| Accession Number | P03869.001 |
|---|---|
| Collection type | Photograph |
| Object type | Negative |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Place made | New Guinea1: Papua New Guinea, Papua, Milne Bay |
| Date made | c 1942 |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
| Copyright |
Item copyright: Copyright expired - public domain
|
Informal group portrait of members of 76 Squadron RAAF outside a tent, probably at Gurney ...
Description
Informal group portrait of members of 76 Squadron RAAF outside a tent, probably at Gurney Airfield. Identified are two successive commanding officers. 481 Squadron Leader (Sqn Ldr) Peter St. Geogre Bruce Turnbull DFC (fifth from right) was commanding officer until his death in battle on 27 August 1942. 400213 Sqn Ldr Keith W. ('Bluey') Truscott (sixth from right) then took over command. Sqn Ldr Truscott later also died, in an aircraft accident, at Exmouth Gulf, WA on 28 March 1943. These fighter pilots flew Kittyhawk aircraft during the decisive battles for Port Moresby and Milne Bay in 1942. They are standing on panels of Marsden steel matting which was used as flooring material to counter the mud caused by heavy tropical rains which hampered operational efficiency and added to their personal discomfort in this difficult environment.
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