THE HARASSER Patron: Dr

45O Squadron (R.A.A.F) Association THE HARASSER Patron: Dr. A.G. McManis

President: Mr Phil Masson ISSUE 4/2004 3/21 Hotham Road NOVEMBER GYMEA NSW 2227 AUSTRALIA Tel: +61 2 9545 5650 PRESIDENT’S COMING EVENTS Christmas Message Committee Meetings 2005 City of Sydney RSL at To Harassers, our widows and families. 10:00am on the following dates: Marj & I wish you a happy festive season, and good Inside this issue health for the coming year, 2005. Tuesday 1 Feb Letters to the Editor...... 2,4,5 Saturday 9 April–AGM The good attendance at our pilgrimage to Williamtown Tuesday 3 May was pleasing to all. We met up with members we had Children of the 450...... 3 Tuesday 2 August not seen for quite a while. Donations...... 5 Wednesday 2 November We are looking forward to a good roll up at our memorial service and AGM re-union 9 April 2005. Vale...... 6 WANTED

ATTN: Mr Ted Oakley GREAT ROLL UP, but terrible weather for Pilgrimage! Your old chum Nobby Clarke has requested that On Sunday 17 October, members who came by train were picked up by Barney you tell us all about Riordan in a small bus and were taken to our motel ‘The Bimet’ at Newcastle. how you and Nobby were Others who came by car were also accommodated there. Barney had arranged for nearly shot for interfering our dinner to be held in a room on our own at the ‘South Newcastle Leagues Club. with the Victoria Falls In all, 26 members and visitors sat down and enjoyed a delightful meal. The coach railway bridge. As it took us all back to the motel. seems that all secrets Monday 18 October the day of our memorial service, Barney left the motel with a have a used by date these full load of passengers, and those with cars left for Williamtown about 9am. We days, we will be expecting were told to arrive at the entrance about 10 minutes early, as security checking you to come forth with would take longer. On arriving at our memorial site I met flying officer Jodie Mason this information at your who had organised the service procedure. Approximately 45 visitors were seated, earliest convenience. We and the catafalque party under the direction of WOFF Ian Wheatley took their are all looking forward positions at the memorial. to hearing all about it. Thank you With my welcoming address and introduction of our host SQN LDR Steve Green and Chaplain WCDR Mike Pullar a canopy of umbrellas went up to meet the sudden BIRTHDAY CORNER deluge of rain, so with the public address system off no words could be heard. Name Date We adjourned to the officers mess where we continued with the service. After the C. Abram 13/11/04 service I presented a framed picture of the ‘Bowler Strike at Venice Docks’, March F. Bertelle 20/11/04 1945 to SQN LDR Steve Green, for placement in the Memorabilia section. With C. Dovey 24/11/04 heavy rain still falling, Air Commodore (Rtd) Gordon Steege DSO. DFC. MID. placed R. Grigg 16/11/04 the 450 SQN wreath on the memorial accompanied by SQN LDR Steve Green who C. Morton 10/11/04 also laid a wreath on behalf of 3 Squadron. A coach tour of the base concluded our R. Roberts 11/11/04 morning at Williamtown. A. Sherwood 10/12/04 R. Winn 22/02/05 Many thanks to Barney Riordan, for his choice of the comfortable motel Children of 450 and his assistance in conveying many of our members in a small coach, G. Bond 01/11/04 from the railway station, motel to club, motel to Williamtown & return. A fine effort appreciated by all. Happy Birthday from us all

