Received from David King, son of W/Op C B King.

The Breusch Crew at Driffield, after the death of the original Rear Gunner Higgison, but including the usual Navigator.
Back, left to right:
1. Wireless Operator King; 2. Rear Gunner Glenister;
3. Mid-Upper Gunner Hallsworth; 4. Flight Engineer Reynolds;
5. Flight Engineer Oates (both F/Engineers had flown with this crew).
Front, left to right: 1. Bomb Aimer Pedley; 2. Pilot/Captain Breusch; 3. Navigator Godwin, with Observer's half-wing.
No F/Sgt or W/O badges of rank are visible for King or Godwin; so probably dated later than 11 Jan 1945, when W/O Godwin was Commissioned to the rank of Pilot Officer; F/Sgt King had been Commissioned to P/O on 29 Dec 1944.

Received from David King, son of W/Op C B King.

Breusch Crew in flying gear, 06 October 1944, prior to take-off at 1432 (2:32pm) on a daylight Op to the Oil Plant at Sterkrade
(Halifax MZ402, HD-V of 466 Squadron).

From left to right: 1. not identified; 2. Bomb Aimer Les Pedley smiling at camera; 3. at rear, partially obscured, not identified; 4. not identified; 5. Rear Gunner Jimmy Higgison; 6. W/Op Bernie King, wearing cap, and still in the process of fitting his flying gear.

Sadly, Jimmy Higgison was killed less than 3 hours after the photo was taken.

Received from David King, son of W/Op C B King.

Breusch crew reunion October 1991, all aged in their early seventies, photo taken by Nav's wife Kelly Godwin.

Left: former Pilot Rex Breusch;
Centre: former W/Op Charles Bernard King, known as Bernie;
Right: former Nav Bernard Godwin, who was known to the crew as Ferdy, so as to avoid confusion between two with the name Bernard in the same crew.

Received from David King, son of W/Op C B King.

Breusch Crew Memorial and Poppy Ceremony, 01 Dec 2018, by the sons of the three RAAF members of the crew.
Left: Bernard Godwin photo, post-war wearing medal ribbon bar; RAAF officer's cap; and medals including DFC.
Centre back: Rex Breusch, photo believed to be taken when he was presented with his DFC by the Qld Governor at Government House, Brisbane, on 30 July 1947, with his mother (?), and his fiancée Jill Mellor, whom he married 14 Nov 1947; also his Medals, and miniature medals, including DFC; and his brown flying gloves.
Right: C B King photo, in training as Aircraftman 2 (sometime after enlistment in May 1942), and his Officer's Cap, from 1945.
Far left: The heather in the box was from Jimmy Higgison’s grave in Glasgow, and was brought back to Australia by Tiana Walker Adair, the Secretary of the 'Friends of 466/462 Squadrons' after her recent visit there (2018).
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Pilot

Name:Rex Burnett BREUSCH
Service: Royal Australian Air Force
Service Number: 426032
Date of Birth: 19 April 1917
Place of Birth: Bundaberg, Queensland
Date of Enlistment: 23 May 1942
Place of Enlistment: Brisbane, Qld
Next of Kin: James BREUSCH
Date of Discharge: 14 December 1945
Rank at Discharge: Flight Lieutenant
Posting at Discharge: 466 Squadron
Honours and Gallantry: Distinguished Flying Cross
Prisoner of War: No
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Bomb Aimer

Name: L PEDLEY (Les)
Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Service Number: 1621164
Date of Birth: .......
Place of Birth: ......
Date of Enlistment: ....
Place of Enlistment: .......
Next of Kin: .....
Date of Discharge: .....
Rank at Discharge: .....
Posting at Discharge: .....
Honours and Gallantry: Distinguished Flying Medal
Prisoner of War: No
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Photos from the National Archives of Australia: A9300, 426032

Above, left: Rex Burnett BREUSCH, at enlistment, on/about 23 May 1942, still in civilian clothes, newly classified as Aircraftman 2.

Above, right: Flight Sergeant BREUSCH, sometime after 22 October 1943, but before he was Commissioned on 18 June 1944, possibly in Course 80 at 20 (P) AFU.

Photos from the National Archives of Australia: A9300, 426032

Above, left: Flight Sergeant BREUSCH, between 22 October 1943 and 18 June 1944, and same location as photo at left (? 20 (P) AFU).
Above right: Pilot Officer BREUSCH, "C" Flight. Envelope in file marked as "462 Sqdn 4/9/44", however, this may have been a photo taken after his Commission at 21 OTU (after 18 June 1944), or in July/August 1944 at 1652 Marston Moor. 462 Squadron had "A" and "B" Flights, as did 466 Squadron, but neither had a "C" Flight.
(Photo converted from an old negative, and no amount of photo manipulation using Burn Tool corrected the face - the detail is "missing".)

Photos from the National Archives of Australia: A9300, 23242

Above left: GODWIN, on or about 07 August 1940, probably at 3 RC Brisbane, after discharge from the Army to enlist in the RAAF; no Army badge visible on his shirt, so he may be in civilian clothes. Note that he did not yet have a moustache, which is visible in later training and crew photos. (Info from his son Brendon, thank you.)
Centre: Corporal GODWIN on 18 July 1942, at 2 ITS, previously employed as Office Orderly at 2 RD, Richmond, before re-muster.
Right: Aircraftman GODWIN on 05 August 1942, after being re-mustered to Air Crew.

Navigator

Name: Bernard Francis Percival GODWIN (Ferdy)
Service: Royal Australian Air Force
Service Number: 23242
Date of Birth: 5 December 1918
Place of Birth: Brisbane, Qld
Date of Enlistment: 7 August 1940
Place of Enlistment: Brisbane, Qld
Next of Kin: W GODWIN
Date of Discharge: 24 September 1945
Rank at Discharge: Flying Officer
Posting at Discharge: 1652 HCU
Honours and Gallantry: Distinguished Flying Cross
Prisoner of War: No
Return to topge is visible on the shirt

Photos from the National Archives of Australia: A9300, 425944

Above left: Charles Bernard KING, at enlistment, on/about 21 May 1942, newly classified as Aircraftman 2.
Above right: KING on 10 October 1942, at rank of Aircraftman 2.

