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In memory of my 3 Squadron colleagues

     who gave their lives and are resting in foreign lands.

They shall grow not old, as we who are left grow old

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn

THE SQUADRON'S WW2 LOSSES, BY CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER, WERE:

Squadron Leader Peter Ronald Heath, service number 87, is buried at Halfaya Sollum War Cemetery, Egypt. Plot 18, row F, grave number 4. Age 26. Son of Harry and Annie Jean Heath; husband of Margery Sybil Heath, of Burwood, New South Wales, Australia.

On 19/11/40 at 1320 four 3 Squadron aircraft took off on a tactical reconnaissance; they were attacked seven miles east of Rabia by seventeen or eighteen Fiat C.R.42s, Squadron Leader Heath in Gloster Gladiator II N5750 was shot down and crashed in flames.

 

Flight Lieutenant Charles Burton Gaden, service number 289, is buried at Halfaya Sollum War Cemetery, Egypt. Plot 22, row B, grave number 1. Age 24. Son of Keith Burton Gaden and Olga Maude Gaden;  husband of Barbara Evelyn Gaden, of Ascot, Queensland, Australia.       B.Sc.

On 13/12/40 five 3 Squadron Gladiators were shot down by eight Fiat C.R.42s, Flight Lieutenant Gaden in Gloster Gladiator II N57?? was shot down and killed near Sollum.

 

Corporal Vincent Jack Edwin Jarvis, service number 300047, is buried at Knightsbridge War Cemetery, Acroma, Libya. Plot 15, row D, grave 14. Age 28. Son of Mary Elizabeth Jarvis, of Orange, New South Wales, Australia.

On 14/1/41 Corporal Jarvis and Leading Aircraftman Parr went from Gambut to Tobruk in a W/T tender to assist and maintain W/T attached to artillery batteries around Tobruk, they accidentally drove into enemy positions in a sandstorm and Corporal Jarvis was killed.

 

 

Flying Officer James Chippindall Campbell, service number 634, is recorded on the Alamein Memorial, Egypt. Column 245. Age 22. Son of Forbes and Doris Campbell; husband of Ann Campbell, of Kew, Victoria, Australia. Former Melbourne Editor of Sydney Daily Telegraph.

On 25/1/41 a patrol of 3 Squadron Gladiators were flying at 2,000 feet over the 7th Armoured Division when they were attacked by five Fiat G.50s one of which was damaged by Flying Officer Pete Turnbull, but Flying Officer Campbell in Gloster Gladiator I K8022 was shot down and killed eight miles south-east of Mechili.

 

 

Flight Lieutenant Alan Arthur Gatward, service number 272, is recorded on the Alamein Memorial, Egypt. Column 245. Age 23. Son of Arthur Gatward and of Amelia Kate Gatward, of Wahroonga, New South Wales, Australia.

On 19/2/41 at 1000 Flight Lieutenant Perrin, Flying Officer Gatward and Flying Officer Boyd took off to patrol the Agedabia-El Agheila area. Perrin and Gatward attacked nine Stukas who were bombing the Mersa Brega area and Jock Perrin in Hurricane I V7757 shot down a Stuka of ll/StG 2 , but several Messerschmitt Bfll0’s of lll/ZG 26 then attacked the two 3 Squadron Hurricanes near Mersa Brega. Flight Lieutenant Gatward in Hawker Hurricane I V7552 was shot down in flames and killed. Jock Perrin shot down one of the Bfll0’s, but whilst attacking a second, a cannon shell hit his reserve tank setting his Hurricane on fire. He continued to attack the Messerschmitt until his ammunition was exhausted, but as he was too low to bale out he crash landed in flames and was then strafed by the Bfll0’s being slighfly wounded. He returned to the squadron in April 1941.

 

 

Leading Aircraftman David Ransford, service number 6641, is buried at Cairo War Memorial Cemetery, Egypt. Plot P, grave 175. Age 34. Son of Charles and Alice Ransford, of Chesterton, Stoke-on-Trent, England.

On 20/2/41 Arinourer David Ransford died at 1455 at the 15th Scottish General Hospital after an operation.

 

Leading Aircraftman Percival Arnold Roy McFarlane, service number 9089, is buried at Benghazi War Cemetery, Libya. Plot 6, row E, grave 2. Age 22. Son of Howard Irvine McFarlane and Florence Esther Bernice McFarlane, of Torrensville, South Australia.

On 12/3/41 Telephone operator Leading Aircraftman McFarlane died at 2/1st Casualty Clearing Station at Benghazi having been admitted on 8/3/41 dangerously ill from purpura haemorrhagica.

 

Squadron Leader Duncan Campbell, service number 134, is recorded on the Alamein Memorial_, Egypt. Column 245. Age 25. Son of Colin and Maria Campbell, of Dulwich Hill, New South Wales, Australia.

On 5/4/41 with a patrol over Barce Pass of seven 3 Squadron Hurricanes and two Hurricanes of 73 Squadron, Squadron Leader Campbell In Hawker Hurricane I V7347 or V7567 was shot down near Barce whilst attacking Stukas of ll/StG 2, nine of the twelve Stukas were shot down. Squadron Leader Campbell's aircraft was seen on fire and diving steeply towards the ground.

 

Corporal Reginald Stanley Burdus, service number 26739, is recorded on the Alamein Memorial, Egypt. Column 246. Age 22. Son of Thomas Aubrey and Irene Amelia Burdus, of Grange, South Australia.

On 6/4/41 Corporal Burdus died at 15th Casualty Clearing Station having been admitted the day before. On 5/4/41 at 1000 a convoy of 3 Squadron vehicles had left Maraua to retire to Martuba. At the western boundaries of Dema four Messerschmitt Bf1l0’ss strafed the convoy, 14742 Leading Aicraftman A.Durant had received a slight flesh wound in the leg, but Service Policeman Corporal Burdus had been seriously wounded.

 

 

Sergeant Norman Arvon Evans, service number 402113, is buried at Ramleh War Cemetery, Israel. Plot T, grave 40. Age 24. Son of John and Jennie Evans, of Naremburn, New South Wales, Australia.

On 5/6/41 Sergeant Evans was killed during a training flight when his Curtiss Tomahawk llB AK408 spun and crashed into an orange grove two and a half miles east of Jaffa. He had joined 3 Squadron on 30/4/41.

 

Sergeant Michael Patrick Alfred Randell, service number 407080, is buried at Damascus British War Cemetery, Syria. Plot H, grave 8. Age 25. Son of Alfred Swaine Randell and Olive Marion Randell, of North Terrace, Adelalde, South Australia.

On 28/6/41 nine 3 Squadron Tomahawks flew to Damascus, refuelled and escorted Blenheims on a raid, then shot down six Vichy Martin 167Fs. After refuelling at Damascus and taking off to return to Jenin, Sergeant Randall's Curtiss Tomahawk llB AK427 spun into the ground three miles south of Damascus after his engine failed.

 

Sergeant Thomas Dudley Parker, service number 402391, is recorded on the Alamein Memorial, Egypt. Column 246. Age 28. Son of Thomas Joseph and Lydia Parker, of Vaucluse, New South Wales, Australia.

On 12/10/41 Leutnant Rudolf Sinner of I/JG27 shot Dudley Parker's Curtiss Tomahawk llB AN355 out of a defensive circle in the Bir Sheferzen area; he baled out of his burning aircraft but bullets cut his parachute harness and he fell 4.000 feet. It was reported at the time that a 109 pilot had deliberately shot at him in his parachute.

 

Flying Officer Eric Hall Lane, service number 406002, is recorded on the Alamein Memorial, Egypt. Column 245. Age 22. Son of John and Florence Edith Lane.

(See below) Eric Lane was buried by 13 Corps personnel at P.P.436365.

 

Flight Lieutenant John Henry William Saunders, service number 471, is buried at Knightsbridge War Cemetery, Acroma, Libya. Plot 15, row D, grave 21. Age 21. Son of John Edward Stanley Saunders and Florence Catherine Saunders, of Cottesloe, Western Australia.