WOY WOY, NSW In another ‘Gaggle’, Gibbes Memories of how the IPSWICH, SUFFOLK UK Gordon (Gordy) McMillan led a raid and they destroyed HARASSER NEWS was Nobby Clarke DFC AFC 6 aircraft and damaged 5 printed in days gone by NOBBY’S EXPLOITS EXTRACTS FROM others. One pilot, Rex Bailey, Merv White ‘DESERT DIARY’ was forced down and the I was with 450 SQN from Please excuse the delay, September to November, On visiting Cairo, I Germans were trying to firstly in congratulating you 1942 having served in RAF purchased a small diary, a capture him. Gibbes circled on the terrific job you are war-flying jobs, mostly of bottle of ink & pen with around to keep them away, doing with the Harasser volunteer suicide grade, nib. (there were no ball sought a landing strip and and further keeping 450 since the firstDunkirk points in those days!) I told Bailey to try and make alive. When I think of Operation Flash, over the received my info on daily it to his plane. Bailey made our earlier efforts, I beaches and up as far events from the pilots, and it just in time and Gibbes remember a time when north as the River Scheldt, my close friend, ‘Cobber’ sat on top and the plane George Buckman would at night. I joined the RAF Eric Cain, the ‘ops’ orderly took off. He damaged a hand write the details, in November 1937. Was officer. Herein are some of wheel & wing but he made hand it to Col Bond; he mentioned in despatches the events that unfolded it back to our drome OK. would pass it to me; I for that bit of daftness! during the desert war in On take-off, loaded with was able to have it typed; After numerous, equally North Africa. The courage bombs, Gibbes felt the another lass would cut the daft attempts by planners and heroism shown by our engine cutting out, He stencils; back to me; back to get me killed, I survived pilots and air crew will managed to release his to Col; back to George, a Spitfire squadron. I didn’t never be surpassed. bomb load and circle around who had purchased a hand like squadron life, so I LEST WE FORGET to land safely. operated printing machine volunteered for MSFU (£20) and with the aid (Merchant Ship Fighter Unit BORN TO FLY of a neighbor and 450 – i.e. catapult ships flying When in Alexandria on Survival of our fighter pilots associate Jack... would off Hurricanes). This leave, we always visited a often called for split second then complete the printing. suicide job lasted two cafe owned by ‘Nellie the decisions being made when Col Bond would assist in Atlantic crossings, plus one Greek’. She sold beer and engaging enemy aircraft in addressing and posting. ‘bow-smashed-in-a-fog- spirits and roasted chickens. battle. Bobby Gibbes led his Then along came George & collision’ until I was posted She loved the ‘Aussies’, squadron in a dog fight over June who did a marvellous overseas, where eventually, and always greeted us with Tobruk. They intercepted 4 job for many years. We I joined 450. ‘hullo, you aussie b..stards.’ JU88’s and 6 escort 109 have indeed been lucky She always had a good word Although I didn’t like what fighters. We heard him ones, you could say for us and was full of life. I had seen of squadron life, say over the intercom, blessed. She looked after us very this certainly did not apply ‘forget the fighters, get the well, was full of fun, and Thank you Merv, and each to 450. I really enjoyed bombers’. His plane was had a great attitude to life. of you who have passed it with the Aussies, and hit and he bailed out. On on kind words regarding they looked after me (I landing he injured his leg this publication. I feel sure was a Flight Lieutenant badly, and was posted to that if computers had been then) — well, they called Many thanks to Gordy hospital for treatment. He around in the early days, me a pommy bastard and for his photographic had a splint made in we would most likely be I called them a bunch contribution to our a garage in Alexandria reading these issues as of colonials, early-released web site. and was back flying holograms by now. It is a convicts or ..., so we got shortly after. pleasure to be a part of the on fine. Later, he was posted communications between Then I got sand fly fever as missing, our members, and I hope and jaundice and I was believed killed that we can continue to sent back to Cairo hospital. in another fulfil the needs of our My next posting and my bomb raid, members for many issues last operations, was to to come. but walked back Left: 250 Kittyhawk Squadron, 3 days later Bobby Gibbes— where I stayed till the fall having had no his first meal in 3 days FALKIRK, Scotland of Nth Africa. Photograph by courtesy food or water of Colin Bond William Stevenson during that time. re August issue: I was Nobby and his wife Mollie pleased to see a letter from have been married for 62 Joy McBurnie and indead years–what a wonderful a photo of Don, her late innings–congratulations to husband and my friend. you both. Copyright © 2004 450 Squadron (RAAF) Association © 2004 450 Squadron (RAAF) Copyright 2 THE HARASSER from the C hildren of the 450 DENILIQUIN, NSW Richard Davies

