RAAF Central Band

May 5: Air Power Brass will support an investiture at Government House, Melbourne, from 10.20am. May 6: The Catalina Wind Quintet and Force 10 will provide entertainment for the RAAF Williams Officers’ Mess Autumn Ball at Laverton from 7pm. May 14: The Concert Band will present a combined concert with the Camberwell Songsters at the Camberwell Salvation Army Centre, Bowen St, Camberwell, from 7.30pm. Admission $10 ($8 Concession). May 15: The Ceremonial band will support the No. 4 Wing (Air Force Cadets) Annual Parade at the AFC Memorial Parade Ground, Point Cook. May 20: Force 10 will provide entertainment at the No. 292 Squadron Ball, National Wine Centre, North Terrace, Adelaide, from 7pm. Details are correct at time of publication. Please confirm all performances by phoning (03) 9256 2439 or emailling centralband@defence.gov.au.

Air Command Band

May 6: The Chamber Musicians will perform a free public concert at St. Peter’s Presbyterian Church, corner of Blues Street and Blues Point Road, North Sydney, from 1.15pm to 2pm. May 7: The Big Band will perform at the Coral Sea Ball held in the Hyatt Hotel Federation Ballroom, Canberra. May 12: The Jazz Combo will perform at the Officers’ Mess, RAAF Base Glenbrook, for the Air Force Awards Night. May 13: The Jazz Combo will perform at the Sergeants’ Mess Autumn Ball, held at RAAF Williamtown. May 18: The Chamber Musicians will perform a free public concert at St. James Church, 169-171 Phillip St, Sydney, from 1.15pm to 2pm. For more information phone the Air Command Band on (02) 4577 5742 or email aircommandband@defence.gov.au.

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Seeking WWII leaflets

I was a British POW along the River Kwai together with many Australians on the construction of the Kwai Death Railway. Between March and the end of August 1945, the Allies, while carrying out bombing raids also made five leaflet raids over Thailand and Singapore telling us – the prisoners – the progress of the war, in particular the invasion of Europe and progress against the Japanese. I have been able to trace a copy of the last leaflet we received about August 20, 1945, telling us we were free and how to behave until released. Can anyone advise where I can obtain copies of the other four leaflets or if they have any copies, will they assist me with photocopies? Please contact Peter Dunstan at 23 Page Street, Mill Hill, London, NW7-2EL.

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Historical enquiry

I have found a page from the Canberra Times dated January 14, 1977, with a photograph of Aircraftwoman Nerida Benson, aged 19, at work at RAAF Base Edinburgh, South Australia. She was the first female radio technician in the RAAF. She began testing electronic equipment in Orion aircraft. From an historical point of view, and for my children’s benefit, I thought it might be interesting to know where Nerida is now. Is she still in the Air Force or moved on? Anyone who knows, please contact Lily Fisher by email at the4fishers@clear.net.nz.

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