Gallery


Canberra Commemmorative Gathering

Australian National Museum - Guest Speaker A/Marshall David Evans, AC, AO, DSO, AFC

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Air Commodore Keith Parsons, Air Marshal David Evans, Laurie Woods, 460 Squadron Queensland President. Air Marshal Ray Funnell and wife Susanne at lunch with Arthur Hoyle DFC. noted author of several books and of the book "The Lucky Airman" the service life of Hughie Edwards, VC. Bill & Joy Moffatt enjoy a breather at lunch.

Commemmorative Gathering Farewell Dinner - Rydges Lakeside Hotel, 5th December 2003

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Air Vice–Marshal, Christopher Spence, AM, Deputy Chief Royal Australian Air Force. Jean (widow of Bill Gourlay, DFC) with Bill's squadron mate. Guest of Honour Arthur Skimin (Vice Pres. Canberra RAAF Assoc.) & wife Peggy. Arthur did a wonderful service of organising the rock & plaques in honour of Hughie Edwards VC Jean again, with Bill's squadron mate Laurie Woods, DFC & wife Barbara. Jean (widow of Bill Gourlay, DFC) with Bill's squadron mate Ken Tweedie, DFC & wife Joan

Gilmore Primary School

It was my pleasure to visit the Gilmore Primary School in company with Arthur Skimin and Vic Grimmett DFC and our wives. Following a description of a raid over Germany by myself, I then presented the school with a Certificate of Appreciation for their marvellous donation of $8,000 of tree guards for the Hughie Edwards VC Park, and as a memento of our visit, I had pleasure in presenting a copy of my book "Flying into the Mouth of Hell" for the school library.

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Headmistress Kay Patterson displaying the book and Certificate of Appreciation. Vic Grimmett DFC, invited a question time delighting the kids.

Australian War Memorial Commoration Service - Saturday 6th December, 2003

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Air Vice–Marshal, Christopher Spence, AM, Deputy Chief Royal Australian Air Force Laying of wreaths at the Australian War Memorial. The gathering at the Australian War Memorial in remembrance of the 9,000 RAAF Bomber Command veterans of whom 3,486 were killed. Roulettes in a flying display together with some vintage planes.

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Operations - Crews

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Aircrew donning parachute harness ready for the operation. Wing Commander Marsh explains the tactics for tonight's raid. Squadron crews of mainly 'C' Flight lined up in front of 'A2' Aussie, March 1944. Vic Neale and crew, front right hand corner. In the background the station commanders, Group Captain, Hughie Edwards car or the car of the squadron commander, Wing Commander, H.D. Marsh. Jim Petersen after finishing his tour on 460 squadron was later posted to 576 squadron as gunnery leader and also comforts fund distribution officer. 460 Squadron, December, 1944, Commanding Officer, Group Captain Keith Parsons DFC, centre front. Farewell to 'G' George by ground crews who dressed in full uniform for the occasion in May 1944. Briefing by Squadron Leader Leathedale, the Intelligence Officer.

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Operations - Ground

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Preparing to bomb-up a Lancaster of No. 460 Squadron, armourer Cpl W. E. Dawson rides a 4,000lb high-capacity bomb (a 'Cookie'), while behind is a portion of the incendiary bomb containers which made up the normal load for area attacks, September 1943. Lancaster bombed up with 4000lb (Cookie) blast bomb surrounded by canisters of incendiaries with armourer arming the cookie. A load of 500lb bombs and Cookie. An indication of the size of the 4000lb (Cookie) Bomb shows Bill Gourlay (Nav) and 3 gunners from Vic Neale's crew. Photo taken of the Cookie to be loaded onto K2 in May 1944. The Armourers loading 500lb bombs from the bomb dump. In the background 4000lb cookies lined up ready for loading. Hang on fellers, we want a photo of the good job you are doing on our starboard inner motor, she was a bit rough last night. Final touches on the port inner motor during the maintenance checks. 460 Squadron crews at dispersal waiting for the word go. Squadron Leader Tony Willis (on completion of 2nd tour) advises crew member. Note in the background the weather is an indication of why the crews are waiting. It would seem there is a very heavy fog. Recovery of the plane after a lucky belly landing. Recovery - Very bent, and with engine air intakes filled with earth, an early 
Lanc, R5845 of 1660 Conversion Unit, Swinderby, is lifted ready for the recover trolley 
by a crew of 58 MU.

