Richardson, George Wilfred (Chief Petty Officer Electrician, b.1920 - d.2006) and Pittard, George Charles Haxby (Lieutenant Commander, b.1909 - d.1989)

Collection relating to the Second World War service of R22908 Able Seaman (later Chief Petty Officer Electrician) George Wilfred Richardson and Lieutenant Commander George Charles Haxby Pittard VD, HMAS Bendigo, 1941-1943.

Wallet 1 of 1 - Collection consists of a typed transcript titled 'War Diary of H.M.A.S. "Bendigo"', which details the operations of the Bathurst-class minesweeper from its commissioning in May 1941 through to March 1943, when the author was posted elsewhere. The first seven months of HMAS Bendigo's service is written as a brief narrative, covering initial sea trials, training, minesweeping and patrols in Darwin and arrival in Singapore. Thereafter, the manuscript consists of dated and transcribed diary entries. The entries document Japan's entry into the war, HMAS Bendigo's early engagements with Japanese submarines and warships, air raids, the fall of Singapore and the Dutch East Indies, leave in Brisbane, escort and patrol operations in the waters of northern Australia and around New Guinea, Operation Lilliput, and the sinking of the Dutch ship SS Jacob.

The manuscript is thought to have been transcribed by Lieutenant Commander George Pittard based on the original writings of Able Seaman George Richardson.