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READER INFORMATION REQUESTS ...
If you can help with any of the questions below, or would like to contact the enquirer, please email us at the 3 Squadron website.
James Potter writes from
I am an ex-3 Squadron
Butterworth 1971 to 74. Now living back in
(We
replied to James:
Although the Association doesn't have cloth patches of our own, I see they are
available from the
In case any old comrades would like to get in touch, James Potter's contacts are:
Marketing for Sales
2 Back Row, Croftouterly,
Leslie,
T: +44 (0) 845 108 2845
F: +44 (0) 870 041 1310
M:+44 (0) 773 979 6376
E: james@marketingforsales.co.uk
W: www.marketingforsales.co.uk
Scott wrote (September 2007)
We were able to reply:
| Title HOLLAND STEPHEN JOHN : Service Number - 430500 : Date of birth - 17 Jun 1924 : Place of birth - NEWBRIDGE VIC : Place of enlistment - MELBOURNE : Next of Kin - HOLLAND GERALD |
||
| Barcode 5250365 |
Series number A9300 |
Series accession number 2002/05090488 |
| Control symbol HOLLAND S J |
||
| Contents date range 1939 - 1948 |
Extent |
Location Canberra |
| Access status Not yet examined |
Reason for restriction |
Date of decision 1 Jan 1970 |
Bob Ulrich’s Dalmatian Dogpaddles
A very interesting request arrived in July 2007 from Vince Bozin in the USA…
Greetings,
I am writing this email to you in hopes that you might be able to help me confirm the identity of an RAAF WWII Hawker Hurricane Pilot who flew combat missions over the Adriatic Sea in 1944.
My father, who is in his 70’s, was just a young kid during WWII. He is writing a book about growing up on the Adriatic islands and has a wonderful account of a Hurricane pilot. I believe the pilot is RAAF (R Y Ulrich) and was flying a Hawker Hurricane IV No.6 Squadron from Italy.
We were pleased to be able to inform
Vince (the American son of a Croatian immigrant) that the RAAF pilot was none
other than “our” Bob Ulrich, who had flown with 3 Squadron over the Desert, and
later won a DFC flying Hurricane IVs over the Adriatic with RAF 6 Squadron.
(Hurricane IVs were “Flying Can Openers”, heavily armoured and often lugging
40mm cannon!
One Hurricane IV is still flying displays today in the markings of RAF 6
Squadron -"JV".
See
http://www.airshows.org.uk/2005/airshows/legends/photographs/hurricane_iv_1.jpg
)
In return, we got to hear this amazing story…
…In 1944 my father was 11 years old living on the island of Rava in the Adriatic, when he witnessed four planes coming in low, one of them trailing thick black smoke. He watched from the hill top as the smoking plane belly landed into the Adriatic Sea. Within seconds a pilot emerged from the wreckage and deployed a raft. There were three people (two men and a teenage girl) on a small fishing boat who rowed out to the pilot, assured him they were friendly and would help him. They pulled him from the water and onto their boat. The three other planes circled around to make sure the pilot made it out and radioed for a rescue vessel. One of the men on the fishing boat was my father's cousin. He spoke a little English and talked to the pilot. The pilot told my father's cousin that this was the second time he was shot down and had to ditch into the Adriatic Sea. The small fishing boat rowed around the cove and met up with the Partisan Patrol Craft PC21 "Miran".
Partisan Patrol Boat PC21 Miran
When the pilot saw the Miran, he told my father's cousin that this was the "second time" - his second ride on the Miran! This is the story my father has told me for over 30 years. 63 years later he still remembers vividly that day, and holds it close to his heart, maybe because this was a positive event with a happy outcome during a time when there were few positive things. My father has always wondered who the pilot was and if he made it back home safely.
