
33169 Leading Aircraftman
George Ernest Melville Sanne
Royal Australian Air Force Reserve
Papua New Guinea/Pacific Theatre
World War II
This file last updated 14 January, 2025 10:24
This record under construction

Introduction

33169 Leading Aircraftman (LAC)
George Ernest Melville Sanne
On enlistment to the
Royal Australian Air Force
12 Aug 1940
George Ernest Melville Sanne was born 18 Feb 1919 [NSW BDM 4578/1919] in MACLEAN,NSW, the son of Sydney Arthur Melville and Christina M. née Want who married in MACLEAN in 1917 [NSW BDM 8131/1917]. Access to birth records in NSW stop at 100 years ago, but it appears that George was an only child. The birth record has his name as George E. while his enlistment and service records concur with the name above and were confirmed and initialled by a member of RAAF staff at the time.
His father, Sydney Arthur Melville Sanne serves with the 15th Battalion on Gallipoli in WW1, lands on Gallipoli on the afternoon of the 25th of April, is wounded in action (WIA) in August, repatriated as Totally and Permanently Incapacitated (TPI) and awarded a pension. George provides his father's details as Next of Kin with the address of River St., Maclean, NSW.
During the latter part of his service George's family name is misrepresented as "TANNE" and this appears in his record a number of times, while misfiling of his record also caused confusion for a time. I have extracted the various signals this generated into a chronological list and have placed it after his Service Record.
His enlistment record has his civilian trade as Telephone Lineman for three years while a later entry adds four years as a Lorry Driver. He writes to the RAAF Recruiting Depot on 8 Feb 1940 making application for a position as a flight mechanic, and stating that he has a fair practical knowledge of internal combustion engines and the use of tools.
The RAAF Recruiting Centre replies on 20 Feb 1940, acknowledging receipt of his application and advises that he will be contacted when a need arises.
A form letter dated two days later requests him to present himself for an interview and medical examination at the RAAF Recruiting Centre at Harris St., ULTIMO on Friday 1 Mar 1940. He is also advised that he should complete the enclosed application form, bring his birth certificate, references, flying log books, education certificates and indentures. And be prepared to undergo a trade test.
That interview must have been deferred, as a further form letter dated 2 Apr 1940v requests his presence on 12 Apr 1940. A follow-up letter dated 30 Apr 1940 advises that he has been successful in passing all the tests as an AircraftHand (AC) and that he will be informed when he should report for duty.
His reference is provided by Police Sergeant 3rd Class F.W. Facer who reports that he is well known to the Sergeant and is sober, honest and respectable.
On yet another form letter dated 1 Aug 1940 he is instructed to report to the No 2 RAAF REcruiting Centre at 8:15a.m., WOOLLOOMOOLOOO NSW for enlistment as a Aircrafthand Class 1 in "Group 5" and will be paid at the rate of 5/- (five shillings, or 50C) per day. For the first time his travel is being paid for by the RAAF. He is also required to bring with him all of a list of identification documents which apply to him.
"Group 5" is most likely to be an identifier for a call-up cohort to be trained together in a common set of skills, in the first instance, basic military training and at the completion of this training he is trade tested and remustered as a Driver Mechanical Transport (DMT) as he does not hold any recognised mechanical qualifications.
George has 18 postings as a driver, but his work with the 11th and 17 Squadrons are the most significant and this record contains the WW2 history of these units.
In December of 1946 he drives from Cairns to No2 Stores Depot in ELizabeth St. WATERLOO, NSW to pick up aircraft parts, has an accident and attempts to shift the responsibility for the acccident. Unfortunately this ruse is not successful. Facing the acting CO of his unit he is found guilty and sentenced to eight days forfeiture of pay and 4 days field punishment.
Field Punishment No 1 consisted of heavy labour, being restrained with handcuffs or fetters
or being tied to a post or wheel.
Field Punishment No 2 did not include being attached to a fixed object.
