrew Europe Star, 1939/45 Star, Defence Medal, Returned from Active Service Badge

Summary of flying hours (Hand-written and type-written forms have differences in times recorded, and totals, and both forms contain Maths errors. Copy of log book is not available, so data is not able to be confirmed or corrected.)

Training
2 WAGS, Parkes, NSW, flying in Wackett aircraft, 1 h;
2 BAGS, Port Pirie, Aus, flying in Fairey Battle aircraft, 11 h 55 m;
27 OTU, UK, flying in Wellington aircraft, 73 h 40 m;
1652 C U, UK, flying in Halifax II aircraft, 39 h 10 m
Total training – 125 h 45 m (correct)

Operational Flying – from 12 Jun 1944 to 29 Oct 1944
466 Squadron, UK, flying in Halifax aircraft, Bombing, 23 Ops, (120 h 50 m) or (110 h 45 m);
462 Squadron, UK, flying in Halifax aircraft, Bombing, 13 Ops, (63 h) or (47 h 35 m);
Total First Tour – 36 Ops, (183 h 50 m) or (163 h 35 m) – (maths and recording errors, actual total unknown)

Non-Operational Flying, Instructional – from 24 Nov 1944 to 04 Jun 1945
1669 HCU, UK, Halifax II and Lancaster aircraft, 8 h 10 m
1661 HCU, UK, Lancaster aircraft, 49 h 15 m
Total Instructional – 57 h 25 m (correct)

Total all flying – 368 h 40 m (maths & recording errors in previous data, actual total unknown; non-operational flying at 466 or 462 Squadrons was not listed on form).

Character &Trade assessments
Under Training – AC2 (Guard), AC2 (Aircrew), LAC – all recorded as Character Very Good.
Operational Air Gunner – Character Very Good; Proficiency and skill as Gunner Satisfactory; Ability as NCO Satisfactory.

General Conduct Sheet
Certified No Entry at all postings in Australia (2 WAGS, 2 BAGS, 1 ED, 2 ED) and all posting in the UK (11 PDRC, 27 OTU, 1652 CU, 466 Sqdn, 462 Sqdn)

Service Conduct Sheet – Offence on 28 Nov 1942 at Armament School, Hamilton, at rank of AC2 – “In that he, at approx 2315 hours on 28 Nov 1942, when Sentry at School Headquarters, was asleep.” Punishment awarded on 01 Dec 1942 – forfeiture of 3 day’s pay.
Certified No Further Entries as of 01 Sep 1943, and again on 10 Aug 1945.
(This blemish on his service record did not appear to affect his later Commission to Pilot Officer from the rank of Flight Sergeant, and his subsequent promotion to Flying Officer.)

Personal life, post war

Trove (Newspapers & Gazettes) – National Library of Australia (online)
Engagement
The Argus (Melbourne) Sat 18 August 1945, page 14, family Notices … (quote)
BENNETT–ELLIS. – Elizabeth Eleanor (Betty), only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. E. W. Bennett, Norbury, 29 Ross st., Westgarth, to Flying-Officer Ian Oliver Ellis (R.A.A.F., ret.), only son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Ellis, 234 Mitchell Street, Northcote.

Marriage, Occupation and any later family not known

Ryerson Index, online
Ian Oliver ELLIS, death 08 June 1993, late of Melody Ridge, Bridgeman Downs; Death Notice published in Courier Mail (Brisbane) 10 June 1993.
Ian Oliver ELLIS, Cremation 10 June 1993, late of Bridgeman Downs; Funeral Notice published in Courier Mail (Brisbane) 09 June 1993.

If you can assist with further information or photos of Ian ELLIS, please make contact.

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Flight Engineer E R CANN 544513 RAF (?)
No RAF service file available.

The Air Force List of July 1945 – Name with those initials not listed, either as Warrant Officer, or as an Officer.
The London Gazette – not located by that name to end 1945, so no Awards or Mentions, or promotions, unless that occurred after 1945.
Internet, and various genealogical sites – insufficient knowledge to correctly identify this Flight Engineer.

However in the 1939 Register, there is a household living at the address “21 Holly Grove, Crosby, Lancashire, UK” consisting of Reginald J CANN, a Barrack Warden (not Barrack Winder as indexed), and Emily CANN,
as well as Eric R M CANN, single, date of birth 24 Sep 1923, school.
Is this the same person as the later Flight Engineer E R CANN?

Enlistment – not known, and the following does not seem to assist with time or place.
From the website http://www.ab-ix.co.uk/rfc_raf.pdf which details RFC and RAF Service Numbers: No. 505001 to 549999 were allocated from October 1925 to civilians. This batch includes 544513 for E R CANN.
Can anyone confirm or correct this?

