GRAHAM, Alan Clifford
| Service Number: | 163566 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 19 May 1944, Sydney, NSW |
| Last Rank: | Leading Aircraftman |
| Last Unit: | 3 Radio Installation and Maintenance Unit |
| Born: | Wallerwang, New South Wales, Australia, 3 November 1925 |
| Home Town: | Portland, Lithgow, New South Wales |
| Schooling: | Not yet discovered |
| Occupation: | Student |
| Memorials: |
World War 2 Service
| 19 May 1944: | Enlisted Royal Australian Air Force, Leading Aircraftman, 163566, 3 Radio Installation and Maintenance Unit, Sydney, NSW | |
|---|---|---|
| 2 May 1946: | Discharged Royal Australian Air Force, Leading Aircraftman, 163566 |
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Add my storyBiography contributed by Faithe Jones
Son of Frank R GRAHAM, Coronation Hotel, Portland, New South Wales.
Alan was born in Wallerawang, NSW, and is a veteran of the Second World War.
Before his war service, Alan worked for his father in the family business, The Coronation Hotel, in Portland, NSW. Alan was a student when he enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) in May 1944. After his recruit training, Alan was allotted the mustering (role) of aircraft hand. In June, he was posted to No. 8 Elementary Flying Training School at Narrandera, NSW, assisting with the servicing of training aircraft. He was also tested and approved to be employed as an emergency motor transport driver if the need arose.
In December 1944, Alan was posted to No. 3 Radio Installation and Maintenance Unit (RIMU) at Milne Bay, New Guinea. RIMU units installed and maintained radio, radar, and telecommunications equipment including radar and radio towers. They also calibrated the radio direction finding (RDF) used to track aircraft flights. While serving with No. 3 RIMU, Alan was flown to Jacquinot Bay, on the island of New Britain, and to the large base at Lae, New Guinea, as part of his duties. Alan recalled being in a plane that got into difficulties and was forced to make an emergency landing on a reef.
Alan returned to Australia in January 1946 and was discharged from the RAAF in May that year. Alan says he valued the mateship and working as a team in the RAAF.
After the war, Alan returned to the Blue Mountains where he bought 2 buses and drove them between Blackheath and Katoomba. He married Joan in 1948, and they raised 4 children together. Sadly, Joan passed away in 2022.
When Alan was younger, he liked travelling and fishing. He also played rugby union, cricket, golf and lawn bowls. Now Alan enjoys being with his family, going on bus trips, playing bingo and reading.
Alan credits his longevity to being active and playing regular sport. He has also had a healthy diet and lifestyle. Throughout his life and including now, Alan has enjoyed a beer every day.
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