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Operations - Flying

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Flying control staff at work. L–R Betty Gardiner, Pat Hinton, Harry Oates (on phone) Fl/Lt Bernard Jones Flying control staff taking a breather. L–R Unknown, Harry Oates, then 6th Betty Gardiner, 8th Pat Hinton

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Operations - Operation Manna/Chowhound

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Loading up another load as quickly as possible On the airfields of Nos. 1 and 3 Groups, the military men literally worked day and night to get the much needed food to Holland. Sunday Dispatch, May 6, 1945 - Then I dived down to 300 feet and released 2,000 loaves of bred! - By Roland Davie God, Oh God, Here they come! Lancasters flying low approaching the food drop areas The Dutch people were so happy they climbed on the roofs of their homes to wave to the planes 'Below I saw people running to collect the food...' United States Flying Fortresses on the food drop flight No matter it fell in the ditch it still had to be recovered Dropping food on Holland in Operation Manna/Chowhound "Thank you, boys" spelled out in field showing the gratitude of the Dutch people. Photo from the 490th BG on the 3-4-45 food drop

Final Parade – East Kirkby

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Final Parade inspection of 460 squadron "Menzie's Blue Orchids", nicknamed by the Army, but very proud to wear the uniform, led by Air Vice Marshal Wrigley C/O. RAAF England, followed by Squadron Commander Wing Commander Swann, DSO, DFC, then Wing Commander Frank Lawrence, DFC, DFM and other distinguished officers, East Kirkby 460 Squadron October, 1945. Squadron being addressed by Air Vice Marshall Wrigley, Commanding Officer RAAF England. Final Parade, East Kirkby 460 Squadron October, 1945. DROs being read proclaiming the completion of 460 squadron tour of duty.

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Marches

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More than willing helpers Barbara Woods and granddaughter Erica help readying the 460 squadron banner. Anzac Day 1993 in Brisbane, Jim Petersen, DFM., Laurie Woods, DFC., ( grandsons Jarod & Gene), Roy Brough, Joe Brown, DFM., Bob Clarke. Anzac Day 2000 Brisbane, 460 squadron ready to move off led by Laurie Woods, assisted by grand children Gene, (Aust/flag) Erica, (RAAF Flag), followed by 467/463 squadron led by Australian President, Max Johnson, pilot who flew "S" Sugar of Hendon Museum fame on its last raid over Germany. Anzac Day Brisbane 2000 (photo courtesy Craig Smith)<br />
L. to R. front.Joe Brown, DFM, Col Wheatley, Harry (Cherry) Carter, DFC., with camera, Linda Van Uitregt, (daughter of Laurie Woods) behind and to her left, Don Cummings. Max Johnson, leading 467/463 Joe Brown, DFM, (Sec. Qld) (blue jacket very light pants) Col Weakley, (ex Sec, Qld) (in middle wearing hat and dark glasses) Peter Dunn, s.in law Jan Goulevitch (light brown hat) Front row. Henry Baskerville, DFC., Sydney (Mick) Mc Grory, DFM., & Bob Jackson. Anzac Day 2002 in Brisbane, Laurie Woods DFC, assisted by his grandchildren (left to right), Denzal, Erica, and Naomi. Anzac Day, Brisbane, 2004 (courtesy Peter Johnson (467–463 squadron) his father, Max, seated in the front seat of jeep) Anzac Day, Brisbane, 2004 (courtesy Peter Johnson)