(See below)

Flying Officer Malcolm Hector Watson, service number 845, is buried at Knightsbridge War Cemetery, Acroma, Libya. Plot 15, row F, grave 5. Age 28. Son of Alexander Malcolm and Annie Watson, of Mount Gambier, South Australia.

On 22/11/41 at 0945 twelve 3 Squadron Tomahawks escorted six 45 Squadron Blenheims to bomb the Acroma-El Adem road and met 109s; Oberleutnant Hugo Schneider and Hauptmann Karl-Wolfgang Redlich of I/JG 27 shot down three Tomahawk llBs: Eric Lane in AM378, John Saunders in AN416 and Malcolm Watson in AK510.

 

Flight Lieutenant Lindsay Eric Shaw Knowles, service number 456, is buried at Knightsbridge War Cemetery, Acroma, Libya. Plot 15, row F, grave 9. Age 24. Son of Sir George Shaw Knowles, Kt., C.B.E., M.A., LL.M., and of Lady Knowles (nee Bennett), of Applethorpe, Queensland, Australia. B.A. (Sydney).

(See below)

 

Flying Officer Lawton (Sammy) Lees, service number 400092, is recorded on the Alamein Memorial, Egypt. Column 245. Age 27. Son of Samuel and Adelaide Emma Lees; husband of Mabel Ada Lees, of East Prahran, Victoria, Australia.

On 22/11/41 at 1540 fourteen 3 Squadron Tomahawks with nine Tomahawks of 112 Squadron took off to sweep over the Tobruk-El Adem area and met over twenty 109s of l and ll/JG 27 south-east of El Adem. During an hour long dogfight, JG 27 lost six 109s. and six Curtiss Tomahawk llBs of 3 Squadron were lost. Pete Jeffrey (AN390) and Ron Simes (AM507) returned to the squadron, Robbie Roberts (AN373) and Bill Kloster (AK390) were taken prisoner. Lin Knowles (AN410) and Sammy Lees (AN305) were killed; one of them made a head-on attack on a 109 and the two aircraft collided, both losing their starboard wings and crashing. The pilots of ll/JG 27 who made claims were Hauptmann Wolfgang Lippert (shot down and taken prisoner the next day, but he died from his injuries several days later), Feldwebel Karl-Heinz Bendert, Oberfahnrich Franz Woidich, Feldwebel Hans Glessinger (of 5/JG 27, shot down and killed the next day), Oberfeldwebel Otto Schulz (shot down and killed on 17/6/42) and Oberleutnant Emmerich Fluder (of 5/JG 27, missing on 31/5/42, probably shot down by Tomahawks of 5 Squadron S.A.A.F.).

 

 

Flying Officer Percival Roy Bothwell, service number 695, is buried at Halfaya Sollum War Cemetery, Egypt. Plot 22, row A, grave number 2. Age 20. Son of Percival James Bothwell and Ellen Charlotte Davis Bothwell of Rose Bay, New South Wales, Australia. Date of death given as 26/11/41.

On 25/11/41 at 0825 3 Squadron were ordered to strafe a column of tanks at P.P.491335 which were heading east through Allied lines near Sidi Omar, Roy Bothwell in Curtiss Tomahawk llB AM398 was hit by ground fire and crashed; his aircraft hit the ground at speed, the engine was found 100 yards away from the airframe. Bobby Gibbes (reference 73, page 74) states that Roy Bothwell flew straight into a tank.

 

 

Flying Officer Bruce Aitken Evans, service number 713, is recorded on the Alamein Memorial, Egypt. Column 245. Age 23. Son of William de Lacey Evans and of Elizabeth Agnes Evans, of Frankston, Victoria, Australia.

On 25/11/41 at 1512, sevenS Squadron Tomahawks took off with twelve of 112 Squadron and met seventy Axis aircr'aft over Sidi Rezegh. Bruce Evans in Curtiss Tomahawk llBAN343 was last seen chasing a Messerschmitt out to sea near Tobruk.

 

 

Sergeant Geoffrey Edward Hillier, service number 407075, is buried at Knightsbridge War Cemetery, Acroma, Libya. Plot 15, row D, grave 25. Age 25. Son of Charles Edward and Amanda Elizabeth Marie Hiller, of Glenelg, South Australia.

On 26/11/41 Geoff Hiller in Curtiss Tomahawk llB AM413 was shot down by Hauptmann Karl-Wolfgang Redlich of l/JG 27 just outside Tobruk and baled out of his burning aircraft with head burns. He was taken prisoner and hospitalised. but died of his wounds on 2/12/41.

 

 

Flying Officer David Rutter₉ service number 400833, is recorded on the Alamein Memorial, Egypt. Column 245. Age 26. Son of Hubert and Beulah Rutter, of Armadale, Victoria, Australia. B.M.Eng. (Melbourne)

On 9/12/41 at 1035 nine 3 Squadron Tomahawks with ten of 112 Squadron were bounced south of El Adem by six 109s of 1/JG 27. Dave Rutter in Curtiss Tomahawk llB AK378, Rex Wilson (AN457), and Tiny Cameron (AK499) were shot down by Oberleutnant Gerhard Homuth, Unteroffizier Grimm and Oberleutnant Hugo Schneider. Tiny Cameron force-landed west of El Adem but returned three days later. Wing Commander Pete Jeffrey in AN408 forcelanded at Tobruk. Hugo Schneider was shot down and killed by Nicky Barr on 11/1/42.

 

Sergeant Rex Kerslake Wilson, D.F.M. service number 407088, is recorded on the Alamein Memorial, Egypt. Column 246. Age 22. Son of Norman and Mary Emmeline Wilson, of Glen Osmond, South Australia.

On 9/12/41 at 1035 nine 3 Squadron Tomahawks with ten of 112 Squadron were bounced south of El Adem by six 109s of l/JG 27. Dave Rutter in Curtiss Tomahawk llB AK378, Rex Wilson (AN457). and Tiny Cameron (AK499) were shot down by Oberleutnant Gerhard Homuth, Unteroffizier Grimm and Oberleutnant Hugo Schneider. Rex Wilson was buried by an R.A.F. officer. Tiny Cameron force-landed west of El Adem but returned to the squadron three days later. Wing Commander Pete Jeffrey in AN408 force-landed at Tobruk. Hugo Schneider of l/JG 27 was shot down and killed by Nicky Barr on 11/1/42, coincidentally, Tiny Cameron was shot down again in the same combat, by either Leutnant Hans-Arnold Stahlschmidt or Leutnant Friedrich Korner, he was taken prisoner.

 

Flying Officer Donald Erskine Knight, service number 2762, is recorded on the Alamein Memorial, Egypt. Column 245. Age 23. Son of Evelyn Vernon Knight and Ina Beresford Knight, of Newstead _, Tasmania, Australia. Date of death given as 13/12/41.

On 14/12/41 at 0915 six 3 Squadron Tomahawks took off on a sweep over Martuba and west to 50 miles south of Gazala and met eight 109s and seven Stukas. Leutnant Hans-Arnold Stahlschmidt and Oberleutnant Josef Unterberger of l/JG 27 claimed a Tomahawk each in the Tmimi area; Don Knight in Curtiss Tomahawk llB AN285 was killed, Derek Scott in AN270 baled out and was taken prisoner.

 

 

Leading Alrcraftman Robert Allan Ross Braye, service number 6137, is buried at Knightsbridge War Cemetery, Acroma, Libya. Plot 15, row B, grave 17. Age 24. Son of Thomas Alfred Inglis Brayc and Sarah Brewer Braye; husband of Gladys Olive Braye, of Kurri Kurri, New South Wales, Australia.

On 26/ 12/41.while collecting a new coil for his truck which had broken down, Leading Aircraftman Braye was killed instantly when a single enemy aircraft bombed No.121 M.U. (Maintenance Unit). No.8788 Corporal A.Campbell was seriously injured and admitted to 62nd General Hospital at Tobruk. Leading Aircraftman Braye was buried the next day by the 118 kilo post on the Tobruk to Derna road near Gazala No.2 airstrip.