Vince’s father was overjoyed to hear that Bob is still contactable in Western Australia. Vince kindly sent us the records that he had discovered of Bob's two ditchings with 6 Squadron RAF. These records had led Vince to enquire with us in the first place
> DATE: 19/09/1944
> Aircraft: Hurricane IV LD169 No 6 Sqn JV-S
> Pilot: W/O R Y Ulrich
> Location: Veli Iz , Yugoslavia
> Description: Hit by flak attacking Zavratnica Bay; a pilot had to b/o
offshore due to engine cut, rescued by partisans
>
> The location, Veli Iz is the neighboring island and after talking to my
father he assured me that no planes crashed next to Veli Iz and that this was
the plane and pilot he saw that day that crashed next to his island, Rava. Rava
is a very small island and not listed on many maps. The plane actually crashed
between Rava and Veli Iz but much closer to Rava. In my father's account of the
story the pilot told his cousin that this was his second crash, so I continued
to search and was able to confirm the first incident, only 2 months prior. This
leads me to believe that this indeed was RAAF Bob Ulrich that my father
witnessed 63 years ago.
>
>
> First Crash:
>
> DATE: 15/07/1944
> Aircraft: Hurricane IV KZ574 No 6 Sqn JV-F
> Pilot: W/O Ulrich (RAAF)
> Description: Kornat Isl, Yugoslavia Hit by 40 mm AA while attacking Siebel
ferries; b/o Kornat Island, picked by partisans and returned to unit in 48 hr
>
>
> The pilot description on the 15/07/1944 crash lists the pilot as RAAF, this
is what led me to your website.
In May 2007, Bob Lynes dropped a bombshell...
ANDERSON, Captain William Hopton; Australian Flying Corps; 3 Sqn AFC; London Gazette 12 July 1918, Commonwealth of Australia Gazette 27 November 1918:
BLACKETT, Lieutenant Basil John; Australian Flying Corps; 3 Sqn AFC attached Royal Flying Corps; London Gazette 12 July 1918, Commonwealth of Australia Gazette 27 November 1918:
Lieutenant B.J. Blackett was one of seven observers from 3 Squadron AFC who in late 1917 were dispersed to British squadrons to be trained as Army Observers. 3 Squadron was being formed at the time as a Corps Squadron and the remaining Observers were trained as Corps Observers. Lieutenant E.R. Dibbs, one of the seven observers, met Major D.V.J. Blake the operational commander of 3 Squadron and told Blake of the seven observers being sent to British squadrons. Blake organised for the observers to be transferred back to 3 Squadron. Unfortunately two had already been killed in action and a third wounded in action. Blackett was unique in that he remained attached to the Royal Flying Corps for intelligence duties, he later transferred to the Royal Air Force.
B.J. BLACKETT, is listed as an Ace in 'Above the War Fronts'.
I cannot see anyone on the Aus. site to contact, so as you are 3 A.F.C. I thought you might like to advise them !!
I thought it was because his victories were with the R.F.C. but I see a number on their list only had victories with the R.F.C./R.A.F. (all the ones quoting R.F.C./R.A.F. sqds.)
Any chance a picture of Blackett survives in the Sqd. Archives ??
Over to you !
Best wishes,
Bob
We replied:
An appeal, from Nev Hayes
" Can somebody oblige me with a copy of the flying log book of William Hopton ANDERSON? I am chasing entries for Sept 23 - Oct 18th, +- , 1920, being the period in which he was involved in the search for the schooner Amelia J, and subsequent search for Billy Stutt and Abner Dalzell. Extracts from the log book OK, or even his memoirs if such exist. Contact with his relatives would be helpful."
FLTLT Les Crawford advises
:
The Squadron has received an Observer's Air Gunner's and W/T Operators flying
log book which belonged to Cpl A. L. Godden who graduated from No 36 Course at Uranquinty Jul-Oct 1943. To allow us to place this item in our display
areas, I would appreciate if any of your members could contribute some information on this member.
Buz and Sue Busby sent a request for some assistance compiling their history of each and every Kittyhawk ever built (13,738 of them!). They'd love to hear from 3 Squadron Kitty pilots particularly those who may have flown Kittys at OTUs, for the Wing, and on RSU training flights.
Susan Philbrook is looking for anyone who knew her Uncle Robert (Bob) Philbrook who served with 3 Squadron in Italy 1944/45.
A few people have enquired 'why and when' the Southern Cross was adopted on rudders, firstly on Kittyhawks and then Mustangs flown by 3 Squadron in Italy. One is Stephen Maire who has made a P40 model and another is Andrew Smith . Would any of the 1944 personnel who served in Italy, let them know?