Statistics gathered re-450 SQN as at 30 Dec 1944 – Total Aircraft on SQN strength 400 Total Aircraft lost by enemy action 183 Enemy Aircraft destroyed in the air 79 Enemy Aircraft probables 18 Enemy Aircraft damaged 27 Enemy Aircraft destroyed on ground 93 Pilots on SQN 185 Pilots killed on ops 39 Pilots POW 19 Pilots POW shot on recapture 2 Pilots missing 7 Operated from 62 airfields– 46 Nth Africa; 2 Sicily; 14 Italy Average of 20 days at each place. Above: Leave Pass issued to 5242 LAC R.R. Davies 27 Jan 1943 Richard advised us that his mother Louise Marjory Davies served as President and Vice President for 12 years on the Deniliquin RSL Ladies Auxiliary for which she recieved the award of the League’s Certificiate of Merit in 1997.

LONDON ONT. Canada My mother and brother COOLAMON, NSW strafed the convoy lines Terry Rushton Phil and I applaud the Gary Moncrieff with machine guns. Dad’s Association’s move to only comment was ‘silly I write as the elder son of create a membership Dad, Alex Moncrieff, had coots used to waggle their Harold (Rusty) Rushton, a category for immediate the privilege of being one tails to increase the Kittyhawk pilot with 450 family members, as a way of four brothers to serve damage’. At times the men from 1942-43, who died in of maintaining a continuing in uniform, this did not were only issued with one January of 2000. My mother memorial to its members. happen very often. litre of water per day so Ruth has maintained We would like to be However, tragedy struck being directed to work on contact with 450, sending considered members. the family with Wallace the fire truck was a blessing occasional contributions to being badly injured in as the ration could be You most likely have some cover the costs of mailing Palestine at Allanby Bridge. supplemented with some other Canadian contacts, the Harasser, which she Bill was taken Prisoner of ingenuity. Other tasks he since there were quite a greatly enjoys. War and died at the hands performed were taking the number who served with of the Japanese, while bomb trolleys to planes Dad’s contact with the the SQN. Perhaps you could working on the Burma and dropping off anguished Assoc. was first made in serve as a central contact the ‘80s after my aunt, his Railway. Laurie was the pilots to the fighter planes and we could be in touch other brother to serve and younger sister, had retired One of Dad’s triumphs was locally. return. from Edmonton, Alberta to being the official driver for Victoria British Columbia, Dad was involved in North Padre Fred McKay, visiting quite some distance, where Welcome aboard Terry & African retreat and on a the troops in the Middle she by chance made the family. It will be a pleasure later trip back to Tobruk East. Dad & Fred would acquaintance of Alex to assist where we can, his comment was ‘how become lifetime friends. Markle (also now and to those Canadian did they last’. On learning deceased). members and their that Wallace was seriously SWINDON, England families, who haven’t injured Dad hitch-hiked Harry J Mayne As near as they could figure, already been contacted, one thousand miles to Dad was one of a handful My father, Harry L Mayne and wish to make contact Egypt to see him. He also of replacements sent after is still in good health and with Terry and his family, made a special trip to see Mr Markle was shot down asks me to send his best please advise me and I will the pyramids, thinking that and captured. He told Dad wishes. My mother died have your contact details would be his only chance, about the Association, and last year and Dad has passed onto Terry. but was later stationed in when my parents visited now moved in with me. the shadow of them for He & I will be spending Oz and NZ in 1989 they several months. had many good visits with Christmas in Australia this members of the SQN. On transport work the year with my sister at German M9s fighter planes Terrigal, NSW, Copyright © 2004 450 Squadron (RAAF) Association © 2004 450 Squadron (RAAF) Copyright ISSUE 4/2004 — NOVEMBER 3 Letters to the Editor

