ALEXANDER, James
| Service Numbers: | 44, O319 (1343) |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 1 July 1929, Flight Training School aged 22 |
| Last Rank: | Group Captain |
| Last Unit: | RAAF HQ (Archerfield) |
| Born: | Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, 3 April 1907 |
| Home Town: | Brisbane, Brisbane, Queensland |
| Schooling: | Brisbane High School, Queensland, Australia |
| Occupation: | Building Contractor, studying Architecture. |
| Died: | Townsville, Queensland, Australia, 29 March 2005, aged 97 years, cause of death not yet discovered |
| Cemetery: |
Northern Suburbs Memorial Gardens and Crematorium, NSW |
| Memorials: | Richmond War Memorial |
Non Warlike Service
| 1 Jul 1929: | Enlisted Royal Australian Air Force, Air Cadet, 44, RAAF Point Cook, Flight Training School aged 22 | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Jul 1930: | Promoted Royal Australian Air Force, Pilot Officer, RAAF Point Cook | |
| 31 Jan 1931: | Promoted Royal Australian Air Force, Flying Officer, RAAF Point Cook | |
| 1 Jul 1935: | Enlisted Royal Australian Air Force, Flight Lieutenant, 44, RAAF Point Cook | |
| 25 Sep 1939: | Promoted Royal Australian Air Force, Squadron Leader, RAAF Richmond |
World War 2 Service
| 1 Jun 1940: | Promoted Royal Australian Air Force, Acting Wing Commander, RAAF Port Moresby, Rose Bay & Port Moresby | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan 1942: | Promoted Royal Australian Air Force, Group Captain, RAAF Richmond, Acting Group Captain |
Non Warlike Service
| 3 Apr 1957: | Discharged Royal Australian Air Force, Group Captain, O319 (1343), RAAF HQ (Archerfield) |
|---|
Extract 'I flew above the Invasion' 11/6/44
The latter part of Tom Gurr's newspaper article giving an idea of how the Air Sea Rescue Units operated, there were 3 units under Jim's command.
"HERE are based Australian Sunderland crews under Group-Captain Jim Alexander, of Leura, and to day they are endlessly patrolling convoy lanes, hunting U-boats.
Towards midnight I climbed aboard a British destroyer.' Four fast sea rescue ships were coming alongside, their pale blue RAF pennons whipping against their masts.
I looked towards the shore, where I knew a line of 'ambulances was waiting. This was going to be the tough part of D-Day, the arrival of casualties.
"Hoo mony cases, mon?" called a Scots RAF doctor to the commander of the first little ship to make fast. "Not bloody one," answered the skipper, cheerily. "Only saw
one aircraft hit the drink and that was a Jerry — it went straight in."
We celebrated this good news in the wardroom in "engineers' whiskies," which proved to be like the engineer, large and powerful.
Here it developed that the cheerful sub-lieutenant who handed round the spam sandwiches, and whom they called "Crazy Cat," was a noble lord.
But the spam still tasted like spam.
The ship's bell tinkled midnight.
D-Day had become D-Plus-One."
Submitted 13 July 2025 by Deb Robinson
Judged 1944 Bravest Deed
GROUP CAPTAIN JAMES ALEXANDER 37. R.A.A.F. saved
FLIGHT SERGEANT GLYNNE B. STANDRING 20. R.A.F.
SERGEANT MAURICE K. DAVIS 24 R.A.F.
Owing to an impending gale F/O Oakley with Sergeants Standing and Davis were detailed to do emergency duty on an aircraft moored in the Sound.
A gale of 65 m.b.p. had developed and a fishing vessel dragged anchor and driven before the wind smashed into the nose and port mainplane of the aircraft.
In disengaging the aircraft was damaged and a call for assistance was sent out.
A pinnace set out but owing to the abnormal conditions was unable to get near the aircraft. At 5.30 a.m. the crew were ordered to slip the moorings which was accomplished with great difficulty owing to buffeting waves which were breaking over the cockpit. On leaving the buoy a second ship crashed into the starboard mainplane collapsing the starboard float. To balance the plane the crew of three crawled out onto the port wing. Oakley was washed away by a large wave. It was now 6.0 a.m. and still very dark.