 

 

Flying Officer Alan Rupert Baster, service number 400035, is recorded on the Alamein Memorial, Egypt. Column 263. Age 25. Son of Charles William and Violet Adele Baster; husband of Lesley Victoria Baster, of Box Hill, Victoria, Australia.

On 8/1/42 at 0820 ten 3 Squadron Kittyhawks intercepted forty three Axis fighters over Agedabia-El Agheila and shot down five Macchi C.200s, two Fiat C.R.42s with several other probables and damaged, for the loss of Alan Baster in Curtiss Kittyhawk I AK656.

 

 

Sergeant Ronald Henry Simes, D.F.M. service number 402259, is recorded on the Alamein Memorial, Egypt. Column 266. Age 24. Son of John Johnson Simes and Edith Amelia Simes; husband of Mary Josephine Simes, of Stanthorpe, Queensland, Australia.

On 9/1/42 eleven 3 Squadron Kittyhawks with eight of 112 Squadron escorted seven Marylands to Mersa Brega. Oberleutnant Gerhard Homuth of l/JG 27 shot down Ron Simes in Curtiss Kittyhawk I AK610, and wounded Geoff Chinchen in AK581 who crash-landed at Msus; Geoff returned to the squadron from hospital on 7/3/42.

 

 

Flying Officer James Andrew McIntosh, service number 742, is recorded on the Alamein Memorial, Egypt. Column 264. Age 22. Son of James and Elizabeth Agnes McIntosh, of Goodwood, South Australia. Date of death given as 23/1/42.

On 22/1/42 James McIntosh was shot down in Curtiss Kittyhawk I AK736 returning from a sweep over Agedabia-Ghetafia-Bettabel-Hasseiat. One Kittyhawk was claimed by Leutnant Hans-Arnold Stahlschmidt of l/JG 27. Flying Officer Eric Bradbury was also hit and forced down in AK599 near Saunna. He returned to the squadron on 25/1/42 with shell-shock having been caught up in a tank battle.

 

 

Sergeant Frank Blunden Reid, service number 402137, is buried at Halfaya Sollum War Cemetery, Egypt. Plot 17, row E, grave number 7. Age 26. Son of Donald Edwin and Cecilia Mary Reid, of Artarmon, New South Wales, Australia.

On 15/2/42 at 1322 Frank Reid in Curtiss Kittyhawk I AK605 with Tommy Briggs in AK594 took off from Gambut to intercept four 109s bombing a road nearby; they were both shot down by Leutnant Hans-Joachim Marseille waiting up-sun. Briggs baled out at 200 feet and survived wounded; Frank Reid's aircraft was hit and dived steeply into a ridge.

 

 

 

Flying Officer Thomas Lancelot Threlkeld, service number 761, is buried at Knightsbridge War Cemetery, Acroma, Libya. Plot 15, row F, grave 8. Age 23. Son of Percy Harris Threlkeld and Flora Menzies Threikeld, of Parramatta, New South Wales, Australia; husband of Norma Margaret Threlkeld, of Parramatta.

On 16/2/42 at 1600 five Kittyhawks of 3 Squadron took off to intercept bombers near El Adem. 10 miles south-east of El Adem six 109s of l/JG 27 were sighted 1,000 feet below and pursued but no contact was made. On returning three 109s were sighted behind; the formation turned to attack them, Sergeant Gordon White fired at one from 100 yards and damaged it. but Lance Threlkeld in Curtiss Kittyhawk I AK691 was shot down by Oberleutnant Friedrich Keller 20 miles south of El Adem and crashed in flames.

 

 

Sergeant Roger Maurice Herbert Jennings, service number 404509, is buried at Knightsbridge War Cemetery, Acroma, Libya. Plot 15, row D, grave 5. Age 24. Son of Horace Hocking Jennings and Celeste Jennings; husband of Esma Lily Jennings. of Goondiwindi, Queensland, Australia.

On 27/2/42 at 1120 six Kittyhawks of 3 Squadron with six of 450 Squadron scrambled from standby to intercept enemy aircraft over Tobruk. Pilot Officer Reg Pfeiffer in AK796 and Sergeant Bryan Thompson in AK622 were jumped by 109s of JG 27. Bryan Thompson shot one down and damaged another. Two aircraft of 3 Squadron were lost, probably to Leutnant Hans-Joachim Marseille: Dick Hart in AK689 who baled out and returned to the squadron, and Roger Jennings in Curtiss Kittyhawk I AK665 who crashed near 13 Corps H.Q. and was killed on his 4th operation.

 

 

Flying Officer Peter Radcliffe Giddy, service number 715, is buried at El Alamein War Cemetery, Egypt. Plot AIV, row F, grave 19. Age 22. Son of George William and Dorothy Herschell Giddy, of Toorak, Victoria, Australia.

On 12/3/42 after taking off from Gambut Main in Curtiss Kittyhawk I AK830 Peter Giddy's  hatch door came open when doing an upward roll and he crashed.

 

Sergeant Mervyn James Headen Baillie, service number 407070, is recorded on the Alamein Memorial, Egypt. Column 266. Age 23. Son of James William and Gertrude Mary Baillie, of Watervale, South Australia.

Died on 11/4/42.

 

Sergeant William Allan Beard, service number 402717, is buried at El Alamein War Cemetery, Egypt. Plot A1, row A, grave 21. Age 22. Son of William and Catherine Jemima Sawle Beard, of Strathfield, New South Wales, Australia.

On 16/4/42 at 1600 after taking off in Kittyhawk I AK712 or AK649 his engine failed; he tried to turn back but the aircraft spun in and burned near L.G. 12, Sidi Haneish North.

 

Flying Officer Harold Graham Pace, service number 824, is recorded on the Alamein Memorial, Egypt. Column 264. Age 25. Son of Arthur Harold and Jeanie Christie Pace; husband of Ida Frances Pace, of Dalveen, Queensland, Australia.          B.A., LL.B,, Hons

On 13/6/42 twelve aircraft of 3 Squadron were bounced by two 109Fs over Gazala, Oberleutnant Hans-Joachim Marseille of l/JG 27 shot down Graham Pace in Curtiss Kittyhawk I AL172, who was killed by a single shot in the head; he was buried at PP.381431. Marseille also shot down Colin MacDiarmid in AK855, who baled out wounded.

 

Sergeant Colin Shaw MacDiarmid, service number 404345, is recorded on the Alamein Memorial, Egypt. Column 266. Age 25. Son of Douglas Holmes MacDiarmid, and of Irene MacDiarmld, of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.

On 30/5/42 Sergeant MacDiarmid was in Curtiss Kittyhawk I AL153 one of four 3 Squadron aircraft which took off at 1555. After bombing and strafing M.T. at P.P.357413, he was shot down and killed by 109s of l/JG 27 or 111/JG 53. Nicky Barr in AK889 was also shot down but walked back.

 

Pilot Officer Ross Biden, service number 402718, is buried at Halfaya Sollum War Cemetery, Egypt. Plot 17, row E, grave number 2. Age 23. Son of Norman Frederick and Hilda Biden of Cremome, New South Wales, Australia.

On 16/6/42 in Curtiss Kittyhawk I AK745 on his third mission of the afternoon. Ross Biden crash-landed near Gambut Main with engine trouble, still carrying his bomb. The bomb nose rod hit sand piled up around some camel thorn and the bomb exploded.

 

Sergeant Frederick Joseph Ryan, service number 403149, is recorded on the Alamein Memorial, Egypt. Column 266. Age 20. Son of Frederick and Laura May Ryan, of Woollahra, New South Wales, Australia.

