Spotlight on OddBods Aircraft and Squadrons - Part 1

In conjunction with the 100 year anniversary of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), the Friends of the OddBods Association would like to take a look back at where our fore-fathers served in World War II and why it is so important to ensure that this information is not lost, but preserved and recognised by the coming generations. The Friends of the OddBods Association hope you enjoy this series dedicated to these men as we “Press On Remembering”.

Part 1 – The Handley Page Halifax Mk III and RAAF Squadron 466 and RAF Squadron 51 where our OddBods served.

What was a Handley Page Halifax Mk III Bomber? – It was a four-engine aircraft designed purely during WW II and it’s first flight was on the 25th of October 1939. It was introduced on the 13th of November 1940 and 6178 aircraft were built until April 1945. This was very impressive and at one stage, one Halifax was completed every hour mainly due to the aircraft being built by 5 manufacturers, Handley Page, English Electric, Fairey Aviation, London Aircraft Production Group and Rootes Securities.The version Mk III bomber was the most popular and this was used by 7 countries (including Australia) as military operators. 

What was the aircraft powered by? - Four 1650hp Bristol XVI radial piston engines with 3 bladed constant speed propellers.

Maximum Take-Off Weight – 65,000 pounds

Maximum Speed – 282 mph

Maximum Altitude – 24,000 feet

Bomb carriage weight – 13,000 pounds

How many crew were on the Halifax? - Pilot, flight engineer, navigator, wireless operator/gunner, bomb aimer and two gunners (Total of 7).

How many operations did the Halifax carry out? - 82,773 operations dropping 224,207 tons of bombs 

How many Halifax were lost in WWII? – 1833 of 6178 built.

What happened to the aircraft after WWII? -  The aircraft was retired from operational military use in 1961. The aircraft was also used in 11 countries by civilian operators in the post war era.

Are there any Halifax’s still existing today? – Only three remain complete. They are;

1. Restored Aircraft Serial Number NA337 built by Rootes Motors and delivered to 644 Squadron – It resides in the National Air Force Museum of Canada, Trenton Ontario

2. Restored Aircraft Serial Number HR792 built by Handley Page and delivered to 58 Squadron – It resides at the Yorkshire Air Museum, Elvington, North Yorkshire;

3. Unrestored Aircraft Serial Number W1048 built by English Electric and delivered to 102 Squadron – It resides in the RAF Museum London, Colindale London.

Other useful information – There is a Canadian organisation called Halifax 57 Rescue which is dedicated to the recovery and restoration of Handley Page Halifaxes. This organisation was founded in 1994 and has recovered two aircraft, one being NA337. This aircraft was recovered from 750 feet underwater in Lake Mjosa, Norway. The second aircraft LW682 was recovered from Geraardsbergen, Belgium. As part of the recovery from the bog, the bodies of three airmen was carried out and enabled them to be given a proper burial. Once recovered, the airframe was melted down and the material was used to construct the RAF Bomber Command Memorial in London which was unveiled in 2012.

(Information Source – Wikipedia Feb 17 2021)

RAAF Squadron 466 – Motto was “Brave and True”

Did our OddBods serve in this Squadron – Yes; 

When was this Squadron formed? – 10th October 1942 at RAF Driffield, East Yorkshire, UK

Is the squadron still active? – No, it was disbanded on the 26th of October 1945;

What type of aircraft did the squadron fly? – Vickers Wellington, Handley Page Halifax and Liberators;

How many operations did the Squadron fly? – 3326 sorties against 269 targets;

How many aircraft were lost? – 81 with 184 RAAF personnel also lost;

What was unique about the Squadron? – Even though this was an RAAF unit, the majority of the personnel were British Air Forces. The Squadron was also heavily committed to mine-laying operations throughout 1943;

Citations – Following a mission on the 14th of April 1943, four members of the crew of a 466 Squadron Wellington received Joint Citation after suffering an attack by a fighter aircraft over the Ruhr target in Germany. With the aircraft badly damaged and a deceased rear gunner, the pilot was able to get his aircraft back to an airfield in his country without the further loss of life.

