GAY, John Eric
| Service Number: | 434085 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 9 October 1942 |
| Last Rank: | Flying Officer |
| Last Unit: | No. 32 Squadron (RAAF) |
| Born: | Casino, New South Wales, Australia, 3 July 1917 |
| Home Town: | Islington, Newcastle, New South Wales |
| Schooling: | Not yet discovered |
| Occupation: | Farmer and Grazier |
| Died: | Flying Accident, Bundaberg, Queensland, Australia, 21 April 1944, aged 26 years |
| Cemetery: |
Bundaberg General Cemetery, Queensland Plot A. Row C. Grave 1 |
| Memorials: | Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour, Casino and District WW2 Honour Roll, Maryborough No. 3 Wireless Air Gunners' School Memorial Wall |
World War 2 Service
| 3 Sep 1939: | Involvement Flying Officer, 434085 | |
|---|---|---|
| 9 Oct 1942: | Enlisted Royal Australian Air Force, Aircraftman, Aircrew Training Units | |
| 9 Oct 1942: | Enlisted Royal Australian Air Force, Flying Officer, 434085 | |
| 21 Apr 1944: | Involvement Flying Officer, No. 32 Squadron (RAAF) |
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Add my storyBiography contributed by David Barlow
Son of Matthew William and Annetta Ritchie Gay of Islington, NSW
RAAF Beaufort aircraft A9-436 and A9-476 of Number 32 Squadron collided in mid-air approximately 15 miles west of Bundaberg while taking part in a box formation flying exercise - the crew of both aircraft were killed:
Crew of A9-436
Flight Sergeant John Bertram Steed (425371) Pilot
Flight Sergeant Irwin Harold Smead (419228) Navigator
Flight Sergeant Richard McDougal Garland (412584) W.O.A.G.
Pilot Officer James Ian McKechnie (416312) W.O.A.G.
Crew of A9-476
Flight Sergeant Milton Charles Hardy (422177) Pilot
Flight Sergeant Ignatius William Willcocks (419425) Navigator
Flying Officer John Eric Gay (434085) W.O.A.G.
Flight Sergeant Ian James Dixon (423672) W.O.A.G.
Click images to start slideshow.