CHENERY, George Henry Lawrence
| Service Number: | 71840 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 27 October 1942 |
| Last Rank: | Leading Aircraftman |
| Last Unit: | No. 13 Squadron (RAAF) |
| Born: | Mayfield, New South Wales, 11 May 1924 |
| Home Town: | Newcastle, Hunter Region, New South Wales |
| Schooling: | Wickham Boys High School |
| Occupation: | Post war house painter |
| Died: | Natural causes , Belmont Hospital, New South Wales, 16 March 1999, aged 74 years |
| Cemetery: |
Belmont Cemetery, NSW Upon entering cemetery gates, about 50 metres on left is a covered sitting area, adjacent to a sign reading “Baptist section” - Dad and mum are buried together in a grave, about 100 metres ahead on the right. |
| Memorials: |
World War 2 Service
| 27 Oct 1942: | Enlisted Royal Australian Air Force, Flying Officer, 71840, No. 13 Squadron (RAAF) | |
|---|---|---|
| 27 Oct 1942: | Enlisted Royal Australian Air Force, Leading Aircraftman, 71840 | |
| 13 Mar 1946: | Discharged Royal Australian Air Force, Leading Aircraftman, 71840, No. 13 Squadron (RAAF) | |
| 13 Mar 1946: | Discharged Royal Australian Air Force, Leading Aircraftman, 71840 |
Help us honour George Henry Lawrence Chenery's service by contributing information, stories, and images so that they can be preserved for future generations.
Add my storyBiography contributed by Will Chenery
I am very keen to have any family members of other servicemen connected with No 13 Squadron (RAAF) contact me with any stories and images which can be added. I am hoping that somewhere there may be a photo of my Father in uniform. Contact details below:
Will Chenery - [email protected]
Dad was born and grew up in a few suburbs of Newcastle, where he enlisted as an 18 year old in the RAAF, in 1942.
He had a pretty strict father and a hard upbringing, but he turned out OK.
Mum and Dad met in Newcastle after hereturned from the war and was discharged. They married a couple of years later and had 5 children, 4 of whom were born when they lived in Wilson St, Carrington and the 5th, Richard, was born when they moved into their new War Service funded home, at 20 Park St. Belmont North, in 1959.
Belmont North remained their home until Mum by necessity, moved into her own assisted living unit in Narla Village, Belmont North. She sold the home at that time. Dad had died by that time, in March, 1999.
Being the eldest son, I grew up feeling there were expectations on me and the relationship between Dad and I wasn’t the best, until I was a young married man at 26. After that time, Dad and I had a great friendship.
Dad didn’t talk much about his war service and I didn’t know he had been an aircraft mechanic, until he commented on the trade manuals I was using at TAFE, when I started my apprenticeship as a mechanic.
Dad and Mum worked hard raising 5 kids and at times things were tough and their marriage relationship strained. However, they stuck it out and remained together. We always had enough food and clothing.
Dad took on overtime and private painting jobs, to earn extra income for the family. A few times he took me with him to earn a few dollars ,during weekends and holidays.
All in all, a great job. Well done Dad and Mum.
Biography contributed by Will Chenery
I have since learned that dad was attached to 76 Squadron and closer to discharge attached to 13 Squadron.
Also, dad was with 76 Sqn in Borneo.
Thanks to National Archives Records.
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