| Accession Number | P11016.028 |
|---|---|
| Collection type | Photograph |
| Object type | Black & white - Print silver gelatin |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Place made | Australia: New South Wales, Sydney, Lindfield, Bradfield Park |
| Date made | 28 August 1941 |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
| Copyright |
Item copyright: Copyright expired - public domain
|
Collection related to the service of 413394 John Maxwell Knight RAAF
Description
Identification portrait of 413349 Leading Aircraftman James Leopold Vincent Comans from Dover Heights, NSW. A 29 year old articled law clerk prior to enlisting in the RAAF on 17 August 1941, he trained as a pilot and was appointed a Pilot Officer on 15 October 1942, Flying Officer on 15 April 1943 and Flight Lieutenant on 15 October 1944, serving as an Acting Squadron Leader from 16 October 1944 until 4 June 1945.
He embarked from Melbourne on 27 November 1942 on attachment to the RAF, arriving in the United Kingdom on 7 January 1943. On the night of 29/30 March 1943, he was slightly injured on air operations in a forced landing in the North Sea. While serving with the RAF, he was awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) for skill, fortitude and devotion to duty in operations against the enemy. He was later awarded a Bar to the DFC for continued coolness and leadership and also as an outstanding captain of an aircraft. He arrived back in Australia on 24 July 1945 and his appointment was terminated on 16 October that same year.