Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Known as Colin Edgar, he along with Ron Cookson, Max Potts, William (Bill) Patman (Dubbo High School ex-student), R P Wright, Stuart Wright (Dubbo High School ex-student), George Bell (Dubbo High School ex-student), D Fuller, Douglas Bayley (Dubbo High School ex-student), Bob Stanton, John (Jack) Taylor (Dubbo High School ex-student) and Jack Stevens from Dubbo were called up for the RAAF during July 1941 as reported in The Dubbo Liberal and Macquarie Advocate newspaper on 15 July 1941. They had been on the reserve list since their acceptance for the RAAF when the first Blue Train visited Dubbo during October 1940. The newspaper also added that Since the time of their selection, the men have studied in a pre-enlistment course conducted by masters at the Dubbo High School. They will leave for Lindfield at the week-end.

During the Second World War the RAAF run Blue Trains throughout country NSW, stopping at towns, as a method of RAAF recruitment. The Dubbo Liberal and Macquarie Advocate newspaper on 17 October 1940 wrote the following:

The R.A.A.F. Blue Train is scheduled to arrive in Dubbo on Monday, October 21, in quest of recruits for this branch of the fighting forces.

The train is remarkably well equipped. A man enters at one end, undergoes examinations, and, in the event of his acceptance, emerges at the other wearing the badge of the R.A.A.F. Reserve.

Provision is made in the Blue Train for examination of air crew and ground staff candidates, the former having medical and oral tests, and the latter medical and practical.

The train has achieved remarkable success in its progress throughout the West, and it is believed, judging by the number of men who presented themselves to Flying-Officer Barry in a visit several weeks ago, that Dubbo’s reputation will not suffer next week.

Colin Edgar was awarded his DFC for fortitude, courage, and devotion to duty on numerous operations. He survived the war.