BAXTER, Robert Wilson
Service Number: | 400689 |
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Enlisted: | 13 October 1940 |
Last Rank: | Flight Sergeant |
Last Unit: | No. 150 Squadron (RAF) |
Born: | Ballarat, Vic., 5 March 1918 |
Home Town: | Shepparton, Greater Shepparton, Victoria |
Schooling: | Mildura High School, Ballarat College |
Occupation: | Bank Clerk |
Died: | Accidental, United Kingdom, 7 August 1942, aged 24 years |
Cemetery: |
Selby Cemetery Grave 5311 |
Memorials: | Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour, International Bomber Command Centre Memorial, Mildura High School WW2 Honour Roll |
World War 2 Service
3 Sep 1939: | Involvement Flight Sergeant, 400689 | |
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13 Oct 1940: | Enlisted Royal Australian Air Force, Flight Sergeant, 400689, No. 150 Squadron (RAF) |
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Add my storyBiography contributed by Faithe Jones
Son of George Silverton Baxter and Jessie Ann Baxter, of Colac, Victoria
Deeds That Live Forever
For unselfish heroism, by which he saved the life of a comrade, Sgt Robert Wilson Baxter, RAAF, has received the George Medal. He was captain of a bomber which made a successful raid on Germany. His aircraft was hit from the ground defences and caught alight when nearing his base. After landing, five of the crew got out but the wireless operator was trapped. Though ammunition and pyrotechnics were exploding, and the petrol tanks were liable to explode at any moment, Sgt Baxter re-entered the aircraft, and succeeded in releasing the wireless operator and pushing him through the pilot's escape hatch. He himself got clear just before the tanks exploded, but he suffered extensive burns.
WITH THE FORCES
Mr. and Mrs. G. S. Baxter, of Swan Hill, Mildura (V.), and Albury, have been advised that their only son, Sgt.-Pilot Robert 'Wilson Baxter, lost his life on August 7 as a result of air operations. His parents were advised last week that he had been awarded the George Medal for entering a blazing bomber and risking his life to save his wireless operator. Sgt. Pilot Baxter was educated at Ballarat (V.) college, and was a member of the staff of the Shepparton branch of the Bank of N.S.W. He did his initial training in N.S.W. and was sent to Canada in February, 1941. where he gained his wings. He left Canada for England In July, 1941, and completed his training at Gloucester, England.