Identity disc : Squadron Leader J C Holmes, 460 Squadron RAAF

Octagonal aluminium identity disc with a hole at each end. The obverse is engraved, '405797 HOLMES J. C RAAF CE'. The reverse is engraved, 'O' and the numeral '4' in a circle.

This identity disc was found by a farmer while ploughing a field on the site of the old RAF Binbrook airfield in Lincolnshire, England. The disc belonged to Squadron Leader J C Holmes who was based at Binbrook with 460 Squadron, RAAF. Born at Brisbane on 2 September 1921, John Cecil Holmes was working as a wool classer and living at Albany Creek, Queensland when he enlisted in the RAAF on 20 June 1941. Serving with 460 Squadron, Holmes was promoted to squadron leader in February 1945 and was killed on 5 March 1945 during an attack on Chemnitz, Germany. Squadron Leader Holmes was 23 years old when he was killed. At Parliament House Brisbane on 15 June 1949, the Governor General presented Holmes' mother, Mrs Joan Presley Holmes, with the Distinguished Flying Cross which had been awarded to Holmes for his 'fortitude, courage and devotion on numerous sorties.'.