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Richard Roy Baxter (commonly known as ‘Dick’) joined the RAAF 6th October 1942 as a Trainee Technical (Ground Crew).

After finishing training as a Wireless Maintenance Mechanic Group 1 Mustering, he was posted to Townsville for further gun and jungle training. Richard then joined 30th RAAF Beautfighter Attack Squadron with which he travelled and encountered action against the Japanese on Noemfour Island, Morotai Island and Sanga Sanga (Indonesia).

During 1943, Richard made an application to remuster to Air-Crew however his application was unsuccessful so he remained with Ground Crew for his full RAAF service.

One of 30 Squadron's primary missions during the war was to strike Japanese shipping and coastal airfields. The Beautfighter aircraft earnt themselves the name of ‘whispering Death’ as they could fly low and quite during these attacks. Low level strafing missions proved to be the Beaufighter’s forte.

In March 1944, the 30 squadron became part of No. 77 Wing, along with 22 and 31 Squadrons.  It was then relocated to Tadji, from where it continued to attack Japanese barge-borne supplies in the Aitape–Wewak region. These proved very successful and in October 1944 the squadron's arsenal was expanded to include air-to-ground rockets.

As part of the Australian First Tactical Air Force, 30 Squadron then moved to Morotai Island in the Netherlands East Indies in November 1944 carrying out operations in the Celebes Sea and the islands of Ambon, Ceram and Halmahera. During this time, the squadron suffered a serious set back when it lost two aircraft destroyed and eight damaged in a Japanese night air raid.  

Richard made a note in his personal diary relating to that particular night which read:

22nd November 1944  – “Had a big raid night. Myself & six other chaps left camp to salvage a kite (aircraft) on strip (airstrip), & we just arrived back at midnight. We didn’t even have our helmets. The others found a truck but a yank guard & myself stayed in the open & our only cover from shell tops was a tent. The Japs made three bombing runs & was I scared as I heard the bombs coming, I hit the ground & the yank landed on top of me, he was hampered by his rifle. The other raids were nothing compared to this. There were fires & exploding ammo everywhere. B25 & B24 (Libs) were hit badly & 22 sqd. kites (aircraft) are practically all destroyed, explosion after explosion. I know now what it’s like to feel the tension of waiting after the bomb’s let go & the hit, & also shrapnel falling like rain, however although we watched the whole fireworks we came out without being hit.”

The following night they encountered another raid:

23rd December – “Had another do (raid) last night. I failed to hear the red (alarm) & was trying to pull on my boots when I heard the bombs coming, Landed too close for comfort, I just threw myself down on the bed. Killed two yank officers & injured 17 others. One of the spitfires shot one of the kites (aircraft) into the sea.”

There were many other similar raids on the 30th Squadron during late 1944 however the aircraft losses were made up through either replacements or repairs and the operations of 30 Squadron continued.

During 1945, No. 30 Squadron supported Australian operations in Borneo and in May 1945 it deployed to Tarakan, flying operations from that island in support of the Australian landing at Balikpapan. There was a short period where only six of 30 Squadron planes were situated at Sanga Sanga due to lack of airfield space and Richard was in charge of these six aircraft – at that time, there was only 20 members of their Squadron at Sanga Sanga.

Just prior to the war officially ending, Richard returned to Morotai Island where he attended the Surrender Parade when Gen Blamey accepted the surrender documents from the Commander of the 2nd Japanese Army.

Richard returned from Morotai to Australia by Beautfighter A8-145 landing along the journey at Bewak, Jackie Jackie, Charleville and finally Wagga Wagga, NSW.

Overall time spent by Richard overseas was from 25th August 1944 until 8th October 1945. Richard applied for a discharge 2 days after the War ended and he was formally discharged 12th March 1946 from the RAAF.

After the war, Richard returned to Peak Hill where he received a Soldiers Settlement block on which he, and his wife Hazel, successfully farmed wheat and sheep and raised a family of four.

Richard became a very active community member in the Peak Hill District and received many awards in recognition of his community service including Centenary Medal in 2001 and OAM in 2014.

Richard was proud of his years of service in the RAAF and the contribution he made towards the protection of Australia. Richard remained an active member of the Peak Hill Branch of the Returned Services League for 74 years until his death in 2020.

Contribution by:

John Baxter – Son of Richard Baxter 70878

Sources:

Service Record of Richard Baxter

Personal diary of Richard Baxter

‘Whispering Death’ by Neville Parnell

AWM – Roll of Honour

AWM – 30 Squadron