Arthur Ian FRIDAY

FRIDAY, Arthur Ian

Service Number: 408805
Enlisted: 23 May 1941
Last Rank: Sergeant
Last Unit: Not yet discovered
Born: Mansfield, Vic., 1 April 1916
Home Town: Mansfield, Mansfield, Victoria
Schooling: Not yet discovered
Occupation: Clerical and Farm Work
Died: Flying Battle, New Guinea, 25 May 1942, aged 26 years
Cemetery: No known grave - "Known Unto God"
Memorials: Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour, Lae Memorial, Mansfield St. John Anglican Church Memorial Lamp
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World War 2 Service

3 Sep 1939: Involvement Sergeant, 408805
23 May 1941: Enlisted Royal Australian Air Force, Sergeant, 408805

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Biography contributed by Faithe Jones

Son of Francis Henry and Eva Jane Friday, of Mansfield, Victoria.

Sergeant Friday was Air Gunner in an American aircraft which was detailed as one of a formation to attack Lae on 25th May, 1942.  The aircraft was attacked by Zero fighters and heavy anti-aircraft file whilst over LAE and crashed about twenty miles south east of Salamau near the coast of New Guinea.  The co-pilot of Sergeant Friday's machine, Second Lieutenant Donald C. Mitchell of the U.S.A.A.C. who eventually reached the mainland confirmed that Sergeat Friday was killed in action.  No knowledge is held of burial as it is understood that Lieutenant Mitchell was the only survivor and was too weak to take and such action.

FRIDAY.—On May 25 (result of air operations over New Guinea) Sergeant Arthur I. Friday, R.A.A.F., loved youngest son of Frank H. and Eva Friday, Arcadia, Mansfield, loved brother of Peter, Frank,  Harry, Jim, Hope (Mrs. H. Hallett), Vere (Mrs. Emson), Beryl (Mrs. T. Carmody), and Eleanor (Mrs. J. Routledge), aged 36 years.

Renew our will from day to day.
Blend it with Thine and take away
All that now makes it hard to say
"Thy will be done."

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