(Information Source – Wikipedia and Various Sources Feb 17 2021)

RAF Squadron 51 – Motto is “Swift and Sure”

Did our OddBods serve in this Squadron? – Yes;

When was the Squadron formed originally? – 15th May 1916 and disbanded 13th June 1919;

When was the Squadron reformed?; - 15th March 1937, at RAF Snaith, East Yorkshire, UK

Is the Squadron still active? – Yes, at RAF Waddington, Lincolnshire, UK

What type of aircraft did the Squadron fly in WWII? –Vickers Virginia, Armstrong Whitworth Whitley, Avro Anson, Handley Page Halifax, Short Sterling and Avro York

How many operations did the Squadron fly? – 51 Squadron was part of 4 Group Bomber Command who were part of 62,000 sorties during the war;

How many aircraft were lost? – 1441 aircraft did not return from their missions;

What was unique about the Squadron – This unit was based at 6 airfields during WWII from just before the war broke out in 1938 until the war ended in 1945;

Citations / Battle Honours – 15 separate fields of war resulted in this Squadron being awarded Battle Honours. It also needs to be known that there were 16 Australian Distinguished Flying Crosses and 1 Australian Distinguished Flying Medal awarded to our servicemen.

(Information Source – Wikipedia and Various Sources Feb 17 2021)

By Michael Rossiter

Please see various photos of the Halifax below.

Top Ten Iconic RAAF Aircraft No.5 - the de Havilland Canada DHC-4 Caribou

At number 5 in the RAAF's iconic aircraft countdown is a long-serving workhorse ideal for getting in and out of tight spaces: the de Havilland Canada DHC-4 Caribou.

In the early 1960's the RAAF was searching for a replacement for the venerable Dakota aircraft and the Caribou fitted the bill. Arriving in 1964, the Caribou was immediately sent into service in the Vietnam War carrying troops and supplies to rugged, inaccessible airfields near the frontlines. A short take-off and landing aircraft, it continued to operate for the next 45 years across the Indian-Pacific region, often delivering humanitarian aid and disaster relief to areas other aircraft could not access. 

The Caribou had no auto pilot and was physically demanding to fly. It quickly gained a reputation as a tough reliable workhorse, much admired by Australian and allied airmen.

Click on the photo at the top of this article to be taken to the RAAF website and a very informative video about the Caribou.

ANZAC Day Arrangements 2021 - Email From The President

Dear Friends,

            At Sunday’s FOTOBAI Committee Meeting the committee discussed a plan of action to address the ongoing uncertainty regarding ANZAC Day arrangements under Covid.

The RSL has announced that there will not be an ANZAC march in Melbourne although other Australian states have announced varied responses.

            It was agreed that we would make every effort to formalize arrangements for ANZAC Day and continue the tradition of honoring all Odd Bods at this time. FOTOBAI plans include –

                        1. A reunion luncheon will be held at Amora, Melbourne on ANZAC Day 2021. We already have a booking at Amora, although the format and size of the gathering will depend on Covid regulations operating at the time. Photographs and videos will be available online for those unable to attend.

                        2. It is unlikely that a Dawn Service or ANZAC March will take place in Melbourne however we will actively seek participation of the Odd Bods banner in whatever alternative arrangements are authorised at the Shrine.

                        3. We will examine options for inclusion in other memorial services including Wesley College.

                        3. We will conduct an online 2021 Last Post Initiative similar to 2020 in which members submit their photos and stories about ANZAC Day for publication on the FOTOBAI website – details to follow.

                        4. In the absence of a Dawn Service on ANZAC Day we anticipate driveway vigils to be observed and we will invite members to submit photographs on the day for immediate posting on our website. – details to follow.

The aim of all these measures is to honour Odd Bods in the most appropriate manner given the restrictions on gatherings imposed by Covid.

