Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Amphibian Seagulls chasing fish…..
October 1936: RAAF Flying Officer Athol Xavier Richards [72] & crew, Andrew Cowan Kerr [1135] & Gerwyn Henry Barnes [1731] R.A.A.F. Base Richmond NSW were assigned a rather unusual commission during October to December 1936.
The commission was to work with a chap by the name of Stanley Fowler [WW1] a highly qualified & well-known Australian fisheries expert employed by the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research [CSIR].
The specific brief: support Fowler undertake the inaugural aerial survey of the migratory habits of pelagic fish, particularly tuna for the CSIR [CSIRO].

Notes from the No. 5 (F.C.) Squadron Operation Record Book.
October 19th1936:
“Seagull V A2-11 and crew (Flying Officer A. X. RICHARDS, No. 1135 Sergeant KERR A. C. Fitter Aero, and No. 1731 A.C.I. BARNES G.H. W/T Operator Mechanic) were made available to assist the Council of Scientific Research in the observation of Pelagic fish movements in waters in the vicinity of the South East coast of AUSTRALIA and coast of NEW SOUTH WALES."

November 1936:
“The observation of Pelagic Fish Movements in Southern waters was continued during the month.”

December 1st 1936:
“Seagull A2-11 & crew engaged in the observation of Pelagic Fish Movement in southern waters, returned to RICHMOND.”

October 19th 1936: Athol Richards & his crew, Andrew Kerr & Gerwyn ‘Henry’ Barnes flew from RAAF Base Richmond [NSW] to Point Cook to collect Fowler from his home at WILLIAMSTOWN, Victoria.
Tuesday October 21st they were up & away in Seagull V A2-11 heading towards southern waters in the search for shoals of pelagic fish. Stanley captured 100’s of images along the way having been kitted out with cinematograph apparatus supplied by the Department of Commerce. Stanley documented this valuable data in pitman shorthand.
As Athol, Andrew & Gerwyn would soon discover, the commissioning of aerial surveys was next level for Fowler & his many associates throughout the isolated regional areas they were about to visit.

Stanley had been visiting Bass Strait since 1928, the locals were well versed with his keen interest in pelagic fish & sea-bird surveying from all types of water craft, as & when available. The arrival of Stan with his RAAF crew in the brand-new Supermarine Seagull V would have been incredibly exciting for the small isolated Flinders Island community extending a warm welcome with offers of assistance as required.

While 24-year-old Flying Officer Athol was in charge of the mission, he was also was the youngest of this eclectic group, Kerr being 39, Barnes 27 & Fowler 40
These professionals were expected to work & live on board A2-11, potentially weeks at a time. They may have from time to time been put up at coastal airfields, on occasions enjoyed hotel accommodation. On this very first mission they encountered bad weather, pushing out their anticipated time frame by a few weeks.
Athol as the Seagull’s pilot was also responsible for his aircrafts rigging, his second crew Andrew, was the fitter & mechanic while ‘Henry’, Wireless operator mechanic, one or more may have been a trained RAAF photographer for their regular geological survey works around Australia…..with a few spare parts on board, Seagull A2-11 & crew were considered self-reliant.

Andrew and Athol had a shared experience July 1936 in adverse weather conditions when flying past Jervis Bay in A2-5.

Richards & Barnes found themselves in the company of Fowler & Kerr both WW1 veterans.
Fowler, [5th Inventory Battalion] had been present at the Gallipoli Landing, his significant limp, a war wound from Pozieres, the deep scar above Fowler’s glabella, the constant reminder of being shot between the eyes by enemy sniper while waiting to be rescued with his severely injured leg. His brother John was killed under similar circumstances by a sniper in the same battle.

Kerr originally from Scotland served in His Majesty’s Forces 1914-1919 his fitter’s [engineer] apprenticeship being interrupted by the war, allowed him to join the 2nd Dorset Battalion. Kerr served in India. Kerr resumed his apprenticeship in July 1919 & was signed off in January 1923.
Kerr arrived to Sydney Australia early 1924, joining the RAAF January 1927.

Athol would have had his share of stories as well given his early service number [72], his early mentors also founding members of RAAF, such as Richard Williams [SN1] Hippolyte Ferdinand De La Rue [SN8] Victor Leon Lachal [SN28] & James Alexander [SN44].

They did for this survey team up with Tasmanian Fisheries Protection Launch ‘Allara’ under the command of Tasmanian Police Officer, Sgt Tom Challenger.
Fowler possibly camped on ‘Allara’ with his old mate Sgt Tom Challenger as done on previous water based surveys with Tom.
‘Allara’ would carry A2-11’s extra fuel & being fitted with a radio, she kept both crews in constant contact, an added bonus. As A2-11 & her crew spotted shoals of interest she would lead ‘Allara’ to investigate.