On 16/6/42 in Curtiss Kittyhawk I AL 145 on his third bombing and strafing mission of the day at 1620. he was thought to be hit by flak north-west of El Adem; Oberleutnant Hermann Tangerding of III/JG 27 claimed a Kittyhawk shot down in flames and Feldwebel Walter Fink, also of III/JG 27, claimed one that crash-landed.

 

Flying Officer George Alan Dougall, service number 403324, is recorded on the Alamein Memorial, Egypt. Column 263. Age 26. Son of William and Louise Mary Dougall, of Centennial Park, New South Wales, Australia.

On 15/7/42 at 0915 George Dougall was in Curtiss Kittyhawk IA ET911, one of four 3 Squadron aircraft which took off and bombed a target of 150 vehicles at P.P.874297 west of El Alamein. On his fifth operation just six days after joining the squadron his aircraft was hit by intense flak over the target and he was killed.

 

Sergeant John James Manderson, service number 401708, is buried at Heliopolis War Cemetery, Egypt. Plot 2, row A, grave number 15. Age 23. Son of Henry John and Minnie Beatrice Manderson of North Williamstown, Victoria, Australia.

On 6/8/42 on a training flight near L.G.222 El Faiyum Road in Curtiss Kittyhawk I AL182, a 250 Squadron aircraft, his engine lost power and the aircraft spun into the ground on approach.

 

 

Flying Officer John Mactaggart, service number 405752, is buried at Alexandria (Chatby) Military and War Memorial Cemetery, Egypt. Grave P166. Age 20. Son of John Lacy Mactaggart and Marjorie Jane Gilmore Mactaggart of Ascot, Queensland, Australia.

On 18/8/42 in Curtiss Kittyhawk IA ET871 John Mactaggart lost control on a practice bombing flight and spun in at P.P.538878.

 

Sergeant Gordon George Scribner, service number 411392, is recorded on the Alamein Memorial, Egypt. Column 266. Age 22. Son of Hugh Gordon and Clarissa Emily Eugenie Scribner, of Forster, New South Wales, Australia.

On 15/9/42 at 1725 eight 3 Squadron aircraft scrambled with twenty-eight others of 239 Wing to intercept aircraft 10 miles south-west of El Alamein and met forty-three 109s of JG 27. In the resulting dogfight Gordon Scribner was shot down in Curtiss Kittyhawk IA EV322 and killed.

 

Pilot Officer Edward Henry Thomas Alderson, service number 402838, is buried at El Alamein War Cemetery, Egypt. Plot XXXII, row A, grave 20. Age 29. Son of Corporal Henry Alderson (died on active service in Belgium, 21st October 1914) and Ethel Frances Alderson.

On 20/10/42 at 1135 ten 3 Squadron Kittyhawks escorted Baltimores to bomb the Fuka landing grounds.Ted Alderson in Curtiss Kittyhawk IA EV361 was presumed shot down by 109s that intercepted after the bombing.

 

Pilot Officer Garth Angus Neill, D,F.M. service number 404773, is recorded on the Alamein Memorial, Egypt. Column 265. Age 20. Son of Captain Matthew Bell Neill and Muriel Elizabeth M. Neill, of East Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.

On 22/10/42 at 1045 eighteen B-25 Mitchells with ten Kittyhawks of 3 Squadron (medium cover) six of 450 (close cover) and 250 Squadron (top cover) flew to bomb L.G. 104 (Qotafiyah II) west of Daba. Nearly all the B-25s were hit by flak as was Garth Neill in Curtiss Kittyhawk IA ET1016, he was seen going down streaming glycol.

 

Flying Officer John William Upward, service number 402896, is recorded on the Alamein Memorial, Egypt. Column 265. Age 27. Son of Raymond and Chloe Lansdowne Upward; husband of Joan Dorothy Upward, of Gordon, New South Wales, Australia.

On 17/11/42 over Magrun nine 3 Squadron aircraft met three 109s; John Upward in Curtiss Kittyhawk llA FL306 collided with a Messerschmitt 109F of 5/JG 27 flown by Feldwebel Gerhard Buter and spun in from 1,500 feet at PP. (S) X 2497 13 miles at 110 degrees from Magrun; neither pilot baled out.

 

Corporal Donald Arnold Riley, service number 21719, is buried at Benghazi War Cemetery, Libya. Plot 6, row E, grave 23. Age 21. Son of John Robert and Ada Hannah Riley, of Bondi, New South Wales, Australia. Date of death given as 3/12/42.

On 4 /12/42 Corporal Riley was accidentally killed assisting in the cleaning of a set of twin machine guns.

 

Sergeant John Charles Anderson, service number 403545, is buried at Heliopolis War Cemetery. Egypt. Plot 3, row H, grave number 24. Age 23. Son of Frederick John and Mary May Anderson, of Mascot, New South Wales, Australia.

Died on 13/12/42. Not recorded in the 3 Squadron O.R.B.

 

Leading Aircraftman Brian Metcalfe Gates, service number 14827, is buried at Benghazi War Cemetery, Libya. Plot 6, row D, grave 18. Age 22. Son of Ernest John and Ethel Amelia Gates, of Drummoyne, New South Wales, Australia.

(See below)

 

Leading Aircraftman Leslie John Horne, service number 40506, is buried at Benghazi War Cemetery, Libya. Plot 6, row E, grave 18. Age 21. Son of John Robert and Ethel Horne, of Stanley, Tasmania, Australia.

(See below)

 

Leading Aircraftman Maurice Basil Thompson, service number 7170, is buried at Benghazi War Cemetery, Libya. Plot 6, row E, grave 16. Age 34. Husband of Margaret Thompson, of East St. Kilda, Victoria, Australia.

(See below)

 

Leading Aircraftman (Aircrafthand) Thomas Frederick Waugh, service number 37197, is buried at Benghazi War Cemetery, Libya. Plot 6, row E, grave 17. Age 25. Son of William and Elizabeth Isabel Waugh, of Cardiff, New South Wales, Australia.

(See below)

 

Leading Aircraftman (Flight Mechanic) George Murray Bartsch, service number 39549, is buried at Benghazi War Cemetery, Libya. Plot 6, row D, grave 17. Age 21. Son of Johann Gottlieb Bartsch and Daisy Bartsch, of Solomontown, South Australia. Date of death given as 19/12/42.

On 18/12/42 one of the advance party jumped out of their truck on to an 'S' mine at Marble Arch L.G. Maurice Thompson. Tommy Waugh and Les Horne were killed instantly; Brian Gates died en route to hospital by air; George Bartsch died on 21/12/42 in Benghazl Hospital.

 

Flight Sergeant Kenneth Clifford Bee, service number 403854, is buried at Tripoli War Cemetery, Libya. Plot 12, row A. grave 14. Age 21. Son of Jasper Oswald and Emma Pauline Bee, of Cremorne_, New South Wales, Australia.

On 21/12/42 at 1305 Bobby Gibbes led six 3 Squadron aircraft to recce the airfield at Hun; they strafed the eleven aircraft there twice. Ron Watt in Kittyhawk llA FL346 led in for a third pass and Ken Bee in Kittyhawk llA FL286 and Rex Bayly in Kittyhawk llA FL327 were both shot down by ground fire. Bobby Gibbes landed and picked Bayly up. Ken Bee's aircraft was hit by flak whilst diving to attack; it caught fire, dived into the ground and exploded.

 

Flying Officer William George Diehm, service number 412049, is recorded on the Alamein Memorial, Egypt. Column 277. Age 22. Son of William and Helen Diehm, of Lithgow, New South Wales, Australia.

(See below)

 

Flying Officer Allan Edward Henry Tonkin, service number 401200, is buried at Tripoli War Cemetery, Libya. Plot 12, row D, grave 16. Age 22. Son of Edward Thomas Allan Tonkin and Amy Louise Tonkin, of West Footscray, Victoria, Australia.

