Spirit Of ANZAC - Two Great Essays

Each year since 2016 the Friends of the Odd Bods Association has awarded a prize for the best essay by a Wesley College student about the Spirit of ANZAC. The George V. Smith Award has enabled our association to focus on the Spirit of ANZAC as a key ingredient in Australian culture. 

A recent article on the Australian War Memorial  website and the surfacing of an essay from this years crop of submissions from students at Wesley has presented two excellent discussions on the Spirit of ANZAC.

"We were lucky, very lucky"

"We were lucky, very lucky" -  is an article on the Australian War Memorial website, written by Claire Hunter (thank you Claire), about Vietnam veteran Mike Ruffin. Mike received the Medal of The Order of Australia for his service to the SAS, and was a speaker at this year's dawn service at the AWM. His story is a harrowing account of war service and he talks about the importance of mateship ("Mateship means absolutely everything.") and the significance of ANZAC Day. 

The full article can be found here - "We were lucky, very lucky".

"If Australia is good enough to live in, it is good enough to fight for."

Wesley Student Essay - this years George V. Smith Award for the best essay about the Spirit of ANZAC was presented to a very worthy student author in Khushi Deol (see article and essay in following articles). But there were many student essays and another has come to attention for a unique perspective on the Spirit of ANZAC that you may not have considered before. It concerns the contribution by Chinese ANZACs, the rascim they faced, and their indomitable determination to fight for Australia. Here is the essay - 

Creative writing- World War I Research Task

August 1917

Dear son,

How is the battle going? I miss you everyday with concerns of your safety.

Your brother has told me that 213 other Chinese ANZACs like you have enlisted for this bloody war, and I am troubled for them as if they were my own sons, for how the military is treating them. And here I thought that the Immigration Restriction Act 1901 excluded our people, but they have released further legislations to restrain even the right to defend for your own country.

Despite the country's racism and discrimination, I am proud of you for making it through military training and finally be able to fight for the ANZACs. The Defence Act 1909 denies people 'not substantially of European origin' of enlistment. It was during your childhood that they released this law, but where their idea of exclusion and 'appropriate defence system for Australia' should have left you empty of loyalty, your naivety and courage has increased your sense of nationalism.

Regardless of my own conflicts with the current bureaucracy, I am continuously in encouragement of your thirst for justice, freedom, and peace. There are many others like you who wish to directly contribute on the warfront, however, were denied service. The community is taking out war loans to fund for war efforts on the homefront. That is how much they value fighting for their country. You are considered lucky to have passed the medical examination, where the medical certificate published you 'fit for active service', however, your brother's fate was unfortunate.

Two months after you had gone away to fight for the Australian Imperial Force, your brother was denied enlistment by a medical officer because he was 'not substantially of European origin'. He signed the attestation paper and answered the questions appropriately, stating that he is an Australian and was born in the country. The Defence Act 1909, preventing people 'not substantially of European origin or descent' to enlist in wartime, is no different from the Immigration Act of 1901 when they excluded specific nationalities. In the 1850s, in the goldrush fields, they feared we would 'outnumber the adult male population and lower the living standards of the white working class'. I have heard that the expeditionary forces on the battlefield excluded Chinese ANZACs, hence why I am so worried for what else they are excluding you from, which you rightfully deserve. 

It breaks my heart you anglicised your name so that they could accept you. Australia is your only home, and you deserve appreciation of your identity just as much as your fellow diggers. I admire your spirit to fight and defend for this country, but this poor treatment and racism cannot go on. Chinese ANZACs Samuel John and Hedley David Tong Way served as sappers in the 3rd Division Signal Company in WWI. They signed up for gallant and selfless acts of service on the warfront and are sent off to repair communication lines nowhere near battle. The Langtip family that I am close with has had their 6 sons volunteer as enlistees, but two were turned away because they were from the same family. I am in disbelief of the logic of these medical officers. There are others I have heard whom received Distinguished Conduct Medals and the Bar and Military Medal but fought with strain to achieve recognition. You may know these heroic diggers- Caleb James Shang and William Edward Sing. Of the soldiers that ever returned home, only 19 Chinese Australians have received bravery medals. Not all Chinese diggers received the medal that they deserved for their contributions. When  you come home, just know that I am so ever proud of you for every contribution you have made for this country.