Training – It could probably be assumed that CANN trained as a Flight Engineer at St Athan in Wales.

Postings – based on info from the RAAF crew members service files –

Late April or early May 1944 – CANN joined the crew at 1652 CU, Marston Moor;
29 May 1944 – Posted with Crew to 466 Squadron;
12 Jun 1944 – Commenced Ops at 466 Squadron, Driffield

20 Aug 1944 – Posted with Crew to 462 Squadron, Driffield
03 Sep 1944 – First Op at 462 Squadron with this crew
Ops – please refer to Ops table in later section
29 October 1944 – Last Op at 462 Squadron.

CANN did not fly with any other crew at 462 Squadron, according to the ORB.

Nov 1944 – Posted from 462 Squadron, but not named in the ORB.
Not included in the group photo of Flight Engineers at Driffield dated between 06 and 10 Nov 1944.

Later Postings not known.
Post war occupation not known.
If you can assist with correct identification, or a photo, or any other information – please make contact.

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Crew Ops 466 Squadron

This crew had previously flown at 466 Squadron, Group 4, Bomber Command, Driffield, and were identified as Crew 126.
Please refer to excerpt from “Brave and True” 2nd Edn. 2007, page 137, shown below.

From Brave and True, 2nd Edition, 2007,

Crew 126 of 466 Squadron, later Crew 22 of 462 Squadron, Driffield

WILSON had initially flown 1 Op as a second pilot (B85 on night of 01/02 Jun 1944), flying from Leconfield. He then carried out a further 26 Ops (as listed in the excerpt above) with his usual crew, with some substitutions. The first Op (B91) with his usual crew was on the night of 12/13 Jun 1944, flying from Driffield. WILSON had thus commenced 27 Ops at 466 Squadron. However three Ops may not have ‘counted’ – having been either cancelled, or recalled, or Did Not take Off (DNTO), as the flying details in his A9300 Service file only lists 24 Ops at 466 Squadron, and 13 Ops at 462 Squadron. Total 37 Ops – Tour Expired.

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Crew Ops at 462 Squadron – sourced from ORB Forms 541. There are some identification errors in the ORB, some are definite errors, but others may appear so, due to the faded and/or blurred pages.

Pilot WILSON and usual crew – 14 Ops recorded in the ORB.
However one Op was aborted due to a “Recall” after 3 hours 30 minutes (21 Oct 1944).
Two other Ops were recorded as being “Abandoned by Master Bomber”, one of duration 3 hrs 59 m (09 Sep 1944), and the other 3 hrs 17m (25 Sep 1944).
Presumably one of those three Ops was not included in their official tally, as WILSON’s A9300 Service file lists only 13 Ops at 462 Squadron, as do similar forms in Service files for ELLIS, PLUMB, and STOKES.
The Op on 21 Oct 1944 was recorded as "Op scrubbed" in Nav COCKRAM's log book, HICKEY Crew 09 and not counted in COCKRAM's Op Tally. This may explain the reduced Op Tally for WILSON and his crew members.
Second Pilots – Two Ops with Pilots on their first Ops with 462 Squadron; Op 2 with second Pilot P/O R B BREUSCH 426032; Op 3 with second Pilot P/O F E NELDER 419561.
Bomb Aimer – Ops 1 and 2, substituted by F/O R J SMITH 12060 RAAF, the usual BA of the JACKSON Crew 14; SMITH was unfortunate when later flying as substitute Bomb Aimer for the MITCHELL crew – their Halifax Failed To Return, and SMITH subsequently became a PoW.
Bomb Aimer – Ops 3 to 14 inclusive with F/Lt J K MUNDLE 126905, who flew 12 Ops with this crew. MUNDLE did not carry out any other Ops with any other crews. Identification errors in ORB – MUNDELL, and RAFVR Service Number 136905.
Navigator – F/Sgt later P/O D A PLUMB 424934 flew all 14 Ops with this crew, with no substitutions, and no Ops with any other crews. No identification errors in ORB.
Wireless Operator – F/O GSW RICHARDSON 415592 flew all 14 Ops with this crew, with no substitutions, and no Ops with any other crews. Identification errors in ORB – RAAF Service Number 45598
Rear Gunner – F/Sgt I O ELLIS flew all 14 Ops with this crew, with no substitutions, and no Ops with any other crews. Identification errors in ORB – initials IC, and T.
Mid-Upper Gunner – F/Sgt H E STOKES flew all 14 Ops with this crew, with no substitutions, and no Ops with any other crews. Identification errors in ORB – RAAF Service number 430606.
Flight Engineer – Sgt E R CANN 544513 flew 12 Ops with this Crew at 462 Squadron – for 2 ops, on 25 and 26 Sept, he had been substituted by F/Eng F/L W F READHEAD 50956 (READHEAD was originally posted TO 462 Squadron on 23 Aug 1944 as Engineer Leader, and flew as substitute F/Eng with various crews.) Identification error for CANN in ORB – RAFVR Service number 644513.
CANN did not fly with any other crew at 462 Squadron, and he had been substituted on at least 3 Ops at 466 Squadron (refer to excerpt from “Brave and True” in previous section). His total number of Ops is not known (by this author). However, as there is no later mention of him in the ORB, it has been assumed that he was posted out as ‘tour expired’ with the other members of the crew, but his name was omitted due to an error in the paperwork. As mentioned previously, CANN was not included in the group photo of Flight Engineers, Driffield, taken approx 06 to 10 Nov 1944.