On 14/1/43 at 1125 twelve Kittyhawks from 3 Squadron with twelve Kittyhawks from each of 250, 260, and 450 Squadrons escorted eighteen Bostons to attack the Bir Dufan airfields. The formation flew out to sea then back over the coast at grid S.40 line and were then attacked continuously to Bir Dufan and back by twenty 109s of I/JG 77 with some Macchi 202s. Reg Stevens and Sergeant Hook probably shot down a 109, but the Kittyhawk llAs of Bobby Gibbes (FL323 crash-landed at 300 m.p.h.), Les Weatherburn (FL330 (baled out)), Norm Caldwell (FL363 crash-landed), Bill Diehm (FL346) and Allan Tonkin (FL345) were all shot down. Two parachutes were seen to open at R 9359 and two fires were seen at R 7645 and R 9535. Les Weatherburn was taken prisoner and ended up in Stalag Luft lll. and Bobby Gibbes and Norm Caldwell later returned to the squadron, but Bill Diehm and Allan Tonkin were both killed. Allan Tonkin had only joined 3 Squadron the day before from an O.T.U.

 

 

Flying Officer Arthur Neville Austin, service number 411726, is recorded on the Alamein Memorial, Egypt. Column 272. Age 24. Son of Arthur John Samuel and Elizabeth Austin, of Homebush, New South Wales, Australia.

On 14/1/43 at 1640 eight 3 Squadron Kittyhawks flew an armed reconnaissance over the Gheddahia area. Flight Lieutenant Garth Clabburn had to return at 1700 with a faulty prop motor so Pilot Officer Rex Bayly took over. At X 3080 there was medium flak, Bostons bombed at X 2095. Several 109s intercepted; in the resulting combat Sergeant Alan Righetti saw Kittyhawk 'Q' heading towards the coast near Sirte. Nev Austin failed to return.

 

 

Flight Sergeant Alexander Jennings Willis, service number 401873, is buried at Tripoli War Cemetery, Libya. Plot 12, row D, grave 15. Age 22. Son of Alexander Hamilton Willis and Gladys Willis, of Balldale, New South Wales, Australia.

On 22/1/43 at 0755 twelve 3 Squadron Kittyhawks took off on an armed recce of the Pisida-Zuara area. The bottom six bombed the landing ground at Ben Gardane where fifteen enemy single-engined aircraft were seen, the top six bombed 100 nose to tail vehicles. Whilst forming up after strafing the Pisida-Zuara road, Flight Sergeant Willis in Kittyhawk llA FL325 was possibly hit by flak, he ran into the tail of Sergeant (A.N. 'Sandy') Jones's FL336 cutting off most of Jones's tailplane Willis spun in near Ben Gardane. Sergeant Jones managed to return to base with a badly damaged rudder and aileron. Alex Willis was found on the 5th of March at P.P.(0) J 7142 (Pisida sheet No.1, Libya 1.500,000) and buried by his aircraft.

 

Squadron Leader Ronald James Watt, service number 273, is recorded on the Alamein Memorial, Egypt. Column 271. Age 24. Son of John William Watt M.B.E. and Laura Isabel Watt, of Warragul, Victoria, Australia.

On 27/1/43 at 1520 ten 3 Squadron Kittyhawks took off to attack 2 ships north of Ben Gardane. Through heavy rain squalls six to eight enemy aircraft were seen 4 miles east of Zuara down on the water. They made a wide climbing sweep and hid in the clouds. Flight Lieutenant Garth Clabburn detached blue section to go down and investigate, when the leader gave the order to jettison bombs, the bottom section also engaged the enemy aircraft. Garth Clabburn and Pilot Officer Andy Taylor fired at the 109s, Flying Officer Bob Dent saw a 109 heading west with the left aileron damaged and W/T aerial trailing. Ron Watt in Curtiss Kittyhawk llA FL292 was shot down, probably by Oberleutnant Siegftied Freytag of ll/JG77 or Hauptmann Kurt Ubben of lll/JG77.

 

 

Sergeant William Bruce Ward, service number 411622. is buried at Medjezel-Bab War Cemetery, Tunisia. Plot 14, row A, grave 10. Age 22. Son of Bruce and Annie Ward, of Windsor, New South Wales, Australia.

On 6/4/43 twelve 3 Squadron Kittyhawks took off at 1530 to bomb enemy troops massing for a counter affack at P.P. Z 0565 at Wadi Akarit. Bombs were dropped when enemy aircraft appeared. Flight Lieutenant Ron Susans in FL270 shot down a Macchi 202 which crashed at P.P. Z 0560. There was intense accurate heavy and light flak; Sergeant Ward's aircraft Curtiss Kittyhawk lll FR271 was seen to crash and burn at P.P. 0556, possibly hit by A.A. fire. although the Macchi 202s of 7o Gruppo made one claim.

 

 

Sergeant (Electrical Fitter) Rex Ian Palmer, service number 21053, is buried at Enfidaville War Cemetery, Tunisia. Plot II, row F, grave 25. Age 30. Son of Jack Elphinstine Palmer and Margaret Emma Palmer; husband of Norma Palmer, of New Lambton, New South Wales, Australia.

On 24/1/43. 3 Squadron acquired a Caproni Ca164 at Castel Benito. Whilst attempting to start it on 20/4/43 the engine blew back blowing petrol over Rex; Tom Russell and Bob Dent put the flames out with their hands, but he was badly burned and died at 1135 on 21/4/43 at 21 Medical Receiving Station.

 

 

Corporal (Fitter D.M.T.) William Fleming, service number 411135, is buried at Malta (Capuccini) Naval Cemetery. Prot. Sec.(Men's) plot F, coll. grave 35. Age 23. Son of William and Florence Louisa Fleming, of Gordon, New South Wales, Australia.

Died on 21/7/43. His death occurred as a result of an accident at Pachino, Sicily. Leading Aircraftman Enright also sustained burns in this accident and died 4 days later.

 

 

Flight Sergeant Jack Garfield Beer, service number 10634, is buried at Catania War Cemetery, Sicily. Plot I, row G, grave 1. Age 24. Son of Stanley Frank Garfield Beer and Elisheba Beer; husband of Millicent June Beer, of Ballarat, Victoria, Australia.

On 22/7/43 at 1200 twelve 3 Squadron aircraft took off on an armed recce of the LeonforteNicosia area, flying north along the road at 11,000 feet, crossing the coast at Augusta and heading north-west to Nicosia. Flying north along the road to the coast, twenty vehicles heading north at 200 yard intervals were bombed. Four hits were made on the road with several near misses. Eleven vehicles were damaged; Sergeant J.Howell-Price in Kittyhawk ll FS441 made a direct hit on a petrol wagon which went up in flames. The aircraft then made a left hand sweep and strafed the main Nicosia-Leonforte road where thirty to forty vehicles were heading north. At H 3894 fifty tanks were seen ... which fired on the formation. Sergeant Jackie Beer in Curtiss Kittyhawk llA FL271 was last seen by Pilot Officer R.L.Matthews (Kittyhawk II FS404) heading south at H 4659 at deck level. Ron Matthews called him on the R/T and Beer said he was OK. but he failed to return. He was presumed shot down by flak.

 

Leading Aircraftman (D.M.T.) Peter Edward Enright, service number 29797, is buried at Malta (Capuccini) Naval Cemetery. R.C. Sec.(Men's) plot P, coll. grave 6. Age 27. Son of Jerimiath Joseph and Mary Margaret Enright. of Goomalling, Western Australia.

Leading Aircraftman Enright received petrol burns in an accident at Pachino, Sicily. He died on 25/7/43 at Malta. Pilot Officer Tom Russell was also burned and taken to Cairo.

 

 

Warrant Officer Murdo McLeod, service number 406943, is buried at Mazargues War Cemetery, Marseilles, Bouches-du-Rhone, France. Plot 3, row D. grave 1. Age 24. Son of John and Annie McLeod, of South Fremantle,Western Australia. Date of death given as 17/8/43.