Wireless Operator

Name: Charles Bernard KING (Bernie)
Service: Royal Australian Air Force
Service Number: 425944
Date of Birth: 15 October 1921
Place of Birth: Brisbane, Qld
Date of Enlistment: 21 May 1942
Place of Enlistment: Brisbane, Qld
Next of Kin: Velma KING
Date of Discharge: 29 August 1945
Rank at Discharge: Flying Officer
Posting at Discharge: Transport Command
Honours and Gallantry: Nil
Prisoner of War: No
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Received from David King, son of W/Op C B King.

Above: Sgt James Lugton HIGGISON, 1595916 RAFVR, Rear Gunner for the Breusch Crew at 462 Squadron and 466 Squadron.
Advice from W/Op Bernie King's son David, is that this photograph was cropped from a second photo of the crew in flying gear, also taken on 06 October 1944, shortly before the crew took off on their Op to Sterkrade. Jimmy was killed by heavy flak in the target area (details in later section). He may also be seen in the crew group photo, before take off, shown previously.

Rear Gunner

Name: James Lugton HIGGISON (Jimmy)
Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Service Number: 1595916
Date and Place of Birth: .......
Date and Place of Enlistment: ....
Next of Kin: .....
Date of Death: 06 October 1944
Rank at Death: Sergeant
Posting at Death: 466 Squadron, Driffield

Grave reference: Sect E, Grave Number 4771
Cemetery: Riddrie Park Cemetery, Glasgow, Scotland
From CWGC documents, his headstone is marked as

1595916 Sergeant
J. L. Higgison
Air Gunner
Royal Air Force
6th October 1944
† (Cross)
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Mid-Upper Gunner

Name: F HALLSWORTH
Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Service Number: 1534685
Date of Birth: .......
Place of Birth: ......
Date of Enlistment: ....
Place of Enlistment: .......
Next of Kin: .....
Date of Discharge: .....
Rank at Discharge: .....
Posting at Discharge: .....
Honours and Gallantry: .....
Prisoner of War: No
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Flight Engineer

Name: S J OATES
Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Service Number: 1386333
Date of Birth: .......
Place of Birth: ......
Date of Enlistment: ....
Place of Enlistment: .......
Next of Kin: .....
Date of Discharge: .....
Rank at Discharge: .....
Posting at Discharge: .....
Honours and Gallantry: .....
Prisoner of War: No
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Rear Gunner (replacement)

Name: W A GLENISTER
Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Service Number: 1868837
Date and Place of Birth: .......
Date and Place of Enlistment: ....
Next of Kin: .....
Date, Rank and Posting at Discharge: .....
Honours and Gallantry: .....
Prisoner of War: No

Rear Gunner Sgt W A (or W H) GLENISTER 1868837 (also recorded as 1838867) RAF (VR?) of 462 Squadron, was left crewless after Pilot Black and Crew 25 failed to return from an Op on 09 October 1944. Glenister had been substituted by P/O W S Shoemaker on that Op. Four of that crew were captured as PoWs, and three crew members were Evaders.
Sgt W A Glenister was incorrectly "Posted Non-Effective Missing" in the October 1944 ORB, Form 540. There is no record of Glenister's posting FROM 462 Squadron, but neither are there any later Ops recorded for him.
He has been identified as the same Sgt Glenister in the Breusch crew photo at 466 Squadron, and Sgt W A Glennister (sic) in the Breusch Crew in Brave & True.
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Other Crew members

Flight Engineer Sgt C J (or G J or E J) REYNOLDS 1169328 RAFVR was the Flight Engineer for Pilot TRIGGS and Crew 35, of 462 Squadron. That crew was split up after 06 November 1944, and Pilot TRIGGS, Nav WORRALL and Bomb Aimer REVELL were listed in Postings FROM 462 in December 1944. There is no record of REYNOLDS being posted FROM 462 Sqdn.
Is he the same Sgt REYNOLDS in both of the Breusch Crew photos at 466 Sqdn?
and/or Sgt C S REYNOLDS in the Breusch Crew in Brave & True?
A comparison of the Triggs crew photo with both of the Breusch crew photos, indicates that Reynolds is probably the same person.

Navigator P/O K A WORRALL 423969 RAAF, of Hourigan Crew 33 and Triggs Crew 35, was posted FROM 462 Sqdn in December 1944.
He may be the same P/O K A Worrall listed in the Breusch Crew in Brave & True.

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Additional Crew information

It is probable that the crew formed at 21 Operational Training Unit, Moreton-in-Marsh, soon after 11 April 1944 - Pilot BREUSCH, Nav GODWIN and W/OP KING were all posted to 21 OTU on that date (as recorded in their RAAF Service Files). At 21 OTU, a crew of six would have formed, training in Wellingtons.

BREUSCH, GODWIN and KING (and presumably Bomb Aimer PEDLEY and Gunners HALLSWORTH and HIGGISON) were posted to 41 Base on 30 June 1944, most likely to Acaster Malbis, and thence to 1652 Heavy Conversion Unit, Marston Moor, for conversion to Halifax aircraft. At 1652 HCU, Flight Engineer OATES would have joined to make a crew of seven.

The crew was Posted TO 462 Squadron in early September 1944, from 1652 HCU Marston Moor, however their names were not included in the September ORB, Form 540 Personnel "Postings TO" the Squadron.

Referring to the NAA Service File for Nav GODWIN – he was "Attached" to 462 Squadron from 04 to 19 September 1944. A Posting to 462 Squadron on 04 September was crossed out and marked "Cancelled". Other documents record his posting to 466 Sqdn on 04 September.
Referring to the NAA Service File for W/Op KING – he was also posted to 462 Squadron on 04 September, but with a similar cancellation; and re-posting to 466 Sqdn on the same date; his file also records an "Attachment" to 462 Sqn from 04 to 19 September 1944.
The NAA Service File for BREUSCH only records a posting to 466 Squadron.
The RAF files for the other members of the crew are not available, however it could be assumed that their postings were the same dates.

09 September 1944 – First Op for BREUSCH as 2nd Pilot for Paul Dean WILSON and Crew 22.
10, 13, 15, 17 September 1944 – Ops by usual Crew 30 (Pilot BREUSCH, B/A PEDLEY, Nav GODWIN, W/Op KING, MU/AG HALLSWORTH, R/AG HIGGISON, F/Eng OATES)
17 September 1944 – Last Op for this crew at 462 Squadron

After just 2 weeks with 462 Squadron, this crew transferred TO 466 Squadron on 19 September 1944. However, similar to their unrecorded arrival, their departure and cessation of "Attachment" was not included in the September ORB, Form 540, Personnel "Postings FROM".

