105691 Corporal Eleanor Joy Douglas
née Downes
Women's Air Training Corps
Womens' Auxilliary Australian Air Force
No 3 Bombing & Gunnery School
World War 2
This file last updated 5 August, 2021 17:42
Introduction
Eleanor Joy Downes
Photograph on enlistment in W.A.A.A.F.
Born on 15 Jun 1920, Eleanor Joy Downes is the eldest child of Stephen Downes and Rosa, née Houseman. The family first settled in STOCKTON NSW, where their children were born, and later moved to TAMWORTH where WW1 veteran Stephen, previously a carrier, establishes a furniture business.
Leaving high school after completing second year, and employed as a clerk in her father's TAMWORTH store, Joy meets Corporal Bruce Edward Douglas some time between September 1940 when he is posted to the 2nd Infantry Training Battalion and 18 Feb 1941 when Bruce is posted to DUBBO and then later re-appears in PAPUA NEW GUINEA.
On 6 Aug 1942, aged 22, Joy Downes first enrols as a member of the Womens Australian Auxilliary Air Force (WAAAF) having previously been a member of the Women's Air Training Corps (WATC), and on 24 Apr 1943 enlists for the duration of the war and 12 months thereafter.
Her initial training is conducted at No 1 WAAAF Training Depot in PRESTON, Vic, followed by a posting to No 3 Bombing and Gunnery School (BAGS) at WEST SALE on 9 Dec 1943 to attend Wireless/Telegraphy training. On completion of the course Joy is posted to the Air Gunnery School, part of the BAGS unit at WEST SALE as a Telegraphist.
After promotion to the acting rank of Corporal on 1 Nov 1943 she attends No 32 NCO Course from 1 Jan 1944 to 25 Feb 1944 and is then posted to Air Obervers School (A.O.S.) at EVANS HEAD NSW, the Bombing and Gunnery School having been disbanded in 1943.
On 1 Aug 1944 Joy is promoted to Temporary Corporal and a week later takes 7 days Short Leave Without Pay (SLWOP) to marry Sergeant Bruce Edward Douglas. Apparently one week was a little short, so Joy returns some 23 days later, to be granted 23 days SLWOP (to balance up the books) and is charged under AFA S51(1) for being absent without leave. Reprimanded and ordered to forfeit eight day's pay, I'm sure she thinks it was worth it.
No 1 AOS is itself disbanded when the war in the Pacific is over and Joy is transferred to the Care and Maintenance Unit (C.M.U.)on paper, as she is discharged from the 2nd Personnel Depot on 25 Jun 1945 on compassionate grounds.
Although the section of her Personal Record of Service which is for Decorations, Mentions and Badges is struck through, Joy is entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945 and the Australia Service Medal 1939-1945.
See Joy Douglas' Air Force Service Record, Bruce Edward Douglas' Military Biography or Stephen Downes' Military Biography.
This military biography prepared for Stephanie Pryor and Julie Bowen, the children of Joy and Bruce Douglas by their nephew, Clive Mitchell-Taylor in December 2021 and Jan 2022. My notes throughout are enclosed within square brackets.
Note that the information below concerning "Dates of Occurence and Reporting" is not relevant to Air Force records which contain only the dates on which events actually occurred.
Abbreviations and Acronyms
Abbreviations or acronyms which have a dotted underline can be expanded by moving the cursor over the term - e.g. WIA. The cursor will be replaced by ? and the expanded abbreviation will be displayed. This is gradually being incorporated into the site, replacing the the current expansion of abbreviations. There may be a discernable delay of about a second before the expansion is first provided.
There is also a separate list of abbreviations which is available through the menu at the top of this page or the hyperlink here. Abbreviations are inconsistent, even within a single occurence where a term is abbreviated.
There are a number of sources for tracing abbreviations used in Australian and New Zealand service records. Those used when operating with the British or US forces can generally be found, especially in World War 1. Abbreviations used solely within Australia in WW2 are most difficult to trace, particularly when they are regional. Sometimes a 'best guess' is the only answer.
Duplicated Pages
Some of the service information may appear to be duplicated although individual occurrences are not in the same order and different abbreviations used. This occurs when the unit and Army records are amalgamated upon discharge or death in Service.
Service Numbers
Service numbers in WW1 were unique to the unit (e.g. Battalion) or Corps (e.g. Artillery). In WW2 Service Numbers were unique to the State in which they were allotted. For further information about identity numbers for Service personnel, see Regimental and Service Numbers
Dates of Occurrence and Reporting
The date of reporting an incident may be hours, days or months after the date on which incident actually occurred.
The original service record is amended only when the incident is reported which means that events are not necessarily recorded in in strict chronological sequence. This is the date shown on the left of the page of the original record, and also on the left in my transcription but readers should note that at times there may be no date of reporting at all, particularly when service personel are repatriated for discharge at the end of hostilities.
To assist the reader, when transcribing the military record I have done my best to record events in their chronological sequence. This is date is on the right of the page of the original record and also on the right in my transcription.
For clarity I have transcribed all dates into the format d MMM yyyy.
