Colin McCallum World War II Service
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Location: Australia
Surnames/tags: McCallum World_War_2
The story behind the World War II Royal Australian Air Force service of Colin McCallum Service No.0118019/425956
Service started: 21 May 1942
Unit(s): 71 Sqn; 23 Sqn
Service ended: 23 Oct 1945
This space profile comprises my research into the Royal Australian Air Force World War II service of my father Colin McCallum. For me this service received only cursory references in family conversation. However on the passing of my parents and sister I received family artifacts including his RAAF Log Book (attached image), certificates and photographs. These along with National Archives of Australia records, websites such as Peter Dunn’s ozatwar.com , 380th.org, family recollections, family history research by Patrick McCallum and further personal research have helped me better understand both Colin, his service and the State of Queensland during this period. This is my first foray into military history and I am happy to acknowledge errors and omissions in the presentation.
The National Archives records and Colin’s Log Book are principal listed sources and as such not referenced specifically throughout.
DECORATIONS, MEDALS & BADGES
- 21 May 1943 - Navigators Badge
- 1939-1943 Star Ribbons
- Pacific Star
- Return from Active Service Badge
ENLISTMENT
Colin enlisted for the Citizens Air Force at No.3 Recruitment Centre, Brisbane on 21 May 1942. A timeline of his postings, training, and significant events appears at the foot of this page.
TRAINING
After an initial drill recruitment course in Maryborough, Colin qualified as an Air Observer/Navigator (2 April 1943), Bomb Aimer and Air Gunner (21 May 1943), Astro Navigation (24 June 1943), Nordern Bombardier (22 September 1944), Ground Based Radio Navigation (2 October 1943) and passed the Liberators Conversion Course (5 June 1944)
No 71 SQUADRON
Colin served in 71 Squadron from 10 October 1943 to 25 March 1944 conducting anti-submarine patrols, photography and co-operative flights with the army. (Log Book Pages 10-16) They flew in Avro Ansons, a British twin-engined aircraft specifically designed for maritime reconnaissance. Avro Anson accessed 23 July 2022
No 71 Squadron, equipped with Ansons, formed at Lowood, Queensland in January 1943. Operating from a number of bases along the East Coast, the Squadron conducted anti-submarine patrols and convoy escort missions off eastern Australia. Although few submarine sightings were made, an Anson did bomb a suspected Japanese submarine in March 1943, however, the crew was unable to confirm if this attack was successful. Other activities that were carried out before the Unit was disbanded in August 1944 included a number of air sea rescue missions, and exercises conducted in co-operation with the Army and Navy. 71Squadron accessed 23 July 2022
No 23 SQUADRON
Colin served with 23 Squadron from 25 November 1944 to 31 August 1945 which included active missions in the Pacific war. (Log Book pages 24-31) Their aircraft was the American B24 Liberator.
Designed as a heavy bomber, the Liberator was the leading maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine patrol aircraft and the leading Allied long range cargo transport, the most important long range bomber in the Pacific. Liberator accessed 23 July 2022. There is a Liberator restoration project in Victoria and their website includes many contributed photographs, one of which is of 23 Squadron at Leyburn.23 Squadron accessed 24 Jul 2022.
While Australian pilots flew Liberators in other theatres of war, the aircraft was introduced into service in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) in 1944 when it was suggested by Gen George C. Kenney that seven heavy bomber squadrons be raised to supplement the efforts of the 380th Bombardment Group of the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF). The USAAF helped in the procurement of the aircraft for the RAAF and training of the Australian air-crew. Seven flying squadrons, an operational training unit and two independent flights were equipped with the aircraft by the end of World War II in August 1945. B24 accessed 23 July 2022
…the squadron re-established at Leyburn in Queensland. By now (1944), 21 Squadron had left for Fenton, and 23 started out with 431 personnel and four Liberators. During December another five Libs were ferried from 7 Aircraft Depot at Tocumwal by experienced pilots. The process of re-formation took a considerable time, the situation being aggravated by a lack of spare aircraft parts and support equipment;[1]
No 23 Squadron Liberators deployed to the Northern Territory in April 1945, and from here the Squadron carried out reconnaissance and anti-shipping operations until the end of the War. On 10 May 1945, a very successful strike was conducted when six Liberators struck the Flores Islands (Log Book P 27), destroying a number of vessels and extensively damaging Japanese facilities. Another successful raid occurred on 2 June when the Liberators destroyed four camouflaged Japanese aircraft at Cape Chater airfield on Timor. Deployment accessed 23 July 2022
Colin’s missions with 23 Squadron totalled 16 Operational Sorties, 16 Strikes and Attacks, 153.35 day operational hours, 39.55 night operational hours, 58.50 other hours flown. He was assessed at Squadron as ABOVE AVERAGE by David Miller, Officer Commanding.
