| Places | |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | PR00708 |
| Collection type | Private Record |
| Record type | Collection |
| Measurement | 2cm (1 item) |
| Object type | Diary |
| Maker |
Cosgriff, Brian |
| Date made | 1943-1944 |
| Access | Open |
| Related File This file can be copied or viewed via the Memorial’s Reading Room. | AWM371 96/0528 |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
| Copyright |
Item copyright: Copyright expired - public domain
|
| Copying Provisions | Copyright expired. Copying permitted subject to physical condition. Permission for reproduction not required. |
COSGRIFF, Brian, P (Flying Officer, b.1922 - d.1944)
Description
Diary kept by Flying Officer Brian Cosgriff between April 1943 and July 1944. The diary commences with Cosgriff's departure from Australia as a member of the Empire Air Training Scheme (EATS) aboard the PRESIDENT MONROE and describes in detail his journey to Edmonton, Canada via San Francisco. In the diary Cosgriff also describes his training in Canada, flying practice, bombing practice, and his afterhours activities including films, dances and sightseeing trips. There is a break in the diary from April 1944 after Cosgriff arrives in England, but entries resume in July 1944, and cover Cosgriff's service with 51 Squadron RAF flying Halifax bombers over France. The last entry dated July 20 was written on the eve of his death on July 21 1944 when the Halifax in which Cosgriff was flying was badly damaged over Ardouval and crashed making an emergencey landing on its return to England.