Geographic Commands and Line of Control
https://www.awm.gov.au/articles/encyclopedia/military-districts, extracted 20 Nov 2021
In 1911 the boundaries for the military districts were changed. Although based on states, the new districts did not strictly follow state boundaries:
1 Military District (1MD) – Queensland and the 12th Battalion area, including Casino, Lismore, Grafton, and the Northern Territory.
The territories of Papua and New Guinea were allocated to 1MD after the First World War.
2 Military District (2MD) – New South Wales (excluding: the 12th Battalion area as above; Broken Hill, Torrowangee and Silverton;
and the 44th Battalion area, including Corowa, South Corowa, Mulwala, Moama, Mathoura, and Deniliquin) and the 57th Battalion
area of Victoria, including Wodonga, Barnawartha, Chiltern and Tallangatta.
3 Military District (3MD) – Victoria (excluding the 57th Battalion area as above), including the 44th Battalion area as above.
4 Military District (4MD) – South Australia and Broken Hill, Torrowangee, and Silverton in New South Wales.
5 Military District (5MD) – Western Australia, and
6 Military District (6MD) – Tasmania.
Abbreviations for the Military Districts include e.g. 1MD, 1 MD, 1/MD
At the beginning of the Second World War, the districts were reorganised into geographic commands and each area was administered by a Line of Communications:
Northern Command – Queensland (1MD)
Eastern Command – New South Wales (2MD)
Southern Command – Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania (3MD, 4MD, 6MD)
Western Command – Western Australia (5MD)
Abbreviations for Commands include e.g. NC, N/C, N Comd
Abbreviations for Lines of Command include e.g. EC LOC, E/C L/C, EComd LOC etc
Early in 1942 the army command structure was again reorganised based on a system of operation headquarters:
New South Wales and Victoria (Northern and Eastern Commands) became the First Australian Army;
Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania (Southern Command) became the Second Australian Army.
Western Australia (Western Command) was replaced with 3 Australian Corps;
7MD was renamed Northern Territory Force; and
8MD became New Guinea Force.
Each area was administered by a Line of Communications.
WOMEN'S AUXILIARY AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE
Application for Enrolment as an Airwoman
[Overstamped "PRE-SELECTED Tamworth" and endorsed TR W.T. OP]
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1. |
Surname (block leters) |
DOWNES |
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2. |
Christian Names (in Full) |
Eleanor Joy |
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3. |
Address |
2 Griffen St TAMWORTH (PO Box 39) |
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4. |
Date of Birth |
15 Jun 1920 [Endorsed as sighted] |
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5. |
Married, Single or Widow |
Number and ages of children Single |
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6. |
Are you a British subject or a Naturalised British Subject of pure European descent? |
British Subject |
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7. |
What was the Nationality of your Parents at their Birth? |
English |
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8. |
Trade at which it is desired to enlist. |
Trainee W/T Operator |
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9. |
Particulars of experience (to be supported by copies of references) |
(W.A.T.C) Qualification |
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10. |
Did you serve an apprenticeship? (Give full particulars): |
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11. |
Educational Qualifications (including technical education) |
To second year in High School, TAMWORTH |
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12. |
Are you registered with the Women's Voluntary National Register? |
Yes |
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13. |
Physical Particulars: |
Height 5ft 3in [160cm] |
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14. |
Have you submitted an application before, if so, when? |
No |
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15. |
Have you ever been convicted by the Civil Power? |
No |
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CERTIFICATE |
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16. |
I hereby certify that the replies set out to the above questions are, to the best of my knowledge and belief true and correct. |
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17. |
Certificate of Parent or Gardian |
[Not Applicable] |
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18. |
Number of References attached (copies only required) |
3 Originals sighted |
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PART II |
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Read book |
Struck through and initialled |
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Serve anywhere? |
In Commonwealth, yes |
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Can rough it? |
Yes |
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Police? |
OK |
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Clear notice, weeks. |
One, Phone Tamworth B728 |
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Description |
Small, alert, slight build. Determined |
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Trainee Wireless Operator (G) |
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Receiving 15 wpm P/L 0 errors Pass |
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CERTIFICATE OF MEDICAL EXAMINATION
Description of . . . .
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Age . . . .22 . . . .years . . . . 1. . . . months |
WOUNDS, SCARS, or DISTINCTIVE MARKS
Numerous scars in region of R. knee. |
CERTIFICATE OF MEDICAL EXAMINATION
I have examined the abovenamed appllicant and certify that she complies with the medical requirements laid down for service in the Women's Auxiliary Air Force.
Date . . . . 6 Aug 1942
Place . . . . No 2 Recruiting Centre SYDNEY
[Illegible] Signature of Examining Medical Officer
WOMEN'S AUXILIARY AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE
I, No . . . .
[signed]. . . .
Oath to be taken on Attestation
I swear that I will well and truly serve our Sovereign Lord the King in the Air Force of the Commonwealth of Australia for the period of the time of war now current and twelve months thereafter or until sooner lawfully discharged, dismissed or removed : and that I will resist His Majesty's enemies and cause in all matters appertaining to my service, faithfully discharge my duty according to law
SO HELP ME GOD!