528th SQUADRON, 380TH BOMBARDMENT GROUP (H)
Colin trained and flew missions with the American 528th Squadron from 27 September to 19 November 1944 (log Book Pp 22-23). Colin’s 380th missions in training, not counted with those from 23 Squadron totalled 10 Operational Sorties, 10 Strikes and Attacks. The mission on 12 October 1944 was to strike Ambesia Airdrome (Sulawesi/Celebes, one of the four Greater Sunda Islands, Indonesia). The mission instructions outline the level of detail involved[2]. Colin reports in his logbook a ten hour flight under Squadron Leader Miller, STRIKE, 25 100lb bombs.
The 380th Bombardment Group (H) flew B-24 Liberator bombers primarily in the Southwest Pacific Theatre in WWII. They were part of the 5th Air Force and were known as the FLYING CIRCUS and as the KING OF THE HEAVIES. In addition to flying combat missions, the group operated as a training unit for Royal Australian Air Force crews in B-24 operations. It was awarded both the United States Distinguished Unit Citation and the Philippine Presidential Unit Citation for its combat service in Borneo, New Guinea and the Philippines.
- Constituted as 380th Bombardment Group (Heavy) on 28 October 1942
- Activated on 3 November 1942 at Davis-Monthan Field, Tucson, Arizona
- Inactivated on 20 February 1946 at Clark Field, Luzon
- Assignment to V Bomber Command, May 1943-20 February 1946, attached to RAAF May 1943 – 20 February 1945
- Stationed: at Fenton Airfield, Australia, May 1943, RAAF Base Darwin, Australia, 9 August 1944
- 380th accessed 23 July 2022
As part of its duties in Australia, the 380th carried out the operational training of 52 Australian crews and their associated ground staffs so that the Australians could take over the East Indian campaign activities of the 380th when they were assigned to The Philippines in February 1945. Many of the Australians so trained have become part of the 380th Bomb Group Association, the current veterans group, strong evidence of the strong ties of friendship, which developed between the two countries in their long service together. In July and August 1944 the 380th moved to RAAF Station Darwin and was treated to good quarters, good food and an ocean beach (Mendil) - a favourite spot for bathing in birthday suits, which was occasionally curtailed by the appearance of nurses or Red Cross women. A USAAF Bombardment Group was a very large organisation, with some 2000 personnel and a complement of fifty-four B-24s - roughly three times the size of a RAAF B-24 squadron-and required a large base with comprehensive facilities in order to function to maximum potential. At Darwin, for the first time, they got what they needed. [3]
This extract provides a perspective of American ground crew on service in Australia and the arrival of the 528th Squadron.[4]
We received word of a new bomb group (likely 1943) coming to northern Australia and volunteers were requested to go and help train these men. Some of them had been in service only six months. I was one picked to go and so was Don, my future brother-in-law. Everybody volunteered. We were told we would all get a promotion, one grade, possibly two. On arrival Don and I were assigned to the 528th Bomb Squadron of the 380th Bomb Group. There was a mission going using Aussie bombs which had a detonator so sensitive the heat of your hand could set them off . It was about the size of a pencil with a little round head on one end. You held it by this little head to put it in the bomb before the fuse went in. It had to be held between two fingers and one had to be careful not to scratch it when it was going in. Don and I told the Lieutenant we would fuse one plane load of bombs to show the new men how it was done. One of our bombs was a cluster of thermite bombs. Some of the clusters were damaged in shipping and could not be used. We used them to heat water with which to wash our clothes. After some weeks all the guys except Don and I were transferred to other Squadrons. When the B-24s arrived Don and I started digging a fox-hole. Everyone told us we were crazy because the Japanese had never bombed there. We answered that until the B-24s arrived they had had no reason to bomb there. Sure enough, they came out at night and bombed us but it was so dark they couldn’t see well enough. Half the camp was soon out digging fox-holes while Don and I laughed.