On 3/8/43 at 0950 Pilot Officer Ian Roediger led four Kittyhawks to strafe the roads in the Randazzo area. They attacked over twenty vehicles moving north between Zaffarana and C 9914, over fifty vehicles moving both ways on the secondary road between C 9821 and Randazzo, and over fifteen vehicles between Maletto and Bronte. Warrant Officer McLeod in Curtiss Kittyhawk llA FL309 was last seen strafing the road 2-3 miles east of Randazzo. There was intense light anti-aircraft fire from D 0514 and the Giardini area; he was presumed to have been hit by flak near Mount Etna.

 

 

Flight Sergeant Kenneth Goulder, M.I.D. service number 403693 is recorded on the Malta Memorial. Panel 11, column 2. Age 22. Son of Frederick Clayson Goulder and Bertha May Goulder, of Campsie, New South Wales, Australia.

On 8/8/43 at 0620 twelve aircraft took off to strafe enemy transport in northern Sicily. Four aircraft led by Pilot Officer Ian Roediger flew out to sea and turned in at Giardini to strafe along the road at Riposto. Two vehicles were damaged but Ken Goulder's aircraft Curtiss Kittyhawk II FS423 was hit at 50 feet by small arms fire near Mount Etna and the aircraft caught fire. Ian Roediger saw it crash in flames at D 1214 near Riposto. Roediger saw the crash site again on 13/8/48 and recorded it as D 095125.

 

 

Warrant Officer Reginald Edmund Percival, service number 402671, is buried at Catania War Cemetery, Sicily. Plot I, row K, grave 47. Age 22. Son of Edmund Samuel and Edith Annie Percival, of Strathfleld, New South Wales, Australia.

On 5/9/43 at 1710, twelve 3 Squadron Kittyhawks took off and circled Lentini. Of an escort of eight Spitfires, four went with a formation from 450 Squadron. but the other four didn't follow the 3 Squadron formation who flew west without fighter cover to bomb and strafe the Pizzo-Gioria-Locri area in three sections led by Squadron Leader Brian Eaton (FS431), Flying Officer Murray Nash (FS409) and Flight Sergeant Ted Hankey (FS410). Vehicles on the road south to Gioia were bombed and strafed. The formation then turned inland where Ted Hankey and Flight Sergeant George Hardiman (FS454) damaged vehicles, they then continued along the road across a peninsula to Locri. Whilst attacking enemy transport near Vibo Valentia, Mileto and Givia Taura, Warrant Officer Percival's Curtiss Kittyhawk II FS446 was badly hit by flak at Mileto (Y 7904). He was escorted back to the tip of Sicily by Murray Nash but he was unable to control the aircraft. He crash-landed on a Sicilian beach at D 4265, but the aircraft hit a bump and bounced into the sea. Army personnel were seen to help Percival out of the aircraft, but he died of his wounds the same night.

 

 

Flying Officer Ian Alexander McAdam, service number 401654, is buried at Salerno War Cemetery, Italy. Plot VII, row B. grave 14. Age 28. Son of Clyde John and Ellen McAdam, of Colac, Victoria; husband of Elizabeth Geraldine McAdam, of Hepburn Springs, Victoria, Australia.

Died on 14/10/43.

Flying Officer John Percy Raffen, service number 407183, is buried at Moro River Canadian War Cemetery, Italy. Plot XII, row A. grave 3. Age 23. Son of Percy Edward Leonard and Vera Violet Raffen, of Hilton, South Australia.

On 30/12/43 at 1310, twelve aircraft led by Flight Lieutenant Murray Nash (FS468) took off to bomb gun positions south of Oristi (Chieti?). They flew up the coast to C 1836 at a height

of 13,000 feet then turned west; then approached the target from the north losing height to 8,000-8,500 feet, then bombed the target from west to east from 1,000-1,500 feet. Eleven pairs of 250 lb. bombs fell in the target area. A large fire was later seen giving off black and blue-grey smoke on the north side of the ridge near the target. After the bombing some aircraft flew north-east to Francaville, while others followed the Miglienico road to the coast. The latter experienced intense light flak from guns concealed on ridges. Three aircraft were holed and John Raffen's Curtiss Kittyhawk II FS429 caught fire in the air. He lost height, apparently out of control, and crashed into a hillside at C 2821 near Francaville. Warrant Officer Short in FS458 saw the aircraft explode when it struck the ground at 1400.

 

Flying Officer Kent Morgan Watkins, service number 425689, is buried at Ancona War Cemetery, Italy. Plot III, row J, grave 10. Age 20. Son of John Gruffydd Thomas Watkins and Mabel Gwendoline Watkins, of Lutwyche, Queensland, Australia.

On 17/3/44 at 0805, Flight Lieutenant Funston (in Curtiss Kittyhawk ll FS450) led twelve Kittyhawks off from Cutella to attack the 230 foot Massa Cartana railway bridge over the Naia River at A 811587. They flew due west to Popoli at 9,000 feet, then swung north-west to Aquila, and on to Terni. On arriving the leader saw a train with twelve carriages crossing the bridge towards a siding on the western side, it stopped at the railway station at A 8059, but Funston's R/T was unserviceable and he was unable to report the train, so bombed the bridge from 9,000 to 1,500 feet. from north-west to south-east. Funston scored a direct hit on the eastern end, and Flying Officer Hayes (in Kittyhawk II FS462) a hit near the centre. The remaining pilots couldn't see the target for smoke but bombed in the area. After the bombing Funston handed over to Flying Officer Matthews (in Kittyhawk ll FS424). Whilst at 11,000 feet near Rieti, Flying Officer Watkins in Curtiss Kittyhawk llA FL332 reported engine trouble with overheating glycol. Warrant Officer Steele was detailed to follow him but didn't hear the message so Flying Officer Shipley (in Kittyhawk II FS467) broke away to follow him. Watkins then called up to say he was making for the coast, then later reported that he couldn't make it over the mountains with "Going to bale out, can't make the hlll". Shipley gave a mayday call on channel D and obtained a position fix, but searched the area AquilaAmatrice-Teramo for an hour without finding him.

 

Flight Sergeant (recorded as Flight Lieutenant in 3 Squadron Operational Record Book) Maurice Charles Supple Hayes, service number 401090, is recorded on the Malta Memorial. Panel 16, column 1. Age 27. Son of Henry and Rita Hayes; husband of Sheelagh Maria Hayes, of Mosman, New South Wales, Australia.

On 15/4/44 at 1230, Flight Lieutenant Jack Doyle (in Kittyhawk II FS468), temporarily in command of 3 Squadron, led twelve aircraft from Cutella to strafe sixty railway trucks reported south of San Benedetto. The formation flew northwards five miles offshore gaining height to 7,000 feet and crossing inland at B 9859. They then continued north five miles inshore until they were almost opposite San Benedetto, where a right-hand diving run was made over the point where the trucks had been reported. None were seen. but at the San Benedetto railway yards twenty trucks in a line were strafed by the formation who passed over at 300 m.p.h. There was no flak as the leader flew over but the following aircraft experienced medium to intense Breda fire. Hayes in Curtiss KIttyhawk II CV- FS482 was hit by the flak. He pulled up to 500 feet then gradually lost height heading out to sea, but suddenly the aircraft crashed into the sea 1.25 miles offshore. The leader circled the spot but the aircraft had disappeared leaving a patch of burning oil on the water.

 

 

Flight Sergeant John Malcolm Craig, service number 410309, is buried at Beach Head War Cemetery, Anzio, Italy. Plot XVII, row F, grave 3. Age 20. Son of John Frederick and Margaret Kerr Craig, of Murrumbeena, Victoria, Australia.

On 4/6/44 at 0600 six aircraft led by Squadron Leader Rex Bayly in FX667 took off from San Angelo on an armed recce of the Guarcino-Subiaco-Arsoll-Avezzano. They set course for Sora, gaining height to 9,000 feet at Alatri. Forty vehicles were reported on the road between Subiaco and Agosta but only a few vehicles were found at G 2175 which were bombed by the leader and his No.2, Flight Sergeant Craig, scoring a direct hit on the road. But intense accurate light flak was experienced and John Craig's Curtiss Kittyhawk lV FX528 was hit by the flak. He did not pull up after his bomb dive. flattening out losing height and crashing at G 1777, the aircraft exploded on impact.