Neena de Rofe seeks information about a Squadron leader or Flight Lieutenant Rodger Adaams (that's ADAAMS) who was in Australia in 1944/5. Anyone know him?
Walter Houghton had a cousin, Paul Carpenter, who was the Curtiss-Wright technical rep who visited 3 Squadron (and took a lot of photos too) in about 1942. Anyone who recalls Paul's visit should drop Walt a line or two.
Harry Schaeffer was a 3 Squadron WWII pilot. His son David would like to know more about his father's service during 1941 and early 1942. In later years, Harry also flew as a Squadron Leader with 77 Squadron in New Guinea. Would anyone who remembers serving with Harry, contact David please. Either e-mail or phone: (02) 4942 3242.
Alessandro Patroncino lives in Pescara, Italy. He is writing a series of books about Allied aircraft that fought in Italy during WWII. He'd like anyone who remembers 239 Wing's participation in attacks near the area, particularly any dam and Pescara River attacks, to e-mail him.
Alex Crawford seeks information and photos about Gloster Gladiators and Gauntlets for his research project covering 3 Squadron's use of these wonderful aircraft. He'd love to hear from any pilots who flew them and ground crew who worked on them. He's also published a book about Gladiators (more info to come about this!)
Alex Crawford needs information:
Further to my Gladiator book, I am gathering material for a combined book on
the Gloster Gauntlet and Bristol Bulldog. I have info on the Gauntlets with 3 RAAF and some on the Bulldog in general.
What I am looking for is some photos of Australian Bulldogs. Do you know where I may be able to obtain some?
If you can help I would be most grateful. This book will also be published by Mushroom Model Publications.
Lin Krust seeks information:
I'm seeking information on C.G. Krust, who served with 3 Squadron during WW2.
His service record with AWM & NAA has very little information - only name,
rank and serial number. My father and I are researching our family's history and
C.G. (Charles) is a bit of a mystery. He is listed as an Airman 1, and would have been a little older than perhaps other crew - 34 or 35 in 1942. He was originally from NSW.
Many thanks in advance for any help.
John Bennett wants to know about this:
The picture below is a 3 Squadron Cirrus Moth at Richmond. It has been damaged in some unidentified accident probably late 1920s. Of interest is the short-lived 3 Squadron tail marking, applied to some Moths and Wapitis. Can anyone provide the identity of this aircraft, and any details of this tail marking?
Ian Gillett sends this picture and asks for help:
I am contacting you on behalf of my father Bob Gillett who served in 3 squadron in the middle east and Europe during the war. An old friend recently sent him a photo taken in Tel Aviv at the "Australian Club". I'm not sure of the date but my father (on the left) and his mates are having a good time so it is probably late in the war. They were drinking from glasses made from old beer bottles and these glasses were called Lady Blameys. We have asked a few of his old war mates but nobody can give an exact origin of the name. One fellow reckons they originated in the Pacific region.
Mick Sinclair, who is planning to use 3 Squadron as a "reality-squadron" in a new website educational-game he's thinking of creating, writes as follows:
"just a question: I have seen an aircraft which is CV-D but has the D reversed. The picture is in Desert Warriors and may have been a replacement a/c to the Squadron flown by Danny Boardman and renumbered . In the photo the a/c is damaged, but the author was unable to put a serial number to the plane. Just wondering if you could help, I'd like to replicate this a/c in the game with a serial number. "
Anne Mainsbridge writes for information:
"I am looking for information about my great uncle, Reg
Percival, who served with the 3rd Squadron in WW2. He was killed in action in September, 1943. I
am particularly interested in hearing from anyone who knew him, or who may have photographs of him."
Kristen Alexander has a bookshop in Canberra,
ACT, Australia, specialising in Military Books. Phone (02) 6259 0540 or e-mail:
alexfax@goldweb.com.au Kristen
is researching the life of Clive Caldwell, who was C.O. of 112 Squadron whilst
it was also attached to 239 Wing alongside 3 Squadron. Here is her request:
" I am an associate member of the Spitfire Association. For the last year year or so, I have been researching the
career of Group Captain Clive Robertson Caldwell, DSO, DFC and Bar, Polish Cross of Valour with a long term goal of publishing a biography focussing
on his military career.
