Flying Officer Norman Peter Coles Gunson

Service number 407424
Birth Date 1917-08-18
Birth Place Australia: South Australia, Glenelg
Death Date 2009-11-21
Final Rank Flying Officer
Service Royal Australian Air Force
Unit No. 22 Squadron
Place Glenelg
Conflict/Operation Second World War, 1939-1945
Gazettes Published in London Gazette in 1944-05-23
Published in Commonwealth Gazette in 1944-06-01
Description

Flight Lieutenant Norman Peter Coles Gunson enlisted to the Royal Australian Air Force on 12 October 1940. After a period of training, Flight Lieutenant Gunson was posted to 22 Squadron, based at Port Moresby, New Guinea. With this unit, he participated in anti-shipping patrols and operations. During his second operational flight, on 29 August 1943, Flight Lieutenant Gunson was hit by anti-aircraft fire near Ring Ring, New Britain. His aircraft was extensively and severely damaged. However, Flight Lieutenant Gunson was able to return to base and safely land the aircraft. For his coolness and flying skill he displayed on this occasion, Flight Lieutenant Gunson was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. In January 1945, he transferred to 34 Squadron. With this unit, Flight Lieutenant Gunson was involved in transporting personnel and supplies throughout Australia, the Netherlands East Indies and New Guinea. Flight Lieutenant Gunson was discharged on 16 January 1946.

Rolls

  • Honours and Awards:

    Unit
    No. 22 Squadron
    Conflict
    Second World War, 1939-1945
    Rank
    Flying Officer
    London Gazette
    23 May 1944 on page 2351 at position 3
    Commonwealth Gazette
    01 June 1944 on page 1115 at position 2
  • Honours and Awards (Recommendation):

    Conflict
    Second World War, 1939-1945

Timeline

Date of birth 18 August 1917
Date of enlistment 12 October 1940
Date of discharge 16 January 1946
Date of death 21 November 2009