You once told me that 'if Australia is good enough to live in, it is good enough to fight for'. I hope this is still true in your case. The current conditions they put our family through is becoming too harsh for me to bear. The Immigration Restriction Act of 1901 is a policy denying residents with Chinese origin of being naturalised as British subjects. Our family has lived in this country for over 70 years, but I am still unable to be naturalised as a resident in the country. You might be familiar that a consequence of the war is that residents who are not naturalised or born in Australia are deemed as 'aliens' by the government. One month after your brother was denied enlistment I was registered as an alien. Soon I will have to register at the police for national security reasons, to which I respond in low spirits.  

I pray your experiences differ to mine, and that you are fighting well, healthily, and strongly for Australia.

Please, take care of yourself out there, I longingly wait for your return.

Mary Tong Way

References:

Chinese Museum (2021) Benjamin Moy Ling [Retrieved on April 1st 2022]  https://www.chinesemuseum.com.au/beniamin-moy-linq 

Chinese Museum (2021) Caleb and Sidney Shang [Retrieved on April 1st 2022] https://www.chinesemuseum.com.au/caleb-and-sidney-shang

Chinese Museum 2021 Chinese ANZACs [Retrieved on_April 1st 2022]

Chinese Museum (2021) Langtip brothers [Retrieved on April 1st 2022] https://www.chinesemuseum.com.au/langtip-brothers

Chinese Museum (2021) Lepp cousins [Retrieved on April 1 st 2022]  https://www.chinesemuseum.com.au/lepp-cousins

Fang Jason et al (2019) ANZAC Day 2019: Historic racism hides the true extent of Chinese soldiers' legacy, historian says [Retrieved on April 1st 2022] https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-0425/chinese-soldiers-reflect-on-forgotten-anzac-history/11037594

History Teacher's Association of Victoria et al (2015) Chinese ANZACs [Retrieved on April 1st 2022] htt s: cv.vic. ov.au media 1289 chinese-anzacs-ed-kit. df

National Archives of Australia (n.d.) Chinese-Australian brothers enlist twice in World War I [Retrieved on April 1st 2022] htt s: www.naa. ov.au learn learnin -resources learning-resource  themes/war/world-war-i/chinese-australian-brothers-enlist-twice-world-war-i

 National Archives of Australia (n.d.) Chinese-Australian serviceman- attestation form [Retrieved on April 1 st 2022] https://www.naa.gov.au/learn/learning-resourcesllearning-resourcethemes/war/world-war-i/chinese-australian-serviceman-attestation-form

National Archives of Australia (n.d.) Chinese-Australian serviceman has 'Advance Australia' tattoo [Retrieved on April 1st 2022] https://www.naa.gov.au/learn/learning-resources/learning-resourcethemes/war/world-war-i/chinese-australian-serviceman-has-advance-australia-tattoo

National Archives of Australia (n.d.) 'Exemptions from personal service'- Defence Act 1909 [Retrieved on April 1st 2022] https://www.naa.gov.au/learn/learning-resources/learning-resourcethemes/war/world-war-i/exemptions-personal-service-defence-act-1909

National Archives of Australia (n.d.) Mother enquiring about welfare of soldier son [Retrieved on April 1st 2022] https://www.naa.gov.au/learn/learning-resources/learninq-resourcethemes/war/world-war-i/mother-enquiring-about„welfare-soldier-son

National Archives of Australia (n.d.) World War l: Chinese ANZACs [Retrieved on April 1st 2022] https://www.naa.gov.a u/learn/learning-resources/learninq-resource-themes/war/world-wa ri world-war-i-chinese-anzacs

VE Day 2022 The Shrine Melbourne

Victory in Europe Day is the day celebrating the formal acceptance by the Allies of World War II of Germany's unconditional surrender of its armed forces on Tuesday, 8 May 1945.

A service remembering Victory in Europe Day was held on the forecourt of The Shrine, Melbourne at 4:45pm Sunday 8th May 2022.

Friends of the Odd Bods Committee Members, Jan Dimmick and Jenny Hibbens represented the Friends of the Odd Bods Association, with Jenny reading the Ode, and Jenny and Jan laying a wreath at the perpetual flame.