            We will keep you informed of our plans and welcome your comments. In the meantime you may wish to check in at the FOTOBAI website for recent articles including the RAAF 10 Most Iconic Aircraft list.

Best Wishes

Bruce

Sqn Ldr Bruce P Waxman OAM RAAF (Rtd)

President

Friends Of The Odd Bods Association Inc. 

Top Ten RAAF Iconic Aircraft - No.6 The E-7A Wedgetail

Next up in the RAAF Iconic Aircraft countdown at number 6 is the radar superstar in the sky: the E-7A Wedgetail. 

As the first Early Warning and Control aircraft in service, the Wedgetail is easily recognised by its game-changing MESA radar (AKA the ‘surfboard’) at the top of the fuselage. More than 600 hours of wind tunnel testing was required to perfect the aerodynamic design.

This Boeing 737 based aircraft was designed by the RAAF and subsequently taken up the air forces of Turkey, South Korea, and the United Kingdom.

The Australian Air Force Wedgetail crew is able to monitor a 4 million square kilometre area and coordinate more than 60 aircraft over a single 10 hour mission. 

Click on the photo at the top of this page to go to the RAAF website and an informative video about the aircraft and its role.

Top Ten Iconic RAAF Aircraft - No. 7 Catalina

 In the lead up to 31st March 2021, the official Centenary date for the RAAF, the Air Force is revealing its Top Ten Iconic Aircraft. 

Click on the photo to be taken to a website with a fascinating explanatory video for number 7 on their list - the Consolidated PBY-5 Catalina.

Click on this photo to go to an RAAF Information page.

Originally intended as a long range patrol bomber, the Catalina was one of the most versatile aircraft in service during World War II, used for everything from reconnaissance missions to air-sea rescues.

Some Catalina Facts:

 - Catalina airmen called their aircraft the "Cat" on combat missions and "Dumbo" in air-sea rescue service.

 - Odd Bods will be interested to know that Wesley College staff and students who provide us with banner bearers for the ANZAC Day march also provide banner bearers for the Catalina Flying Boat Units.

- Catalinas served in most theatres of WW2 but were particlarly effective against the Japanese in the Pacific.

 - The letters PB in the aircraft designation stand for "Patrol Bomber" while the Y was the code assigned to the manufacturer, Consolidated Aircraft.

 - Catalinas were the most extensively used anti-submarine warfare (ASW) aircraft in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters of World War II.

 - The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) operated Catalinas as night raiders, with four squadrons Nos. 11, 20, 42, and 43 laying mines from 23 April 1943 until July 1945 in the southwest Pacific deep in Japanese-held waters.

 - The longest commercial flights (in terms of time aloft) ever made in aviation history were the Qantas flights from Perth to Colombo flown weekly in Catalinas from 29 June 1943 through July 1945 over the Indian Ocean. They were dubbed the "Double Sunrise" because passengers saw two sunrises in their 28-32 hour flight.

Top Ten Iconic RAAF Aircraft - No.8 Avro Lancaster

In the lead up to 31st March 2021, the official Centenary date for the RAAF, the Air Force is revealing its Top Ten Iconic Aircraft. We suggest you click on the photo to be taken to a website with a fascinating explanatory video of number 8 in their list.

Number 8 - Avro Lancaster.

Entering production in 1942, the Lancaster was a vital heavy bomber in the European theatre of World War II. Thousands of Australians flew dozens of sorties in the ‘Lanc’, carrying out crucial Bomber Command air raids and helping to secure victory against Germany.

The famous “G for George” Lancaster is located at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. Flown by No. 460 Squadron RAAF Bomber Command, the aircraft flew ninety operational missions over Germany and occupied Europe before its retirement from active service in 1944. 

Top Ten Iconic RAAF Aircraft - Great Videos

In the lead up to 31st March 2021, the official Centenary date for the RAAF, the Air Force is revealing its Top Ten Iconic Aircraft -  one each week.

