The Australian War Memorial Collection. Test site
SIDE A: Tony Gaze relates: history of the development of the Supermarine Spitfire aircraft; pilot training in the Royal Air Force (RAF); completed first operational tour and sent as a Flight Commander to No.57 Operational Training Unit (OTU) RAF; flew Spitfire Mark 6 with 616 Squadron RAF; describes flying Spitfires Mark 7 to Mark 19; discusses air speed, armaments, long wing tips, external fuel tanks; sorties protecting bombers in particular flying with B17 Flying Fortresses over Spain; work promoting RAF and Spitfires to factory workers in Britain; shot down in 1943 and escape to Britain; flew with Canadians on D-Day; flew Gloster Meteors and test pilot at end of war; postwar interests; motor racing; gliding. SIDE B: gliding; answers members questions about the Air Fighter Development Unit; fighter affiliation with bombers and training; flying bombs; Gloster Meteors - fire power and design; attack on Tiger tank and Panther tank; usefulness of a Glostor Meteor as an interceptor fighter; explains how he was shot down in France, rescue by the Resistance, escape over the Pyrenees Mountains to Spain, injuries; heating in aircraft; mid-air collisions. END TAPE.
SIDE A: Robert Hardiman (referred to as Richard on the tape) discusses: his first flight as a boy in 1928; early life in 1920s and 1930s; recalls examining an Avro Anson Reconnaissance bomber at Exete
Cresswell speaks of his academic and military background including Second World War service in the South West Pacific area primarily as a fighter pilot; his role as Commanding Officer No 21 (Citizens
Distinguished Flying Cross and bar (Geo VI). Engraved on reverse with year of issue. Related to the service of David John Shannon, born 27 May 1922 at Unley Park, South Australia; an insurance clerk
Distinguished Flying Cross (Geo VI) and Bar. Cross and Bar both engraved on reverse with the years of issue. This Distinguished Flying Cross and Bar was awarded to Squadron Leader Arthur Stanley Gra
Rectangular shaped painted aircraft fabric 'nose art' from the forward left fuselage of Vickers Wellington Mark X bomber serial number LP 209 'J for Johnny' of 142 Squadron Royal Air Force (RAF). The
Distinguished Service Order and bar (Geo VI). Unnamed as issued. Related to the service of David John Shannon, born 27 May 1922 at Unley Park, South Australia; an insurance clerk who joined the RAAF