Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Sergeant James Austin 404699 of Number 87 Squadron RAAF (Number 1 Photo Reconnaissance Unit) based at Hughes airfield near Darwin, NT was killed when Brewster Buffalo A51-5 crashed near Derby, WA

Sergeant Austin is mentioned in the book "Buffaloes over Singapore" by Brian Cull

AUSTIN James - (Sergeant Pilot); Service Number - 404699
RAAF Unit - No.1 Photo Reconnaissance Unit
Killed in an Brewster Buffalo A51-5 aircraft accident at Derby, W.A.
Interred Derby Cemetery 1942
Reinterred Geraldton War Cemetery, W.A.

Sergeant Pilot James Austin Reported Killed:
Malayan Adventures Recalled.
Another young Armidale airman has given his life for Australia. He is Sergeant Pilot James Austin, son of Major R.B. Austin of the A.A.M.C.
and Mrs. Austin, of Dangar Street.
News of the tragedy was received in Sydney on Monday night, and when tidings reached Armidale yesterday expressions of regret were widespread. He was killed in action at Darwin.
Sergeant Pilot Austin was 26 years of age, and was educated at the New England Grammar School (Glen Innes), Scots' College (Sydney) and The Armidale School. Later he enrolled in the Medicine School at Sydney University, and then entered Brisbane University to continue his medical studies. He was well on in his course when he joined the R.A.A.F. in April, 1940. He had a distinguished career in training schools, and topped the examination in blind flying. In July, 1941, he was posted to Malaya, where he took part in many combats as a fighter pilot.
The squadron of which Pilot Austin was a member was based on fighter 'dromes on the western coast of Malaya when the Japs attacked that country. It was at grips with the enemy right down the peninsula, accounting for 41 machines for the loss of only five of its own machines.
The 'drome from which Pilot Austin and his fellow pilots operated from Singapore was on the northern shore of the island, almost directly in the path, of the initial Japanese onslaught. While other airmen moved southward, Pilot Austin and his companions waited to escort a Lockheed Hudson. This machine did not arrive, however, and it was not until the Japanese were, on the outskirts of the 'drome that the four RAAF men decided to get their machines away.
The single-seater fighter planes were parked some distant down the road from the 'drome to avoid bombing. The pilots ran their machines along the road which led directly towards the enemy as well as to the 'drome, but they were able to take the air almost as soon, as they reached the landing ground. They then turned.sharply, and sped southward.
Reaching Singapore, Sergeant Pilot Austin and his colleagues rendered valuable service. Actually, he was the last of the four fighter pilots to fly out of Singapore. A tyre of the machine was punctured in the takeoff, and he was obliged to crash land his plane, when he reached Sumatra. Repairs were effected and the journey continued to Java, where he and other airmen were bombed unsuccessfully by the Japanese. He reached Australia by boat, and came to Armidale on leave in March last.
Rejoining his Command he was posted to Queensland, and then to Melbourne. In July he was moved to Darwin, where he served to the end.

Sergeant Pilot Austin was the only surviving son of Major and Mrs. Austin, their younger son, Roy, having been the victim of a tragic shooting accident while holidaying with friends in the Warialda district about 10 years ago. They have one daughter Jean.
Major Austin has been in the A.I.F. for over two years, and served in 1914-18 with the British Expeditionary Force in France as a medical officer. He is at present stationed at Liverpool.
At a meeting of the Armidale Rotary Club yesterday members decided to convey to Major and Mrs. Austin their deep sympathy. Major Austin is a member of the Club.