The crew also had several other notable passengers on board A2-11 on one occassion investigating remote southern Tasmania for potential safe harbours.
The passengers as reported in the Mercury 17th November 1936.
Reginald George Pearse Australia’s ‘Chief Cinematographer’ [WW2].
Colonel John Ernest Cecil Lord, ‘Tasmanian Police Commissioner’ [WW1].
Sgt Thomas Challenger, Tasmanian Water Police.
What a magnificent opportunity in this brand-new aircraft for these passengers to experience those most magical aerial views above remote Port Davey & beyond. Flying above this part of the world a mere dream for ordinary folk in 1936 & to a large degree still remains a dream in 2025.
No doubt Lord & Challenger, proud as punch being chaperoned through the air by Tasmanian born pilot Athol in the brand new Seagull.

Athol’s new wife Alison, surprisingly shows up in 2 of Stanleys images with Athol & his crew at Hobart & on Flinders Island. The newlyweds married 6 months earlier on ANZAC Day.
Records show Alison flew from Hobart to Western Junction [Launceston] departing Western Junction in commercial aircraft ‘Memma’ to Flinders Island, coinciding with Athol’s time on Flinders Island as reported in the Examiner 6th of November 1936.
Alison is photographed with Athol & his crew [& others] sailing on ‘Allara’ in Hobart & again at Lady Barron preparing to sail out to Cat Island to inspect the eastern Bass Strait Gannetry.

As to whether Athol, Andrew & Henry contributed to Stanley’s nick names ‘peg leg’ & ‘Admiral’ will never be known…..its a likely bet they may have as Athol comes across as quite the character as seen in images during his tenure Commanding No. 10 Squadron at Mount Batten, backed up with comments from his superiors about his leadership style in his RAAF dossier. In all probability Stanley may have encouraged a nick name given his laid-back personality.
While there is no formal diary or itinerary, Stanleys dated photos & news articles, thread together this loose itinerary:
The Mercury [Hobart] reported the following on 22nd October 1936
"The present visit was only a reconnaissance to determine in which areas detailed observations would be begun."
“The survey is being conducted by the Australian Air Force Seagull amphibian. The machine left Point Cook yesterday, and came to Cambridge, via Flinders Island, Lady Barron Bay, and St. Helens, landing on the aerodrome on Flinders Island, and on the water at St Helens and Lady Barron Bay.”

It appears they flew back & forth between the southern waters of NSW to Hobart several times, setting up a base [half way] at Flinders Island as reported in the Mercury 6th November 1936.

The photos indicate they surveyed around Hobart, East Coast of TAS, Port Davey, Bathurst Harbour, New Harbour, Flinders Island, Cape Barren Island, Cat Island, Mallacoota, Bermagui, Nowra, Jervis Bay, Narooma, Gabo Island, Montague Bay & Sydney.
The synergy of this particular survey between the RAAF & CSIR proved successful as various Seagull V’s continued these surveys until just before WW2.
Athol, Andrew & Henry were the very first RAAF/RAN crew to educate Fowler about amphibian aviation & in return they learnt all things about Fowlers expert subject, the habits of pelagic fish & sea birds.
Athol’s crew, Andrew & Henry did another stint with Fowler a few months later under the command of Flight Lieutenant James Alexander [SN44].

Vickers Supermarines Seagull V: a little history
Australia had 24 amphibian aircraft designed, commissioned & built in the UK.
To quote G.W.R. Nicholls author ‘The Supermarine Walrus’ [digitised copy in links]
“The R.A.A.F., looking ahead as a result of their general satisfaction with Seagull III, decided to draw up a broad specification for a replacement. Air Marshall Sir Richard Williams, then Air Commodore and Chief of Staff, states that the date was probably about 1929. The specification, sent the rounds of all British aircraft firms was for a reconnaissance amphibian that could be catapulted with full military load; it was required, moreover to be capable of stowage in and operation from the Albatross.
The Air Staff finally interested Vickers Supermarines in the design and, after drawings had been approved, work on a prototype was started. However, when the Chief of Staff [Air Marshall, Sir Richard Williams] arrived in England early in 1933 he found it had been pushed to the back of the hangar because of orders for other aircraft from the R.A.F. With some firm persuasion, Supermarines agreed to proceed with the project.
On the 21 June, 1933, the Vickers Supermarines Type 236 Seagull V was test flown for the first time from Southampton Water. There can have been no one present on that unheralded occasion who could have foreseen her as developing into one of the most versatile aircraft ever designed.”