A video of the service commencing with the wreath laying may be found by clicking here - VE Day Service Wreath Laying and Ode.

A video of the full service may be found here - VE Day Service Melbourne Shrine

Lancaster Flypast for Les Knight Memorial 2022

Les Knight was an Australian Lancaster Pilot in RAF 617 Squadron during WW2 and his brave flying feats have been etched in bomber history particularly for the residents of a small Dutch village.

In September 1943 Knight was piloting a stricken Lancaster near Den Ham. He managed to keep the aircraft high enough for the crew to bail out and to avoid the village below. The crew and the residents survived but Knight’s aircraft crash landed and he was killed.

A memorial has been built outside the village and an active group of residents continue to promote the memory of this brave act. On 4th May this year one of only two still flying Lancasters set out from the UK to fly over a number of WW2 commemorative sites in Belgium and the Netherlands including Den Ham.

The video below shows the locals assembling near the memorial and the actual flypast.

We recommend you also check out this facebook page for some amazing footage of the aircraft - https://www.facebook.com/groups/Les.Knight.DSO/

 

George V. Smith Award At Wesley College 2022 In Pictures

 

28/4/2022 - Wesley College, Glen Waverley Campus, and the traditional ANZAC Service takes place in the Senior School Prest Quadrangle. A feature of the service was the presentation of  the annual George V. Smith Award for the best essay by a Wesley Student about the Spirit of ANZAC. 

The winning essay can be found in the following article.

                             

    Khushi Deol receives her award.                    FOTOBAI member, Greg Smith, addresses the assembly.

L-R Wesley Head of Campus Sheriden Vella, Jenny Hibbens, President FOTOBAI Bruce Waxman OAM, Student Khushi Deol, Greg Smith, Jan Dimmick, Suzanne Smith.

Special guests including FOTOBAI members seated adjacent to the stage.

L-R Head of Campus Sheriden Vella, President FOTOBAI Bruce Waxman OAM, Student Khushi Deol, Greg Smith, Gary Elliott.

George V. Smith Award Presented At Wesley College 2022

L-R Wesley Head of Campus Sheriden Vella, Jenny Hibbens, Bruce Waxman OAM, Student Khushi Deol, Greg Smith, Jan Dimmick, Suzanne Smith

George V. Smith

The George V. Smith Award is an award made in the name of Odd Bod co-founder and long time official, George Smith, who championed a relationship with Wesley College, Glen Waverley Campus from 2008. The award is made for the best student essay about the ANZAC Spirit and is a key part of the strong and productive connection between Wesley and Friends of the Odd Bods Association. 

The award is open to students from years 9 to 12 at Wesley and offers a $500 book voucher to the writer of the winning essay. The voucher is jointly funded by George Smith's family and Friends of the Odd Bods.

This years winner is Year 9 student Khushi Deol who writes about an inspiring Australian Nurse who served in WW1 and proved that it wasn't just frontline soldiers who displayed true qualities of the ANZAC Spirit. Kushi was presented with her award during a ceremony at the Wesley College Glen Waverley campus on Thursday 28th April. 

Here is Khushi's essay:-

ANZAC Spirit Essay

My specific essay question:

 What did Alice Ross-King do during and after WWI to display Anzac spirit?

 

“No one who came in contact with Major Appleford could fail to recognize her as a leader of women. Her sense of duty, her sterling solidity of character, her humanity, sincerity, and kindliness of heart set for others a very high example.” [1] Anzac Centenary 2015. The Australian and New Zealand Army Corps was made up from more than just the soldiers, nurses like Sister Alice Appleford (nee Ross-King) were the backbone of the war. The Anzac Spirit, a powerful feeling that Anzacs gain from war, is a famous Australian legend. Ex-soldiers are seen as the embodiment of it, but what about the supporting roles? Alice Ross-King showed the qualities of an Australian leader and should be seen as the embodiment of the Anzac Spirit.

