Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Avro Anson Aircraft Operational in Atlantic Anti-Submarine Reconnaissance Patrols

The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) operated the Avro Anson aircraft during World War II. Although the Canadian Ansons were used throughout the training schools of the British Commonwealth Air Training plan for training aircrew, some aircraft were pressed into operational service with the RCAF's Eastern Air Command.

A good example of the training schools involvement in combat operations with the EAC during the emergency of the battle is illustrated in an article dated 1 March 2006 of the Royal Canadian Legion magazine entitled Eastern Air Command: Air Force, Part 14; the author Hugh A. Haliday wrote:

"The need for Atlantic patrols was undiminished, yet the Battle of the St. Lawrence stretched EAC resources. Based at Charlottetown, 31 General Reconnaissance School was mobilized to fly patrols using Avro Ansons, each carrying two, 250-pound bombs. At the very outset of the war the Anson and its ordnance had failed in RAF anti-submarine work. Now in Canada it was remobilized as an aerial scarecrow. German views varied as to Canadian countermeasures. The captain of U-517 found his operations increasingly restricted by strengthened air patrols. In October 1942, U-69 reported “strong sea patrol and constant patrol by aircraft with radar."

In September 1944, Ron Thomas and six other Australian Navigators were assigned to the Royal Canadian Air Force's Eastern Air Command to reinforce and strengthen these operations. Based on Prince Edward Island they flew night patrol missions searching for enemy submarines in the Atlantic Ocean - just off the coast of Halifax and the Gulf of St Lawrence.

Weather was always a critical factor when flying night Patrols off the Canadian coast. On one particular mission Dad told me that only one aircraft successfully returned to base - with five other aircraft having to "ditch" (emergency land) along the the Canadian coastline. Apparently, the pilot of the plane had been ribbing the navigator (Ron Thomas) that his mother would be able to navigate the plane back to base, even during this heavy fog and bad weather. The next morning the Canadian Pilot was very apologetic and complementary to Dad when he found out that his was the only aircraft to return safely to base that evening.

EULOGY FOR DAD

Ronald Melville Thomas was born on 23rd February 1921 in the private home of a mid-wife named Sister Croxford. He was the only child of George Archibald Melville Thomas and Emma Maria Thomas. They lived in Jervois Street Torrensville, not far from the Thebarton Oval. He attended Thebarton Primary School from 1927 to 1933, and later Adelaide Boys High, until graduating with his Intermediate Certificate 3 years later.

Growing up during the Great Depression, when local work was scarce, wasn’t easy, and so his family would often spend time with relatives in Country Victoria, especially around harvesting season.

During Dad’s teenage years he played Football and Tennis in the United Churches Association and, at 16, learned Ballroom Dancing….but more about that later!
The day after Dad had completed his exams for the Intermediate Certificate at high school, he commenced work at The Western Oxygen Company that was located at the end of his street. Dad had sold newspapers to the staff earlier that year, and the Manager told him to come and see him when he wanted a job.
When asked by Mr Crowhurst, the Manager, what he thought he was worth, Dad replied confidently “15 shillings a week”. That’s a dollar fifty in today’s money. Dad told me that some of his mates had started working at only 10 shillings a week. So, his boss reluctantly agreed, as Dad was only 15 years old …… but was probably worth a shilling (or 10c) for each year he had lived.

Dad was ambitious and eager to commence his Accountancy Studies.
But his Boss insisted that Dad get some hands on experience and training, and learn how to Weld first,……so that he would be more informed about the industry and the people he would be working with.
Dad was able to commence and complete his Accountancy Studies later.

In late 1941, at the age of 20, Dad was “Called Up” to complete 6 weeks of Army Training. His boss told him that he could get him out of this, but Dad was keen to do his duty. Two weeks later, after Singapore was overrun during World War 2, Dad was sent to Darwin, with the 43rd Battalion for Machine Gun training. He celebrated his 21st Birthday just 4 days after Darwin was first bombed, and spent a total of 18 months there during the many bombing raids.
Dad was keen to join the RAAF and managed to transfer from the Army to the Airforce in April 1943. He completed an intensive 3 month Navigator Training Course at Frankston and Laverton in Victoria, and was promoted to the rank of Warrant Officer.

During 1944, Dad embarked by ship from Melbourne and travelled across the Pacific in convoy to the United States. Their ultimate destination was Europe to reinforce and replace Allied Air Crew. When they reached San Francisco Harbor, Dad was one of six Navigators who were diverted to Prince Edward Island in Canada. He spent six months flying night patrols searching for submarines in the Atlantic Ocean – just off the coast of Halifax and St Lawrence Harbor.
Dad told me that the Canadian Commanding Officer gave the Australia Aircrew special permission so that they didn’t have to salute the Canadian Flag. Apparently, the last Australian group chopped down the flag pole so that they didn’t have to salute the Canadian Flag. So, the Commanding Officer thought it easier if the Australians were ordered NOT to salute the Canadian Flag, rather than replacing the flag pole again.