Two aircraft have been revealed so far. We suggest you click on the photos to be taken to be taken to a website with a fascinating explanatory video.

Number 10 - F/A-18A/B Hornet - "a true icon of our skies that's given us nearly 35 years of service, the F/A-18A/B “Classic” Hornet."

Number 9 - S.E.5A - When the Royal Australian Air Force was formed on 31 March 1921, the S.E.5A was part of Britain’s imperial gift to help establish our new organisation. As our first fighter aircraft, Australian aircrews flew the S.E.5A in combat during World War I before its transition into a crucial training platform during the 1920s.

Odd Bods Sponsouring Three Students India.

 

Friends of the Odd Bods continue an Odd Bods tradition of sponsouring students at Raphael, the Ryder Cheshire Home located at Dehradun, Northern India.

Here are the latest reports on our three charges.

Asma - Asma is doing well and has learnt to use the smart phone on her own. She sometimes connects with her teacher independently for her sessions. She has learnt to add upto Rs10/- with small denominations of Rs 1, Rs2 and Rs 5. She also knows a packet of her favourite chips costs Rs 10 and will gives you Rs10 from a pile of coins to buy her a packet of chips. 

Sarthak Belwal - Sarthak has been at Raphael for the last five years and is 17 years old now. He has been home with his family for the last 10 months. He enjoys looking at pictures and playing with a ball. He attends the online classes regularly and has learnt to convey his needs and interest by gestures. He enjoys listening to music.

Abbas Hussain Zaidi - Abbas is 14 years old and has been at

Raphael for the last five years. Abbas takes an interest in reading and writing and is always eager to help others. He has been home with his family since the lockdown was imposed in March 20 and has been attending online teaching sessions regularly. He has been very well behaved at home. He is non-verbal and uses gestures to communicate and has in fact taught his siblings a few gestures and signs to indicate his needs and they now understand what he is trying to express. After his online session, he goes to help in a cycle repair shop close to his house.

Harrowing Halifax Story

2021 is the year we celebrate the Centenary of the RAAF and the Australian War Museum has published an incredible WW2 story of one Halifax’s unlikely return home after sustaining major damage in a raid near Paris in June 1944.

The aircraft was badly shot-up, some crewmembers had bailed out in anticipation of a crash landing, but it managed to limp home. 

The story has led to the argument that Halifax’s were unjustly tagged as “bride’s maid” to the Lancaster when their resilience deserved higher praise. Interestingly, it is reported that the survival rate for aircrew shot down over Germany was significantly higher from Halifax aircraft and apparently their wider fuselage, and escape hatch locations were key.

The AWM article can be found here, and if you would like to read more on the Lancaster/Halifax rivalry you might like to check this article – Halifax or Lancaster. 

464 Squadron RAAF To Be Re-formed

Member, Philip Moss, has advised us that with effect from 1/1/2021 the RAAF will re-establish No.464 Squadron, one of its WW2 squadrons.

Bombing up a 464 Squadron Mosquito.

The squadron was originally formed on 1 September 1942 at RAF Feltwell, Norfolk in the United Kingdom, as an Article XV squadron under the Empire Air Training Scheme. Although an RAAF squadron it included personnel from Australia, Britain, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa and the Netherlands.

In 1943 No. 464 Squadron was transferred from RAF Bomber Command to the Second Tactical Air Force and its Venture aircraft were replaced with De Havilland Mosquitoes.

The squadron undertook operations over France and the Low Countries, from bases in England and also flew night fighter missions.  (Further detailsWikipedia)

Odd Bods including Stan Moss and Owen Medley served on 464 Squadron.

The headquarters of the re-formed 464SQN will be at RAAF Base Glenbrook in the Lower Blue Mountains, NSW. 

DC3 Celebrates 85 Years

 It is a month of aircraft birthdays with celebrations of the Lancaster's first flight 80 years ago on 9th January, and on 17th December DC3 recorded 85 years since it's first flight. The following video tells the DC3 story. 

