ROBERTSON, David Bruce
| Service Number: | 411387 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 28 April 1941 |
| Last Rank: | Corporal |
| Last Unit: | Radio Development and Installation Unit (RAAF) |
| Born: | Lakemba, New South Wales, Australia, 23 March 1920 |
| Home Town: | Not yet discovered |
| Schooling: | Not yet discovered |
| Occupation: | Salesman, Radio Construction |
| Memorials: |
World War 2 Service
| 28 Apr 1941: | Enlisted Royal Australian Air Force, Aircraftman 2 (WW2), 411387 | |
|---|---|---|
| 3 Aug 1941: | Promoted Royal Australian Air Force, Aircraftman | |
| 1 Oct 1942: | Promoted Royal Australian Air Force, Leading Aircraftman | |
| 1 Dec 1943: | Promoted Royal Australian Air Force, Corporal | |
| 9 Apr 1946: | Discharged Royal Australian Air Force, Corporal, 411387, Radio Development and Installation Unit (RAAF), Service Medals: 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, 1939-45 War Medal , 1939-45 Australian Service Medal. |
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David Bruce Robertson was born in Sydney on 23 March 1920. (Known as Bruce Robertson.)
A life long passion for flight was triggered when in 1928 his mother took him to see the aviator Charles Kingsford Smith after his successful Trans-Pacific crossing, which was completed with colleagues Charles Ulm, Harry Lyon, and James Warner, achieved in a Fokker trimotor, the "Southern Cross".
Prior to his enlistment in the Royal Australian Air Force he was working in radio consturction and sales and served in the Militia in the 30th Battalion NSW Scottish Regiment which was raised in 1935. (Source- Service Record)
Bruce enlisted at the No.2 Recruiting Centre in Sydney on 28 April 1941 having turned 21 the month before. Commencing service at the rank of Leading Aircraftman (2) he attained 3 promotions reaching the rank of Corporal on 1 December 1943. (Source- Service Record)
Following the completion of Initial Training (Bradfield Park) he was posted to Richmond, Ultimo and Point Cook whilst completing general and specialist signals training. On 12 June 1942 he was posted to 30 Squadron (Richmond, NSW). Robertson deployed with the Squadron to Townsville, and later Port Moresby and Goodenough Island (Source- Service Record) where the Sqaudron was focused on anti-shipping (Japanese) patrols and coastal bases and operating as a low-level ground attack unit supporting the Allied forces.
On 11 November 1943 Corporal Robertson was transferred to RAAF HQ (Melbourne) working in the Signals directorate and Telecoms where he stayed until his demobilisation (1 April 1946) and his discharge on 9 April 1945. (Source- Service Record)
During his service he was involved in sensitive and signifcant operations and he and his colleagues (of 30 Squadron) were responsbile for the provision of intelligence regarding Japanese activity off the coast of Australia and repelling active Japanese attacks. In addition, the support provided to the strategic targets in the north - around Buna - and operational support for Kokoda, Goodenough Island and Lae contributed in no small measure, to the success and final victory of the Allied forces..
In recognition of his service he received the following service medals: 1939-45 Star; Pacific Star; War Medal 1939-45; Australian Service Medal 1939-45 and the Returned from Active Service Badge.
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