The Australian War Memorial Collection. Test site
Two diaries, notes and a manuscript based on them entitled "A Call to arms: war service with the RAAF 1942-1946: diary notes and memoirs of Arthur Gately". Describes Gately's recruitment into the RAAF, training at Hamilton, Vic. and Mildura, Vic. before joining 79 Squadron in 1943. As part of 79 Squadron ground crew Gately gives a detailed account of front-line tropical air maintenance from bases at Goodenough Island, Kiriwina Island and Los Negros Island. Also comments on the reactions of the Australians to the American servicemen based nearby. Covers Gately's service in Tocumwal, NSW to finally joining the ground crew support for the Royal Navy Air Arm at Rockleigh, Qld before being discharged.
Brief daily entries describe duties with ground crew for No 30 Beaufighter Squadron at Kiriwina (Trobriand) Island, Tadji (Aitape) and Noemfoor Island. Mentions air raids, natives, recreation, aircraf
LOS NEGROS ISLAND, ADMIRALTY ISLANDS. 1944-03-28. A BEAUFIGHTER AIRCRAFT FROM NO. 30 SQUADRON RAAF BEING REFUELLED AT MOMOTE AIRSTRIP AFTER ESCORTING AIRCRAFT OF NO. 79 (SPITFIRE) SQUADRON RAAF DURING
LOS NEGROS ISLAND, ADMIRALTY ISLANDS. 1944-03-28. AMERICANS BESIDE THE BEAUFIGHTER AIRCRAFT FROM NO. 30 SQUADRON RAAF AT MOMOTE AIRSTRIP. THE AIRCRAFT HAD ACTED AS ESCORT TO AIRCRAFT OF NO. 79 (SPITFI
LOS NEGROS ISLAND, ADMIRALTY ISLANDS. 1944-03-28. AMERICANS SHOW GREAT INTEREST IN THE BEAUFIGHTER AIRCRAFT FROM NO. 30 SQUADRON RAAF AT MOMOTE AIRSTRIP. THE AIRCRAFT HAD ACTED AS ESCORT TO AIRCRAFT O
MOMOTE, LOS NEGROS ISLAND, ADMIRALTY ISLANDS. C. 1944-03. GROUND CREWS OF NO. 79 (SPITFIRE) SQUADRON RAAF LINE UP FOR LUNCH AT THE MESS TENT UNDER COCONUT PALM TREES. THE MEN WERE EATING IN THE OPEN B
Milne Bay, Papua. 14 March 1944. Ground party personnel of No. 79 (Spitfire) Squadron RAAF waiting to re-embark on the US Merchant Service Liberty ship, Marcus Daly, after several days stopover at Mil