CRASHES/ACCIDENTS
While with 71 Squadron on anti-submarine surveillance Colin was involved in a forced landing on Fraser Island. Avro Anson Crash That same month on a subsequent flight their aircraft hit a wind sock at Lowood while landing at night. (Log Book, P 11).
BASES/AIRFIELDS
Apart from a Rugby tour to Melbourne it is likely Colin’s travel had been mostly local (Qld and Northern NSW) prior to this time. His service then took him far and wide. Adelaide (SA) Amberley (QLD) Bairnsdale (VIC) Balikpapan (Indonesia) Brisbane (QLD) Coffs Harbour (NSW) Cootamundra (NSW) Darwin (NT) Deniliquin (NSW) Evans Head (NSW) Kingaroy (QLD) Leyburn (QLD) Long (NT) Lowood (QLD) Maryborough (QLD) Menangle (NSW) Morotai (Indonesia) Parkes (NSW) Port Moresby (PNG) Sandgate (QLD) Tocumwal (NSW) Townsville (QLD)
The following websites display lists and maps of many of the locations of Colin’s mission targets and stations.
- Military Airfields accessed 23 July 2022
- Military Camps accessed 23 July 2022
MEDICAL
These are medical notes from Colin's service [5]
- kidney infection (Pyelitis/Pyelonephritis) 30 May - 2 June 1942 and 15-25 June 1942,
- influenza 2-5 November 1942
- sickness dyspepsia and epigastric pain after midday meal, not responding to usual treatment 2 Feb 1943.
- Headache, loss of power of concentration for up to two days after an episode. DO NOT FLY 2 days. 2/3/5 February 1943
- A belief that the origins are connected to family worries. Planned posting to nearer home (71 Squadron) should proceed 14 September 1943. He should be examined by a specialist as soon as his flying reactivates his symptoms 2 October 1943 [5]
Their second child Anne was born in Boonah, February 1944 and their second son Gregory in Brisbane in August 1945.
Colin was listed as next of kin for his brother Gregory who died on 4 March 1944 while on RAAF service in the Northern Territory.
RAAF RESERVE
Months prior to enlisting Colin joined the RAAF Reserve on 26 January 1942 at 3 R.A.A.F. Mobile Recruitment Centre in Townsville, to class Air Crew Group V of the Reserve. He had completed his studies towards a Bachelor Of Arts Degree in 1941, was married to Molly, expecting their first child.
His medical assessment at the time noted appendidectomy and fractured left metacarpal 1932, sprained right knee 1937, and sprained right ankle 1941, and his suitability for roles as Pilot and Observer but unfit to be an Air Gunner due to his height[5]
[[McCallum-2764|Colin] J. McCallum recollects:
- Colin met Francis Rush on the train to Townsville to commence Colin’s teaching post. Col went out the back of the carriage to the landing to have a smoke and Rush did the same, Col told him how he was sweet on the "girl" but had to convert to Catholicism to marry her, So Rush said you better come and see me when we get to Townsville.
Francis Rush not only supported Colin in his successful conversion to Catholicism but became a lifelong family friend.
The insights of a young woman preparing to marry.
- So it was that many Queenslanders with a less self-consciously political outlook reacted to these early days of the war not with enthusiasm, but with mixed feelings. Lorna McDonald had followed world events but as a young woman preparing to marry it was the sobering effect world politics had on her personal life that was most significant to her at the time. "I remember feeling so terribly depressed about the whole thing. I had a beautiful . . . Shelley dinner service given to me as a wedding present and I wanted to get the cups and saucers to go with it and the week that war broke out I saw them in a shop in Townsville. I came home and told my husband that I had seen them but I said, "What's the point in buying them because they will only get smashed when we're bombed." That was long before the Japanese came into the war but I really did feel terribly, terribly depressed.[6]
A retired teacher recalls the atmosphere in the summer of 1941-42.
- During the ... vacation we had a meeting of teachers. It was the time when they were thinking about bringing the Australian troops back from the Middle East [late 1941?]. There was a lot of discussion about it. I can remember the inspector who was teaching us saying that you must teach your children this ... that Mr Churchill said that Australia may fall, but Britain will still be there and when the war is finished Britain will come and put Australia on its feet again and all will be well. I can remember as teachers we were furious and were saying, "Well what will happen to all of us in the meantime" ... That was the beginning of when we started to look to America, because we kind of felt let down. [7]
Reflections on the bombing of Pearl Harbour.