“A true amphibian, it was catapulted from ships, lurched aloft off breaking seas or staggered into the air from jungle strips, landed on lagoons, icefloes and scrubland: it dive bombed, reconnoitred, fought and achieved an astonishing record of rescue work.”

Another recollection from ‘The Supermarine Walrus’
“The Walrus could take in its stride the loss of large areas of fabric. During the latter stages of the Pacific Campaign a R.A.A.F. pilot lost his way after an action in which he had been under fire and decided to land at a small strip in New Guinea to find out where he was. As he came into land, observers noted that he appeared to be towing a small drogue at close stay, which in fact proved to be the fabric from the entire port side of the rudder; nevertheless, on being told where he was, he declined the offer of a rigger to sew the fabric back in place and took off again, unconcerned, trailing the material behind him like a tattered battle ensign.”

The subsequent version of the Supermarine Seagull V morphed into Supermarines WALRUS [Shagbat/steam pigeon] having several minor modifications.

The RAAF took delivery of the first 12 Seagulls during 1936 with the balance arriving during 1937.

A2-11 arrived to Point Cook during May 1936, by July 1936 was assembled & allocated to No. 5 (Fleet Co-operation) Squadron at R.A.A.F. Base Richmond NSW.

The war years;
During the war years Athol, Andrew & Henry experienced very different careers.

Athol was posted to Command No.10 Squadron at RAF Mount Batten
Group Captain Athol Richards retired from the RAAF in 1946.
During 1948 he & Alison were divorced. Athol remarried Maud ‘Molly’ Will in 1950.
The Electoral Rolls indicate Athol spent the last of his working years as a taxi driver, working & living close to the Melbourne Port districts. I wonder if any of his regular passengers knew of his illustrious Air Force career rubbing shoulders with Royalty & dignitaries.
Did Athol ever talk about surviving the Sunderland plane crash into the Irish Sea on 4/12/41 in which 4 of his colleagues lost their lives or was this event the trauma that eventually guided his way to civilian life.
One of Athol’s’ close colleagues, James Alexander noted in his memoirs 1996 on taking over Command No.10 Squadron, Mount Batten near Plymouth in Southern England “I took over from Athol Richards, who had a nasty experience when he first arrived & didn’t do any flying thereafter”.
Athol Xavier Richards, Service Number 72, died in 1984 aged 71.

Andrew Cowan Kerr remained in Australia during the war years, his postings were to Townsville, Garbutt, Mt Druitt, Western Junction, Tocumwal, Richmond, as Engineer Officer.
Andrew Cowan Kerr retired from the Air Force in 1956 with honorary rank of Squadron Leader, Retired List, as approved by The Governor General.
Andrew Cowan Kerr, service numbers 1135, 2963, & 03429, died in 1963 aged 65.

Gerwyn ‘Henry’ Barnes spent his war years attached to No. 94/451 Squadron in the Mediterranean. Several pages about his amazing career are attached to documents.
Squadron Leader Barnes was discharged from the Air Force in 1959.
Gerwyn ‘Henry’ Barnes, service numbers 1731 & 03477, died in 1981 aged 71.

The outcome of these surveys provided ‘accurate economic & technical information’ required by industrial concerns considering a fishing industry on a large scale. The various fish canning factories built around southern Australia; some pre-WW2 contributed to the nation’s food security during those tough war years & beyond.

Lest We Forget

Snapshot of Andrew and work colleagues on duty, including notation No. 101 (Fleet Co-operation) title change to No. 5 (Fleet Co-operation)
Various extracts from No.5. (Fleet Co-operation) Squadron from the Operations Record Book, Australian War Memorial

Andrew Cowan Kerrs RAAF service 1936-38

Various extracts from No.5. (Fleet Co-operation) Squadron from the Operations Record Book, Australian War Memorial.

RICHMOND: 1st April 1936: “Seagull V aircraft A2-4 and A2-5 were allotted from No.1 Aircraft Depot, Laverton.”

RICHMOND: April 9th 1936: “Air experience in new type Seagull aircraft was given to Naval Personnel.”

SYDNEY: April 20th 1936: “No. 101 (Fleet Co-operation) Flight became a Squadron and the title was changed to No.5 (Fleet Co-operation) Squadron. Flight Lieutenant L.V. Lachal was appointed Commanding Officer.”

SYDNEY: April 21st -23rd 1936: Catapult trials were successfully carried out in H.M.A.S ‘CANBERRA” in PORT JACKSON and at Sea by Wing Commander. Delarue. Flight Lieutenant LACHAL and Flying Officer RICHARDS, and all airmen embarked in “CANBERRA” gained experience in catapulting.