NTH BRIGHTON, QLD PILGRIMAGE UPDATE... (continued from page 1) ROCKHAMPTON,QLD Llew Hamwood Phil Masson Bernard Curran There was a mini reunion of Those who attended were– Jack Doyle & Billie Though we eagerly await 3 and 450 SQNS being held Whitfield; Barney Riordan & Joy; Phil Masson the next edition of the in Caloundra and Sharyn & Marjorie; Ken Crawford & Barbara; ‘Harasser Newsletter’, it is Giles drove all the way from Roy Denny & Wilma; Plum Aldrich & Molly; sad to read the passing of Bribie Island and picked me John Orbansen & Rose; Alan Buckman & Olive; old friends of 450 SQN. up and took me all the way Frank Bertelle & Annaliese; Doug Millar & Gwen; Time catches up to us all. to the reunion. Maurie Douglas & Jean & Janett Mossie; George James & June; Ken Harrison & Jillian; Merv White For myself, I have had a We had a wonderful day and & Son-in-law) Bob Richards; Joy McBurnie & good run in life, major had a good yarn all ruond (son) Steve; Alan Aldrich & Ruth; Elva Brooker surgery in the 80’s was to the old mates there. My daughter) Carmel & (grandson) Jason; Bronwyn completely satisfactory, old CO Jack Doyle, the SQN Buckman; Gordon Denny; Gordon Steege; Max Jenkins; thank the Lord, and a good CO in Italy was there, he’s Gordon McMillan; John Gorman; Phil Hamilton-Foster. surgeon. I am OK now, a champion bloke and well Apologies–Sharyn Giles; Sandi Nipperess; Rod Brooker; fully mobile, but energy decorated,but he never talks Betty Asser; Marj Murray; Vic Souter; Bobby & Jean level a bit low. about his exploits. I did Gibbes; Mark Roberts; Charlie Dulhunty. manage once, to get a little bit of information from him. Owing to disruptions on the day it is possible we have KILMORE, VIC I used to see him sometimes missed someone’s name, for which we apologise. Horace Tanner when he’d get back from a mission. Just a line or two to let HUONVILLE, TAS you know I am still here. PORT MACQUARIE, Once his Kittyhawk had NSW Frank Hall (Bluey) chunks out of it everywhere. Thanks for the Harasser. George & Grace Porter Thank you for the inclusion I said to him ‘Jack how It is good to see some of of news of the demise of did you manage to get back It came as a shock to us the unit are still able to get my good mate ‘The Horse’ with so much damage?’ All both to read of Frankie about and that is good. (at such short notice) in he said was ‘Oh—you just Clarke’s Return Home. the August issue of the I have lost all contact with get back’. Another time he my Victorian friends, I can Frankie was a cook in Harasser. told me he got hit on the th Officers’ Mes. Officers only hope they are all wing where the petrol tanks As the author of your well. never had mashed potato were of course. Fortunately for the evening meal, excellent copy you manage My trouble is I am on he said the tank was full they had Cream of Potato. to stir up some great oxygen 24hrs/per day and of petrol and he didn’t Every so often Frank memories and dozens of very limited in walking far. go up in flames. He was would take pity on some stories come to mind when I do not have greyhounds terribly casual about his of his mates and put one recalls the characters now, as the last bitch experiences. extra spuds in the pot that made up the ‘roll died of old age about and bring down to our call’ of 450 SQN. Greatly 12 months ago—she was cubby hole a nice big pot appreciated. 13 years old and her of warm Cream of Potato Accessed the 450 SQN site brother died approx. 10 for supper for us to on the ‘net’—great stuff! months ago. They were drool over. That’s being great companions and they ‘Good Mates’ isn’t it. BATTERY HILL, QLD kept me walking better His family will miss him Albert Weatherstone than now. greatly as will Grace & I. A pilot for 450 and now I wish everyone the best. WHEELERS HILL living in the Caloundra Elizabeth Johnston on area, Albert read our behalf of her husband Col. advertisement in the RSL TALES OUT OF SCHOOL paper and was very It would appear that Stan My husband Col is totally excited, hoping to get in Watt, one of our noted blind, hence this letter is touch with some old pilots was actually ‘scared written by me. We always comrades. of heights.’ looks forward to receiving the Harasser, hoping not to For those members wanting A good thing for us kids see too many old friends to rekindle their friendship that he got over it— Above: Waiting for the train 1941 at with Albert, please contact Civic Station to take us to Sydney, listed in Vale. Thanks Stan the ‘Queen Elizabeth’ and our cruise. me and I will pass your Photograph courtesy of Merv White Best Wishes detail onto him. Copyright © 2004 450 Squadron (RAAF) Association © 2004 450 Squadron (RAAF) Copyright 4 THE HARASSER Letters to the Editor