- In Rockhampton, a Women's Auxiliary Transport Service concert party was rehearsing for a performance at the Rockhampton showgrounds. Neta Klaproth recalled: Someone came in. .. they had just heard the 7 o'clock news and the Japs had bombed Pearl Harbour (7 December 1941). There was dead silence. I will always remember that... Everybody pretty well burst into tears... After everything else had been happening over two years and then this on top of it.. it really brought war home to us, more so than the other side of the world. [8]
After the first bombs fell on Darwin.
- …..On 19 February, four days after the fall of Singapore, the first bombs fell on Darwin. From that time, it was widely assumed that the battle for Australia had begun and that Queensland constituted the new front line. A statement from Canberra on 23 February warned the people of Queensland that before the Japanese drive in the western Pacific could be arrested or slackened "an attack on a selected Queensland coastal position (could) be expected. [9]
The impact on Townsville after Pearl Harbour.
- Soon after Pearl Harbour (7 December 1941), blackout regulations were enforced and all radio stations from Townsville north were ordered off the air after sunset; finally, after the fall of Lae in March 1942, schools were closed down. A hurried exodus to the south began, and by the middle of 1942 Townsville had lost nearly one-quarter of her population - some 5,000-7,000 souls. Mass flight from North Queensland was unquestionably encouraged by official unwillingness (or unpreparedness) to prevent it - indeed. by the apparent readiness of Government to condone it. In February 1942, for example, local police and ARP wardens, acting under instructions from the State Police Commissioner, carried out a house to house doorknock in North Queensland towns to estimate the number of women and children who might have to be evacuated. Householders were told that they were at liberty then to evacuate their families to any part of Queensland, but that later on, if conditions deteriorated, they might be ordered to specific evacuation centres without themselves being permitted to exercise any option. When North Queenslanders were confronted on their very doorsteps with such evidence of official concern - indeed, of overt preparations to evacuate the North - it was scarcely surprising the dejection and consternation should have spread. [10]
The impact on schools and teachers.
- On the Japanese assault in the Pacific in December 1941 the Queensland Government closed all coastal schools from Thursday Island to Coolangatta until the end of summer holidays. When the school year commenced again in March 1942, schools within range of the coast were only allowed to reopen if slit trenches were dug in school yards as air raid shelters before the children returned to school. All teachers were taught first-aid techniques and children up to grade six, only attended school for morning classes. Infant classes remained closed until the end of 1942. Children in wartime accessed 23 Jul 2022
This website displays images of Townsville at war accessed 23 July 2022
CONFIDENTIAL REPORT - prior to Liberator Conversion Course
This report was written to support Colin’s posting to 7 Operational Training Unit to undertake No. 1 Liberator Conversion Course. It was based on the period 9 October 1943 - 10 April 1944, written under the hand of Commanding Officer “A” Flight (detached) 71 Squadron
PART I
- APPEARANCE AND BEARING: Creates a distinctly favourable impression. Neat and smart.
- TEMPERANCE: Consistently temperate.
- MENTAL ALERTNESS: Catches on easily without too much explanation.
- POWER OF EXPRESSION: Shows superior ability to be able to express himself.
- SELF-CONFIDENCE: Wholesomely self confident and decisive.
- INITIATIVE: Satisfactory, displays minor constructive ability
- EMOTIONAL STABILITY: Fairly well balanced, cool-headed
- ENERGY: Output of work steady and satisfactory
- DEPENDABILITY: Can always be relied upon to complete his work regardless of difficulty
- CO-OPERATION: Keen to co-operate
- LEADERSHIP: Can lead in minor affairs
PART II (In current duties: G.R. Navigator)
- PROFICIENCY ON DUTIES IN WHICH ENGAGED:: Superior - knows his work and does it well
- ADMINISTRATIVE ABILITY: Organises effectively and gets things done well
- SERVICE KNOWLEDGE: Moderately well informed and steadily qualifying for greater responsibility
PART III
- This Officer, in addition to carrying out his routine duties satisfactorily, has taken a keen interest in general squadron and mess matters. During the past three months P/O McCallum has acted as a member of the mess committee and has proved himself capable and popular with his fellow officers in this capacity.