RICHMOND: May 27th 1936: “Squadron Leader G.B. WINCOTT R.A.F., was posted to the Squadron”

RICHMOND: June 14th 1936: “Flight Lieutenant Leon Victor LACHAL relinquished command of No.5 Squadron.

RICHMOND: June 15th 1936: “Squadron Leader Cyril Beresford WINCOTT, R.A.F. was appointed to command No. 5 Squadron.”


RICHMOND: 4th July 1936: “Seagull A2-5, piloted by Flying Officer Athol Xavier RICHARDS and accompanied by No. 1109 Corporal COLE, Thomas Arthur (Photographer). No. 1135 Corporal KERR, Andrew Cowan (Fitter Aero). And No. 942 Corporal TOMKINS, Wilfred Heith (W/T Operator Mechanic departed from RICHMOND for MALLACOOTA to commence a photographic survey of GIPPSLAND area (BENDOC-Mt. TENNYSON-BULLDAH-COMBIENBAR-MALLACOOTA). Adverse weather conditions were experienced after passing JERVIS BAY,) (winds up to 50-55 mp.h.) On returning to JERVIS BAY, the aircraft was secured to the Southern Buoy, where the velocity of the wind increased to 60 mp.h. The aircraft was then beached and sustained damage by the surf pounding on the rudder. The aircraft returned to RICHMOND on 8.7.36 after repairs had been effected.”
Trove: News articles
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/page/23695868 & https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/247060754/27220732


RICHMOND 16TH July 1936 “Seagull A2-6, piloted by Officer William Norman GIBSON, Corporal COLE, KERR & TOMKINS, proceeded to MALLAOOTA to resume survey of GIPPSLAND areas and returned on 21.7.36.”

RICHMOND 23 July 1936 “The photographic party returned to MALLACOOTA to resume the survey.”

RICHMOND 5th August 1936 “The photographic party returned to RICHMOND having completed the air survey of EAST GIPPSLAND areas.”

RICHMOND: October 19th 1936: “Seagull V A2-11 and crew (Flying Officer A. X. RICHARDS, No. 1135 Sergeant KERR A. C. Fitter Aero, and No. 1731 A.C.I. BARNES G.H. W/T Operator Mechanic) were made available to assist the Council of Scientific Research in the observation of Pelagic fish movements in waters in the vicinity of the South East coast of Australia and coast of NEW SOUTH WALES.”

SYDNEY: November 1.30 1936: “The observation of Pelagic Fish Movements in Southern waters was continued during the month.”

RICHMOND: December 1st1936: “Seagull A.2-11 and crew engaged in the observation of Pelagic Fish Movements in southern waters, returned to Richmond.”

RICHMOND: April 22nd 1937: “Seagull A2-4 and crew (Flight Lieutenant J. ALEXANDER, No, 1135 Sergeant KERR, A.C. and No.1731 A.C.I. BARNES, G.H.) proceeded to DARWIN to carry out reconnaissance and photographic work in co-operation with H.M.A.S. “MORSEBY” and Civil Aviation Officials.

NORTH AUSTRALIA: May 1937: “Seagull A2-4 and crew (Flight Lieutenant J. ALEXANDER, No, 1135 Sergt. KERR, A.C. Fitter Aero, and No.1731 A.C.I. BARNES, G.H. W/T Op. Mech) continued with the reconnaissance and photographic work in co-operation with H.M.A.S. “MORSEBY” and Civil Aviation Officials and operated between DARWIN – GROOTE ISLAND – ROPER RIVER – and VANDERLIN ISLAND.

RICHMOND: 5 June 1937: “Seagull A2-4 and crew returned to RICHMOND having completed the reconnaissance and photographic work in co-operation with H.M.A.S. “MORSEBY” and Civil Aviation officials in NORTH AUSTRALIA.”

SYDNEY: 5 November 1937: Seagull A2-14, pilot F/Lt. J. Alexander and crew P/O E.B. COURTNEY, No. 1135, Sgt Kerr, A.C., Fitter Aero, No. 1731 ACI. Barnes, G.H. W/T Op Mech. To HMAS “ALBATROSS” for trial fitment of special handling chassis for stowing Seagulls in the hangar.

SYDNEY: July 13th 1938 Flying Officer J.N. BELL and Pilot Officer M.M. McINNES embarked in HMAS “CANBERRA” Aircraft – Seagull A2-17, Crew – No. 1135 Sgt Kerr, A.C. Fitter Aero, No. 1800 ACI. McLEAN, G.C., Fitter Aero, No. 2279 L.A.C. EDMUNDS, H.O. Fitter Armourer, No.2369 ACI. JOHNSTON, A.J. Flight Rigger, No. ENDACOTT, O.G. Photographer