There were very jagged rocks in the vicinity and Standring and Davis decided to jump, in an attempt to reach the pinnace. They jumped both wearing heavy clothing, Davis wearing an inflated “Mae West” and Standring being unable to inflate his. Visibility was practically nil and after previous strain both were in serious difficulties.
Group Captain Alexander, seeing this, jumped from the pinnace fully clad and wearing a deflated “Mae West”, swam 50 yards reaching Davis. Supporting him, he then swam to Standring and kept them both afloat until the pinnace manoeuvred into position and picked them up in an extremely exhausted state.
In addition Oakley who was washed off the port wing by a large wave.
This was RAAF Pilot Officer Philip Leslie Oakley surviving the incident "2/9/44 slightly ill - exposure - aircraft accident Jennycliffe Bay Mt. Batten U.K."
Submitted 6 July 2025 by Deb Robinson
Seagull V A2-7 chasing fish
James Alexander, Andrew Cowan Kerr & Gerwyn ‘Henry’ Barnes at work Feb/Mar 1937 attached to No. 5. (Fleet Co-operation): 80 + years later a wonderful glimpse into day-to-day employment/training experiences in the RAAF while at times attached to various Royal Australian Navy cruisers [No. 5 FC Squadron], as WW2 ever so slowly loomed into reality…..
February 23rd 1937: James Alexander, Andrew Cowan Kerr & Gerwyn ‘Henry’ Barnes R.A.A.F. Base Richmond NSW were assigned to work with a chap by the name of Stanley Fowler [WW1 Veteran] a highly qualified & well-known Council of Scientific & Industrial Research [CSIR] fisheries expert.
The specific brief: support Fowler undertake the second aerial survey of the migratory habits of pelagic fish, particularly tuna [tunny] providing valuable data to the CSIR, following on from the first reconnaissance survey several months earlier.
Both Kerr & Barnes were part of the inaugural aerial survey team under the command of Flying Officer Athol Xavier Richards several months earlier.
On this mission Andrew & Henry’s pilot was James [Jim] Alexander, a highly experienced RAAF pilot.
Extract from the Sun March 1935 “London, Monday. Flying Officer J. Alexander has completed a two months course, and is at present training with the flying boats at Calshot, in preparation for taking over the command of the first of Australia’s “Seagulls” now being assembled at Vickers works Southampton.”
Extract from No. 5 (F.C.) Squadron Operation Record Book.
RICHMOND: February 23rd 1937 “Seagull V A2-7 (Pilot – Flight Lieutenant J. Alexander and crew - No. 1135 Sergt KERR A.C., Fitter Aero and No. 1731 A.C.I. BARNES G.H. W/T OperatorMechanic) were made available to assist the Council of Scientific Research in further observations of Pelagic fish movements in southern waters.”
RICHMOND: March 28th 1937 “The observation of pelagic fish movement was completed and Seagull A2-7 and crew returned to RICHMOND.”
February 1937: Jim Alexander & his crew, Andrew Kerr & Gerwyn ‘Henry’ Barnes flew from RAAF Base RICHMOND to POINT COOK to collect Fowler from his home at Williamstown, Victoria.
After a short lay over at Point Cook to collect Fowler, they were up & away in Seagull A2-7 heading towards southern waters again searching out shoals of pelagic fish to survey. Stanley captured 100’s of images along the way, again he may have been kitted out with cinematograph apparatus supplied the Department of Commerce on the first survey.
Stan had his own Lecia 35mm camera on hand as well while his valuable data recorded in pitman shorthand.
Andrew & Henry would have briefed Jim about their previous expedition with Fowler & his connections with the locals throughout the isolated regional areas they were about to visit.
The arrival of brand-new Supermarine Seagull V A2-7 would again be incredibly exciting for the small close knit Flinders Island community, welcoming Andrew & Henry back after their first trip to Flinders several months earlier. Andrew & Henry hoping for fair weather as they were delayed a few weeks due to poor weather on the previous survey with Pilot Athol Richards.