Happy Birthday Lancaster Bomber

 We thought this was too important to miss - 80 years.

Odd Bod Features In Australian War Memorial Article

The AWM website recently featured an Article about the WW2 exploits of Odd Bod Dr. Edward Fleming.

Readers will remember that Dr. Fleming, a resident of Canberra, played an important part in achieving the installation of the Odd Bods bronze plaque in the grounds of the War Memorial earlier this year.

Wellington Aircraft

Dr. Fleming's story contains some fascinating experiences including a flight in a Wellington which almost ended in tragedy when they became lost in bad weather. Like many of his contemporaries, Dr. Fleming learned to fly in Tiger Moths before graduating, in his case, to Lancasters.

Tiger Moth

Airspeed Oxford

His story contains photos of a variety of aircraft and a different experiences through the war period. You can catch the full story by clicking here - Dr. Edward Fleming WW2.

Avro Anson

Lancaster

A Message To All Odd Bod Veterans

Odd Bod Jack Bell features in this Herald Sun graphic for Remembrance Day.

Remembrance Day (11/11) is dedicated to Australians who died as a result of war and a great opportunity to remember all our veterans who have contributed so much to the Australian way of life.

Odd Bods of the past, and those still with us today, are especially honoured in this place as we prepare for online ceremonies around the country. Of particular interest will be today's livestream from the Melbourne Shrine - https://www.facebook.com/shrineofremembrance

Best Wishes and Good Health

We would like to pass on best wishes and good health to all our Odd Bod veterans on this special day. 

And we would love to hear from you - if you have a Remembrance Day story or photo, please pass it on.

PS -  keeping track of our veterans can be a challenge. If you have changed addresses this year (or you know of a veteran who has) please let us know. You can do that by clicking on the "Contact Us" link at the top of this page. New street addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses, are important for keeping the communication channels open - "Pressing On Remembering".

D-Day War Locations – Then And Now

Be ready for a fascinating trip through time as this website takes a look at wartime locations around D-Day in 1944 and how they look in 2014.

Simply go to the link below and click on a photo to view that locations alternative appearance. 

Come back here after the viewing and we have a link to a 30 minute video that shows how former RAF bases are being used after closing down at the end of the Second World War.

Here is the link to the picture swaps of various locations in 1944 - https://interactive.guim.co.uk/embed/2014/apr/image-opacity-slider-master/index.html?ww2-dday

And here is the link to the video about WW2 airbases today - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Os0Fbt0C2M

A special thank you to Bryan Wilcockson for the picture swap link and to Bruce Waxman for the video link.

Remembrance Day Live Stream From Melbourne Shrine

 

The Melbourne Shrine is preparing for Remembrance Day  on 11/11/2020 in recognition of all those who died in war, conflict, and peacetime operations.

The Shrine is preparing a special commemorative live stream from 10:45 on Wednesday 11^th November. The livestream will be accessible on Facebook and you can register for virtual attendance by clicking on the following link – Register for RemembranceDay Service at The Shrine.

There will not be a service at the Repatriation Hospital, Heidelberg this year but if you would like to send us photos of any Remembrance Day activities you are involved in, we would love to publish them here on the day. Simply email your photos to gregandsuesmith@iinet.net.au or message to 0406222020.

Across The Editors Desk

 

Thanks to Terry Maher for sending this photo of Howard Hughes’s “Spruce Goose” which achieved its first and only flight in 1947. At one time it was the largest aircraft ever built but size had its problems and it did not go into production. Click on the photo for a full article.

Robyn Bell sent us this link to a special Bomber Command Memorial Service held in London at the end of October. The video will remain online through to the end of November. - http://enews.rafbf.org/c/1ycBUlGYjqzaSrcFGtisB2

RAF Holme on Spalding Moor - Thank you to Bryan Wilcockson for sending us the link to this video which will be of special interest to those who served at RAF Holme. https://youtu.be/lmSRy7W3JhQ

Failing The Test With Style

Humour has been a common ingredient in Odd Bods newsletters over the decades and Past President, and Newsletter Editor, Walter Eacott (1922-2017), had a particular talent for selecting amusing stories and anecdotes. We hope you agree that the following meets the high standards raised in the past.