 

 

 

Pilot Officer Allan Thompson Field, service number 412939, is buried at Florence War Cemetery, Italy. Plot I, row B, grave 10. Age 25. Son of William Henry Heward Field and Eva Rose Field, of Bowral, New South Wales, Australia. Pharmacist.

On 4/7/44 at 1205 Flying Officer Irving in Kittyhawk IV FX693 led six Kittyhawks off from Falerium climbing to 9,000 feet through 8/10 cloud and rain between 3-4,000 feet and heading north. Passing Arezzo eight to ten vehicles were seen on the road between R 1046 and R 1940. Whilst preparing to attack these, intense 88mm, 40mm and 20mm flak opened up, and the formation dived down, reforming over the mountains at R 0025. Continuing north, Flight Sergeant Field in FX704 and Warrant Officer Cotterill in FX701 bombed a large vehicle at Q 9656. Flight Sergeant Field started his dive at about 6,000 feet and seemed to delay his bomb release below the normal level. His aircraft Curtiss Kittyhawk IV FX704 was hit by a rocket projectile and immediately caught fire and dived into the ground. An open parachute was seen on the ground. On the return journey near San Giovanni, Flight Sergeant Turkington's Kittyhawk FX808 was hit by 88mm flak which shot away half of one of his mainplanes. He crash-landed at A 1540 hitting a low stone wall, but returned to the unit uninjured the next day.

Warrant Officer Clement Thistleton Halpin, service number 420746, is buried at Ancona War Cemetery , Italy. Plot lll, row J, grave 11. Age 26. Son of Cyril and Ida Francis Halpin of Tweed Heads, New South Wales, Australia.

On 21/8/44 at 1705 Lieutenant-Colonel Baker of 239 Wing led twelve aircraft to attack some gun positions facing Polish troops south of Pesaro. Three aircraft bombed a heavy gun sited at S 170747, all bombs were on the pinpoint from which intense and very accurate 20mm flak came up. Warrant Officer Halpin in Curtiss Kittyhawk IV FX760 was hit by the flak whilst dive-bombing the 88mm and 212mm gun positions; his aircraft spun in 200 yards south of the target.

 

 

Warrant Officer John Henry Hedger, service number 418114, is buried at Ancona War Cemetery, Italy. Plot II, row D, grave 7. Age 23. Son of John Edward and Ivy Ruth Hedger, of Albert Park, Victoria, Australia.

On 6/9/44 in Curtiss Kittyhawk IV FX750 Warrant Officer Hedger returned to base at Iesi Landing Ground half an hour after taking off at midday. Without radio-telephone communication to control his approach he made a heavy landing and his bombs exploded.

 

Warrant Officer Raymond Faria, service number 421045, is buried at Ravenna War Cemetery, Italy. Plot I, Row A, grave 1. Age 23. Son of Cecil and Mathilde Herminia Faria, of Northbridge, New South Wales, Australia.

On 25/9/44 after a formation take off at 1445 his Curtiss Klttyhawk was hit by flak attacking a bridge over the Savio River_; the aircraft spun down in flames. Flight Sergeant Haggatty's aircraft was also hit by flak and crashed on landing at base.

 

Flying Officer Francis Carstairs Sanders, service number 416155, is buried at Faenza War Cemetery, Italy. Plot II, row F, grave 8. Age 24. Son of Francis Gordon Sanders and Elsie Madge Sanders, of Jamestown, South Australia.

On 26/9/44 at 0725 Pilot Officer Sanders in Curtiss Kittyhawk IV FX569 led six aircraft off to bomb gun positions at M 637026. Flight Sergeant Matley returned early with engine trouble, the other five successfully attacked two heavy guns sited two hundred yards southwest of the Causese road junction. After reforming, a lone vehicle was seen on highway 67 at M 5320 which Pilot Officer Sanders went down to attack, experiencing intense 20mm flak suggesting the target was a decoy. Going on towards Bologna. at 0820 Sanders saw another lone vehicle at M 1047. Alter instructing Flight Sergeant Finch (FX725) to lead the other three along highway 9 to Rimini, Sanders went down to attack the vehicle, and although no flak was seen, he disappeared and wasn't seen again. He was called repeatedly with no reply and, as the other aircraft were low on fuel, they had to return to base.

 

Pilot Officer Ronald Edward Robert Fountain, service number 421195, is recorded on the Malta Memorial. Panel 16, column 1. Age 22. Son of Albert Edward and Ivy Jane Fountain, of Bondi Beach, New South Wales, Australia.

On 6/12/44 at 0955 Flight Lieutenant Ian Roediger (in North American Mustang III KH615) led a formation of eleven 3 Squadron Mustangs on a long-range strafing operation to BrodSarajevo in Yugoslavia over 10/ l0ths cloud at 3,000 feet which extended as far as could be seen to the east and south, with a small clearing to the north-west over what was thought to be Drazica. Twenty vehicles entering the town from the north looked American so weren't attacked. A railway viaduct at SF 1977 was bombed and near-missed, several bombs failed to explode. As the weather deteriorated the leader decided to return to base, although a train with thirty loaded trucks moving east in one of the valleys skirting the Sava river was seen through a break in the cloud and thoroughly strafed. On returning, the weather closed in and the 3 Squadron formation had to detour to the south to avoid heavy cloud. Over the Adriatic they recewed a homing signal from MORU control and descended from 16,000 feet through 10/ l0ths cloud, breaking over the sea at 5,000 feet approximately 50 miles off the Italian coast, although the cloud was down to1,000 feet in places. All pilots were running low on fuel but returned safely, except for Warrant Officer Fountain in North American Mustang III KH630 who acknowledged the homing signal but did not break cloud with the rest and was presumed lost. His commission was notified on 18/12/44.

 

 

 

Flying Officer Vincent Maxwell Thomas, service number 400944, is buried at Argenta Gap War Cemetery, Italy. Plot I, row F, grave 22. Age 24. Son of Frederick Victor and Isabel May Thomas, of East Malvern, Victoria, Australia.

On 9/1/45 at 1535 Flight Lieutenant Hodgkinson in Mustang IVA KH679 led a formation of ten to attack a road bridge at Alfonsine at M 448478 over a river near Mestre. They arrived over the target at 8,000 feet and bombed along the line of the bridge in a south-east direction down to 1,500 feet. The bridge received two direct hits which demolished all of the southern span and most of the centre span. Flying Officer Thomas in North American Mustang III KH615 went into a spin at 1,500 feet after bombing, his aircraft crashed into a minefield and burst into flames at M 470479; he may have been hit by flak. After the German surrender in May 1945 Padre Fred McKay searched for, found and identified Vincent Thomas and conducted a proper burial service.

 

 

Warrant Officer Ian Rennison. service number 419704, is buried at Udine War Cemetery, Italy. Plot IV, row 0, grave 8. Age 21. Son of Charles and Daphne Mabel Rennison, of Boronia, Victoria, Australia.

On 21/2/45 at 0920 Flight Lieutenant D.B.Davies in KH85 1 led seven Mustangs to escort 450 Squadron Kittyhawks to bomb the Casarsa rail diversion. After 450 Squadron had bombed, the 3 Squadron Mustangs bombed from east to west from 8.000 down to 1,500 feet. Warrant Officer Rennison in North American Mustang IVA CV-L KH806 was seen to pull out slightly when low in his bomb dive, and then go straight in at C 135080 where the aircraft exploded. Padre Fred McKay searched for Ian Rennison after the German surrender in May 1945 and conducted a proper burial service.

 

 

Attached to 3 Squadron at the time of death:

Flight Lieutenant J. T. (Jungle Jim) Edmonds, R.A.F.  shot down whilst flying operations with 3 Squadron on 11 April 1945. 