These professionals were expected to work & live on board A2-7, potentially weeks at a time. They may have from time to time been put up at coastal airfields, on occasions enjoyed hotel accommodation.
Jim as the Seagull’s pilot was also responsible for his aircrafts rigging, his second crew Andrew, was the fitter & mechanic while Henry was Wireless operator mechanic, one or more may have been a trained RAAF photographer for their regular geological survey works around Australia. Jim had completed a short photographic course at Laverton in 1934 …..with a few spare parts on board, Seagull A2-7 & crew were considered self-reliant.
Jim & Henry 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.
Andrew Kerr originally from Scotland served in His Majesty’s Forces 1914-1919, his fitter’s [engineer] apprenticeship being interrupted by the war, allowing him to join the 2nd Dorset Battalion. Kerr served in India. Kerr resumed his apprenticeship in July 1919 & was signed off in January 1923. Andrew arrived to Sydney Australia early 1924, he joined the RAAF in January 1927.
Jim Alexander would have had his own stories to add to the mix, having recently returned from a 2-year Naval exchange with the Royal Navy, his story can be read in his biography.
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 surveys.
‘Allara’ would carry A2-7’s extra fuel & being fitted with a radio, she kept both crews in constant contact, an added bonus.
As A2-7 spotted shoals of interest she would lead ‘Allara’ to investigate.
While there is no formal diary or itinerary, Stanleys dated photos & newspaper articles thread together this loose itinerary: Hobart, Tas East Coast, Port Davey, Bathurst Harbour, Flinders Island, Cape Barren Island, Cat Island, Mallacoota, Bermagui, Nowra, Jervis Bay, Narooma, Gabo Island, Montague Bay & Sydney.
The previous survey with Andrew & Henry provided quite the education for Fowler about amphibian aviation & in return they learnt all things about Fowlers expert subject, the habits of pelagic fish & sea birds.
In the photograph tab you will see images taken by Stanley of Jim with a bomb & A2-7’s cradle tucked under the wing at Whitemark Aerodrome.
Extract from ‘The Supermarine Walrus’ by G.W.R. Nicholl’
“At one time they thought an easy method of identification would be to bring stunned fish right to the surface by bombing them, but this proved largely ineffective because they soon found they were using the wrong time-delay fuses. However, to their own surprise, they became fairly skilled in recognising the shoals from the air by appearance and habits, especially their broaching habits. It was highly absorbing work, on top of which they were on their own and often roughing it far from civilisation.”
Vickers Supermarine Seagull V: a little history
Australia had 24 amphibian aircraft designed, commissioned & built in the UK.
Another from G.W.R. Nicholls from his book ‘The Supermarine Walrus’
“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 Supermarine in the design and, after drawings had been approved, work on a prototype was started. However, when the Chief of Staff 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 Supermarine 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.”
The latter version of the Supermarine Seagull V morphed into Supermarines WALRUS [aka as Shagbat/steam pigeon in the UK] having several minor modifications.
Another recollection from G.W.R. Nicholl book ‘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.”
A2-7 arrived to Point Cook 13 May 1936, by June 1936 she was assembled & allocated to No. 5 (FC) Squadron R.A.A.F. Base Richmond NSW.
The war years;
During the war years Jim, Andrew & Henry experienced very different careers.
James Alexanders war service can be located in his biography. James Alexander, service number 44 & 0319 died in 2005 aged 98
Andrew Cowan Kerr remained in Australia during the war years, he had postings 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 2963, 1135 & 03429, died in 1963 aged 65.
Gerwyn Henry Barnes spent his war years attached to No. 94/451 Squadron in the Mediterranean. Several of his dossier documents are attached, they remain undigitized and are held by National Archives of Australia.
Squadron Leader Henry 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 continued to provide valuable information guiding a number of fish canning factories to be built around southern Australia. These factories providing valuable food security during those tough war years and beyond.
