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227 page autobiography by Air Commodore Lyall Robert Klaffer entitiled "Fighter Pilot". Manuscript details the authors personal history before enlistment. Accounts post-enlistment are divided into chapters based on posting: Enlistment in Citizens Air Force; Flying training at Point Cook; Flying training at RAAF base East Sale; No.3 Squadron; Central Flying School; No. 77 Squadron Japan; 24 City of Adelaide Squadron; Officer Training school Rathmines; No.2 Operational Conversion Unit; No.75 (F) Squadron Malta; ADC to the Governor-General of Australia; No.2 (F) OCU RAAF Williamstown; Central Flying School RAAF Base East Sale; RAAF College Point Cook; No.3 Fighter Combat Instructors Course; Air Armaments School; RAAF Base Williamstown; RAAF Staff College Point Cook; Air Force Headquarters; Central Flying School; No.16 Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron (US) South Carolina; Headquarter Operational Command; No.1 Squadron Amberley; Base Squadron Amberley; Air Base Butterworth, Malaysia; Air Force office, Canberra. Accounts of active service during the Korean War. Training, conversion and posting experiences through the rest of his career including his role as ADC to Governor-General Field Marshal Sir William Slim. Personal photographs included throughout.

https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Gallery151/dist/JGalleryViewer.aspx?B=5523054&S=1&N=34&R=0

https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/R1548584

https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/R1534610

Premier_s_Anzac_Spirit_School_Prize_2020.docx

http://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/scripts/Imagine.asp?B=3436898

https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/NAAMedia/ShowImage.aspx?B=6404763&T=PDF

http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/25858/FORGIE,%20JAMES%20GRAHAM

https://www.cwgc.org/find-records/find-war-dead/search-results/?Surname=ellis&Forename=JOHN+FREDERICK&Initials=&ServiceNum=S3058&Regiment=&ServedWith=Australian&ServedIn=Navy&WarSelect=2&CountryCommemoratedIn=null&Cemetery=DIEGO+SUAREZ+WAR+CEMETERY&Unit=&Rank=&SecondaryRegiment=&SecondaryUnit=&AgeOfDeath=0&DateDeathFromDay=1&DateDeathFromMonth=January&DateDeathFromYear=&DateDeathToDay=1&DateDeathToMonth=January&DateDeathToYear=&DateOfDeath=&Honours=null&AdditionalInfo=&Tab=&Page=1

https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/awm-media/collection/RCDIG1068856/document/5554494.PDF

