Collection relating to 422540 Flying Officer Ronald Joseph Dobson, RAAF

Photograph album relating to the Second World War service of 422540 Flying Officer (FO) Ronald Joseph Dobson, RAAF. Album consists of 72 pages, containing a mix of photographs, postcards and a stamp. Images include formal studio portraits of FO Dobson, a wedding portrait with his wife, group portraits and recreational activities of Empire Air Training Scheme personnel, various aircraft, as well as tourist images and scenery of Canada, United States, England and Australia.

A station farm hand from Wooloomooloo, NSW, Ronald Joesph Dobson enlisted in the RAAF on 22 May 1942. After basic training in Australia, Dobson was sent to Canada as part of the Empire Air Training Scheme, where he qualified as a wireless operator. After further training in Britain during October 1943, he joined 51 Squadron RAF at Snaith, Yorkshire, operating Halifax bombers. Dobson then transferred to 35 Squadron RAF at Graveley, Huntingdonshire, in December 1944 operating Lancaster bombers in various raids over Germany as part of the Path Finder Force. In September 1945, Dobson was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. The citation reads: ‘This officer has completed numerous operations against the enemy in the course of which he has displayed courage, fortitude and devotion to duty.’ Dobson was discharged from the RAAF in October 1945.