Back to the battlefield
Returning to Papua New Guinea to commemorate the Battle of Milne Bay, Air Force veterans recalled the days that changed the War in the Pacific.

“What the six of us are doing is really representing about 900 people, and the way that I look at it, we’re lucky to be representing them.”

Flying Officer Harry Kerr

Squadron: No. 76 Squadron
Aircraft type: P40E Kittyhawk
Category: General duties (Pilot)

Combat with Zeros

August 11, 1942 – 0105 hours.

At 13,000 feet, [attacked] from above. He missed. [I] did a yawing vertical dive down the throat of the heavy AA Battery, pulled out at treetop going very fast indeed. Apparently lost him. Motor stopped.

Did a half dumbell turn to wipe off speed, wheels down at maximum allowable speed. Flat when I knew I would make it. Landed. Trickled off the metal at the end of the landing run. Put wheels in new ditch at very slow speed. Bent the tip of one blade, joined ditch diggers in their cover.

 

 

“It brings back a few memories but now ... I am quite enjoying the trip.”

Leading Aircraftman George Saville

Squadron: No. 6 Squadron
Aircraft type: Lockheed Hudson
Mustering: Cook

December ’42. Sailed to Milne Bay in M.V. Wanaka and [was] castrated by the skipper for smoking. On arrival at the bay we had to feed the men using cappers and an ordinary household fuel stove under a tent fly until the kitchen was built.

We were subjected to many bombing raids and close to panic.

January ’43. More than 100 Jap bombers and escorts caused a lot of damage as the Yanks took off and returned.

Later, cannot recall the date, a similar event. This time Nos. 75 and 76 Squadrons were scrambled and gave the enemy a truly Aussie reception.

 

“It brings sad memories back. The [men] that came back with me from England are no longer around.”

Pilot Officer Jeff Wilkinson

Squadron: No. 75 Squadron
Aircraft type: P40 Kittyhawk
Category: General duties (Pilot)

August 28, 1942

My birthday. Flying. More raids. Two Dive Bombers and three Zeros destroyed by squadron and ack-ack. CO No. 76 Squadron, Squadron Leader Turnbull, KIA, Flying Officer Oliver wounded, Sergeant Munro KIA.

 

 

 

“Things have changed in 63 years, nothing compared to those years in life.”

Flight Sergeant Bill Yewdall

Squadron: No. 6 Squadron
Aircraft type: Lockheed Hudson
Mustering: Fitter 11A

With the attack by the Japanese on Milne Bay, a flight of two or three Lockheed Hudsons were posted to the area. The bulk of the squadron was stationed at Port Moresby.

The area was subjected to strong attacks, with bombings, sometimes strafing, and it was quite an experience after the close confines of the Richmond home.

Maintenance was a problem with a lack of proper facilities, in particular, refuelling and water in the fuel was a worry, as all fuel was from drums.

Generally, I was very impressed by how most men responded to the conditions they worked and lived under.

It was an exciting period, but personally I found it a great test and it was a big factor in my attitude and general reaction to problems I faced not only in the RAAF but in civilian life afterwards.

“It’s been very strange [and] quite emotional, although I’m meant to be a tough kind of fellow.”

Photos by CPL Cindy Ipsen.

Flying Officer Nat Gould

Squadron: No. 75 Squadron
Aircraft type: P40 Kittyhawk
Category: Pilot

 

 

 

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