Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

One of the attached photos shows William Gadd (right), sitting on a Dutch fire truck. The photo was taken in around May 1945 at Haarlemmermeer, Holland. Gadd had crashed with his plane near the Haarlemmermeer and was hidden by members of the Resistance until the end of the war. This picture was taken during the liberation parade. Sitting on the left of the fire truck was 414991 Flt/Sgt John Damian Carmichael (/explore/people/778225)

William Gadd was born in Crystal Brook South Australia on 29 September 1923

After enlisting in the RAAF and being mustered for aircrew training William completed initial flying training in Australia, was awarded his 'wings' and appointed Sergeant by late 1942, when he embarked for service in Europe.  After undertaking advanced flying training and conversion training he was posted to No. 277 Squadron RAF, an air sea rescue unit the p[rimary aim of which was the rescue of pilots downed in the English Channel returning from missions over Europe.

In early 1945 he was commisioned and transferred to No. 453 Squadron (RAAF) a fighter squadron operating Supermarine Spitfires based in the UK and flying sweeps over occupied Europe, often using advanced airfields to stage through so they could carry a greater payload into the combat area and to extend their range.

In February, he was declared missing.  As it happened his aircraft had been forced down over Holland.  He evaded capture by the Germans and was harboured by the Dutch Resistance until liberated by advancing Allied forces.

After the war he undertook studies to complete dental training and was commissioned as a Dental Officer in the RAAF serving through until 1953 including service in Japan as part of the Occupation Force.