June 19, 2018 at 12:31 pm
Hi all, I am doing some research on my Great Great Uncle who was a W.A.G. in the RAAF. He ended up doing at tour in the Pacific with 8 SQN RAAF flying in Beauforts. Just wondering if there is anyone on this forum who would happen to have any images, or info on 8SQN RAAF. I know it is a long shot, but you never know who has what these days. If anyone happens to have anything it would be great.
So far this is what I have.
Joseph Donovan RAAF Service number 418739
He was posted to 8 Squadron as a Flying Officer (F/O)
Tour commenced 26th July 1943
First sortie 03 November 1943
Last sortie 28 May 1944
Carried out 6 Strike/Attack operations
4 other operations
Flew 28.10 hours during the day
Flew 30.00 hours at night
41.50 hours other ie training etc
Joseph was posted to No 4 I.T.S Victoria Harbour on 19th June 1942 upon his enlistment to the RAAF (Initial Training School)
Posted to No 1 W.A.G.S at Ballarat 20th August 1942 (Wireless Air Gunners School)
Posted to No 3 BAGS at West Sale 08 February 1943 (bombing and Gunnery School)
(RAAF Unit History sheets (Form A50) [Operations Record Book – Forms A50 and A51] Bombs and Gunnery Schools 1, 2 and 3 Aug 40 – Dec 43)
Posted to No 1 E.D. Ascot Vale 05 March 1943 (Embarkation Depot)
Posted to No 29 (G) course (Gunnery)
Posted to No 1 O.T.U. Bairnsdale then to East Sale 16th March 1943 (Operational Training Unit) on Beaufighters
1 R.D.P Townsville 20th July 1943
Posted to 8 SQN 21th July 1943 – Embarked TSV 20th August 1943, Disembarked Goodenough 29th August 1943 SQN moved
On arrival to 8SQN JD was assigned to A flight. That night they had the airmans dance at the gold club.
8SQN Orb read to page 50
No 1 E.D Ransford NSW 12th September 1944
Posted to 1 O.T.U East Sale 30th June 1944 as an Instructor
1P.D Ransford 12th September 1945
Discharged 25th October 1945
Pilot Officer 04th March 1943 (P/O)
Flying Officer 04th September 1943 (F/O)
Flight Lieutenant 04th March 1945 (F/L)
By: Brenden S - 20th June 2018 at 05:37
I have done a huge amount of research with the AWM and the IWM as well. I have the 8SQN ORB and also my uncles files held by the AWM. You just never know who has what in the world these days. Thanks though Geoff
By: bearoutwest - 20th June 2018 at 03:28
Hi Brenden.
Have you tried the Australian War Memorial website?
https://www.awm.gov.au/advanced-search?collection=true&facet_type=Photograph&facet_related_units=No.%208%20Squadron
97 photos as a quick search, doubtless they will include all aspects of 8 Sqn’s WW2 air operations, but quite a few Beauforts feature.
…geoff