OCTOBER 18, 1943
THE BIG DAY IS HERE AT LAST

BACK

PHOTOS AND EYEWITNESS ACCOUNTS.

Laurie Crouch - Fitter/Armourer.

October 18, the big day at last. Up fairly early, put finishing touches to gear packing and after a lovely breakfast of burnt porridge and dehydrated eggs I went around the boys and said au-revoir. Carted gear up to Orderly Room where we got into a truck, then left camp, waving to all the lads. Spent till 1100 down at 7TMO where had a cup of coffee; airborne at 1100. A fond farewell to ‘Ginger’ Saw our boys just going up to camp. A good trip across to Milne Bay, touching down at 1135; the usual beautiful coral reefs. Had a fair wait at TMO but we did not go away in case and aircraft turned up. We missed out on lunch but had a drink and sandwiches at ACF hut, very nice. Our crate came in and we got aboard; airborne at 1500, our last touch of New Guinea. A sharp right-hand bank and we headed off for Townsville. We soon left land behind and all we saw was water. Flying at 10,000 feet it was very cold. Sow, Alan and Jeep with me played a few games of 500; the former won. Very smooth travelling. Sighted first part of Barrier Reef at 1735; beautiful sights on the reef. Good old Aussie at 1835. Not long before we were circling Garbutt where we touched down at 1850. A trip of nearly 4 hours. Plenty of aircraft on the drome. Truck took us round to pool, tea and to our huts and to roost. Met Harley Presser who is on his way to Merauke.

George Dusting - Fitter IIE.

October 18, kites took of for Dobodura today but returned because of weather. I fell off a mainplane and wrenched my knee. Had to get a massage and bandage. Looks like it might be a bit of a bother. Got the air system job on A19-34 finished tonight. Got our Yankee issue of cigarettes, tobacco, soap, toothpaste, etc, tonight we looked like a lot of Father Xmas going back to our tents.

Don Kirkwood - Navigator.

October 18, Monday, usual morning work. Panic this afternoon again. Packed up for a one night stay away from camp pending a job tomorrow in coordination with the Yanks. Returned home after nearly reaching Dobodura due to a Savannah three reports although we could still see over 20 miles. Wouldn’t it? (deleted by censor) four letters tonight. Two from Mary. Hand out of comforts after tea. A carton of Yank cigarettes featuring amongst them. They were promptly sold to Bunny at a fair price for all.