Pilot Rex Burnett BREUSCH 426032 – from RAAF Service File A9300, NAA
Recorded date may differ by one or 2 days for the same event on various forms.

February 1941 – September 1941 – service in 5th Light Horse; discharged to join the RAAF

25 September 1941 – Enrolment in the RAAF Reserve at Bundaberg, age 24, single; civil occupation Carter; vision 6/6 both eyes; Medical Classification A1B A3B (other details as per Enlistment in the RAAF on 23 May 1942); posted to Air Crew Group V of the Reserve; Reserve Badge No. 5992.

22 May 1942 – Statutory Declaration regarding name Eric Bernard BREUSCH, known as Rex Bernard BREUSCH (RAAF records as Rex Burnett BREUSCH)
23 May 1942 – Enlisted in the RAAF, at 3 Recruiting Centre (3 RC) Brisbane, for the Duration of the War and 12 months thereafter; age 25 years and 1 month, date of birth 19 April 1917; single; British Subject; civil occupation Bread Carter (also recorded elsewhere as Master Baker); religion Brethren (also recorded elsewhere as Presbyterian); residence West Bundaberg, Queensland; next-of-kin James Peter BREUSCH, father, of 39 Harriet St, (later 39 Powers St), West Bundaberg; 1 minor traffic offence, with Fine of 16 shillings; Education at Bundaberg West State School; height 5 ft 9½ inches; weight 154 lb; fair complexion, hazel eyes, light brown hair; some scars; Medical Category A1, B2, A3, B
23 May 1942 – Mustered as Air Crew V
23 May 1942 – Assigned RAAF Service Number 426032;
23 May 1942 – Classified as Aircraftman 2 (AC2); photo as AC2 shown in previous section
23 May 1942 – Posted to 3 Initial Training School (3 ITS), Sandgate, Qld

12 July 1942 – Re-mustered as Air Crew V (P), at 3 ITS

15 August 1942 – Re-mustered as Air Crew II (P), at 3 ITS
15 August 1942 – Promoted to Leading Aircraftman, at 3 ITS

24 October 1942 – Posted to 5 Elementary Flying Training School (5 EFTS), Narromine, New South Wales
26 October 1942 – Commenced EFT Course 29

17 December 1942 – Completed Course 29; PASS
19 (or 20) December 1942 – Posted to 1 Service Flying Training School (1 SFTS), Point Cook, Victoria

21 April 1943 – Completed Pilots Course 29, 1 SFTS, PASS
21 April 1943 – Awarded Flying Badge, at 1 SFTS
22 April 1943 – Re-mustered as Airman Pilot, at 1 SFTS
22 April 1943 – Promoted to Sergeant, at 1 SFTS

03 May 1943 – Posted to 1 Air Navigation School (1 ANS), Parkes, NSW

29 June 1943 – Posted to 2 Embarkation Depot (2 ED), Bradfield Park, Sydney, NSW
27 (or 28) July 1943 – Posted to 1 ED, Ascot Vale, Melbourne, Vic
04 August 1943 – Embarked from Port Adelaide, destination UK

10 September 1943 – Disembarked in UK
11 September 1943 – Posted to 11 Personnel Despatch and Reception Centre, Brighton, UK

22 October 1943 – Promoted to Flight Sergeant, at 11 PDRC

04 January 1944 – Posted to 20 (Pilots) Advanced Flying Unit (20 (P) AFU) RAF Kidlington, Oxfordshire
29 February 1944 – Attached to 1519 BAT Flight (Beam Approach Training)

11 April 1944 – Posted to 21 Operational Training Unit (21 OTU), Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire; usual location for formation of crew of 6.

17 June 1944 – Discharged from RAAF as Airman on being granted a Commission
18 June 1944 – Appointed to a Commission, at the rank of Pilot Officer, General Duties Branch
Addition of extra person to be informed in event of Casualty – F/Sgt K BREUSCH 426477 RAAF, c/o Kodak House, Kingsway, London (brother of Rex – Kenneth Louis BREUSCH, dob 23 June 1924; enlisted 03 Jul 1942 at Brisbane; de-mobbed 06 December 1945 at rank of Flying Officer)

30 June 1944 – Attached to 4 Group Battle School
30 June 1944 – Posted to 41 Base (probably Acaster Malbis?)
18 July 1944 – Posted to 41 Base (1652 HCU, Marston Moor); also recorded as 31 July 1944; Flight Engineer would usually join crew at this posting.

04 September 1944 – Posted to 466 Squadron, Driffield (as recorded)
There is no record in the 462 Squadron Operational Record Book (ORB) of BREUSCH or any of his crew being posted TO or FROM 462 Squadron, Driffield. However they are recorded in September 1944 Operations at 462 Squadron.
04 September 1944 – Photo negatives in RAAF Service File, envelope marked “P/O BREUSCH 462 Sqdn” and dated “4/9/44”; photo at rank of P/O in “C” Flight; also 2 undated as F/Sgt in Civilian clothes (possibly for use as “Escape Photos” – see comments on Ridgewell Crew page, LYNCH photos)

09 September 1944 – 462 Squadron ORB, 1 Op as Second Pilot
10, 13, 15, 17 September 1944 – 4 Ops as Crew 30.
From here on, it appears that BREUSCH and his Crew ceased flying with 462 Squadron, and were transferred to 466 Squadron, flying as Crew 160.
19 September 1944 – Appointed as Acting Flying Officer, 466 Squadron, Driffield

18 December 1944 – Confirmed as Flying Officer; appointed as Acting Flight Lieutenant; promoted to Flight Lieutenant (all on same date)

04 June 1945 – Posted to 11 PDRC, Brighton

21 September 1945 – Award of Distinguished Flying Cross (see details in later section)

23 September 1945 – Embarked from the UK, on vessel “Andes”
17 October 1945 – Trans-shipped to H.M.T. Stratheden (WW2 Troop Ship)
19 October 1945 – Disembarked in Sydney
28 October 1945 – 30 days Disembarkation Leave, to 28 November 1945
28 November 1945 – Posted to 3 Personnel Depot (3 PD), ex overseas

14 December 1945 – Appointment terminated on demobilisation, 3 PD, at rank of Flight Lieutenant; home address 39 Powers St, West Bundaberg
Payment in lieu, for 7 Days Recreation Leave, 30 days War Service Leave, and 30 days Re-establishment Leave

Character and Trade Proficiency, “Very Good, Under Training” as LAC at 5 EFTS, 1 SFTS, and "Very Good, and Satisfactory and Superior" as Pilot at all postings.