A student reportedly received a zero mark for the following answers to a test. Many believe the answers show a remarkable clarity and certainly a great sense of humour.

                     Q1.. In which battle did Napoleon die?  * His last Battle.

                    Q2.. Where was the Declaration of Independence signed? * at the bottom of the page

                    Q3.. River Ravi flows in which state?  *Liquid.

                    Q4.. What is the main reason for divorce?  *Marriage.

                    Q5.. What is the main reason for failure?  *Exams.

                    Q6.. What can you never eat for breakfast? * Lunch & Dinner.

                    Q7.. What looks like half an apple?  *The other half.

                    Q8.. If you throw a red stone into the blue sea what will it become?  *Wet

                    Q9.. How can a man go eight days without sleeping?  *No problem, he sleeps at night.

                    Q10. How can you lift an elephant with one hand?  *You’ll never find an elephant that has one hand.                

                    Q11. If you had three apples and four oranges in one hand and four apples and three oranges in other hand, what would you have? * Very Large Hands.

                    Q12. If it took eight men ten hours to build a wall, how long would it take four men to build it?  * No time at all, the wall is already built. 

                    Q13. How can u drop a raw egg onto a concrete floor without cracking? * Any way you want, concrete floors are very hard to crack.

  😂😂😂

All Things Lancaster

We seem to be on a bit of Lancaster roll at the Friends of the Odd Bods website lately. That iconic WW2 aircraft has been in the news for a variety of reasons.

We recently posted an article about the flight of one of the last two flying condition Lancasters back in July – see article here.

And then Assistant Editor, Michael Rossiter, posted a great diagrammatic of the Lancaster showing the crew positions in the aircraft and giving some interesting general information - see article here.

Just last week our President, Bruce Waxman, alerted us to a novel with a link to WW2 Lancasters. The book is titled “The Diggers Rest Hotel” and includes a character (Charlie Berlin) who was a Lancaster Pilot. Here is part of a review on Goodreads –

“In 1947, two years after witnessing the death of a young Jewish woman in Poland, Charlie Berlin has rejoined the police force a different man. Sent to investigate a spate of robberies in rural Victoria, he soon discovers that World War II has changed even the most ordinary of places and people.

An ex-bomber pilot and former POW, Berlin is struggling to fit back in: grappling with post-traumatic stress disorder, the ghosts of his dead crew and his futile attempts to numb the pain.

When Berlin travels to Albury–Wodonga to track down the gang behind the robberies, he suspects he's a problem cop being set up to fail. Taking a room at the Diggers Rest Hotel in Wodonga, he sets about solving a case that no one else can – with the help of feisty, ambitious journalist Rebecca Green and rookie constable Rob Roberts, the only cop in town he can trust.

The first Charlie Berlin mystery takes us into a world of secret alliances and loyalties – and a society dealing with the effects of a war that changed men forever.”

And finally, we received an email highlighting a new product available from the Imperial War Museum in the UK. It is a metal construction kit of a Lancaster with over 385 pieces. The kit is aimed at young enthusiasts but as one of our older members suggested “To hell with the Grandkids, I wouldn’t mind a go at that”. Here is a link if you want to purchase the model - https://shop.iwm.org.uk/p/26264/Lancaster-bomber-construction-set

Did You Know This Information Was in the Airmen's Logbook?

In the example above, some Airmen listed this interesting information in the back of their Logbooks. This valuable information shows where they served (Unit), the dates they were attached to the unit and where the unit was located.

If you have a relatives logbook, knowing this may help if you want to see where they were.  The above Airmen turned 18 in August 1942 and signed up shortly after.