Hulme, Andrew (Corporal, b. 1909 - d.1985)

Collection relating to the Second World War service of 22829 Corporal Andrew Hulme, No. 32 Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), Torres Strait Islands, 1942.

Collection consists of two handwritten letters from Corporal Hulme to his wife, dated 3 and 8 April 1942, and typed transcript of the letter dated 3 April 1942. Corporal Hulme served as a part of the Royal Australian Air Force ground crew on Horn Island, Torres Strait, in 1942.

Corporal Hulme’s letter dated 3 April 1942, is written from Townsville, Queensland, while in transit to Sydney, New South Wales, to have his previously injured knee treated. Being free from censorship restrictions, he describes in detail his duties as a member of the ground crew for No. 32 Squadron on Horn Island. Corporal Hulme mentions Lockheed aircraft and their Australian crews, many Allied crews bringing their aircraft to the base for repair, refuelling American “Flying Fortress” aircraft that were targeting Japanese ships, hearing stories of operations from aircraft crews, and experiencing a Japanese air raid on the base. This letter also includes the original envelope.

Corporal Hulme’s letter dated 8 April 1942 was written from a Sydney military hospital, while he was awaiting treatment for his injured knee. In his letter, he updates his wife on his condition, saying that he would rather not be operated on, but that it may be the only way for him to continue his service with the RAAF. He then describes his service on Horn Island, including attending to planes that landed in the middle of the night, clearing the runway, pushing them into their camouflaged places amongst the trees, and refuelling and inspecting them. Corporal Hulme shares that he misses life on the island, although he does not miss the mosquitoes. In the final portion of his letter, he describes his good treatment in hospital, and gives instruction for the repair of a radio set.