General Conduct Sheet – Certified No Entry – all postings in Australia 3 ITS, 5 EFTS, 1 SFTS, 1 ANS, 2 ED, 1 ED; and UK 11 PDRC, 20 (P) AFU, 21 OTU, 1652 CU
Service Conduct Sheet – Certified No Entry, Australia, and UK

Aircraft in which trained and flown, RAAF Form P/P.151 – not included in A9300 Service File

Awards and Campaign Medals – Distinguished Flying Cross (see details in later section)
1939-1945 Star; France and Germany Star; Defence Medal; War Medal 1939-45; Australian Service Medal; Returned from Active Service Badge.

28 May 1946 – Airman’s Certificate of Service; and Officer’s Certificate of Service No. 23159.

Civil Occupation, Post WW2 – Pilot with Ansett Airlines of Australia – “Long Service” July 1969

Marriage: BREUSCH–MELLOR – At the Presbyterian Church, Bundaberg, on the 14 November 1947, at 11 a.m., by the Rev. Whitney. Jill, youngest Daughter of Mr and Mrs Noel MELLOR or South Bundaberg, to Rex Burnett, third Son of Mrs M D Breusch of West Bundaberg, and the late Mr J P Breusch.
(Ref: Trove online newspapers – Sunday Mail, Sunday 09 November 1947, page 12, Family Notices)

Wife – Jill MELLOR 101229 WAAF; date of birth 23 November 1920 at Bundaberg; Enlisted Brisbane 30 January 1943; Discharged on 04 December 1945 at rank of Aircraftwoman; last posting Townsville Wireless/Telegraphic Station.
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Navigator Bernard Francis Percival GODWIN 23242 – from RAAF Service File A9300, NAA
Recorded date may differ by one or 2 days for the same event on various forms.

February 1940 to August 1940 – Service with Signals, V 'th Command, Lytton, Qld; discharged to join the RAAF

16 July 1940 – Medical examination at 3 Recruiting Centre (3 RC) Brisbane, prior in enlisting in RAAF
07 August 1940 – Enlisted in the RAAF, at 3 Recruiting Centre (3 RC) Brisbane, for the Duration of the War and 12 months thereafter; age 21 years and 8 months, date of birth 05 December 1918; single; British Subject; civil occupation Clerk-Statistician for 6½ years; religion Roman Catholic; residence 20 Nicklin St, Coorparoo, Brisbane, Queensland; next-of-kin Wm Jas GODWIN, father, of same address; no civil convictions; Education to Junior Certificate; height 5 ft 7 inches; weight 128 lb; fair complexion, brown eyes, dark brown hair; Medical Category A3B
07 August 1940 – Assigned RAAF Service Number 23242; at 3 RC
07 August 1940 – Classified as Aircraftman 1 (AC1) at 3 RC
07 August 1940 – Mustered as Office Orderly V
09 August 1940 – Posted to 2 Recruiting Depot (2 RD), Richmond
14 August 1940 – Commenced Drill Course 163 at 2 RD; completed 11 September 1942; PASS

16 September 1940 – Posted to 2 RD, as Staff
16 December 1940 – Promoted to Leading Aircraftman, at 2 RD
01 August 1941 - Promoted to Corporal, at 2 RD
25 October 1941 – Medical Examination, Sydney

18 July 1942 – Posted to 2 ITS, Bradfield Park, Sydney
18 July 1942 – dated photo as Corporal shown in previous section
19 July 1942 – Re-mustered as Air Crew V, at 2 RD
19 July 1942 – Re-assigned to rank of AC2, on re-muster, 2 RD

05 August 1942 - Photo as AC2 shown in previous section
10 September 1942 – Re-mustered as Air Crew V (O), at 2 ITS
08 October 1942 – Commenced Aircrew Course 30, at 2 ITS, PASS
10 October 1942 – Re-mustered as Air Crew II (O), at 2 ITS
10 October 1942 – Promoted to Leading Aircraftman, at 2 ITS

12 November 1942 – Posted to 1 Air Observer School (1 AOS), Cootamundra, NSW
13 November 1942 – Commenced 1 AOS Course, completed 04 February 1943, PASS

08 February 1943 – Posted to 1 BAGS, Evans Head, NSW
06 February 1943 – Commenced Navigators Course 31, at 1 BAGS; completed 20 (or 26) March 1943, PASS

26 or 27 March 1943 – Awarded Navigator’s Badge

05 April 1943 – Posted to 1 Air Navigation School (1 ANS), Parkes, NSW
03 May 1943 – Commenced Navigators (B) Course 32, at 1 ANS; completed 28 May 1943, PASS

27 May 1943 – Re-mustered as Navigator (B), at 1 ANS
27 May 1943 – Promoted to Sergeant, at 1 ANS
28 May (or 05 June) 1943 – Posted to 3 Embarkation Depot (3 ED), Sandgate, Qld

12 June 1943 - Posted to 2 ED, Bradfield Park, Sydney
14 June 1943 - Attached to RCAF
15 June 1943 – Embarked from Brisbane, Qld
03 July 1943 – Disembarked in Canada
03 July 1943 – Posted to 3 Manning Depot (3 MD) Edmonton, Canada
24 July 1943 – Posted to 1 General Reconnaissance School (1 GRS), Summerside, Prince Edward Island, Canada
13 September 1943 – Posted to 1 Y Depot, Halifax, Canada

06 October 1943 – Attachment to RCAF ceased
07 October 1943 – Embarked from Halifax, Canada, to UK via USA
07 October 1943 – Attached to RAF
09 October 1943 – Embarked from USA, destination UK