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Reunions

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Brisbane, 2000 – Queensland President, Laurie Woods and wife Barbara. Brisbane, 2000. Mrs Peter Dunn, speaks with Kath and Joe Brown, DFM (Qld/Sec). Bill Moffatt (right) with Bert Newton (left) and Arthur Whitmarsh after they had flow into Binbrook again in a Lancaster for the 460 Squadron reunion in 1982. L–R. Don Cumming (Treas/Qld), Barbara Woods, Bill Moffatt (Sec/NSW), Joe Brown, DFM (Sec/Qld). Laurie Woods, DFC (Qld/Pres), presents certificate to RAAF Amberley. Queensland presentation of Life member certificates to Jim Petersen and Syd (Mick) McGrory. 
L to R. Jim Petersen, DFM, wife Estelle, Joe Brown, DFM, wife Kath, Syd (Mick) McGrory, DFM (standing), wife Jean, Laurie Woods, DFC, Millie Cumming and husband Don. 460 squadron Lancaster, K2 "C" Flight, crew members, Keith Chamberlain, Bill Young, Laurie Woods and Geoff Tallents. Perth Reunion 1994. Peter Firkins, (Strike & Return) speaking with Laurie Woods, (Flying into the Mouth of Hell). The couple standing to the left, Gordon Stooke, (Flak and Barbed Wire) talking to the lady. Brisbane Reunion 2000, L to R. Joe Brown, DFM., (M/C) wife Kath Brown, Barbara Woods, Air Commodore, David Dunlop, AC., (Guest Speaker) John Burgess, (Pres. Air Force Asscn.) wife Gill Bundamba College, Queensland, Anzac Day celebration service, 2001. L to R. Jim Petersen, DFM., Bob Jackson, George Williams, Mick McGrory, DFM., Joe Brown, DFM., Don Cumming, Laurie Woods DFC., (Guest Speaker) Doug Satchell, a familiar face at 460 reunions, who, with his twin brother, served with distinction on 460 squadron. Sgt. Bill Young, who did a marvellous job with his crew keeping K2 "Killer" flying in perfect condition. Adelaide, 1994, Don Cummigs, (Treas/Qld) Geoff Tallents (Country V/P NSW) and wife Dorothy. Adelaide, 1994, Harry (Cherry) Carter, Bert Newton (Engineer/Officer 460 squadron) and wife. Adelaide, 1994, Roy & Peggy Howard and Geoff McGee.

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Local commemorations

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Wives of Members of 460 Squadron, Queensland, Armistice Day, 1995.Left to Right: Barbara Woods, Millie Cumming, Gloria Brough, Joan McKane, ?? Williams, Betty Bates, Fay Wheatley, Estelle Petersen. Members of 460 Squadron, Queensland gathered with their memorial on Kingsford–Smith Drive, Brisbane Airport , Armistice Day, 1999.<br />
  Left to right: Ian Vickers, Jack McQueen, Roy Brough, Don Cummings, Jack Williams, Laurie Woods, Jim Crabb, Eddie McKane, Jim Petersen, Bob Clarke, Col Wheatley. Presentation to Amberley Air Base Officers' Mess on the Anniversary of VE Day, 8th May 2000 by former members Laurie Woods, President of the Queensland Branch of 460 Squadron RAAF Association, assisted by Sgt. Bill Young and Flying Officer Bill Gourlay DFC Adelaide Gathering December, 2002: L–R Len Fox, Don Williams, Laurie Bertram, Bob Bruce, Eric Germain, Ken Giles, DFM., Tom Dally, Ern Milde, Bryant Marshall,  Vic Grimmett, DFC., Don Gardrer. Perth, Nov. 2001, Unveiling statue of Sir Hughie Edwards.<br />
Left to Right: Jerry Bateman,DFC., Ross Gallop, Allan Forbes, Nev Johnson, Doug Arrowsmith, John Graham, Herb Dawson. Seated – Don Gardener ( S.A.), Norm Healy, John Currie.


Commemorative Plaque presented to RAAF Station Amberley – 8 May 1997

WG/CDR K OSLEY: "We consider the absence of a 460 Squadron plaque at Amberley to be a serious omission that needed urgent redress. It would be hard to find a more appropriate location than RAAF Amberley, given that it is, and will remain, the home of the RAAF's modern "heavy bomber" force. The young men and women operating the F–111 aircraft are kindred spirits to those who served in 460 Squadron many years before.

"The proud history and achievements of 460 Squadron never cease to inspire us. Many of the "firsts" achieved by the Squadron provide testament ot the determination, teamwork and consistent effort of all of the squadron members, both on the ground and in the air. One such notable "first" was No. 460 Squadon being the first unit to complete 5,000 sorties in Lancasters. Some other more sombre statistics bear witness to the sacrifice and courage of the aircrews. As you are well aware, No. 460 Squadron had the highest casualty rate of any unit in the Australian Army, Navy or Air Force in World War II. The motto of the unit was "strike and return"; but unfortunately for many of your squadron aircrews the "strike" portion of the motto was a one way misson.

"These terrible statistics are more than adequate justification for the plaque, and something which a piece of brass cannot really do justice to. However, while "heavy bombers" continue to fly from Amberley, and the young aircrew that fly them are aware of the story of 460 Squadron, the plaque will serve as a reminder of the sacrifice and heroic tradition that was forged more than 50 years ago."

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