Certificate of Attesting Officer
The abovenamed airwoman has signed the Declaration and made the affirmation taken the oath at
. . . .
Signature illegible
PERSONAL RECORD OF SERVICE
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1. |
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3. |
NO. |
105601 |
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4. |
SURNAME |
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5. |
CHRISTIAN NAMES |
ELEANOR JOY |
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6. |
NO. [This serial duplicated on orginal] |
1056012 |
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7. |
DATE OF BIRTH |
15 Jun 1920 [Annotated "Checked at Unit"] |
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8. |
SINGLE |
M 26 Aug 1944 |
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9. |
NEXT OF KIN |
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11. |
RELIGION |
Presbyterian |
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12. |
NATIONALITY |
British |
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13. |
PREV. TRADE & TRADE QUALIFICATIONS |
Clerk |
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14. |
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Enroled at No 2 R.C. for duration of the war |
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15. |
PREV. NAVAL, MILITARY OR AIR SERVICE |
[Ruled through] |
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16. |
DECORATIONS, MEDALS,MENTIONS, BADGES |
[Ruled through but entitled to 1939-1945 Star and Australia Service Medal 1939-1945] |
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17. |
SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS |
St Johns Ambulance First Aid Certificate |
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18. |
MUSTERINGS |
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19. |
PROMOTIONS, RE-CLASSIFICATIONS, REDUCTIONS AND REVERSIONS |
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20. |
MOVEMENTS AND MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS |
[No entries] |
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21. |
POSTINGS |
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22. |
ATTACHMENTS |
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23. |
CHARACTER AND TRADE PROFICIENCY |
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24. |
COURSES OF INSTRUCTION |
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25. |
EXAMINATIONS PASSED FOR PROMOTION |
[No entries despite passing NCO course above] |
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26. |
PAY AND ALLOWANCES |
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27. |
DEPENDANTS |
[No entries] |
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28. |
CASUALTIES, ADMISSIONS TO AND |
[No Entries] |
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29. |
CRIMES AND PUNISHMENTS |
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Other Documents
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Date |
Place |
Description |
22 Jun 1945 |
N/A |
Clearing Certificate [for Discharge] |
25 Jun 1945 |
N/A |
Royal Australian Air Force Airman's Record Sheet (Active Service - Overseas) records movement between units already noted in the Personal Record of Service |
27 Jun 1945 |
N/A |
Signal notes that (among others), discharge for 105601 CPL DOUGLAS B.J. [sic] has been finalised |
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23 Jul 1945 |
N/A |
Signs receipt from the Royal Australian Air Force for Certificate of Service and Discharge in respect of service with the R.A.A.F. |
25 JULY 1945 |
N/A |
Partial covering letter for above |
War Medal 1939-1945
[Extract from Defence Honours and Awards website -Imperial Awards
The medal is cupro-nickel with the crowned effigy of King George VI on the obverse.
The reverse has a lion standing on a double-headed dragon. The top of the reverse shows the dates 1939 and 1945.
The rim is plain, and the medal hangs from a suspender. The ribbon colours of red, white and blue represent the colours of the Union Flag.
The War Medal 1939-45 was awarded for 28 days full-time service in the Armed Forces between 3 September 1939 and 2 September 1945. Operational and non-operational service may be counted, providing that it was of 28 days or more duration.
In the Merchant Navy there is a requirement that the 28 days should have been served at sea.
A member qualifies for the award where service was brought to an end by death, wounds or other disabilities due to service or by cessation of hostilities on 2 September 1945.
The War Medal 1939-45 is awarded to Australian Civilian Personnel who served afloat with the United States Army Small Ships Section between 8 December 1941 and 2 September 1945. Eligibility is the same as that for Merchant Navy personnel.
Australia Service Medal 1939-1945
The Australia Service Medal 1939-1945 was instituted in 1949 to recognise the service of members of the Australian Armed Forces and the Australian Mercantile Marine during World War II.
The medal was originally awarded to those who served at home or overseas for at least 18 months full-time service, or three years part-time service, between 3 September 1939 and 2 September 1945. Members of the Australian Mercantile Marine must have served the qualifying time at sea.
In 1996 the qualifying time was reduced to 30 days full-time or 90 days part-time service. To be eligible for the medal a serviceman or woman must have been honourably discharged from the Australian Armed Forces.
Design
The medal is nickel silver with the crowned effigy of King George VI on the obverse. The reverse has the Australian coat of arms, placed centrally, surrounded by the words ‘THE AUSTRALIA SERVICE MEDAL 1939-1945’.
Ribbon
The ribbon has a wide khaki central stripe, flanked by two narrow red stripes, which are in turn flanked by two outer stripes, one of dark blue and the other of light blue. The khaki represents the Australian Army, and the red, dark blue and light blue represent the Merchant Navy, Royal Australian Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force respectively.
Attribution
The above information is from the Defence Honours site at http://www.defence.gov.au/Medals/Imperial/WWII/Australia-Service-Medal-1939-1945.asp, taken on 19 Jun 2019.