For Sister Ross-King to be the embodiment of the famous Spirit, people have to know what it is and she has to fulfil the requirements. So, what is the Anzac spirit? [6] Burke, A 2015 states that it is an intangible, “powerful driving sensation” that Australians and New Zealanders obtain from the war. Qualities like “endurance, courage, ingenuity, good humour, and mateship” [2] Australian War Memorial 2017 are ones that Alice Ross-King and many others who served in WW1 showcase. The term, ‘many others’, is used instead of ‘many other soldiers’ because the men in the trenches are not the only ones who displayed the Anzac spirit. The navy, air force and army are viewed as the face of the war, more than 3 000 Australian women served in the Royal Australian Army Nursing Corps, yet they are hardly recognized for their participation. [1] Anzac Centenary 2015 [5] Bell, R 2015. Alice Ross-King exhibited many qualities of the Anzac spirit during the first world war that leads us to not only believe the Anzac spirit is real but displays a perfect embodiment of it.

Alice Ross-King lived inspiring life. Born in Ballarat, Victoria, 1887, she was still young when she moved to Perth and her father and two brothers drowned in an accident in Swan River. Alice enlisted into the Australian Army nursing service in November 1914 and in 1915, was sent to Egypt and the Suez to work in hospitals and hospital transport ships [3] Australian War Memorial 2020. Early 1916, Alice moved to France to serve with No. 1 Australian General Hospital, stationary hospitals and later, No. 2 Australian Casualty Clearing Station (2CCS). Here, she was attacked by German aircraft, Source 2, describes the bombing she faced. Alice’s bravery was awarded with the military medal [12] ‘SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE’ 1918 for her actions during this attack. Despite this scarring event, Alice continued to serve as a nurse and in the 1930s, she was trained in the Voluntary Aid Detachments (VAD), which is nursing work and stations to help her country [1] Anzac Centenary 2015. She died on 17 August 1968, a proud Australian woman.

Throughout the attack on the 22^nd of July 1917, Sister Ross-King demonstrated all the gifts of the Anzac spirit. Endurance is seen through Alice’s persistence, the “Theatre” was locked, Alice needed to get herself and her patients inside to safety. No one could hear her as she kept trying to get their attention, and with great endurance, kept going and helped got the patient tent up. Courage was shown when she ran after Wilson, her patient, as bombs fell around her. Nurse Ross-King always put other’s safety before her own, even if got her killed. Ingenuity was displayed when in chaos, Alice thought of using a stretcher to from the patients’ tent/marquee up in order to get to/retrieve the patients trapped underneath the collapsed tent. [11] Ross-King, A 1917 Good humour is present occasionally in Alice Ross-King’s diary entries and in recounts from people she has encountered. Though there is no solid article on it, I can assume that Alice Ross-King had good humour. War veterans need something light-hearted to help get them past their trauma. Finally, mateship was shown constantly throughout Source 2 as fellow soldiers, generals, even the cook exchanged messages and conversation throughout the attack, Alice must have been important and friendly to them for them to acknowledge her in midst of the bombing. [11] Ross-King, A. 1917

Most of all, Alice Ross-King showed devotion and bravery throughout her life. She was blown off her feet into a pit of “grease and blood”, only to get up for the sake of her patients. She continued to serve the army after she won war awards, like the Florence Nightingale medal in 1949, and she motivates thousands of Australians to also use and show their Anzac spirit qualities. Alice Ross-King is considered the “Front-Line angel” [5] Bell, R 2015 and her actions and achievements prove that she is a prime example of the Anzac Spirit.

 

REFERENCES:

-        [1] Anzac Centenary 2015, ALICE ROSS-KING: HUMANITY, SINCERITY, KINDLINESS, viewed 22 March 2022, http://anzaccentenary.archive.vic.gov.au/alice-ross-king-humanity-sincerity-kindliness-heart/index.html

-        [2] Australian War Memorial 2017, Anzac Spirit, viewed 22 March 2022, https://www.awm.gov.au/articles/encyclopedia/anzac/spirit

-        [3] Australian War Memorial 2020, Major Alice Ross-King, viewed 1 April 2022, https://www.awm.gov.au/articles/encyclopedia/anzac/spirit

-        [4] Baker, C 2020, Air raid hits 11th Casualty Clearing Station 7 July 1917, Sydney, viewed 20 March 2022, https://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/air-raid-hits-11th-casualty-clearing-station-7-july-1917/

-        [5] Bell, R 2015, Casualty Clearance, viewed 30 March 2022, https://anzacday.org.au/ww1-casualty-clearance

