458 Squadron (RAAF) Association album with bakelite covers. Volume 1 of two volumes (see P11547 ...

458 Squadron (RAAF) Association album with bakelite covers. Volume 1 of two volumes (see P11547 for the second album). The album comprises 359 pages containing 1570 photographs recording the Second World War history of the unit, commencing with their establishment in Bomber Command at Holme-on-Spalding-Moor in Yorkshire, and following with Coastal Command in the Middle East, Africa and later in Italy and Spain. The album records aircraft, crews, events, squadron personalities and is well captioned. The latter pages start to record post war reunions and members of the Association are pictured at a variety of social events, some looking over this album. A custom made carry bag (made from a wartime khaki coloured parachute bag) was used to bring the album to regularly held reunions. The unit photographed and documented all post war events and faithfully added to the album. The last 86 pages of Volume 1 are devoted to the first squadron reunions in different states, Anzac Day marches and social activities such as squadron balls, sports days and picnics. The albums were presented to the association by L J (Sam) Barlow, a member of the Association and a former member of the squadron. Due to the size of Volume 1, Volume 2 was created to continue the Association's history by recording national and international reunions and social activities from 1951 to December 1999.