 

                     

Members of 3 Squadron R.A.A.F. who died serving with other units

    (listed alphabetically)

 

Flight Lieutenant Henry John Bray, D.F.C., service number 404324, is buried at Cambridge City Cemetery, Cambridgeshire, England. Grave 15960. Age 26. Son of Henry Maurice and Eva Sarah Bray, of Mooloolah, Queensland, Australia,

Not with 3 Squadron at the time of his death, 14/3/45, (he was with 451 Squadron R.A.A.F. Other 3 Squadron members who transferred to 451 were Warren Thomas, Gordon Jones and Rex Bayly).

 

Sergeant George Clarence Curle, service number 207732, is buried at Cairo War Memorial Cemetery, Egypt. Plot P, grave 200. Age 26, Son of Joseph and Ethel Curle; husband of Hope Grace Curle, of Bankstown, New South Wales, Australia.

Not with 3 Squadron at the time of his death, 17/3/41. He died at the 15th Scottish General Hospital of a single gunshot wound. When 3 Squadron changed from being a Westland Lysander equipped army co-operation squadron to being a single-seat fighter squadron equipped with Gloster Gauntlets and Gloster Gladiators, their wireless operator/air gunners and photographers were no longer needed and were transferred to other units. Wireless operator/air gunner Sergeant Curle had been transferred to H.Q. 202 Group on 7/1/41. then to the Blenheim equipped 55 Squadron on 10/2/41.

 

Sergeant Ernest Robert William Currie, service number 207702, is recorded on the Alamein Memorial, Egypt. Column 245. Age 21. Son of William Currie and of Agnes Currie, of Lidcombe, New South Wales, Australia.

Not with 3 Squadron at the time of his death, 2/2/41. Wireless operator/air gunner Sergeant Currie had been transferred to the Blenheim equipped 55 Squadron on 24/1/41.

 

Corporal Douglas Edwin Ford, service number 5819, is recorded on the New South Wales Cremation Memorial, Sydney_, Australia. Panel 5. Age 26. Son of Ernest Edwin and Alice Harriet Blea Ford; husband of Thelma Ford, of Randwick, New South Wales, Australia.

Not with 3 Squadron at the time of his death, 7/2/44.

 

Sergeant Alfred Thomas Bruce Hale, service number 4708, is buried at Alexandria (Chatby) Military and War Memorial Cemetery, Egypt. Coll. grave P.18-20. Age 23. Son of Alfred and Alice Maud Hale, of Strahan, Tasmania, Australia.

Not with 3 Squadron at the time of his death, 10/5/41. He was one of the 3 Squadron wireless operator/air gunners who transferred to other units. Sergeant Hale had been transferred to H.Q. 202 Group on 7/1/41, then to the Blenheim equipped 55 Squadron on 24/1/41.

 

Flying Officer Leo George Hardiman, service number 411321, is buried at Ben M'sik European Cemetery, Casablanca, Morocco. Plot 59A. row 1, grave 24. Age 22. Son of Leo and Annie Mildred Hardiman, of Arncliffe, New South Wales, Australia.

Not with 3 Squadron at the time of his death, 30/11/44. His 3 Squadron tour finished on 20/1/44.

 

Squadron Leader John Francis Jackson, D.F.C., service number 493, is buried at Port Moresby (Bomana) War Cemetery, Papua New Guinea. Plot B2_, row C, grave 17. Age 34. Son of William James Jackson and Edith Annie Jackson; husband of Elizabeth Helen Jackson, of Clayfield, Queensland, Australia.

Not with 3 Squadron at the time of his death, 28/4/42 (he was with 75 Squadron R.A.A.F.).

 

Sergeant Thomas Edwin Packer, service number 407453, is buried at Knightsbridge War Cemetery, Acroma, Libya. Plot 15, row E, grave 5. Age 22. Son of Thomas and Ethel Rebecca Packer, of Paradise, South Australia.

Not with 3 Squadron at the time of his death, 29/5/42. After flying with 3 Squadron he left on 9/5/42 for R.A.F. Transit Camp Maaten Bagush (see reference 73, page 121), then joined 450 Squadron. He was shot down over Gazala on 29/5/42 by 109s of l/JG 27.

 

Squadron Leader Bernard Murtough Terry, service number 1562, is buried at Knightsbridge War Cemetery, Acroma, Libya. Plot 15, row D, grave 7. Age 37. Son of Paul MeKenna Terry and Anne Elizabeth Terry; husband of Mary Grace Terry, of Pinjarra, Western Australia.

Not with 3 Squadron at the time of his death, 16/11/42. Barney Terry was the ex-adjutant of 3 Squadron; he joined 239 Wing H.Q. on 18/4/42. He was killed with Squadron Leader John Mawer Strawson D.F.C. when their jeep hit a mine near Tmimi.

 

Squadron Leader Peter St. George Bruce Turnbull, D.F.C., service number 481, is buried at Port Moresby (Bomana) War Cemetery, Papua New Guinea. Plot A2, row C, grave 27. Age 25. Son of Archibald and Maud Gwendolen Turnbull, of Glen Innes, New South Wales, Australia.

Not with 3 Squadron at the time of his death. 27/8/42 (he was with 76 Squadron R.A.A.F.).

 

Sergeant John William Turner, service number 4122, is recorded on the Alamein Memorial, Egypt. Column 246. Age 20. Son of John and Margaret Turner; husband of Yvonne Ella Turner, of Newmarket, Queensland, Australia.

Not with 3 Squadron at the time of his death, 1/4/41. Wireless operator/air gunner Sergeant Turner was transferred to 208 Squadron on 23/10/40.

 

Sergeant Roy Thomas Aston Wallis, service number 406269, is recorded on the Alamein Memorial, Egypt. Column 266. Age 21. Son of James Lewis Wallis, J.P., and Annie Elizabeth Wallis, of Fremantle, Western Australia.

Not with 3 Squadron at the time of his death, 10/7/42, when 450, 250 and 112 Squadrons attacked L.G.21. Qotafiyah lll, but were intercepted over the sea north-east of El Daba by 109s and Macchi 202s. Roy Wallis of 250 Squadron was hit and baled out, he landed in the sea and was seen to wave. He was last seen 2 miles offshore (reference 30, page 56).

Personnel listed in "3 Squadron at War" Roll of Honour

who were not with 3 Squadron at date of death

(listed alphabetically).

Pilot Officer Colin George Benjamin, service number 403855, is buried at Rotterdam (Crooswijk) General Cemetery, Netherlands. Plot LL, row 2, grave 47. Age 22. Son of Cyril Hastings Benjamin and Eva Eleanor Benjamin, of Gordon, New South Wales, Australia. ...... 1/7/43.

 

Flight Sergeant Donald John Mackerras_, service number 422599, is buried at Brookwood Military Cemetery, Surrey, England. Plot 4, row 0, grave 9. Age 23. Son of John William and Ermonce Irene Mackerras, of Pymble, New South Wales, Australia. ...... 6/8/44.

 

Sergeant Rex Joseph Marre, service number 403355, is buried at Folkestone New Cemetery, Kent, England. Plot 0, grave 54. Age 23. Son of Michael and Margaret Adrienne Marre, of Rose Bay, New South Wales, Australia ... 15/3/42.

Flight Lieutenant Bruce Calder McKenzie, service number 401994, is buried at Hamburg Cemetery, Germany. Plot 10A, row 0, grave 6. Age 24. Son of Alexander Keith and Florence McKenzie; husband of Margaret Emily Thelma McKenzie, of Cromer, Norfolk, England .... 21/4/45.

 

Pilot Officer William Henry Moore, service number 405114, is buried at Pihen-les Guines War Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France. Plot 1, row C, grave 3. Age 24. Son of Alfred Allan Moore and Annie Moore, of Wickham Terrace, Queensland, Australia ..... 18/6/43.

 

Pilot Officer William Ronald Phillips, service number 407079, is buried at Ipswich Cemetery, Suffolk, England. Age 26. ...... 28/5/41.