Dad returned to Australia later that year and was posted to Mt. Gambier. On his first day there, he and a few mates went into a Red Cross Coffee Hut that was located on the base. They chatted up some of the local Airwomen or WAAFs, and asked what they did for entertainment. The WAAFs told them about a local Dance, and so Dad and his mates went along that night.Dad had his eye on one of the young ladies that he had met at the Coffee Hut, so he asked her for the first dance. He also had the last dance with her …….. and all the dances in-between!! Now remember, Dad had learned Ballroom Dancing as a teenager and was a bit of a new age Fred Astaire, and apparently …. he swept her off her feet! Betty Reading was a WAAF Radio Operator on base and they continued their romantic relationship, announcing their engagement in Mt Gambier later that year. They married in Hobart on 1st June 1946 and Dad returned to Adelaide to show off his new bride.

After settling back into civilian life, they started a family. Both Ron and Betty had no brothers or sisters, so they planned on a large family. Kaye was the first born in August 1947. Trevor was born in July 1949. Ron and Betty built a new home in Lockleys and moved in during 1950. The Thomas family increased with the birth of Rhonda in March 1952 and Philip in May 1954. In April 1963 our youngest sister Debra was born and so the Thomas “tribe” was completed. Well, for Ron & Betty’s generation anyway!!

Growing up in the Thomas residence in Lockleys during the nineteen fifties and sixties was always centered around family activities. These are some of the treasured memories that I have of those days:
• Sitting around the fireside during winter listening to the wireless
• Going on RSL & Work Picnics at West Beach & National Park
• Enjoying Barbecues on the beach at Aldinga during Summer
• Attending Christmas parties at the RSL Club and Dad’s work
• Family holidays camping in our tent at Victor Harbor

Dad had many interests in his long journey through life:

He was an active member of the Lockleys RSL, with 20 years on the committee and 5yrs as club President and 3yrs as Vice-President. He was awarded Life Membership in 1975 and recognized for 50 years of service to the RSL in 2012.

Dad was also a foundation member of the new Lockleys Bowling Club. He served as club Secretary from 1978 to 1992, and holds the distinction of being the longest serving Club Secretary in the club's history. He was awarded Life Membership 2003.

Like many family men during the 1950s, Dad was a Do-It-Yourself pioneer, before the “DIY tag” become popular. He lay concrete around the front-yard, back-yard and drive-way. When that was completed he built a Brick Garage for the car. Dad filled the Workshop with new power tools and together we became amateur Cabinet Makers.

Dad loved Art and Drawing –so he took Art Classes and learned how to Paint with Oils. Australian Landscapes were his passion.
He also loved playing Music records, Tapes and CDs, especially music from the Big Band Era of the 1930s & 40s.

Early retirement from Commonwealth Industrial Gases in 1978 gave Dad the opportunity to commit more time to Lawn Bowls. He was the Lockleys Club Secretary for 15 years and became very well-known and popular with many Bowlers from around Australia. Annual trips to the Gold Coast with Betty and other Lawn Bowlers from Lockleys, kept Dad active and involved in his favorite sport. The wonderful layout of the Lockleys Bowling Club influenced the club being chosen as the venue for two Jack High singles championships in the 1980s. Ten years later, the Lockleys Bowling Club was selected as the venue for the World Bowls Championship of 1996. Dad, along with many other Club Officials worked tirelessly to make these events not only successful, but world class.

Sadly, the love of his life Betty, passed away in July 1992.
With the love and support of family and friends over the next 23 years, Dad lived his life and kept busy with the things he loved doing:-
• There were Pennant Bowls and Tournaments to challenge him.
• His activities with the Lockleys RSL and Bowling Clubs
• Dining out with his circle of close friends, either at the Bowling Club or the local Hotels, was also a great way to socialize.
• Dad reckoned he became a gourmet cook, but I knew that meant he was now cooking his own meals.
• He enjoying watching most Sports on TV - especially the Adelaide Crows.
• And when the sports channel on TV had nothing to offer, there was the sound of his Music from The Big Band Era blasting out of his stereo system.

But most of all, Dad enjoyed being at family celebrations and being part of his extensive family. He loved seeing his Grandchildren grow up and attending their weddings. And in more recent years, being with his beautiful Great-grandchildren.

Dad’s Portrait that is displayed here today was painted by my daughter-in-law, Mary-Ellen. It was painted from a photograph that was taken by a New Zealand tourist on Anzac Day in 2010. The tourist asked for Dad’s address and posted a copy of the photo to him. Dad loved painting in oils, but was unable to continue his passion as he aged. Imagine his surprise when he unveiled his own portrait, on his 90th birthday, almost 5 years ago.

Dad is survived by five Children, nine Grand-children and ten Great-grand children. With another three Great-grand children on-the-way!
Dad lived a long and happy life.
He lived life HIS way.
A proud man who brought joy and happiness to many, and who’s Legacy will live on forever.
We will all miss him greatly.