- It is somewhat difficult to assess some of the items of PART I of this document but it is felt that this officer will not be found wanting in anything it takes for the satisfactory performance of his duties & with further experience he should develop into a very capable officer.
AIRCRAFT NOSE ART
Seven of the twenty Australian Liberators Col crewed had names/nose art, three of these being former 380th Bombardment Group Aircraft: MISS GIVING, SHE “ASTA”, DELIVERER, MISS DEED, HELL”S BELLE, COCK O” THE NORTH, BLONDIE MAC
Col also trained in these American B24s with nose art: THE K.O. KID; BATTLE WEARY; BUMS AWAY; CARROT TOP; FLAK FLED FLAPPER; MR FIVE BY FIVE. Detailed aircraft information and images are available from the website 380th.org, exampled by this link to THE K.O.KID accessed 23 July 2022
Why nose art?
It's mid-winter 1943, you're twenty years old, it's 04:30 in the morning, it's raining, it's cold. You've got a slight hangover, and you're walking in mud (there's always mud). You're wearing a fur-lined flying suit, because where you're going it's thirty degrees below zero. You've got an oxygen mask, because where you're going it's hard to breathe. You're carrying a map, because at 25,000 feet there are no signs. Prior to December 7, 1941, your main goal in life was to get a car and marry Ginger Rogers, but now it's just to stay alive another day, because you're a crewman on a B-17, and where you're going, people are going to die. But not you, not your plane, not your crew, because you're special, and the special people always come back. They don't blow up in the sky, or go in at 400 miles per hour, one wing gone, no chutes, on fire-not the special ones; they always come back. So we need a special name for our plane and a special picture on it. Maybe a picture of Betty Grable, or one of those Vargas girls from Esquire. And we'll name it something like "Sack Time," "Mister Completely" or "Target For Tonight." But it has to be special, and when it's finished, it will be ready Ready for Duty. ….The ideas for nose art came from everywhere; girlfriends, wives, posters, matchbook covers, calendars, the comics or some event related to the history of the aircraft. The "Swamp Angel" landed in a swamp, "Patched Up Piece" had probably been repaired more than once. "Just Once More" seems like a reasonable request for a B-17 crew trying to complete twenty-five missions so they could go home. "Better Duck" could have two meanings, and "SHEDONWANNA?" could relate to problems that the crew had with the aircraft. But the majority of the nose art was inspired by the artwork in the magazines calendars of the time. Disney characters are prevalent, as well as the comic strips such as Al Capp's "L'il Abner," or Milton Caniff's "Terry and the Pirates." But the most widely copied artist was Alberto Vargas.….There is no question that the golden age of nose art was during World War II and Korea. World War II was a time during which almost anything was allowed in an effort to boost morale and unit efficiency. But, as is the case with most things, a free hand led to some excesses and some censorship is evident in some of the artwork. [11]
BEER BOTTLE BOMBS
A colleague relayed a WWII story that bombers dropped beer bottles, as they made the same sound as falling bombs. Colin notes on Page 28 of his Log Book a mission on 15 June 1945 when four cases of beer bottles were dropped, as well as 10x100lb bombs.
The beer bottles kept falling
- On 3 May Flight Lieutenant Halliday and crew set out, as the squadron diary put it, 'to harass Kendari and Ambesia airfields to prevent the use of flare paths, with 10 x 100 demos [100-pound demolition bombs] and two cases of beer bottles'. One can imagine the Japanese, after filling in the bomb craters, sweeping countless splinters of glass off the runways...[12]
B24 aircraft likely provided another service for the thirsty (circa 1943)
- In returning to Fenton Field, I flew in Captain Miller’s plane. He used to take our beer up in the plane to a higher altitude so it would get cold. During this trip I was in the top turret, the highest man in the formation. He took us over Darwin and back to Fenton Field. [13]
AIR TRAINING CORPS
Col’s passion for the RAAF remained. On 8 November 1968 while Principal of Clontarf Beach State High School in Queensland, he lodged an RAAF Reserve application for part-time ATC Duties. His confidential assessment read:
- Impressive appearance. Confident Manner
- This applicant has a strong desire to see an ATC Flight established….and is of the opinion that his position at the school and his previous RAAF service would be of benefit in the establishment….The member is very close to retiring age for SD ADMIN but is in good health and very active. He is a member of various youth organisations and this coupled with his teaching experience would make him an excellent instructor.
