Watson, Albert (Warrant Officer, b.1922 – d.2009)

Collection relating to the Second World War service of 436692 Warrant Officer Albert Watson, 14 Aircrew Holding Unit, Royal Australian Air Force, Australia and England, 1943-1974.

Wallet 1 of 2 – Consists of two folders of material relating to Warrant Officer Watson, dating from 1943 to 1946.

Folder 1 of 2 contains one Member's Pay Book, seven telegrams and one Statement of Account relating to Warrant Officer Watson, dated from 1943 to 1946.
1x Member's Pay book issued to Warrant Officer Watson, dated from 24 April 1943 to 24 November 1945.
1x Telegram from Warrant Officer Watson, Perth, Western Australia, to his mother [Mrs Catherine Watson], dated 5 March 1943. In this telegram he informs her of his updated postal address.
1x Telegram from Warrant Officer Watson, Perth, Western Australia, to his mother [Mrs Catherine Watson], dated 20 March 1943. In this telegram he informs her of his receipt of parcels and letters.
1x Telegram from Warrant Officer Watson, Victor Harbour, South Australia, to his mother [Mrs Catherine Watson], dated 16 June 1943. In this telegram he informs of his new role as a pilot.
1x Telegram from Warrant Officer Watson, Parafield, South Australia, to his mother [Mrs Catherine Watson], dated 8 September 1943. In this telegram he informs her of a solo flight.
1x Telegram from Hollas [exact identity unknown], Highworth, London, to the Watson family, dated 17 November 1945. This telegram informs of Warrant Officer Watson’s movement.
1x Telegram from Warrant Officer Watson, Perth, Western Australia, to his mother [Mrs Catherine Watson], dated 23 November 1945. In this telegram he informs her of his safe arrival in Fremantle, Western Australia.
1x Telegram 2 Personnel Depot, Sydney, New South Wales, to Mr Watson, dated 27 November 1945. This telegram informs of Warrant Officer Watson’s arrival in Sydney.
1x Statement of Account issued to Warrant Officer Watson, dated 10 April 1946.

Folder 2 of 2 contains one training notebook, one message form and one document relating to Warrant Officer Watson, dated 1943.

1x Notebook containing training notes written by Warrant Officer Watson during attendance in 1 Elementary Flight Training School, c 1943. This notebook contains training notes on electrical and engine systems, bombing, navigational courses, emergency procedures and theories of flight. Additionally, this notebook contains five pages of flight records detailing flying times, courses and mileage, and a list of names and numbers.
1x Message Form relating to Warrant Officer Watson, dated 30 December [1943].
1x Royal Australian Air Force Daily Routine Orders document, relating to Warrant Officer Watson, dated 10 September 1943. This document informs of his unit’s training duties, Jewish holiday leave and gymnasium use.

Wallet 2 of 2 – Consists of one Royal Air Force training notebook, one Flying Log Book, one notebook and one Flight Crew Licence [including associated letter] relating to Warrant Officer Watson, dated from 1943 to 1974.

The Royal Air Force training notebook was written by Warrant Officer Watson during his attendance at Course 94 in New South Wales, c 1943. This notebook contains training notes on signals, airmanship, navigation, meteorology, aircraft recognition and associated illustrations. Additionally, this notebook contains a document on aircraft recognition, a list of Warrant Officer Watson’s personal belongings and two documents on Radio Telegraphy Vocabulary.

The Flying Log Book was used by to Warrant Officer Watson, during his flight training in Australia and England, dated from 1943 to 1945. This log book contains entries regarding aircraft types, flight operations and duties, mileage, time and certificates of course assessments.

The notebook was written by Warrant Officer Watson [date unknown]. This notebook contains training notes on general flight instructions, engine testing, operational low flying and precautionary descents. This notebook also contains one loose leaf Australian Comforts Fund page, further training notes and lists of acronyms.

The Flight Crew Licence was issued to Warrant Officer Watson, dated 11 March 1974. This license contains one letter from the Department of Transport to Warrant Officer Watson, dated 15 March 1974. In this letter he is informed of his glasses restriction.

Warrant Officer Albert Watson initially enlisted in the Australian Second Imperial Force on 11 September 1940 in Millers Point, New South Wales. He served as a private with the 30th Australian Infantry Battalion for two years and four months. In May of 1942, Warrant Officer Watson unsuccessfully attempted to enlist in the Royal Australian Air Force in Sydney, New South Wales. On 6 March 1943 he attempted again, and successfully enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force in Perth, Western Australia. He began flight training in New South Wales from 22 November 1943. On 9 April 1944 he received his flying badge, and on 13 June he was posted to the United Kingdom. He continued his service in England with 14 Aircrew Holding Unit , until returning home on 28 November 1945. Warrant Officer Watson was discharged on 18 January 1946.