EAGLEMONT, VIC behind the Balt (who was and finally—‘and I have went through, though George Officer on one engine only) but to pass on a personal Mouse was to win both maintaining height. All of message of thanks to Sgt. a DFM and DFC for later My account of operations a sudden I sight a bloody House & Sgt. Officer exploits. This letter is still on 28-10-42 (FR-237) by white spinner up my from W/Cdr Heysam (our in my possession. Ours had Monty House and myself, bum! Winco) and Group Captain been a morning show (and Beat the Huns for once! Lewis (Bomber Wing OC) I nearly forgot to mention ‘Six o’clock Diamond’ I Close cover escort (Dave for bringing home a this). On my way to join yelled and round into him! Law our Leader) to 12 bomber. the others I had swooped The bastard immediately Baltimores & 6 Air Corps down to identify a crashed pulled back on the stick This effort remains one of Mitchells to bomb the Daba kite in the sea. But I could and climbed away. No the proudest moments of airfields. Came in from the only see a lick of flame. Its chance of a burst at him! my life–I had been granted land and home over the sounds blood thirsty now, We joined our bomber the opportunity to ‘take on’ sea. One Baltimore shot but my intentions, had it again, there was a pair of a Jerry personally and had down. A few 109s about. been a Jerry, and I had them, but I did not sight at least beaten the Bastard A mile or two on the sighted a live pilot, I was them again. off. Mouse told me that way home I sighted a going to shoot him, as we these two had followed us Baltimore well back with Delivered the Balt, safely were well on their side of to the front line and then one Kittyhawk staying with to its field and went home. the line (the Front had been gone back. But I did not it. Hell! I thought. If they The other pilot was Monty one huge cloud of dust since see them after we beat get bounced by a pair ‘Mouse’ House from 8 the start of the battle five them off, as I said. they’ll be in trouble! For Course at Wagga. days ago). The Germans the first time on an op., I For the record there were (or some anyway) did the ‘Good show Gus’ — said felt a twinge of fear. But officers on this show, but same to our chaps; Garth F/Lt Schaaf. I pulled round & joined it took two Sergeants to Clabburn for one, and even Vince McFarlane—‘you should the others (even thought show ‘em!! to those shot down on their get something for this Gus’. my R/T was U/S—dead). Hec Fullarton’s letter of side. I joined the others our In the mess that night the many years after, informed So...War is War... UGLY! plane was OK– the CO’s ops. Officer(Hec Fullarton) me the bomber pilot was Monty’s log book entry aeroplane, (the SQN’s first announced the number of the South African CO and ‘Gus Officer and I brought diamond marked aircraft). enemy planes shot down recommended the DFM for home sick Baltimore; attacked We weaved above and by the wing that day, each of us–neither of which by 109s but not hit!

Photographs & stories wanted for the 450 SQN web site Visit our site www.450squadron.org.au

A TRIBUTE TO THE GROUND CREW DONATIONS received since He wears a suit of faded blue, But he strikes a blow at the filthy Bosche No brevet on his breast. With his honest British skill, AUGUST 2004 He’s got more streaks of engine oil, As sure as the man who aims the bomb, Than medals on his chest. Or the gunner who makes the kill. M. White; G. Bingham; R. Clarke; F. Cotter; He doesn’t sit behind the guns He doesn’t ask for glory B. J. Curran; B. Gibbes; Of a multi engined plane, For that isn’t the fitters way; C. Gustus; F. Hall; Or steer a graceful fighter; All he asks is the pilots smile, H. Harrington; Above the clouds and rain. As he says, ‘She flies OK’. C. Johnston; T. Mear; He wields a heavy spanner So when you’re handed the DFM’s the J. Roberts; M. Roberts; And a piece of oily rag; DFC’s and such, A. Sherwood; While the other fellow shoots the Hun, When you’re covered flying heroes W. Stevenson. H. Tanner; And boasts about his bag. With honour and renown; M. White; B. Hadfield; Just spare a thought for the ground crews, J Orbanson; L. Hamwood He works in mud and sleet and rain Who don’t ask for much, And curses this senseless war, And shake them by the hand, Many thanks to those As he wonders ninety times a day, And smile, and think they did a lot members and friends of What he joined the Air Force for. To make the roaring engines soft, the ‘450’ who have He’s just an ordinary fitter, For the man who fired the shot. donated funds to assist with the on going Nothing more, nothing less; Courtesy of Maurie Douglas A pair of dark blue overalls, administration costs of the Association.

