Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Herbert James Bullmore was the only son and one of 5 children born to Dr Herbert Henry Bullmore and his wife Mrs Elfrida Bullmore of Sydney.

Prior to his enlistment in April 1940 with the Royal Australian Air Force , James (as he preferred to be called) was an Overseer at Mungadal Station in the Riverina district of southern New South Wales.

James was amongst the first RAAF members to complete their training under the Empire Air Training Scheme within Australia in 1940. Soon after the completion of that training he embarked for duty in the United Kingdom. During his time in the UK he participated in bombing raids over Germany and as a night fighter in 23 Squadron (RAF) focused on attacking German bombers as they returned to airfields in France. He was later transferred to Ferry Command flying between England and America. He returned to Australia in March 1942.

In June 1942 Flying Officer Bullmore was transferred to 22 Squadron and he was promoted to Flight Leiutenant on 1 October 1942 . 22 Squadron deployed to Port Moresby in New Guinea in October 1942 where it flew in support of Australian Army operations against the Japanese around Buna and Gona.

On 29 November 1942, Flight Lieutenant Bullmore was engaged in air operations against the Japanese over Gona when he was killed in action.

A description of the circumstances of his death is described in a letter, written by Squadron Leader C C LEARMOUTH,  to Flight Lieutenant Bullmore's sister (Mrs Anthony Horden), contained within the Casualty and Repatriation file and reads as follows:

"Ät 1000 hours on 29th November, 1942, Flying Officer H J BULLMORE, Flying Officer H B CRAIG, and myself, set off on a bombing and strafing raid of Japanese positions at Gona Mission. When we arrived in the target area, American B17's were making precision bombing attacks and the three of us broke formation and formed a circle around the target. On receipt of the signal to attack, Flying Officer BULLMORE was in the most favourable position to make a run and he did so, followed by Flying Officer CRAIG and myself. When over the centre of the target, Flying Officer BULLMORE's aircraft suddenly caught fire and blew up in mid-air. Both Harry CRAIG and myself flew over the scene of the crash some seconds later and we both feel convinced that there could be no survivors and that no member of the crew had any suffering whatsoever."

The letter goes on to say:

"My sympathy to you must appear small and out of hand, but nevertheless I offer it with full sincerity and all the sorrow of my heart. James BULLMORE was a brilliant officer and a brilliant pilot and he was held in the highest esteem of every man in the R.A.A.F.  who knew him. I have lost one of the greatest friends and there is not a man in the Squadron who does not personally feel the loss of James BULLMORE. His courage and tenacity were the highest I have seen, his keeness and energy an inspiration to every man in the service. "

Lest we Forget.