16/17 October 1943 – Disembarked in UK
16/17 October 1943 – Posted to 11 Personnel Despatch and Reception Centre (11 PDRC), Brighton, UK
Date not recorded – Addition of name of person to be informed in case of casualty, Mrs H S Clay of Headingly, Leeds, Yorkshire

27 November 1943 – Promoted to Flight Sergeant, at 11 PDRC

29 February 1944 – Posted to 3 (Observers) Advanced Flying Unit (3 (O) AFU), Halfpenny Green, Staffordshire
01 March 1944 – Commenced Navigator Course 191, completed 10 April 1944, PASS

11 April 1944 – Posted to 21 Operational Training Unit (21 OTU), Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire; usual location for formation of crew of 6 (same date as Pilot BREUSCH)

30 June 1944 – Attached to 4 Group Battle School (same date as Pilot BREUSCH)
30 June 1944 – Posted to 41 Base (probably Acaster Malbis?)
Not recorded (July 1944) – Posted to 41 Base (1652 HCU, Marston Moor); Flight Engineer would usually join crew at this posting.

04 September 1944 – Posted to 466 Squadron, Driffield (as recorded, same date as Pilot BREUSCH)
04 September 1944 – “Attached” to 462 Squadron. (See comments for this time period for Pilot BREUSCH.)
There is no record in the 462 Squadron ORB of GODWIN being POSTED TO or FROM 462 Squadron, Driffield. However he is recorded in early September 1944 Operations at 462 Squadron, with this crew. The “Attachment” may have been recorded to rectify a possible mix-up in the paperwork at RAF Driffield.
19 September 1944 – “Attachment” to 462 Squadron ceased

18 November 1944 - Admission to Driffield (Base) E M S Hospital (reason not recorded, see later note re car accident)

27 November 1944 – Promoted to Warrant Officer

10 January 1945 – Discharged from RAAF as Airman on being granted a Commission, at 466 Squadron
11 January 1945 – Appointed to a Commission, at the rank of Pilot Officer, General Duties Branch
27 January 1945 - Admission to Squadron Sick Quarters, to 03 February 1945 (reason not recorded)
24 March 1945 – Re-Posted to 466 Squadron, on appointment to Commissioned Rank
24 March 1945 – Operational flying ceased, completion of Tour with 34 Ops.

14 April 1945 – Posted to 74 Base, RAF Marston Moor, Duties as Instructor
15 April 1945 – Posted to 1652 HCU, Marston Moor, Duties as Instructor

04 June 1945 – Posted to 11 PDRC, Brighton
29 June 1945 – Embarked from the UK

11 July 1945 – Promoted to Flying Officer

28 July 1945 – Disembarked in Sydney
28 July 1945 – Attachment to RAF ceased
01 August 1946 – 7 days Recreation Leave, to 06 August 1945
07 Aug 1945 – 30 days Special Leave, to 06 September 1945
07 September 1945 – Posted to 3 PD, Brisbane, ex overseas

24 September 1945 – Appointment terminated on demobilisation, 3 PD Sandgate, at rank of Flying Officer; home address 20 Nicklin St, Coorparoo, Brisbane
Payment in lieu, for 30 days War Service Leave, and 30 days Re-establishment Leave

25 September 1945 – Award of Distinguished Flying Cross (see details in later section)

Character and Trade Proficiency, Character “Very Good” and Proficiency Satisfactory as Office Orderly
“Very Good, Under Training” as Corporal and LAC under training; and Character “Very Good” and Proficiency “Satisfactory or Superior” as Airman Navigator at all postings.

General Conduct Sheet – Certified No Entry – all postings in Australia 2 RD, 2 ITS, 1 AOS, 1 BAGS, 1 ANS, 3 ED; and UK 11 PDRC, 3 (O) AFU, 21 OTU, 1652 CU, and 466 Sqdn
Service Conduct Sheet – Certified No Entry, Australia, and UK

Aircraft in which trained and flown (itemised by locations, aircraft and hours, on RAAF Form P/P.151) –
Anson at AOS and ANS, Battle at BAGS, Anson at 1 GRS and 3 (O) AFU; Wellington X at 21 OTU, Halifax II and V at 1652 HCU and HALIFAX III on non-operational flying and Operations at 462 and 466 Squadrons.
Operational Flying (34 Ops) – 198 hours 30 minutes
Non-Operational flying, Australia, Canada, UK – 341 hours 35 minutes
Total 540 Hours and 5 minutes

Awards and Campaign Medals – Distinguished Flying Cross (see details in later section)
1939-1945 Star; France and Germany Star; Defence Medal; War Medal 1939-45; Australian Service Medal; Returned from Active Service Badge.
22 October 1945 – Airman’s Certificate of Service; and Officer’s Certificate of Service No. 5690.
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Wireless Operator Charles Bernard KING 425944 – from RAAF Service File A9300, NAA
Recorded date may differ by one or 2 days for the same event on various forms.

03 February 1942 – Enrolment in the RAAF Reserve at 3 RC, Brisbane, age 20 years and 3 months, date of birth 15 October 1921, in Brisbane; single; British Subject; religion Church of England; civil occupation Bank Clerk at Commercial Banking Co of Sydney, Gayndah Branch; no civil convictions; residence Gayndah, Qld; next-of-kin Alfred Charles KING, (father) of Herries St, Toowoomba, Qld; height 5 ft 6 inches, vision 6/6 both eyes; Medical Classification A1B A3B; posted as Trainee Air Crew Group V of the Reserve; Reserve Badge No. 12611.