https://aif.adfa.edu.au/showPerson?pid=38415

https://nominal-rolls.dva.gov.au/veteran?id=417784&c=WW2

https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=6229180

https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=8018081

https://nominal-rolls.dva.gov.au/veteran?id=694864&c=WW2#R

https://aif.adfa.edu.au/showPerson?pid=35478

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article59914199

https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=8860058

Reg-_383_John_Edward_THOMSON.pdf

https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=8855550

https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=5258149

https://aif.adfa.edu.au/showPerson?pid=64324

https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=8193808

https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=7999380

Family journey to have Oscar identified. When we heard in 2008 that an archeological dig had recovered the remains of 250 Australian and British servicemen at Pheasant Wood, the family was buoyed with hope that our ‘Uncle Oscar’ might at last have been found. Newspapers in South Australia reported with great anticipation that Oscar and several other soldiers from the State could be among those identified. I’m his great nephew, my grandmother Olga was Oscar’s older sister. And growing up, my generation of his descendants had assumed he might forever be buried somewhere as an ‘Unknown Soldier’. With great expectation a cousin and I registered on the Missing Servicemen Database. Along with more than one thousand other Australians, we became DNA donors. A descendant of Oscar’s brother Walter also gave DNA. In the first few years of the Army’s Fromelles Project, many soldiers were identified from the 250 sets of remains. Unfortunately for us, Oscar Baumann wasn’t among them. The years passed, and we had all but given up hope. Then in 2021 I was approached by an Adelaide journalist who told me he believed that Oscar and two other Australian soldiers were about to be identified. I contacted an officer of the Army’s Fromelles Project, who told me it was likely that Oscar Baumann was among those recovered, but in the absence of one hundred per cent certainty there could not be official identification. The Army needed more DNA information, so I sent them the family trees of Oscar’s siblings. The ’missing link’ turned out to be the daughter of Oscar’s youngest sister- a living niece in Adelaide by the name of Barbara Elsley. She gladly offered her DNA, and on Anzac Day of 2023 the Australian government announced that Oscar, along with five other soldiers of Fromelles, had been officially identified. Barbara was so captivated with events that at the age of 85 she travelled to France for the rededication ceremony at Fromelles on 19th July. She represented the family to unveil a new headstone bearing his name- Oscar was no longer an Unknown Soldier. Oscar’s new headstone notes ‘His Duty Nobly Done’, the words chosen by his parents in the death notice in 1916. His story is poignant given his heritage. Oscar’s father had emigrated from Germany only thirty-seven years before the outbreak of war. While some German immigrants in Australia were interned and others were ‘Anglicising’ their names, Oscar’s parents offered permission for his enlistment- only to have their son killed in action by a German enemy on the battlefields of France. Trevor Bormann 20/9/23

Mates__speech_by_Barry_Newcomen_Oct_17.pdf

https://nominal-rolls.dva.gov.au/veteran?id=284156&c=WW2#R

Meritorious Service Medal 'As a Company Cook under all circumstances this man has proved himself a most willing, conscientious and able worker. he is responsible in no small degree for the general good health of all the men in his company. His work is always carried out efficiently and his cheerfulness and willingness even under adverse circumstances have made his services very valuable to the Battalion at all times.' Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 113 Date: 6 October 1919