Lest We Forget
Submitted 3 July 2025 by Deb Robinson
Biography contributed by Deb Robinson
James Alexander stepped out of his comfort zone in 1929 to follow his dream of becoming an aviator....a pathway to a brilliant career serving his country, his pre war training preparing Jim to beome a highly regarded leader during those tough war years. On retirement from the Royal Australian Air Force after 28 years of service, he was appointed a civilian aviation role holding numerous management positions overseas & Australia with Qantas, this is his story.....
Joseph [Scottish] & Hessie [née Wallace & Irish] Alexander of Brisbane welcomed their youngest child & son James on 3rd April 1907.
James had 2 elder sisters Mary a teacher [married Les Martin] & Alice a nurse [married Colin Hooper].
Jim joined the Royal Australian Navy Reserves in Cadets & Citizens Forces under Commonwealth Scheme [1921-28] for 7 years learning & working within Navy routine, part of his training was spent on board HMAS Warrego & HMAS Marguerite.
On finishing his schooling Jim studied architecture & worked in the building industry, stating in his memoirs his 'heart wasnt in it' & he 'had always had a strong, strong love for aviation.' One day he happened to see a brochure advertising RAAF Cadet vacancies, so he applied, was accepted, the start of a wonderful career at Point Cook, his cadetship commenced 1st July 1929 for 12 months. Jim was the very first RAAF pilot not to train on WW1 aeroplanes, this he was very proud of. Jim talks about the early days as a young cadet at Point Cook, one can hear about his experience in his memoirs, Part 1.
On completing twelve months of pilot training he elected to join the Seaplane Squadron at Point Cook where he did his Seaplane Conversion Course during July 1930 followed by Photographic Course, Laverton October 1930.
1930 [Nov] posted to No.101 Flight on HMAS 'Albatross'. Being the only flight on HMAS Albatross they wore RAAF uniforms & fitted in with the Naval routine. Jim was promoted to Flying Officer working across Seaplane tender HMAS Albatross & Cruiser HMAS Canberra. During this period they visited most ports in Australia, New Zealand also Netherlands East Indies, duties mostly Naval Co-operation flying. Annual bombing, gunnery training carried out at Richmond. Gas course at Garden Island.
Listening to Jim aged 89 recall the highlights of his early career can be heard part 2 of his memoirs (www.awm.gov.au), i.e. 1] Captain Feakes almost running HMAS Alabtross into the end of the Hobart pier [1931] 2] His unusual visit to the Hobart Zoo where he found himself in the cage with famous Sandy (trove.nla.gov.au) the lion. 3] first job to test his photographic skills, the Huon River Survey. 4] 1931 extract from Jims memoirs (www.awm.gov.au) 'Another thing that was bit of a test was the ships had gone down to, I don’t know what’s it called, the name of the bay down at the bottom [Tas], they were doing a bombardment on a little island with live ammunition, I was given the job of flying the aeroplane to carry out the spotting for it and ... shot now on a small target like that we had to be fairly close, where some of the turning had to be very tight, & the old Seagull [III] wasn’t too good at tight turning, I just had my fingers crossed a bit because Gordon Grant (trove.nla.gov.au) who had been the doing the same job one year earlier had spun himself in & broken his back, so I just had my fingers crossed a little bit, but it all went quite well.'
His wireless operator would have had his fingers crossed too, what Jim didnt mention is while Gordon broke his back, his radio operator was killed in the crash.
1934 [Sept] James married (trove.nla.gov.au) his sweetheart Gwen Butler [whom he met on his attachment on HMAS Albatross]
1934 [Oct] Attached to No. 3 Squadron [Richmond NSW] Flying Duties. Visited Melbourne with Wapiti formation for Centenary Celebrations.