-        [6] Burke, A 2015, The Spirit of ANZAC, Anzac Day Commemoration Committee website, viewed 1 April 2022, https://anzacday.org.au/spirit-of-anzac

-        [7] DVA (Department of Veterans' Affairs) (2022), Roles of Australian women in World War I, DVA Anzac Portal, accessed 21 March 2022, https://anzacportal.dva.gov.au/wars-and-missions/ww1/personnel/australian-women

-        [8] Finnie, L.M. (2006). Ross-King, Alice (1887–1968). https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/rossking-alice-8276

-        [9] Jones, F. (2020). Alice (Alys) ROSS - KING MM, RRC, MiD, Florence Nightingale Medal. https://vwma.org.au/explore/people/173405

-        [10] Ross-King, A. (1917, August 9). Transcript of diaries of Alice Ross-King, 1915-1919. Australian War Memorial. https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/awm-media/collection/RCDIG0000976/large/6021629.JPG

-        [11] Ross-King, A 1917, Transcript of diaries of Alice Ross-King, 1915-1919, Australian War Memorial, viewed 23 March 2022, https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/awm-media/collection/RCDIG0000976/large/6021632.JPG

-        [12] ‘SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE’ 1918, London Gazette 31 May, p. 6475. https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/30716/supplement/6475

ANZAC Day 2022 From Our Members

We received a number of photos on ANZAC Day and we would like to thank contributors. 

From FOTOBAI member June Smith - "Best wishes to Odd Bods on ANZAC Day.   This photograph is from Sorrento. These two small children stood absolutely still through a long service and watched everything that happened.  It’s wonderful to see children absorbing the meaning of ANZAC.  Regards from June Smith" 25/4/2022.

Michael and Clarke Rossiter prepare for a busy ANZAC Day 2022

Taken at our Reunion Luncheon.

ANZAC Day Odd Bods Reunion 2022 In Pictures

 

The 2022 Odd Bods Reunion was held in the very pleasant surroundings of Amora in Richmond. The program included the Last Post and Reveille, a presentation by President Bruce Waxman OAM with particular reference to Odd Bod Spitfire Pilots, a fascinating question and answer session with our newest member Sue Brookes who has an extensive RAAF history, and the Loyal Toast as shown in our lead photo. 

The best smiles of the day - L-R Geoff Clark, Sue Bennett, Sue Brookes, Jan Dimmick, & Jennifer Hibbens.

 

               Jan Dimmick                                                                                           Doug Parry

Rosemaree Matta and Jane Ford.

 

 

                                            Michael Rossiter & Gary Elliott                           Sue Brookes and Bruce Waxman.

Sue Bennett, Jan Dimmick, Robert Jackson & Jenny Hibbens.

                                          Vice President Peter Randell and President Bruce Waxman.

Carol McCabe proudly displays her father's medals in front of the banner.

   

Clarke Rossiter chats with Bruce Waxman while Greg Parry, Leigh Bennett, and Doug Parry enjoy conversation.

ANZAC Day Odd Bods March 2022 In Pictures

 A beautiful sunny Anzac Day in Melbourne has provided the perfect backdrop to remember the sacrifices made by Australians in various theatres of conflict including WW2. The photos shown here will grow over coming days as we receive input from members.

The march up St.Kilda Rd. was conducted in bright sunshine. Here the Odd Bods are passing the Arts Centre.

Odd Bods come in view just as RAAF PC-21's fly over (click on the photo for video).

The Melbourne Shrine provides the perfect backdrop as the Odd Bods banner reaches the end of its march journey.

Friends of the Odd Bods Association President Bruce Waxman prepares to lay a wreath, kindly supplied by Jan Dimmick, at the Odd Bods tree adjacent to the Shrine.

L-R Committee Members Michael Rossiter, Steve Trask, Greg Smith, Bruce Waxman, Peter Randell, Sue Bennett. Thanks to the RAAF personnel for holding our banner.

A video extract from the ABC's TV coverage of the Melbourne March (click on the photo).

ANZAC Day 2022 For Odd Bods

2019 ANZAC Day March in Melbourne

As 25th April rolls around again, we can expect a return to ANZAC Day marches around Australia including the famous march up St.Kilda Rd. to the Melbourne Shrine of Remembrance. 

