Neilson, Rupert Charles (Flying Officer, b.1922 - d.2010)

Collection relating to the Second World War service of O215048 (412652) Flying Officer Rupert Charles Neilson, 234 Squadron and 10 Group Communication Flight, Royal Australian Air Force, Australia and the United Kingdom, Australia and the United Kingdom, 1941-1974.

Wallet 1 of 2 – Consists of one flying log book of Flying Officer Rupert Charles Neilson, containing entries dated between 16 October 1941 and 23 May 1974. This log book covers the period of Flying Officer Neilson’s pilot training, service with 234 Squadron and 10 Group Communication Flight, and time as a flying instructor. This log book records details such as dates and times of flights, aircraft types and numbers, aircrew, and purposes of flights. Some of the recorded purposes of flights include elementary flying training, service flying training, advanced flying training, operational training, reconnaissance flights, escorting convoys, aerial patrols, air sea rescue searches, transportation, and flying instruction. This log book also contains one letter from Flying Officer Neilson to the Commanding Officer of 234 Squadron, dated 23 January 1943, and two photographs.

Wallet 2 of 2 – Contains two folders of material relating to Flying Officer Rupert Charles Neilson.
Wallet 2 of 2, Folder 1 of 2 consists of one log book of Flying Officer Neilson. This log book contains a summary of hours flown in different types of aircraft, and entries dated between 10 July and 30 August 1945. This log book covers the period of Flying Officer Neilson’s service as a flying instructor. It records details such as dates and times of flights, aircraft types and numbers, aircrew, and purposes of flights.
Wallet 2 of 2, Folder 2 of 2 consists of one identity card and one flight crew licence of Flying Officer Neilson. The identity card was issued by the Royal Air Force in July 1944, and contains a photograph and personal description of Flying Officer Neilson. The flight crew licence was issued by the Australian Department of Aviation in May 1951.

Flying Officer Rupert Charles Neilson enlisted to the Royal Australian Air Force on 20 July 1941. After his elementary and service flying training, he travelled to the United Kingdom to complete his operational training. Flying Officer Neilson went on to serve as a Spitfire pilot with 234 Squadron in the United Kingdom. With this unit, he participated in patrols and convoy protection. He later transferred to 10 Group Communication Flight, and then returned to Australia to serve as a flying instructor. During his service, Flying Officer Neilson was mentioned in despatches. He was discharged on 28 September 1945. After the war, Flying Officer Neilson served in the Active Citizen Air Force.