On 22 July 1969 he was appointed in the RAAF to Part Time ATC duties for duties as Flight Commander of the No.4 Flight Clontarf, with the rank of Flight Lieutenant. I have no information on who succeeded Colin as Flight Commander or activities of the Corps since inception. On 9 June 1971 he was placed on the retired list and on 1 September 1972 placed on resigned list.
The Objective of ATC was to encourage young men to increase their knowledge of air matters and in particular the RAAF, instill a sense of discipline, and provide elementary training in air-related technical matters. ATC History accessed 23 July 2022
LASTING MEMORIES
RAAF Mascot Colin’s son Peter was flagged as an RAAF mascot, a highlight Peter does not recall.
1940’s - memories of Peter A. McCallum
- There was the Maude O’Reilly flat house, with yard, and adjacent, the “brown house” with stairs in front. (115 and 113 Mein Street Scarborough, Qld). That mini-veranda pops up from time to time even now, I do remember Dad coming home on leave with quite a few of his air crew, and getting scolded by Mum for becoming rather drunk in the house. Even while the s*** was still hitting the fan one of them made me a little soldier’s hat out of plasticine, so he was obviously highly troubled by it all.
- Dad came back permanently to Toowoomba. We ended up in a hill-side street (Jellicoe Street) without any furniture at first, sleeping on the floors.
- I had heard that both he and mum were once smokers. I know that in the war-time and post-war rationing period he used to collect his own ration cards for tobacco and give them, or sell them, to less strong-minded addicts. Apparently she, and perhaps he, gave up smokes for Lent and didn’t recommence the habit.
Allergy - Memory of Bruce and Peter McCallum
- Bruce recalls as a youth Dad having a severe allergy to shellfish, so much so that buffets in particular provided a significant risk. Without assurances of cross-contamination he would avoid eating. I remember two occasions requiring hospital treatment. The allergy was evident after his war service, and not before, and Peter recalls it was probably acquired from reef fish which had eaten a sort of rotten dead coral[14]
Repatriation Benefits, Anzac Day - Memories of Colin J. McCallum.
- I supported Dad in getting his war pension [Repatriation Benefits] as Air Force personnel who flew out of Darwin for raids over New Guinea were deemed to have served overseas. He continually got knocked back but I forcefully encouraged him to continue to claim. I remember taking a day off work, I was still at Savannah St then, and going with him to Vet Affairs which was opposite Central Station with the said log book with us. I did manage to agitate enough, not prepared to repeat what I said to young front counter woman, but got the result of having a supervisor involved. Dad being Dad then was embarrassed when he got a lump sum back payment, I just told him he was entitled to it but the Gold Card for him and Mum was also significant.
- Dad used to march on Anzac Day but not go to the RSL, which I thought strange as he was there most days and being the youngest I asked why. So dad watched all the images of thousands of people on the docks in Darwin welcoming home the troops. He managed to jag a seat on an American plane to Darwin, don't know if he had permission, as he had found out someone he knew was on a particular ship, he had one long neck of XXXX (iconic Queensland beer) and a couple of fags [cigarettes]. When he got to the dock there were only two other people, he got on the ship and found him. They broke the top off the bottle and drank it, no bottle opener. In short he was bitter about the images and the reality that no one was there. Thankfully over the years he did mellow and spent the day with his mates.
Veterans as teachers - memories of the Class of 1957, Toowoomba State High School[15]
- Derek Volker - The teaching staff was very capable with most of the male teachers having been in the Armed Forces during WWII. Some were absolutely outstanding - Colin McCallum in particular.
- John Rynne - Col McCallum - the doyen of teachers - my inspiration to teach! How often he said to me, “keep writing that crap ... the examiner’s will love it .... But I don’t!”
- Noel Davis - Most of our teachers were quality role models, some of whom went on to fill significant positions as secondary school principals, inspectors and/or Education Department administrators.