The Odd Bods will be holding their post march ANZAC Day reunion in 2022 and the following email has been sent to all members. 

"Dear Friends,

We are pleased to confirm arrangements for this year’s ANZAC Day reunion and a return to some normality with the Odd Bods banner participating in the traditional march to the shrine. 

Our booking for the Amora Hotel in Richmond on Monday 25th April has been confirmed, and you can now book your attendance. The cost will be $48 per head which is a modest 7% increase on recent years.

Details of the Reunion Luncheon and an application form are attached, and will also be available on our website. We have nominated a closing date of 22nd April which will hopefully give veterans the flexibility they require as we get closer to ANZAC Day. Due to new vehicle restrictions, taxis and private vehicles will not be given access to the shrine precinct this year. March participants will need to make their own way to the reunion lunch.

Wesley College have confirmed that their ANZAC service will be held 11:30 am Thursday 28th April and we expect details soon including presentation of the George V. Smith Award. 

We look forward to seeing you on Anzac Day and in the meantime if you have any queries please direct them to your Committee Members.

Best Wishes

Bruce

Sqn Ldr Bruce P Waxman OAM RAAF (Rtd)

President

FRIENDS OF THE ODD BODS ASSOCIATION INC."

Click on the following link to download the Reunion Luncheon Application Form - REUNION APPLICATION

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COMMENTS: 2/4/2022 - A message from member Brian Bange who will be attending ANZAC Day in Caloundra - "All the best to members and families who will remember our special service folk."

Spotlight on Odd Bods Aircraft and Squadrons - Part 3

 

Following on from last year’s 100 year anniversary of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), the Friends of the Odd Bods 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 Odd Bods Association hope you enjoy this series dedicated to these men as we “Press On Remembering”.

Part 3 of a Series.

The aircraft we will learn a little about in this part is the Avro Lancaster Bomber and the RAF Squadrons 57 and 514 where our Odd Bods served. The aircraft also flew in the following RAAF Squadrons - 460, 463 and 467.

What was an Avro Lancaster Bomber? – It was the most famous British heavy bomber of World War II. The initial aircraft or the ‘prototype’ first flew on January the 9th 1941 and there were 7,374 aircraft manufactured. The standard aircraft was operated by 7 flight crew. Their positions were;

1) Pilot;

2) Flight Engineer;

3) Navigator;

4) Wireless Operator;

5) Bomb aimer;

6) Mid gunner; and

7) Rear gunner.

There were 16 variants of the Lancaster made however we will highlight the specifications of one of the most famous aircraft still in existence, ‘Just Jane’ which is based at East Kirby in Lincolnshire, United Kingdom. The aircraft although it looks like it, is not yet ‘airworthy’ which means that the aircraft cannot take to the skies as yet. Just Jane was one of the first B Mk VII Lancasters built (There were 150 manufactured) The owners are working tirelessly to get the aircraft airborne where it will join the only two hulls that are airworthy. 

What was the aircraft powered by – Four Rolls Royce Merlin 24 engines each producing 1640 horsepower.

Dimensions – Wing Span – 102 feet, Length – 69 feet 11 ¾ inches, Height – 20 feet 6 inches

Maximum Take-Off Weight – 72,000 pounds

Maximum Landing Weight – 60,000 pounds

Maximum Bomb Load – 18,000 pounds

Maximum Speed – 275 mph at 15,000 feet

Cruising Speed – 200 mph at 15,000 feet

Maximum Altitude – 25,000 feet

Range – 2350 miles with 7,000 pounds of bomb load

What was special about the Lancaster designer? – The designer (Roy Chadwick) was a brilliant engineer who under direction of the Chief Draftsman and at the age of 18, drafted the design of a two seater bi-plane. Even before the Lancaster, Mr Chadwick designed an all-metal plane called the Avro Avian which Bert Hinkler flew solo from England to Australia in 1928. 

Mr Chadwick was appointed a ‘Commander of the Order of the British Empire’ (CBE) in 1943 for his contribution to the design of the Lancaster and in the adaptations he made to the aircraft in the preparation for the low level attacks on the German dams, during the Dam Busters raid ‘Operation Chastise’. Sadly Mr Chadwick died in an aircraft accident in 1947 where a prototype of the Avro Tudor crashed just after take-off.

