GILLESPIE, Barrie William
| Service Number: | 406842 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 28 April 1941, Perth, WA |
| Last Rank: | Flying Officer |
| Last Unit: | Air Force Headquarters |
| Born: | North Fremantle, Western Australia, Australia, 11 July 1922 |
| Home Town: | Beverley, Beverley, Western Australia |
| Schooling: | Not yet discovered |
| Occupation: | Insurance Clerk |
| Died: | Flying Battle, New Guinea area, 24 July 1943, aged 21 years |
| Cemetery: |
No known grave - "Known Unto God" |
| Memorials: | Ambon Memorial, Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour, Kings Park Western Australia State War Memorial |
World War 2 Service
| 3 Sep 1939: | Involvement Flying Officer, 406842 | |
|---|---|---|
| 28 Apr 1941: | Enlisted Royal Australian Air Force, Flying Officer, 406842, Air Force Headquarters, Perth, WA | |
| 28 Apr 1941: | Enlisted Royal Australian Air Force, Flying Officer, 406842 | |
| Date unknown: | Discharged Royal Australian Air Force, Flying Officer, 406842 |
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Add my storyBiography contributed by Mari Walker
Son of William Roberts Gillespie and Katherine Maude Gillespie, of Beverley, Western Australia.
F/O Barrie Gillespie enlisted on 28 April 1941 and served with various units within Australia. He joined No. 31 Squadron on 18 June 1943. On 24 July 1943 F/O Gillespie was the pilot of Beaufighter A19-118 which took off from Coomalie Creek along with twelve other aircraft setting course to Taberfane, Aroe Islands. When the Beaufighters arrived at their destination, F/O Gillespie, along with five other aircraft, was instructed to provide top cover while the remaining aircraft attacked the target area. F/O Gillespie was last sighted over the target area but following the attack he was found to be missing. When the aircraft returned to Millingimbi, it was found that several of the aircraft had been damaged by enemy fire and it was thought that A19-118 had received a direct hit. Extensive searches were carried out but failed to find the missing aircraft or crew. F/O Gillespie and his Navigator, F/O AJ Cameron, both were later listed as killed in action on 24 July 1943.
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