- Ron McLucas - Having spent all my working life teaching in secondary schools, I can now look back on the performance of our teachers and make a fairly accurate assessment of the quality of the instruction that we received from them. There is no doubt in my mind that we received an excellent education from a very dedicated and well qualified group of teachers with a very high level of expertise in their special subject areas. Some of those who stand out in my mind are:....Col McCallum - English
TIMELINE
Musterings, postings, attachments, movements and training
- 26 January 1942 - Air Crew Group V of the Reserve -3 R.A.A.F. Mobile Recruitment Centre - Townsville.
- 21 May 1942 - Air Crew II - 2 Recruitment Centre - Brisbane
- 22 May 1942 - 3 Recruit Depot - Maryborough. No. 116 Recruitment Drill Course at 3 Recruit Depot *22 May - 9 June 1942 (PASS)
- 11 June 1942 - Headquarters - Amberley
- 12 August 1942 - 3 Aircraft Depot - Amberley
- 20 August 1942 - 7 Service Flying Training School - Deniliquin
- 7 September 1942 - No.62 Reserve Squadron
- 11 October 1942 - No. 3 Initial Training School - Kingaroy
- 25 November 1942 - Air Crew V (O) -
- 2 January 1943 - Air Crew II (O) -
- 7 January 1943 - No.1 Air Observers School - Cootamundra. No. 33 Course 8 January - 5 April 1943 - Air Observer/Navigator (qualified) 2 April 1943
- 5 April 1943 - No.1 Bombing & Air Gunnery School - Evans Head. No. 33 Course 2 April - 5 May 1943 Bomb Aimer (qualified) 21 May 1943 Air Gunner (qualified) 21 May 1943
- 25 May 1943 - No. 33 (O) Course I.Bombing & Air Gunnery School (PASS) awarded A/O Badge
- 29 May 1943 - No.1 Air Navigation School - Parkes
- 23 June 1943 - Discharged from RAAF under A.F.R 115 (m) on being granted a commission
- 24 June 1943 - Pilot Officer (P). No. 33 Course 31 May - 24 June 1943 (PASS) - Navigators (B) Course. Astro Navigation (B) (qualified)
- 5-22 July 1943 - 2 Embarkation Depot - Bradfield Park (attachment)
- 24 July 1943 - General Reconnaissance School - Bairnsdale
- 2 October 1943 - Ground-based Radio Navigation Course 24 July - 2 October 1943 (PASS)
- 9 October 1943 - 71 Squadron - Coffs Harbour/Lowood
- 7 November 1943 Missing, air operations from Australia, safe, date not advised (see Crash of Avro Anson)
- 14 November 1943 - AX 619 During latter stage of approach to land at night after an A/S reconnaissance, the aircraft approached low on the flare path and struck the top of the wind sock pole with undersurface of fuselage. Wind sock was on Western Boundary of aerodrome well short of flare path, but was unlit, as it was not considered an obstruction.
- 9 December 1943 - Attended Court Martial for Instruction at 71 Squadron
- 24 December 1943 - Flying Officer
- 4 March 1944 - Col's brother Gregory dies while on RAAF service in the Northern Territory
- 30 March 1944 - 3 Embarkation Depot (attachment one day)
- 10 April - 5 June 1944 - 7 Operational Training Unit - Tocumwal Liberator O.T. (Conversion) Course (see separate Confidential Report on posting to 7 O.T.U.)
- 19 June - 2 July 1944 - 4 Embarkation Depot - Adelaide (attachment)
- 30 July 1944 - - 1 Reserve Personnel Pool - Townsville
- 3 August 1944 - - Northern Command - Milne Bay (PNG)
- 3 August to 23 September 1944 - 74 Wing Headquarters - Port Moresby (attachment)
- 22 September 1944 - Nordern Bombardier (qualfied)
- 24 September 1944 - 2.R.P. - Mile St NT
- 27 September - 19 November 1944 - North Western Area, Headquarters - Mile St NT. 5th Air Force 380th Bomb Group, 528th Squadron
- 25 November 1944 - 23 Squadron - Menangle/Leyburn/Amberley
- 15 March 1945 - 23 Squadron Det. - Amberley
- 22 April 1945 - Long NT
- 6 June 1945 - 23 Squadron Det. - Darwin
- 17 June 1945 - embarked Darwin
- 24 June 1945 - Flight Lieutenant -
- 30 June 1945 - disembarked Morotai (Haimahera, Indonesia)
- 17 July 1945 - moved Balikpapan (east coast of Borneo)
- 2 October 1945 - 3 Reserve Personnel Pool - Morotai (Haimahera, Indonesia)
- 3 October 1945 - 3 Personnel Depot - Brisbane
- 6 October 1945 - Sandgate
- 23 October 1945 - Discharge - Appointment terminated
ARTIFACTS
In the personal collection of Bruce McCallum (unless otherwise noted)
Documents
- Royal Australian Air Force, Observer’s Air Gunner’s and W/T Operator’s Flying Log Book, McCallum C.
