Peter Isaacson was our patron until his death in 2017. We thought it fitting that we should remember him at this time where we remember those who served. This short video is part of an interview made in 2009 by Keith Webb for the Temora Aviation Museum’s Unsung Heroes Project. Peter is speaking here about joining Pathfinder Force.
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Wrigley’s Heroes – Battle of the Rhur
There were many heroic actions by the men of Bomber Command during the Battle of the Rhur. Henry Wrigley singles out three stories here.
Find out more about Henry Wrigley here: https://bombercommand.org.au/air-vice-marshal-wrigleys-book-of-heroes/
Wrigley’s Heroes – Pilot Officer Dunstan
Pilot Officer Dunstan was a remarkable hero as detailed in Henry Wrigley’s story.
Read about Henry Wrigley here: https://bombercommand.org.au/air-vice-marshal-wrigleys-book-of-heroes/
Arthur Atkins DFC
It was a pleasure to meet Arthur Atkins again at the 2019 Kew RSL march. At the age of 101 Arthur still has the appearance of a fit man 20 years his junior.
We were privileged to be invited to Arthur’s 100th birthday celebrations where this short video was made of Arthur, a natural storyteller talking about formating on a B17 in his Lancaster. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WrthvGpy0QQ&fbclid=IwAR2DvtpwIA3gFUht199zfM5au6Nl95OINAAgEBkduMrD3fwaIEfK4302ZxU
Back in 2014 when Arthur was only 95 Keith Webb, committee member of BCCAV recorded an interview with him for the Temora Aviation Museum’s Unsung Heroes project. Here’s a short edit from that interview where Arthur speaks about the perils of ‘George’, the Lancaster’s automatic pilot.
Kew RSL ANZAC Day march 2019
Bomber Command Commemorative Association of Victoria was honoured to represent all veterans of the RAAF who gave so much of themselves during WW2 at the Kew RSL Anzac Day march held in brilliant sunshine on Sunday April 14th.
Our contingent was led by Chair Paul Dipnall and Vice-Chair Jan Dimmick. It was a pleasure to participate along with the Niddrie Squadron of the Air League Cadets who carried our banner. Well done to the Kew RSL for their hospitality and great company. Our thanks and appreciation to Gavin Fahey, President Kew RSL and his Committee for their hospitality and goodwill on the day.
Members of the Niddrie Squadron of the Air League Cadets with Paul Dipnall outside the Kew RSL before the march to the Kew Cenotaph
Mrs. Jan Dimmick, BCCAV Vice Chair
Arthur Atkins DFC, former Lancaster pilot with 625 Sqn RAF, aged 101 years.
Former Committee member Scott Bramley, Middle School Chaplain, Carey Baptist Grammar School with student representatives, Liam Bradley (in front of Scott), Jamie Holmes, Carey Middle School Captain (with wreath) and Hamish Bradley.
BCCAV Chair Paul Dipnall with Arthur Atkins DFC and Vice Chair Jan Dimmick
Slat grille Jeep owned by Gordon Edwards, Victorian Military Vehicle Corps
ANZAC DAY 2019 Melbourne March
All veterans and family members are warmly invited to attend this most important event.
Assembly point will be on the south side (station side) of Flinders St. The step off time will be 10.20 am. Walk down Finders St from the clocks (westerly direction) and you will find us. Look for our banner.
For veterans who need transport, there is a request form attached here. Request – RACV Transport
Become a member
You can now help support the work of BCCAV by becoming a member of our Association
Peter Isaacson interview by Dave Homewood
New Zealand based podcaster and aviation historian Dave Homewood interviewed Peter Isaacson back in November 2015 as part of his Wings Over Australia series.
Wings Over Australia is part of the Wings Over New Zealand aviation podcast which also contains many interviews with Bomber Command aircrew of the RNZAF.
Dave was particularly interested in the tour Peter Isaacson made of New Zealand in Lancaster Queen VI which he flew from the UK to Australia.
Here’s the link: http://www.cambridgeairforce.org.nz/WONZShow/2015/12/woa-peter-isaacson/
A 608 Squadron Navigator
All too often the smaller aircraft types which served Bomber Command receive little attention. 608 Squadron in 1944/45 was a Pathfinder and light night striking squadron operating DeHavilland Mosquito aircraft. Alan Beavis DFM was a Navigator and flew 55 operational sorties towards the end of the war. He trained in Australia at Mt. Gambier and Port Pirie before being posted to England.
His operational time was 219.30 hours night operations and 7.20 day. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal on one of the daylight operations when they had to take over as lead aircraft.
A page from Alan’s logbook showing several of the 25 operational sorties to Berlin.
608 Squadron members pose on one of their Mosquitos. The later Mk XVI could carry the 4,000 pound ‘Cookie’ blast bomb.
Alan on leave in London
A couple of images of one of Alan’s maps showing the route taken to Berlin, known to crews as ‘The Big City’.
Alan was interviewed by Keith Webb for the Temora Aviation Museum’s Unsung Heroes project in 2017.
RSL Annual State Remembrance Service at Springvale War Cemetery
Here’s a heads up for this service to be held by the Victorian RSL at the Springvale War Cemetery within the grounds of the Springvale Botanical Cemetery, all welcome on Sunday November 4th 2018 commencing at 1PM.
Details are in the attached pdf document.
Bomber Command Commemorative Association Victoria (Inc) 