https://nominal-rolls.dva.gov.au/veteran?id=1187451&c=WW2

https://nominal-rolls.dva.gov.au/veteran?id=1068540&c=WW2

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBZPVQBna3o

https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=1799995

No 11 sortie 4hrs 20mins 15 10 44 WILHELMSHAVEN Duty Visual Centrers Aircraft “B for Beer” Bomb load 6 x TI green 1 x 4000lbs 6 x 1000lbs This place was one of the biggest naval bases in Germany and is now a key supply centre for the German armies fighting along the Belgium and Holland fronts. To deny the defences the advantage of early warning by radar, our outward trip over the North Sea had to be made at 1000ft and we struck severe electric storms. The port was well defended by heavy flak and jet propelled night fighters followed the bomber stream a long way out to sea. The attack was highly successful and dock facilities were badly damaged. 9 heavy bombers failed to return, but our aircraft was not damaged. Reason for attack: An important naval base and key supply port for German army fighting in Holland and Belgium. Personal diary entry 15 October 1944: “Bombed Wilhelmshaven at 1/4 to 8. Flew very low over North Sea and had a bumpy trip, but found target easily. Saw Lanc. go down in flames just below us.” No 12 sortie 6hrs 15mins 19/10/44 STUTTGART Duty- Visual Centrers Aircraft - "K for King" Bomb-load - x T.I. Green 1 x 4000lbs 6 x 1000lbs Our aiming point was the main built up area in centre of town. It was defended by heavy flak and search-lights were numerous. Many fighters were sent up to intercept us. Our aircraft was not damaged although the H2s caught fire after leaving the target area. Five heavy bombers are missing. This was a very eventful trip as all radar aids were unserviceable and when we eventually found the target we were late and practically the only aircraft there that was on our side. We were so late arriving back at base that we had been presumed missing. Reason for attack: Large numbers of troops were held in reserve for the defence of the Belfort Gap on the Western front. Personal diary entry 22 October 1944:- "Sat for my P.F.F. board and passed it ok. Will now be able to wear the official badge and promotion should follow soon." Personal diary entry 24 October 1944: “Put in application for my 2nd class nav certificate and also enrolled for classes to qualify for Civil Aviation licence. S/L Dean spoke to me about my commission and has put in the necessary applications so it should come through within a few weeks.” No 13 sortie 3hrs 45mins 23/10/44 ESSEN Duty - Visual Centrers Aircraft - "B for Beer" Bomb_load - x T.I. green 1 x 4000lbs 6 x 1000lbs Our target was the Krupps ball_bearing factory, which has been unsuccessfully attacked by the RAF several times previously. The defences were very active and a heavy flak barrage was put up. There was a huge area of search_lights and much predicted flak when aircraft were coned, but as we bombed from 22,000ft we were above most of the danger. The raid was a good success and the plant is claimed to be so badly damaged that it will take months to be repaired. Our Kite received several flak holes in the tail-plane and bomb-doors. Out of the total of over 1000 bombers which dropped 4500 tons of bombs, 24 are missing. We had a very rough trip and we flew through a snowstorm over France on the outward journey and electric storms when returning. Reason for attack:- heavy industry situated here including the famous Krupps ball_bearing factory. No 14 sortie 4hrs 20mins 25/10/44 ESSEN Duty - Primary Visual Markers Aircraft - "B for Beer" Bomb-load - x T.I. yellow 1 x 4000lbs Our aiming point was the centre of Essen, which is the most industrialised centre in the Ruhr. Fires were still burning from our previous attack, but the flak defences were well up to standard. There was much cloud over the target, which prevented results from being observed, but later intelligence reports claim very scattered. Bombing: We suffered no damage but 8 of our heavy Bombers failed to return. A 'scarecrow', which exploded just underneath us enveloped the rear turret and tail in fierce flames. Reason for attack: The RAF were swiftly following up their recent night raid on Krupps City, Essen. Personal diary entry 25 October 1944: “Went to Essen again and had to batter our way through the first snow storm of the season. Was a daylight raid and we were the primary visual markers, so had to fly straight and level at 18000ft. A near miss by a 'scarecrow' which exploded just under our bomb-bays covered the tail and rear-turret in a sheet of flame… P/0 Dyeson went with us as box-basher and it was his 52nd and last op.” No 15 sortie 2hrs 25mins 28/10/44 WALCHERAN ISL Duty- Deputy Master Bomber Aircraft - "B for Beer" Bomb-load - x T.I. green 2 x 1000lbs Several simultaneous attacks were made on heavy gun-emplacements along the coast line and our site was slightly north of Weskapelle Light. The target was very small but both marking and bombing were extremely accurate. We made 3 orbits of the target and had a grand view of the whole attack. There was no opposition and all aircraft returned safely. There was rather severe icing conditions enroute. Reason for attack: These guns are firing on our troops who are endeavouring to clear the Scheldt Estuary and thus gain the use of Antwerp as a supply port for our advancing armies. Personal diary entry 28 October 1944: “Called at 4.30 to go on ops. We were surprised to find we were deputy master bombers. Bombed a large gun emplacement near Weskapelle on Walcheren Is. Orbitted the target 4 times and witnessed very accurate marking and bombing.” No 16 sortie 2hrs 25mins 29/10/44 