21 May 1942 – Enlisted in the RAAF at 3 RC Brisbane, for the Duration of the War and 12 months thereafter; age 20 years and 7 months, date of birth 15 October 1921; single; other details as per Enrolment in the RAAF Reserve; National Trainee in Reserve; Education to Junior Certificate; height 5 ft 6 inches; weight 119 lb; dark complexion, brown eyes, brown hair; Medical Category A1B A3B
21 May 1942 – Assigned RAAF Service Number 425944 at 3 RC; photo at enlistment in civilian clothes
21 May 1942 – Classified as Aircraftman 2 (AC2) at 3 RC
21 May 1942 – Mustered as Air Crew V (Guard)
21 May 1942 – Posted to 3 RD, Maryborough, Qld
22 May 1942 – Commenced Recruit Drill Course 115 at 3 RD; completed 09 June 1942, PASS

12 June 1942 – Posted to 10 EFTS, Temora, NSW
31 August 1942 – Posted to Emergency B M T (details not known)

10 October 1942 - Photo as AC2
11 October 1942 – Posted to 2 ITS, Bradfield Park, Sydney
30 November 1942 – Re-mustered as Air Crew V (P), at 2 ITS

01 January 1943 – Completed Air Crew (Pilot) Course 33, at 2 ITS, PASS
30 January 1943 – Promoted to Leading Aircraftman, at 10 EFTS
30 January 1943 – Re-mustered as Air Crew II (P), at 10 EFTS
03 (or 04) February 1943 – Posted to 10 EFTS, Temora, NSW

04 April 1943 – Re-mustered as Air Crew V (G), at 10 EFTS
04 April 1943 – Posted to 3 Wireless and Gunnery School, (3 WAGS) Maryborough, Qld

19 June 1943 – 9 days Leave, until 27 June 1943 (for marriage)
21 June 1943 – Marriage, wife Velma Leslie KING added as next-of-kin; address initially in Maryborough, Qld, then later in Temora, NSW (her home town); Alfred Charles KING (father) listed as additional person to be notified in event of casualty

16 September 1943 – Re-mustered as Air Crew II (G), at 3 WAGS
16 September 1943 – Commenced Air Gunners Course 37
20 September 1943 – Posted to 1 BAGS, Evans Head, NSW

14 October 1943 – Completed Air Gunners Course 37, 1 BAGS, PASS
14 (or 15) October 1943 – Awarded Air Gunners Badge, at 1 BAGS
14 October 1943 – Promoted to Sergeant, at 1 BAGS
14 October 1943 – Re-mustered as Wireless Operator Air Gunner (WOAG), at 1 BAGS
15 October 1943 – Posted to 2 ED, Bradfield Park, Sydney

04 November 1943 – Attached to OSHQ (UK)
04 November 1943 – Embarked from Sydney, for the UK

10 December 1943 – Disembarked in UK
11 December 1943 – Posted to 11 Personnel Despatch and Reception Centre (11 PDRC), Brighton, UK

05 January 1944 – Attached to Air Crew NCO School, Whitley Bay, Northumberland, until 01 February 1944
06 January 1944 – Commenced Air Crew Non Commissioned Officer Course; completed 12 January 1944, PASS

01 March 1944 – Attached to Overseas Head Quarters, London, until 10 March 1944
11 March 1944 – Re-mustered as Wireless Operator Air
14 March 1944 – Posted to 1 (O) AFU, RAF Wigtown, Dumfries & Galloway (for Wireless Operator Air Gunner Course)

11 April 1944 – Posted to 21 Operational Training Unit (21 OTU), Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire; usual location for formation of crew of 6 (same date as Pilot BREUSCH, and Nav GODWIN)

14 April 1944 – Promoted to Flight Sergeant, at 21 OTU

30 June 1944 – Attached to 4 Group Battle School (same date as Pilot BREUSCH, and Nav GODWIN)
30 June 1944 – Posted to 41 Base (probably Acaster Malbis?)
Not recorded (July 1944) – Posted to 41 Base (1652 HCU, Marston Moor); Flight Engineer would usually join crew at this posting.

04 September 1944 – Posted to 462 Squadron, Driffield (Authority 6/44; subsequently crossed out and marked cancelled by 462 Squadron under Authority 8/44)
04 September 1944 – Posted to 466 Squadron, Driffield
04 September 1944 – “Attached” to 462 Squadron. (See comments for this time period for Pilot BREUSCH.)
There is no record in the 462 Squadron ORB of KING being POSTED TO or FROM 462 Squadron, Driffield. However he is recorded in early September 1944 Operations at 462 Squadron, with this crew. The “Attachment” may have been recorded to rectify a possible mix-up in the paperwork at RAF Driffield.
19 September 1944 – “Attachment” to 462 Squadron ceased (similarly for Nav GODWIN)

28 December 1944 – Discharged from RAAF as Airman on being granted a Commission, at 466 Squadron
29 December 1944 – Appointed to a Commission, at the rank of Pilot Officer, General Duties Branch

15 February 1945 – Re-Posted to 466 Squadron, on appointment to Commissioned Rank

Undated 1945 – Posted to 1 (O) AFU (duties not recorded, possibly as Instructor?)
25 April 1945 – Posted to 11 PDRC, Transport Command, as Supernumerary

Undated 1945 – Embarked from the UK
20 June 1945 – Attachment to RAF ceased
20 June 1945 – Disembarked in Australia
20 June 1945 – Posted to 2 PD, Brisbane, ex overseas
20 June 1945 – 7 days Recreation Leave, until 27 June 1945
28 June 1945 – 30 Days Special Leave, until 28 July 1945

29 June 1945 – Promoted to Flying Officer

20 August 1945 – Posted to 3 PD
20 (or 29) August 1945 – Transferred to RAAF Reserve, as surplus to personnel requirements; at rank of Flying Officer; address on Transfer – c/o Commercial Banking Co Sydney Ltd, Toowoomba Qld

17 September 1945 – Airman’s Certificate of Service; and Officer’s Certificate of Service No. 3507.
20 September 1945 – Address changed to Bank at Inglewood, Qld

Character and Trade Proficiency, Character “Very Good” and “Under Training” as AC2 and LAC under training; and Character “Very Good” and Proficiency “Satisfactory or Superior” as WOP/AG at all postings.

General Conduct Sheet – Certified No Entry – all postings in Australia 3 RD, 10 EFTS, 2 ITS, 3 WAGS, 1 BAGS, 2 ED; and UK 11 PDRC, 1 (O) AFU, 21 OTU, 1652 CU, and 466 Sqdn
Service Conduct Sheet – Certified No Entry, Australia, and UK

RAAF Form P/P.151 – Aircraft in which trained and flown (itemised by locations, aircraft and hours) – not included in A9300 Service File, however Aircraft listed elsewhere as – Tiger Moth, Wackett, Anson, Fairey Battle, DH89, Wellington, Halifax

Campaign Medals – not listed in A9300 Service File, however, as for Pilot BREUSCH and Nav GODWIN, he should have received 1939-1945 Star; France and Germany Star; Defence Medal; War Medal 1939-45; Australian Service Medal; Returned from Active Service Badge.
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Few details for the RAF members of the crew are currently available, due to inaccessibility of their Service Files.
If you can assist with photos or information, please make contact.