1934 [Dec] Posted to RAAF Headquarters Melbourne, Special Duty O.C. HMAS Australia attachment. Promotion, Flight Lieutenant
1934 [Dec] Departed Melbourne for England for two years. Gwen moved to England for this posting. Proceeded to England in advance of HMAS Australia to standby the building of first MKV Seagull, do necessary courses in training for operation & maintaining from HMAS Australia. Arrival to England completed Catapult Course RAAF Station Leuchers [Scotland]. Flying duties at RAAF Station Calshot. Camera Course at Williamsons, London. Bristol's Engine course. Supermarines, Airframe Course. Lee on Solent, Flying Duties. Felixtowe, Acceptance trials (www.awm.gov.au) MKV Seagull. HMAS Australia at Portsmouth, Embarkation & Catapult tests (www.awm.gov.au). Following embarkation served in HMAS Australia with 1st Cruiser Squadron at Alexandria, Gibaltor, Malta, Egypt, Greece & Turkey. Involved in Abyssian Crisis, had battle orders should war break out. Jim stated he would have only lasted 5 minutes in the Seagull against the Italian aircraft should the worst were to happen. Gwen rented flats at various ports where they explored the regions. Alexandria March 1936: sustained injuries to lower legs when A2-1 was dropped onto HMAS Australia's gun emplacementbeing while testing modified hoisting (www.awm.gov.au) slings that dramatically failed resulting in a damaged & very crumpled (www.awm.gov.au) Seagull. Wrote first Seagull maintenace schedule. Returned to Australia, August 1936 where he & his crew instructed the new generation of Seaplane pilots & maintenance crews everything Seagull V.
1936 [Aug] posted No.5 Squadron [Richmond, NSW] Flew on fisheries survey in Tasmanian waters & Bass Strait, Feb/Mar 1937. Survey carried out to investigate movements of pelagic fish [tuna]. Detached on Survey work in Arnheim Land & Gulf of Carpentaria April/June 1937 one month of this Detachment was spent at Mullengimbi Mission working with Dr. Donald Thompson (www.wehi.edu.au) investigating the rivers Glyde & Gwyder to rework error by Mathew Flinders early survey. The remainder of the time was spent attached to HMAS Morseby searching for a suitable site for an intermediate base for flying boats between Darwin & the East Coast of Australia as the C Class boats didnt have enough range to fly from Darwin to the East Coast, Groote Island was deemed to be suitable.
1937 Posted to S.H.Q. Richmond [NSW] as Station Administration Officer, Assisted conduct G.R. Course, Passed Staff College Entrance Exam 1938. Promoted Squadron Leader Sept 1939
1939 [Sept] Posted to No.11 Squadron (www.awm.gov.au) as Commanding Officer 1] Reconnaissance for Raiders 2] Intelligence of Solomons 3] Establishing key bases 4] Diplomatic Missions. No 11. Squadron formed at Rose Bay....to man the newly formed Squadron, Jim stated in his memoirs '2 Seagull Aircraft were provided by No.9 Squadron, 2 C Class Empire Flying Boats were chartered from Qantas, some modifications to meet RAAF requirements, i.e. fitted with a Lewis Gun in one of the dorsal hatches, bomb racks installed under each wing capable of carrying a 112 pound bomb, to increase flying range, Jim explains about a dozen 12 gallon petrol tanks were lashed down in the spar section usually reserved for Qantas mail contract. With so many RAAF personnel in the UK No. 10 Squadron (www.awm.gov.au), man power to run No. 11 Squadron air & maintenance staff were recruited from Qantas, other RAAF support staff were posted from other locations, then the swiftly raised Squadron proceeded to Moresby & established camp.' Operating from Moresby & subsequently established bases. Jim worked with RAN Intelligence in establishing coast watching system. Wrote 1st edition of S.W. Pacific Air Pilot. Proceeded on diplomatic mission to Govenor & Council Noumea [Henri Sautot (en.wikipedia.org)], Feb 1942. Negotiated permission to establish bases at New Caledonia. His family were with him on this posting. Jim recalls how Henri Sautot was quite the enigma somewhat resembling Hercule Poirot, while the Aussies being Aussies had a few reasons to have a giggle at Sautot expense namely his moustach and mistreess' Jim pays hommage Sautot as gallant in the most dangerous circumstamces as can be heard in his memoirs Part 4.