- Certificate of appointment as an officer of the Citizen Air Force from the 24th day of June 1943
- Certificate of Successful Completion of No. 3 G.R.N. Course 1 October 1943 at General Reconnaissance School, Bairnsdale, Victoria
- Urgent Telegram to Mrs Elizabeth McCallum to advise Colin is Missing as a result of air operations
- Urgent Telegram to Mrs Elizabeth McCallum to advise Colin has been located safe and well
Images
- 23 Squadron Liberator in flight, undated and no details
- Colin in peaked cap with crew sitting on the nose of the American B24 The K.O.Kid Oct-Nov 1944, 11 crew identified
- Colin in broad-brimmed hat with crew on ground in front of a B24, “before their last mission, one other of 11 crew identified (new 2nd Pilot, Flt Sgt Ryan)
- Colin hatless with crew on ground in front of a B24, no others of ten crew identified
- Colin in peaked cap with crew on ground beside B24 A72-99. Photo taken at Amberley by Courier Mail Representative after photographic flight over Brisbane. All 7 crew identified.
- Colin in side cap, posed shot of group of twenty, no others identified, possibly course completion somewhere
- Colin in side cap, individual studio portraits side-on, one smiling, one serious, by Park Lane Studios Brisbane
- Colin in peaked cap, individual studio portrait, likely by Park Lane Studios Brisbane
- Avron Anson DG-900 being engulfed by sand on K’gari, Fraser Island, November 1943
Instruments
Medals
- In the possession of John McCallum
Sources
- ↑ Nelmes, M.V., Tocumwal to Tarakan Australians and the Consolidated B-24 Liberator, Banner Books, 1994, P 107
- ↑ Mission: DAR 30/12 Oct. 12 October 1944, Declassified documents from U.S. WWII military records provided by 380th Bomb Group Association, reproduced on the Images tab
- ↑ Nelmes, M.V., Tocumwal to Tarakan Australians and the Consolidated B-24 Liberator, Banner Books, 1994, P 61
- ↑ Painter, G.V., Memoirs, in Newsletter #75, The 380th Bomb Group Association, July 2022
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 NAA: A13859, 425956 accessed 9 August 2022
- ↑ Connors, L. et al, AUSTRALIA'S FRONTLINE Remembering the 1939 – 45 War, 1992, University of Queensland Press, St. Lucia. Pp 11-12
- ↑ Connors, L. et al, AUSTRALIA'S FRONTLINE Remembering the 1939 – 45 War, 1992, University of Queensland Press, St. Lucia. P 15
- ↑ Connors, L. et al, AUSTRALIA'S FRONTLINE Remembering the 1939 – 45 War, 1992, University of Queensland Press, St. Lucia. P29
- ↑ Connors, L. et al, AUSTRALIA'S FRONTLINE Remembering the 1939 – 45 War, 1992, University of Queensland Press, St. Lucia. P29
- ↑ Moles, I.N., Townsville During World War II, Lectures on NQ History S1 Ch15, Pp 216-217, Lectures_on_NQ_History_S1_CH15.pdf (uq.edu.au
- ↑ Galant, G.M., Vintage Aircraft Nose Art, 1987, Motorbooks International Publishers & Wholesalers Inc Osceola, Wisconsin, USA
- ↑ Nelmes, M.V., Tocumwal to Tarakan Australians and the Consolidated B-24 Liberator, Banner Books, 1994, P 109
- ↑ Painter, G.V., Memoirs, in Newsletter #75, The 380th Bomb Group Association, July 2022
- ↑ Recollection of Peter McCallum 12 March 2012, in the collection of Bruce McCallum
- ↑ Memories of the old high school, in Toowoomba State High School and Technical College Class of 1957, 2007
See also
- National Archives of Australia NAA: A705, 166/26/289, and NAA: A12372, R/118019/H
- www.ozatwar.com
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