O S each of the widows and families of F S LEST WE FORGET

these wonderful men & women. E R S O’NEIL VALE LEWIS George O’Neil passed away 4pm on Wednesday 22 Ralph Lewis passed away on the 18 August 2004, he had September 2004 (89 years). been diagnosed with lung cancer the previous May and Memoirs courtesy of Max Jenkins battled bravely. A good pilot when we were getting severely attacked by His daughter Leesa said; ‘Dad was always a gentleman, the Luftwaffe between May ‘42 and Christmas at Marble in every sense of the word, he would always help a friend Arch, on the border between Libya and Tunisia. in need and made sure that mum and I were always happy. He was a hard worker and often talked about his Somewhere in Tunisia there was a hill–only a little hill, mischievous escapades during the war, he had a wicked which George didn’t see in time to miss while ground sense of humour and always saw the bright side of any strafing. It wasn’t a big prang, but it bent the airscrew given situation. blades back and they ceased to pull the aircraft through the air and George did a nice wheels up, belly landing He played his piano accordion while in Italy and I loved in no-man’s land. He stepped out of the cockpit onto the hearing it played as a child. desert to walk home—200 miles east, when some hostile He met mum in France and even hitchhiked across Europe soldiers started shooting at him—missed, and George to spend time with her and her family. He often talked feigning a wounded bird act, fell down and wriggled about his “trips” and his experiences of being a cook. away to a handy hole and so fooled the shooting soldiers When mum would ask him to prepare a meal, he always into believing they had shot him and didn’t bother going said he could cook for 200 but not three! He did give me a out to retrieve the corpse. recipe for scones once and it started with 10lbs of flour… The escapee managed to stay alive and after a few well with a bit of math I made them and still do.’ days he ran into a blackwatch patrol who took him Sadly Ralph’s lifelong partner, Jeanette passed away back to their headquarters, cleaned and clothed him one week after Ralph’s passing. They were survived by and then took him to have breakfast with the General. their only daughter, Leesa who nursed both of them George provided information on his adventure, which throughout their illnesses, until she could no longer. was good enough to give the blackwatch vital details The strength & tenacity of the Harasser was obviously which enabled them to score a victory over the Africa passed down to this Child of the 450, and we commend Corps and for that George was awarded the MM Military Leesa for her courageous efforts. Medal, the only 450 SQN member to recieve this medal. He was also awarded a DFC flying spitfires with 451 SQN in Corsica. Reliable in the air and a good all round man IN LOVING MEMORY he is survived by his son Guy and daughter Venice.

CLARKE Mrs Ron Clarke passed away 18 June 2004 after a very 2 6746 3411 +61 DESIGN — QUIRINDI NSW Tel: DESKTOP AUSTRALIAN designed & published by Proudly long illness. BROWN Allan Brown original SQN member of the store section, passed away at the age of 80 years early this year.

Ralph Lewis & Jeanette Subrini on their wedding day...France 1945

CONTACT THE EDITOR Sandi Nipperess 118-120 George Street QUIRINDI NSW 2343 [email protected] Tel: +61 2 6746 3411 Fax: +61 2 6746 3455 Christmas Dinner preparation—Marble Bar 1942 Left-Right: Ralph Lewis; Jack Little; Alec Barr Copyright © 2004 450 Squadron (RAAF) Association © 2004 450 Squadron (RAAF) Copyright 6 THE HARASSER