The Australian War Memorial Collection. Test site
Night-time scene of the tent encampment at Diego Garcia, the American-occupied island. Peter Churcher recalled, "There were six men to a tent. Ninety-five percent of the airmen on the island were American, with only a small contingency of English. I painted at night simply because of the climate. The island was particularly exposed so it was hellishly hot during the day, so I went down after dinner and worked at night".
Four Hornets on the airbase of the American-occupied island of Diego Garcia. Peter Churcher recalled, "This was the first painting that I completed at Diego. It illustrates the Australian presence on
Figure of a young man asleep on his bed in the communal tent at Diego Garcia. Peter Churcher recalled, "This is one of the men's corners in a communal tent in Diego Garcia. The young man is a mechanic
Portrait of female officer, Corporal McKelvie, RAAF, at Diego Garcia. Peter Churcher recalled, "There were only three Australian women on the island. I felt it was important to acknowledge one of them
A Hornet on the tarmac. Peter Churcher recalled, "I just wanted to do a painting of a Hornet. It was very hot on the flight path during the day and so I had to work at night. There is evidence of the
American B-52 bombers parked on the runway. Peter Churcher recalled, "Whenever I caught the bus to Tent City I would pass the main American flight line where all the B-52 bombers were making sorties i
Figures of two pilots preparing for a scramble. The RAAF pilots have been identified as Flight Lieutenant Tom Gleeson (on the left) and Flying Officer James Atkinson (on the right). Peter Churcher r