RAF enlistment details

From the website http://www.ab-ix.co.uk/rfc_raf.pdf which details RFC and RAF Service Numbers: ......
1375001 to 1400000 – allocated from August 1940 at Euston; includes 1386333 for Flight Engineer OATES.
1475000 to 1550000 – allocated from April 1941 at Padgate; includes 1534685 for Mid-Upper Gunner HALLSWORTH.
1585001 to 1600000 – allocated from September 1941 at Weston-super-Mare; includes 1595916 for Rear Gunner HIGGISON.
1610001 to 1649900 – allocated from October 1941 at Cardington; includes 1621164 for Bomb Aimer PEDLEY.
1860001 to 1869700 – allocated from October 1942 at Cardington; includes 1868837 for second Rear Gunner GLENISTER.
1150001 to 1250000 – allocated from April 1940 at Cardington; includes 1169328 for second Flight Engineer REYNOLDS.

However, why would HIGGISON from Glasgow be enlisting at Weston-super-Mare, in coastal Somerset?
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Crew information from David KING, son of Wireless Operator Charles Bernard KING – Thank you, David.

We lost our dear Dad on the 21st of June 2016 aged 95 on what would have been his 73rd wedding anniversary to our Mother Velma, Dad’s nominated Next of Kin in your details. They married on June 21 1943, six months before Dad was posted to England. They met in Temora N.S.W. (my Mum’s home town) where Dad was posted as a young trainee pilot.
Once in England, Dad became part of Crew 30 in 462 Squadron, and Crew 160 in 466 Squadron. He flew 37 missions in the Halifax heavy bomber serving as the wireless operator on all. His crew consisted of Australian, British and Scottish members and like all crews I’m sure, were a very tight group of young men. None closer than with his fellow Australian crew mates also from Brisbane…pilot Rex Breusch and navigator Bernard (Barney) Godwin. These three men remained the closest of friends after settling back into civilian life after the war, and once Mum and Dad retired to the Gold Coast at age 60, the three of them and their wives took turns each and every year to have a reunion. I have audio recordings of these reunions where they spoke of their experiences over cups of tea with their wives. Other than that, Dad never spoke of the war or his part in it with either of his two Daughters or his two Sons. He never marched on Anzac Days, but both he and Mum were very active volunteers for Legacy throughout the years.
It wasn't until after Mum’s passing in 2010, the previous passing of Rex and subsequent passing of Barney that Dad, as the last Australian member standing began to speak to my Brother and I about those years between 1943 and 1945. He was a wonderful Father to his four children, Husband to my Mum, and Grandfather and Great Grandfather to the subsequent generations of children that followed. Since Dad’s passing, the Sons of the three men, My Brother Peter and I, Rex’s Son Neale, and Barney’s three Sons Brendan, Stephen and Mick get together every second year in what we call the crew memorial to honour our Dad’s lives and remember all those that served in these two Squadrons in particular.
We had our most recent memorial just last Saturday (01 Dec 2018) at the Kedron Wavell RSL Club in Chermside.

Re Sgt Glenister/Glennister of 462 and 466 Squadrons
Dad and the rest of the crew were very sad and deeply affected by the loss of their rear gunner Jimmy Higgison who was killed in action during the Sterkrade mission of October the 6th 1944. It so happened that Sgt Glenister was Jimmy’s close friend perhaps through training. After Jimmy’s death on that mission, Dad, Rex and Barney insisted on taking Jimmy’s body back to Glasgow by train and returning his body to his parents. In fact they stayed with Jimmy’s parents in their home (which still stands there today) until after the funeral. Sgt Glenister had sought permission from his superiors to take leave of absence to travel with my Dad, Rex and Barney to Glasgow in honour of his close friend. It was during this leave of absence that his own crew went down on the 9th of October just three days after Jimmy’s death. With no crew, he was granted permission to stay with Crew 160 with 466 Squadron and served in all remaining missions as rear gunner until the end of their tour.

Re the first Crew photo in the snow at Driffield, without Navigator.
The navigator is missing from that crew photo because he was actually in hospital with stitches over one eye after a ‘minor mishap in a vehicle’ coming home from a dance in Driffield! The three Australians had purchased an old car which officially belonged to the pilot (Rex Breusch) who was not present on this particular night. The story goes along the lines of the car running into a farmer’s chicken coop (my Dad, Bernie King, was driving). The navigator (Godwin) bumped his head and had a cut above his eye that required a day or two in hospital. The story always came up at the reunions with lots of laughter so I guess it was just one of those funny things that happened.

(Website note: Nav GODWIN's RAAF Service File A9300 records his admission to Hospital on Saturday 18 November 1944; and to Station Sick Quarters from Saturday 27 January 1945 to Saturday 03 February 1945, however reasons for admissions were not recorded.)
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Ops at 462 Squadron, Driffield – sourced from the 462 Squadron ORB, Form 541 "Details of Work Carried Out"

The following table lists the 5 Ops for Breusch – 1 as 2nd Pilot, and 4 with his crew (with no substitutions);
one Op abandoned by Master Bomber; one early return which would not have been included in Ops tally; no other incidents.

MZ341 Z5-G as recorded in the ORB, later designated Z5-P, photos on Halifax page
LL604 Z5-D was lost on 09 October 1944, Black and Crew 25, target Bochum, 4 PoWs, and 3 Evaders.
F/O Black and crew had also flown in LL604 for 6 of their 7 Ops in September and October 1944.

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Ops and crew details at 466 Squadron – sourced from "Brave & True", 2nd Edition, 2007, page 148.

Breusch and Crew 160, of 466 Squadron – carried out a further 34 Ops.
Of the crew listed, R/AG Parry, F/Eng Todd, F/Eng Copeland were not previously in 462 Squadron.
See previous section with comments regarding Nav Worrall, R/AG Glennister/Glenister, and F/Eng Reynolds.

30 September 1944 – First Op B149 at 466 Sqdn, target Bottrop.
06 October 1944 – 2nd Op B150 at 466 Sqdn, Halifax MZ402 HD-V target Sterkrade – R/AG Higgison KIA.

