Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

My father applied to enter the Royal Australian Air Force in January 1942. He was 18 years and 4 months old. He then lived at 3 Hebert Street Franklin (later renamed Cheltenham). His application for military service is supported by his father, Mark Porter, “a railway change man.” The application shows that my father attended Pennington Public School from August 1935 to December 1936 and then Adelaide Technical High School, North Terrace, Adelaide, gaining his Intermediate certificate in November 1938, studying mathematics, arithmetic, geography, English, shorthand and typing. The following year he was awarded his leaving certificate, studying arithmetic, shorthand, English, economic history and book-keeping. My father had also started a Federal Institute of Accountants course at Accountancy College, Gawler Place, Adelaide on a part time basis in February 1940. He was employed as a Clerk in “control of various ledgers of account, and general office work”, at the Adelaide City Council.

In his application for the RAAF, my father indicated he played football, baseball, cricket and swimming. His hobbies included wireless telegraphy and construction. His height was recorded as 5 feet 8 and three quarter inches, weight 145 pounds and chest measurement of 35 and a quarter inches. His religion was listed as Methodist.

My father’s interview for service occurred on 12 January 1942. Three officers interviewed him. His reasons for wanting to join the Air Force are listed as: “sense of duty and patriotic.” He was no different to the thousands of other young men who enlisted.

He was described of “good appearance, clean and tidy, well dressed, respectful with a sound intelligence” or “well above average” and with a good personality. His aptitude test results show an above average performance for numerical calculation; good verbal expression; good to very good logical reasoning; good at checking routine numbers at speed; above average at checking spelling and very good at checking similar. His capacity for plans and designs was weak and mechanical aptitude fair only.

My father’s application was supported by two references – one from H Johnson, Director of Porter’s Pharmacy Limited, St Vincent Street, Port Adelaide. It certified that “Allan Porter, of Franklin, has been known to me for 16 years, during which time I have always found him honest and reliable, and I should not hesitate to recommend him for any duty which may be entrusted to him.” This testimonial was dated 9 January 1940, although it is possible this is an error as another testimonial, dated 10 January 1942 is from F.L Stone, City Treasurer confirms that my father has been attached to the staff of the City Treasure’s Department in a clerical capacity from 5 February 1940. He is described “as a fine type, his work is of high quality and I believe him to be absolutely trustworthy.”

On 14 January my father was enrolled on the Reserve of the Royal Australian Workforce. He took his oath on attestation on 5 February 1942 – “I swear I will well and truly serve our Sovereign Lord the King in the Air Force of the Commonwealth of Australia…and that I will resist His Majesty’s enemies and cause His Majesty’s peace to be kept and maintained…” My dad’s service record was 47526.

My father was based in Adelaide, Ascot Vale (No 1 Engineering School) Victoria, Port Pirie and then Adelaide again, Mt Gambier, Bradfield Park, Shepparton in 1942 and Townsville in 1943 and then No 6 Squadron, New Guinea. While on service, my father took leave a total of 57 days leave, including between 18 August 1942 to 21 August 1942; 9 November to 12 November 1942; 12 June 1943 to 15 June 1943, as well as sick leave from 26 July to 29 July 1943.

My father served in the 6 Squadron New Guinea, embarking on 27 November 1943 until 12 February 1945, based on Goodenough Island and disembarked in Australia on 8 February 1945. My mother and father married while my father was in service, on 3 September 1945.

While in service my father completed a Flight Mechanics Course with a mark of 78.66% on 20 June 1942; a conversion course from flight mechanic to Fitter IIE on 5 July 1945, assessed as proficient with distinction. Associated with this service he was eligible for the following decorations: 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal 1939-45, Australian Service Medal 1939-45, Returned from Active Service Badge. He served as a Flight Mechanic.

My father was discharged on 2 March 1946, having served for four years. On discharge my father’s general conduct sheet showed no entries for offences, although a service conduct record shows that while in Townsville he failed to appear at 0745 hours on 19 November 1943 at a parade appointed by his Commanding Officer, resulting in one day forfeiture of pay. My parents lived in Adelaide, before moving to Geelong where he worked in the Ford Motor works. Returning to Adelaide my father was an insurance agent for the AMP Society. He died of a heart attack aged 48 years.