| Places | |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | MSS2154 |
| Collection type | Manuscript |
| Measurement | 1 wallet: 1 cm |
| Object type | Manuscript |
| Maker |
Rymill, Peter |
| Place made | Australia: South Australia |
| Date made | 2011 |
| Access | Open |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
| Copying Provisions | Copyright restrictions apply. Only personal, non-commercial, research and study use permitted. Permission of copyright holder required for any commercial use and/or reproduction. |
Hancock, James (416762, Squadron Leader, RAAF)
Description
Biographical manuscript summarising service experience of Squadron Leader J. Hancock DFC during the Second World War. Details experiences onboard the Avro Lancaster heavy bomber 'W Willie' from September 1943 to May 1944 while with 9 Squadron RAF Heavy Bomber Command. Includes first-hand accounts of bombing operations during the Battle of Berlin, a dogfight with a Junkers 88 German night fighter, and shooting down a Messerschmitt 109 fighter. Describes enemy tactics such as the 'Schrage Musik' (literally jazz or 'slanted music') and details of evasive and defensive manoeuvres including the 'corkscrew'. Mentions time as a flying instructor and bombing operations with 467 Squadron RAAF to Norway, Czechoslovakia and Germany. Includes an anecdote about secretly transporting British POWs pet ducklings during Operation Exodus.