Ops Table as below
Training and non-Op flights were not usually listed in the ORB; no log books available to compare information.
Up and Down times in black are daylight Ops; in red are night Ops.
Serial Numbers are from the ORB; Z5 Codes from various sources (matching known Halifax identification).
Target "Soesterberg (1 of 16)" means 16 aircraft tasked from 462 Squadron to the target of Soesterberg, with WILSON's crew being one of those 16 (and so on for the other dates).
There is some variation in the spelling of Target names in the original ORB.

From NAA File A11385, Summary of Ops, 462 Squadron (image 79) .....
On 03 Sep 1944 – three Halifax aircraft landed away at Mildenhall – only identified as A and F and K. McGINDLE was in LL598 Z5-A, CUTTRISS was in MZ306 Z5-K. Therefore WILSON must have been in NP989 Z5-F, however this is not proven.

 

In the book "To See The Dawn Again" (by Lax & Kane-Maguire), page 212, there is a quote from Paul WILSON's wartime diary, for the date 29 October 1944 ......

"My 37th and last op today to Westkapelle – am I lucky having the last two little trips to finish on? And am I happy. Landed at about 1300 hours.
Drank two bottles of whisky between 2.30 and 5 pm with Rich, Jim and Don. then to the bar in our Mess. Staggered up to Sergeants' Mess and drank with the boys. Blind drunk but bloody good to have finished with ops."

Rich – Wireless Op RICHARDSON; Jim – Bomb Aimer MUNDLE; Don – Navigator PLUMB;
The boys in the Sergeants' Mess – F/Sgts Rear Gunner ELLIS and Mid-Upper Gunner ELLIS, and Sergeant Flight Engineer CANN.

MZ341 was initially coded as Z5-G, later re-coded as Z5-P. This crew flew 9 of their 14 Ops in this Halifax, and finished their First Tour in it. It must have seemed a 'lucky' aircraft.

Photos on Halifax page for MZ341 Z5-G/P, LL599 Z5-E; MZ431 Z5-J; MZ370 Z5-L (in background of photo of MZ306 Z5-K

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AWARDS and Honours

Flying Officer Paul Dean WILSON 417687 RAAF – Distinguished Flying Cross

Australian War Memorial, ref RCDIG1068964

Above: Paul Dean Wilson 417687 RAAF, Distinguished Flying Cross Card, Australian War Memorial (Ref: RCDIG1068964)

The Citation on the card states for "Skill & fortitude in operations against the enemy”.
DFC was presented by the Governor of Victoria at Government House, Melbourne, on 10 July 1947.

The Award was promulgated in the London Gazette Issue 36948, dated 20/02/45, page 1001 ……

Air Ministry, 20th February, 1945.
The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the following awards:- ……
ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE.

Distinguished Flying Cross.
Flying Officers.
Paul Dean WILSON (Aus.417687), 462 (R.A.A.F.) Sqn.

It was also published in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette, Issue 43, Thurs 01 Mar 1945, page 554.

Copy of Citation from his RAAF Service file A9300.

ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE

HONOURS AND AWARDS

DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS

FLYING OFFICER PAUL DEAN WILSON (417687)

CITATION:

Flying Officer WILSON has completed numerous
Operations against the enemy in the course of which he
has invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage
and devotion to duty.

 

Paul Dean WILSON – Order of Australia Medal – OAM, Australia Day Honours, 2009
Promulgated in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette, Special Edition, Issue 54, Monday 26 January 2009, page 26

Medal (OAM) General Division
Mr Paul Dean WILSON DFC
Pymble NSW 2073
For service to veterans through ex-service organisations,
particularly the 462/466 Squadrons Reunion Association.

 

Flying Officer James Kennedy MUNDLE 126905 RAFVR – Distinguished Flying Cross

London Gazette Issue 36702, Friday 15 Sep 1944, page 4272 ………

Air Ministry, 15th September, 1944.
The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the following awards:- …..
Distinguished Flying Cross. ….
Flying Officers …..
James Kennedy MUNDLE, (126905), R.A.F.V.R., 76 Sqn.

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