1941 [Aug] Posted RAAF Station Richmond, Station Commander. Presided G.C.M Acting Group Commander Jan 1942. Instituted dispersal & Satelite Scheme, visiting Parkes & Narromine to advise on dispersal. Member of Local Defence Committee.
1942 [May] Posted No. 2 Personnel Depot at Bradfield Park in transit Temporary Wing Commander, embarked 1942 [2nd July] proceeded to UK via New Zealand, bound for Canada & UK via Panama picked up a load of seaman after thier ship had been torpedoed, onto Halifax to collect in Jims words, thousands of Canandians, joining a convoy to travel a very northern route, Jim describes in his memoirs as being very cold the ship crowded with emergency accomdation built all over the place. Finally arrived cold but safe to Liverpool UK disembarking 18th August 1942.
1942 [Aug 24] Posted to No. 3 General Reconnaissance Squadron at Squires Gate, England for G.R. Refresher Course.
1942 [Sept 30] Posted to Mount Batten England as Commanding Officerr of No. 10 Squadron RAAF, normal G.R. & anti submarine patrols
1943 [Feb 11] Posted to RAAF Mount Batten, England as Station Commander, Gas Course, Foreign Affairs Course, German Conversation Course, Presided G.C.M. three times. Jim was the first RAAF Officer to Command a Royal Air Force Station, responsibility included in addition to being a seaplane base, an aerodrome & three dispersed Air Sea Rescue Units.
1944 [Sept] Group Captain Alexander was awarded the Royale Humane Society -Silver Medal ' (s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com)for saving the lives of two RAF men who were in danger of drowing while tending a Sunderland in 65 m.p.h. gale in the Station alighting basin.' At a later date the award was converted to the Royal Society Stanhope Gold Medal (trove.nla.gov.au). Jim also explains in great detail in his memoirs he had the pleasure to be present for the launching of aircraft carrier HMS Terrible later to become HMAS Australia.
1944 [Nov 14] Posted Over Seas Headquarters, London, Special Duty Radar Survey to investigate the new method of controlling photographic surveys by means of Radar. Visited various field stations, report submitted. Met Sir Edward Appelton, terrific recollection of Jim recalling meeting him, not having a clue as to who Appleton was, memoir Part 7.
1945 [Jan] Posted No.2 Personnel Depot after arriving to Australia from the UK via the USA.
1945 [Feb 12] Posted RAAF Headquarters Melbourne Report on Radar Survey Development
1945 [Feb 21] Posted No. 2 Training Group at Wagga NSW, Station Officer Administration for on going recruitment & training troops for Combat. After Victory in the Pacific was declared, Jim offered his services to be attached as crew on a Catalina tour into Morotoi Sept 1945, to deliver a load of money. Jim in his memoir said when they arrived to Morotoi they put their hand up to fly 6 administrative relief staff into Singapore, they stopped overnight at Seleta, to his surprise he was able to phone Changi, to advise they were going to drop of the staff & wished to bring back a batch of troops, he also asked after his brother in law Gordon Butler (/explore/people/1014984), again to his surprise learnt Gordon was there however not in the best of shape, the first news of Gordon in 3 & half years.... on arriving to Changi after conducting formal business, Jim was able to slip away & meet Gordon... to hear Jim speak to how they found Changi & the emotional reunion [one feels it was still hard for him to talk about as he recorded his memoirs at 89] with Gordon. They departed back to Australia with the first POW's taking a slower less direct route given the health of their precious cargo. Jim describes [first POW's returning to Australia] how difficult it was for them to head ashore to a massive welcome, they had as he said lost their confidence & were so shy, Jim & his crew no doubt providing the kind support & reassurance guiding them through this very first step of returning home....
Jim being able to tell Gwen & her family he'd met Gordon & that he heading home to the arms of his family, a very special moment for them all.
Remained busy at Wagga dismantling what Jim describes as an 'enormous organisation' the bigger job was the 'demobilisaiton program at Bradfield Park'.