466 Squadron ORB Form 541, page 725, summary for Bombing Attack on Sterkrade Op, 06 October 1944 records (in part) ...
"18 aircraft were detailed, 2 failed to take off. 15 aircraft attacked the target and returned safely, 1 missing. ........... No enemy fighters were seen but the heavy flak in the target area was most intense, chiefly in barrage from 15/21,000 ft. There was also a lot of predicted heavy flak on approaches into and out of the target. Many aircraft were damaged. The rear gunner in MZ-402 was killed, and rear gunner of MZ299 was wounded. ....... "

466 Squadron ORB Form 541, page 729, for 06 October 1944, with crew of seven, records .....
"Halifax MZ-402 Take off at 1432; landed at 1856; Bombed Primary at 1716 from 17,000 ft. Clear. Rear Gunner killed by heavy flak in target area. Photographic Report :- T/A."

466 Squadron ORB Form 540, page 95, Part 1, Operations, 06 October 1944 ..... "Eighteen aircraft detailed for daylight operation on STERKRADE – 2 non-starters (justified). Others bombed in cloudless weather. Flak intense and numerous aircraft were damaged. ....... "

In Brave and True, page 308, Bomb Aimer Les Pedley recorded detailed information about that raid on Sterkrade, and of the death of his crew mate Rear Gunner Jimmy Higgison. He finished with the words "the memory stays with me always". Jimmy's body was taken to Glasgow for burial at Riddrie Park Cemetery.

On the same daylight Op to Sterkrade, Pilot Ted McGindle and Crew 19 of 462 Squadron were also hit by flak – details on Ted's page.

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Log Book page for October 1944, 466 Squadron, Driffield – W/OP Bernie King.

Entries in black ink were daylight Ops; entries in Red ink were night Ops; and entries in blue ink were non-operational flying (i.e. Cross country x 2; bombing x 2; fighter affiliation).

01 October 1944 – Ops – Target – Oil Plant, Bottrop in the Ruhr; moderate flak; 4 hours 55 minutes.

06 October 1944 – Ops – Target – Oil Plant, Sterkrade in the Ruhr, heavy flak, visual and barrage, Rear Gunner killed; radio hit (US); 4 hours 25 minutes.
(US – unserviceable, Rear Gunner was Higgison). The crew in their flying gear were photographed prior to take-off (photo shown in a previous section). Sadly a few hours later, Higgison had died of head injuries, the port side of the turret being severely damaged by flak.

Received from David King, son of W/Op C B King.

October 1944 – Total Operational Flying 32 hours 45 minutes (daylight 22 hrs 25 m; night 10 hrs 20 m)
October 1944 – Total non-Operational Flying 9 hours 25 minutes

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Honours and Awards

Pilot BREUSCH and Navigator GODWIN were each awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross.
Bomb Aimer PEDLEY was awarded a Distinguished Flying Medal.

Pilot Rex Burnett BREUSCH – DFC
Below is the DFC Card held at the Australian War Memorial, noting "Outstanding courage on a number of operational sorties"
DFC was presented by the Governor of Queensland at Government House on 30 July 1947 (same date as for GODWIN).
See previous section – photo dated 01 December 2018, of Poppy and Memorial table, which includes a framed photo of Rex BREUSCH after he received his DFC, with his Mother and fiancée Jill.

 

Australian War Memorial, ref RCDIG1068963

Citation for Distinguished Flying Cross – refers to Op at 466 Squadron 06 October 1944 to Target Sterkrade, Halifax MZ402-V, Rear Gunner Sgt J L HIGGISON killed.

ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE

HONOURS AND AWARDS

DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS

FLIGHT LIEUTENANT REX BURNETT BREUSCH (426032)

CITATION:

                        As captain of aircraft, Flight Lieutenant
BREUSCH has now completed his first tour of operational
duty. His aircraft has been damaged by anti-aircraft fire
on a number of sorties.

                        During an attack on Sterkrade in October,
1944, his rear gunner was killed and the aircraft extensively
damaged, but despite this, he brought back excellent
photographic results.

                        This is but one example of the outstanding
courage shown by Flight Lieutenant BREUSCH at all times.

London Gazette – Issue 37277, 4th Supplement Friday 21 September 1945, page 4704
The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the following awards:- …….
ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE
Distinguished Flying Cross
Acting Flight Lieutenants
“Rex Burnett BREUSCH (Aus.426032), 466 (R.A.A.F.) Sqn.”
Commonwealth of Australia Gazette – 04 October 1945

Navigator Bernard Francis Percival GODWIN – DFC
Below is the DFC Card held at the Australian War Memorial, noting "Courage and devotion to duty on numerous operations".
DFC was presented by the Governor of Queensland at Government House on 30 July 1947 (same date as for BREUSCH).

Australian War Memorial, ref RCDIG1068958

Citation for Distinguished Flying Cross

ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE

HONOURS AND AWARDS

DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS

PILOT OFFICER BERNARD FRANCIS PERCIVAL GODWIN (23242)

CITATION:

                  Pilot Officer Godwin has completed
numerous operations against the enemy in the
course of which he has invariably displayed the
utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to duty.

 

London Gazette – Issue 37281, 3rd Supplement Tuesday 25 September 1945, page 4752
The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the following awards…...
ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE
Distinguished Flying Cross
Pilot Officers
“Bernard Francis Percival GODWIN (Aus.23242), 466 (R.A.A.F.) Sqn.”
Commonwealth of Australia Gazette – 11 October 1945

 

Bomb Aimer L PEDLEY (Les) 1621164 RAFVR – Distinguished Flying Medal

The Award of DFM for Sgt L PEDLEY, is listed in "Brave & True"; and was most likely for his actions during the Op on 06 October 1944 to Target Sterkrade, Halifax MZ402-V, 466 Squadron, when Rear Gunner Sgt J L HIGGISON was killed.

The DFM is not included in the Awards sections of books by Lax & Kane-Maguire, or Batten, or McGindle, however they only appear to list awards received during service at 462 Squadron.
(Books listed in Acknowledgements)

PEDLEY's DFM Award would have been listed in the London Gazette, but has not yet been located (optical character recognition does not like newspaper numbers with 1, often "read" as lower case or capital i; or lower case L; or as ! exclamation mark). If you can assist with DFM details, please make contact.

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