Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Son of John Henry and Florence Evelyn Dobbs, of Petrie Terrace, Queensland, Australia.

On 14 September 1942 Sgt Gilbert Dobbs was a member of a crew of five flying in a Hudson A16-172 aircraft from No. 2 Squadron. The aircraft was taking part in a daylight raid on an enemy vessel at Saumlaki, Indonesia. The aircraft attacked the ship and was hit by anti-aircraft fire from the shore causing the petrol tanks to burst into flames. The aircraft then crashed into the sea with the loss of all on board.
The members of the crew were –
F/O KL McDonnell
P/O KJ Ahern
F/O V Treloar
Sgt GS Dobbs
Sgt G Ward-Smith

DOBBS AIRFIELD
Mr J. H. Dobbs, 118 Talford Street, Rockhampton, has received the following letter from the Department of Air, Melbourne: "I desire to inform you that headquarters, north-western area of the RAF, has instituted a practice of naming aerodromes after members of the Air Force who have rendered distinguished service in that area and who have lost  their lives or become missing.
"As your, son Sergeant Gilbert Stanley Dobbs, reported missing, but believed to have lost his life, had served his country with conspicuous ability and loyalty, it was considered  appropriate that his name should be perpetuated in this manner. Accordingly it has been decided that an aerodrome situted in the Northern Territory should bear the name of Dobbs.
It is hoped that in your present anxiety you will find some consolation in the knowledge that the name of your son is remembered with gratitude and pride by his fellow members  of the Air Force."

DOBBS. — In proud and loving memory of our dear Son and Brother, 414292. Sgt. Gilbert Stanley Dobbs (Gilly). W.A.G., believed to have lost his life in air operations near  Saumlaka N.E.I. on September 14th, 1942.
We keep in our hearts the love of the past;
For deep In our hearts it is planted to last.
Always sweet memories, fond and true,
Will ever remain, dear Gilly, of you.
Inserted by his loving Mother and Sister, Val.

DOBBS.-In loving memory of my dear Son, Sgt Gilbert Stanley Dobbs, 414292, W.A.G., believed to have lost his life in air operations near Saumlaka. N.E.I., September 14th,  1942.
I think of you each day, dear Gilly,
With grief that's deep and true,
No-one knows the silent heartache,
That makes me long for you.
(Inserted by his loving Mother).