1946 [Jan] Posted H.Q. Eastern Area, Sydney, Staff Officer Administration.
1946 [Nov] Attached to No.3 RAAF Hospital, Sydney [appendicitis]
1947 [Jan] Ceased attachement No. 3 RAAF Hospital.
1947 working out of Bradfield Park all of 1947
1948 [June (trove.nla.gov.au)] Posted to Amberley (trove.nla.gov.au) where he was grateful to be able to spend time with his elderly parents & siblings [Red Cliff] after so many years of working interstate & overseas.
1949 [March] with his family James embarked for Overseas Headquarters London, UK [arriving April]. Studied 5 Staff College UK joining 100 other students including Hunt who later lead the first successful Everest Expedition [1953] The teachers included Montgomery & other heads of government departments.
1950 [Feb] the family embarked for Australia disembarked at Sydney
1950 [April] Posted Melbourne RAAF Headquarters as Director of Air Force Intelligence.
1950 [Oct] Promotion to Group Captain (trove.nla.gov.au)
1950 [Dec] Accompanied (trove.nla.gov.au) Chief of Air Staff to Malaysia
1952 [April] visit to Singapore
1952 [Dec] visit to Singapore
1953 [Nov] Posted to RAAF Station Mallala, South Australia, also held rank Senior Air Force Officer for South Australia, meeting Queen & Prince Phillip & other high level dignitaries. James said in his memoir [part 9] 'We flew over the site where the first atom bomb had been exploded, we walked within a few hundred yards of it, the hole in the ground, on the ground, climbed all over a Mustang that had been parked there experimented to see how much damage it would be, I suppose it was about ¼ of a mile from the explosion, I couldn’t see any damage in the Mustang at all. I suppose we were still in a fairly strong radioactive area but people didn’t seem to be quite as strict as they are now.'
1953 to 1956 Hon. Aide De Camp to His Excellencey The Govenor General.
1955 [Nov] Posted to RAAF Headquarters Richmond
1957 [April 1] Base Squadron Richmond
1957 [April 3rd] 'Having reached the age for retirement' appointment termintated. 'Group Captain (Acting Air Commodore) Alexander, O.B.E. (0319) ceases to hold the acting rank of Air Commodore and is placed on the Retired List, 4th April, 1957, with the honorary rank of Air Commodore.
1957 after 28 years with the RAAF Jim took a job with Qantas 'a whole new world & welcome experience' On finishing his training learning about the company was sent to Singapore [with family] for three months as assistant manager to Tony Foster. A few months later was posted to Indonesia
After a year in Indonesia, posted back to Singapore as Area Manager for 3 years.
1961 was posted to London to take over from Lou Ambrose Qantas Manager of United Kingdom & Ireland. Jim says in his memoirs he & his wife Gwen did a day trip through northern Ireland with Sir Hudson Fysh & his wife.
1962 Jim was appointed as Duke of Edinburgh's Liason Officer, Jim had to conduct a round the world tour as part of the preparation for the Dukes trip to Perth flying Qantas (trove.nla.gov.au) to open the Commonwealth Games. Jim travelled with the Duke & his small team, ensuring the Duke was well informed to ensure the trip went smoothly. Jim had previously met the Duke previously when he opened RAAF Base Edinburgh [Salisbury] when based at Mallalar SA.
1964 April transferred to Melbourne from London as Manager of Victoria & Tasmania.
1966 Relocated from Melbourne to Canberra for 2 years & retired in April 1968.
James Alexander died in 2005 at the great age of 97 after a stellar service to his country ...........Lest We Forget
Information sourced from
Trove newspaper articles,
James Alexander RAAF Dossier held by the National Archives of Australia, Canberra.
Air Commodore James Alexander Memoirs, Australian War Memorial, James recorded his memoirs on 12 March 1996 a few weeks short of his 89th birthday.
Air Commodore James Alexander interview with David Wilsom Australian War Memorial
Photos & other information, Australian War Memorial.
Ancestry
Click images to start slideshow.