As well as discovering the historical or operational aspects of Caldwell's career, I wish to discover the more human aspects of his career: the
lighter moments, the anecdotes, the stories that flesh out the "bare bones" historical record. Caldwell had a varied career and I hoping that members
of the 3 Squadron Association who knew Caldwell would share their memories of Caldwell with me:
whether service oriented or personal, covering his service with No 1 Fighter Wing, No 80 Fighter Wing, OTU
Mildura, his EATS
training days, service in the Middle East or even his brief period of
service in England.
If anyone can help me, please contact me Kristen's Website is: www.alexanderfaxbooks.com.au and she kindly offers any ' 3squadron.org.au ' enthusiast 10% discount from any purchase made from her bookshop. Just mention to her that you are a 3 Squadron fan.
Brad Johns sends a message:
I am ex 1 & 6 SQN ( F111) - and had the pleasure of showing some ex 3 SQN
gentlemen over a 6 SQN F111 at Amberley back in middish 80s. I was handed a silk escape map by one of them who said to me upon completion of the the
aircraft visit, " here you can have this now - it kept me safe when I was flying Mustangs over Europe in WW2..." or words to that effect.
I have the map proudly displayed on my study wall and would dearly love to be able to trace the
gentleman who handed me that map 20 odd years ago.
I would very much like to preserve this tiny bit of history with an account of the
original owner and his exploits.
I have not much more to go on than what I have told you - is it possible to post something on the website to see if I can get a response?
Sincerely
Brad Johns
( ex FLT LT Brad Johns 321108 - 6 SQN 1983-86 )
Bob Parrish writes:
"I am doing some research for the grandson of a member of 3 Squadron RAAF, 68248 RONSON John William. His overseas record shows that he left Aussy in 27/1/43 (ship not known) and arrived Egypt 16/2/43 and was involved in North Africa, Sicily and Italy campaigns. Was in the UK 22/8/45 to 22/10/45 (Driffield Yorkshire 466 Squadron) and returned to Aussy 3/1/46. His rank was LAC and his trade was Fitter Mech then Fitter/IIE. From the 3 Squadron records could you tell me of the ship that was involved as transport Melbourne to Middle East and help with the RAAF's cyphers - 2RC, 2RD, 2ED 1ED, 56PTC, 1PDC, 4466SE, 11PDRC and 2PD mean. Any other info would be great and anyone from that time that may have worked (battled) with him."
Tom Ross seeks information:
"On your 'Information Required' page would you please add the following:
I have come across several profiles showing 3 Sqn Mustang III/IVs with blue propeller spinners rather than the standard red used in Italy.
Was this a flight marking or used on the squadron as a whole? Was the blue the same shade as that used on the rudder and was it used for the
code letters as well?
Were 3 Sqn P-40s in Italy camouflaged Green and Brown rather than the desert Middlestone and Brown? Definitive evidence is hard to come by."
2. An enquiry from Steven Vernon:
"I am writing to you regarding a gentleman who is featured on your
website, a Boxall-Chapman who helped recover the tri-plane of the Red Baron along with other members of 3 Squadron.
Mr Boxall-Chapman was an active member of the 3 Squadron Association and through great disability suffered during the war managed to rise up
through the ranks to become a Warrant Officer Class 1 of 3 Squadron. He was wounded in both eyes by stray metal and shot in the left eye at
Gallipoli whilst serving with an Infantry Battalion. After being declared unfit for duty he did not go home, but instead re-enlisted this
time with the Australian Flying Corps.
My interest resides in this gentleman as he was born in my home town of Lincoln, England. I am something of researcher in my town and have
contributed to several books on the subject of the Great War.
At present I have all the information from the Australian Archives regarding this gentleman however I do not have access to any of the
Association material or any of the Squadron histories… I am unsure even if there is a war diary for the Squadron? Might it be possible for you
to point me in the right direction into finding more information on the above gentleman? Are there anymore references to this gentleman elsewhere? I would also like a photo of him, sadly the one photo of him that
resides at the Archives is very small. "