WALCHERAN ISL Duty - Deputy Master Bomber Aircraft – “B for Beer” Bomb-load - x T.I. green 2 x 1000lbs Following yesterday's attack we attacked the gun_positions which are still firing on our troops. Our site was at Zoutel and again there was no enemy opposition. The bombing was done from 10,000ft and was extremely accurate. We circled 3 times and narrowly avoided being hit by a stick of bombs dropped from an aircraft flying much higher than we were. Two aircraft were lost in a collision on their bombing run. Reason for attack: Walcheren Isl guards the entrance to the Scheldt estuary and Antwerp and must be captured before the allied armies can successfully press on through Holland. Personal diary entry 2 November 1944:- “Bob returned from hospital today but his injury is still open so he won't be able to fly until after he comes back from leave. We did a short training flight in 'B' beer and just before commencing to drop some practice bombs at Whittlesey our port outer motor caught fire. Feathered prop. immediately and used gravener to extinguish flames and landed safely on 3 motors.” No 17 sortie 4hrs 4/11/44 BOCHUM Duty Backers Up Aircraft “B for Beer” Bomb load 6 x T.I. green 1 x 4000lbs 6 x 1000lbs Bochum is situated in centre of the Ruhr Valley and is an important centre of steel industries. Our track into the target took us over Duisburg and Essen and the defences were extremely heavy. The search lights covered a huge area and were so concentrated that they looked like a huge plantation of tall trees. Jet propelled fighters and magnetic rockets caused heavy casualties among the 1000 bombers taking part and 34 failed to return. The elevators of our aircraft were damaged by flak and there were a number of holes in the fuselage. Later intelligence reports confirm all crew's claims that the whole town was utterly devastated. Reason for attack. This place specialises in steel industries and supplies much war material, in form of tanks and guns, to the German army. NO 18 Sortie 3 hrs 45 mins 6/11/44 GELSENKIRCHEN Duty - Backers Up Aircraft – “B for Beer” Bomb-load - 4 x T.I. green 1 x 4000lbs 6 x 1000lbs 2 x 500lbs Our object was to obliterate the residential and business portion of this place, which is responsible for maintaining the oil refineries in the near vicinity. Heavy flak made the target area rather sticky and a few pieces holed our tail-plane. 7 Lancasters were shot down. Reason for attack: In support of the armies’ advance the Ruhr is being systematically battered to prevent supplies from being kept up. Personal diary extract: - “I was on leave from 9 November until 16 November and spent one day in London, before travelling down to Portsmouth to stay at Billson's, being well looked after by Bob's mother - even getting breakfast in bed. Our first few days back in camp were wet and cold.” No 19 sortie 4hrs 35mins 21/11/44 STERKRADE Duty - Backers Up Aircraft – “B for Beer” Bomb-load - 6 x T.I. green 8 x 1000lbs Our target was a synthetic oil refinery. It was strongly defended by heavy flak, but about 5/10ths cloud cover prevented successful use of search-lights and it was rather inaccurate. Our aircraft was not damaged, although 15 Lancasters are missing from the night's operations. The marking and bombing was extremely well concentrated and heavy damage was inflicted on the plant. Reason for attack:- Although this plant has been badly mauled in previous R.A.F. raids, it had been sufficiently to recommence output, of synthetic oil, manufactured from coal. No 20 sortie 5hrs 35mins 27/11/44 FRIEBURG Duty - Visual Centrers Aircraft – “B for Beer” Bomb-load - 6 x T.I. green 1 x 4000lbs 5 x 1000lbs Frieburg is situated at the foot of the Swiss Alps and has a peace-time population of 110,000 people. At present it is approx 60 miles from our advancing front line and is the only important communication centre in the vicinity. It was very slightly defended and we attacked from 14,000ft in bright moonlight. The marking was accurate and the raid was highly successful. All of our bombers returned safely. The snow on the Alps was a lovely sight in the brilliant moonlight. Reason for attack:- Large numbers of troops were held in reserve here to stem the French advance on Southern Germany. We learned later that approx 35,000 people were killed in this highly successful raid. Data extracted from a redundant Site http://www.rafupwood.co.uk/156squadron.htm#156losses

Reg-_383_John_Edward_THOMSON.pdf

'At NOREUIL on 2nd April, 1917 this Non Commissioned Officer although wounded twice continued to lead his section in the face of heavy Machine Gun and Shell fire, encouraging his men, and continuing to do his duty until receiving his third wound.' Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 174 Date: 11 October 1917

https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=4594829

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/232534910/25010680

https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/R1566308

https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=4983975

https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=7376864

Handwritten_2026-04-05_132913.pdf

https://nominal-rolls.dva.gov.au/veteran?id=1045897&c=WW2#R

https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/R1535694

https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/R1579851

https://aif.adfa.edu.au/showPerson?pid=30521

https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/R1533253

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https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/R1533457

WX14294_Albert_Doyle_Handwritten_Notes.pdf

Newspaper_Clip_Black_Swan_Matilda.pdf