Does the Lancaster still fly? – There are two Lancaster’s in an airworthy condition today. One flies in Canada and the other in the United Kingdom. Saying that, there are 17 complete aircraft still in existence. There are 2 here in Australia (In Canberra and Western Australia), 8 in Canada, 1 in France, 1 in Germany, 1 in New Zealand, 3 in the UK and 1 in the USA. 

(Information Source – Wikipedia February 16 2022)

RAF Squadron 57 – Motto is “Corpus non animum muto – I change my body not my spirit”

Did our Odd Bods serve in this Squadron – Yes;

When was the Squadron formed originally? – 1 April 1918 and disbanded 31st December 1919;

When was the Squadron reformed? - (1st Time) - 20th October 1931 to 25th November 1945 (2nd Time) – 26th November 1945 till 9th December 1957; (3rd Time) – 1st January 1959 till 30th June 1986, (4th Time) – 1st July 1992  till 14th March 2002, and (5th Time) – 1st October 2008 to present. 

Is the Squadron still active? – Yes;

What type of aircraft did the Squadron fly in WWII? – Bristol Blenheim, Vickers Wellington and Avro Lancaster

What was unique about the Squadron? – At the start of World War II, the squadron moved to France in a reconnaissance role. Following the German invasion of May 1940, the squadron added bombing to its duties and was forced to move its base regularly to avoid the German advance. It was decided on the 21st of May 1940, the squadron was to be evacuated to England. It originally set up base in Wyton, then RAF Elgin in Scotland, then Feltwell in late 1940 before moving again to Scampton in September 1942. In August 1943, the squadron made its final move to East Kirkby where it operated for the remainder of the war until being disbanded on the 25th of November 1945.

What is special about East Kirkby? – Should any reader of this article wish to know what it was like in 1945, take a trip to East Kirkby in Lincolnshire (UK) where Squadrons 57 and 630 were stationed. The airfield, the surrounding infrastructure and of course, Lancaster ‘Just Jane’ (registration NX611) is today still there after preserved by the Panton family. You can visualise what the airmen and ground crew experienced at this airfield where at one stage, 55 Lancaster’s and their crews were based.

Statistics – 57 Squadron flew 5151 operational sorties and lost 172 aircraft.

(Information Source – Wikipedia 16 February 2022)

57 Squadron at East Kirkby, April 1944

 

RAF Squadron 514 - "Nil Obstare Potest - Nothing Can Withstand"

Did our Odd Bods serve in this Squadron – Yes;

When was the Squadron formed originally? – 1st September 1943 to 22 August 1945 (First operation was conducted on the 3rd of November 1943)

Is the Squadron still active? – No, disbanded;

What type of aircraft did the Squadron fly in WWII? – Short Stirling, Handley Page Halifax and Avro Lancaster

What was unique about the Squadron – 514 was an impressive unit for being only active in two years. The squadron decimated German E-boats at Le Havre along with ensuring the Allies secured channel ports of Boulogne and Calais after German forces had dug in. The squadron was also part of ‘The Oil Plan’ which Bomber Command had decided the fuel supply was a fundamental importance to the German war effort. Naturally these were defended strenuously and unfortunately during an attack on the Rhein-Preussen facility at Meerbeck, Hamburg on the 20th July 1944, four the squadron’s aircraft and crew were lost. This attack saw the squadron lose as many aircraft that it had lost in sixteen raids on Berlin.    

Statistics – 514 Squadron flew 3675 sorties and lost 66 Lancaster’s (426 Flight Crew and 9 Ground crew perished)

Further Reading – There is a war diary of 514 Squadron written by Simon Hepworth and Andrew Porrelli called ‘Striking Through Clouds’ should the reader of this article like to explore more information of this very unique outfit.

(Information Source – Wikipedia and 514 Squadron UK webpage - February 16 2022)

514 Squadron at RAF Waterbeach, Cambridgeshire, 1945

Article by Michael Rossiter - 20/02/2022.

More Reading:

Spotlight On Odd Bods and Aircraft Part 2 - The Spitfire

Spotlight On Odd Bods and Aircraft Part 1 - The Halifax