Vernon, David (Wing Commander, b.1915 - d.2005)

Memoir relating to the Second World War service of 462 (O390) Squadron Leader (later Wing Commander) David Vernon, No. 10 Squadron, No. 11 Squadron,

The digital memoir describes Wing Commander Vernon's early life, including his immigration to Australia. He recalls his enlistment with the RAAF in 1937, and his progression and training from stores clerk to Officer Cadet before the declaration of the Second World War, following which he undertood additional training for seaplanes and flying boats. He recalls his wedding to his wife Gwen (nee Hinks) shortly before his transfer to Canada and then the United Kingdom to join No. 10 Squadron. Following his arrival in the UK, Vernon describes his work at the RAF stations at Mount Batten, Oban, and Pembroke Dock, where he describes the operations of the Squadron in Short Sunderland flying boats, providing air cover for convoys of ships, carrying out attacks on enemy submarines, air raids on RAF stations, secondment to No. 230 Squadron (RAF) in Egypt, searches for enemy shipping, air-sea rescue flights, and transport of stores. He write about his leave in Egypt, Lebanon and Palestine, reconaissance missions at very low altitude, the acquisition of a pet canary named 'Conchito', the deaths of his friends Flight Leiutenants Maurice Leopold "Buck" Judell and Edwin St Clair Yeoman in 1942 in operations over the Atlantic Ocean. Vernon writes on his relocation back to Australia and beginning operations with No. 11 Squadron flying Consolidated Catalina flying boats, and the difference in conditions between his previous and new operational duties. Operations with the No. 11 Squadron included night reconaissance, bombing, and mining missions. Finally, after a short time based in Sydney, he writes of being appointed the Staff Officer, Operations at Northern Command, based in Madang, New Guinea. He writes on the process of setting up a rest camp at Goroka, New Guinea for Australian servicemen.