| Place | Europe: United Kingdom, England, Sussex, Matlaske |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | UK2745 |
| Collection type | Photograph |
| Object type | |
| Maker |
Mccourtney, (given names unknown) |
| Date made | 14 April 1945 |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
| Copyright |
Item copyright: Copyright expired - public domain
|
Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) official photograph of members of No. 453 Squadron RAAF at ...
Description
Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) official photograph of members of No. 453 Squadron RAAF at Royal Air Force (RAF) Station Matlaske, Sussex. Original captions reads: it can now be disclosed that the first Australian fighter Wing to operate in Europe - a Spitfire wing - devoted itself entirely to counter-measures against the V2 long-range rocket bomb. Operating from bases in Britain and on the Continent, the wing flew 1,328 sorties over Holland, bombing and strafing launching sites, workshops and transports, and cutting railway lines leading to the firing sites. Picture shows: - two flight commanders, Flight Lieutenants R. G. Clemesha, 403319, of Vaucluse New South Wales (NSW) and C. R. Leith, DFC [Distinguished Flying Cross], 411790 of Rose Bay, NSW, talk[ing] "shop" while fitters, LACs [Leading Aircraftman] L. E. McKenzie 125518 of West Preston, Victoria, and D. O. Herdman, 123121, of Rockhampton Queensland, service one of the Wing's Spitfires.