While there is no indication of the level of the award, the war being well over, it is most
likely to be the more lenient.
Air Force Service Record
The Air Force Service record consists of a number of separate records of events which are not always transcribed to the overarching summary. I have sought out the individual pages and done this transcription with the exception of the leave record. Despite the existence of the separate records the events which are recorded do not provide as detailed a record as the Army. It is useful to examine the historical record of the operational units to determine what was happening at the time the relative was posted there, and to that end I have included a summary of the World War 2 service of the 11th and 77th Squadrons, Royal Australian Air Force.
See George's:
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.
Aircrafthand |
Enlistment Details |
|
|
ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE |
War Service only. When used for attestation other than duration of War this strip must be cut off. |
Attestation of No |
PERMANENT FORCES
|
|
Questions to be put to the Recruit before Enlistmenti>
1. |
What is your Name? |
1. |
George Ernest Melville SANNE |
2. |
Near what Parish or Town were you born? |
2. |
At or near the Town of Maclean |
3. |
Are you a natural born British Subject or a Naturalised British Subject? (N.B. — If the latter, papers to be shown) |
3. |
British subject |
4. |
What is your age? |
4. |
21 years 6 months |
5. |
What is your trade or calling? |
5. |
Telephone Linesman |
6. |
Are you, or have you been, an Apprentice? If so, where, to whom, and for what period? |
6. |
No |
7. |
Are you married? |
7. |
No |
8. |
Have you ever been convicted by the Civil Power? |
8. |
No |
9. |
Have you ever been discharged from any part of His Majesty's Forces, with Ignomony, or as Incorrigible and Worthless, or on account of Conviction of Felony, or of a Sentence of Penal Servitude, or have you been dismissed with Disgrace from the Navy? (You are warned that you are liable to heavy punishment if you make a false answer to this question) |
9. |
No |
10. |
Do you now belong to, or have you ever served in, His Majesty's army, the Marines, the Militia, the Militia, Reserve, the Territorial Force, Royal Navy or Colonial Forces? If so, state which, and if not now serving, state cause of discharge. |
10. |
No |
11. |
Have you truly stated the whole, if any, of your previous service? |
11. |
Yes |
12. |
Have you ever been rejected as unfit for His Majesty's Service? If so, on what grounds? |
12. |
Yes |
13. |
Are you willing to be enlisted under the conditions stated in the regulations for the Air Force of the Commonwealth of Australia? |
13. |
Yes |
DECLARATION
I, . . . . . . George Ernest Melville SANNE . . . . . . do solemnly declare that the above answers made by me to the above questions are true, and that I am willing to fulfil the engagement made.
Signature of Recruit. . . . . . G. E. M. Sanne . . . . . .
OATH TO BE TAKEN BY RECRUIT ON ATTESTATION
I, Sydney Arthur Melville Sanne swear that I will well and truly serve
our Sovereign Lord the King in the Air Force of the Commonwealth of Australia for the term of*
SO HELP ME, GOD * Strike out whichever is inapplicable |
CERTIFICATE OF ATTESTING OFFICER
The recruit above named was cauaationed by me that if he made any false answer to any of the above questions he would be liable to be punished as providedd in the Air Force Act and the Air Force Regulations of the Commonwealth of Australia.
The questions were then read to the recruit in my presence.
I have taken care that he understands each question, and that his answer to each question has been duly enteres as replied to by him.
I have examined his Naturalization papers, and am of the opinion they are correct. (In the case of a British
Subject this is to be struck out.)
The said recruit has made a signed the Declaration and taken the Oath at . . . Sydney . . .in the State of . . . New South Wales . . . , this . . . Twelfth . . . day . . . . . of . . . August . . . 19 . . .40 . . . , before me.
Signature . . . C.I. Ryan . . . Flying Officer . . . .
(A Justice of the Peace or Attesting Officer)
Description of SANNE, Sydney Arthur Melville on Enlistment
Age |
21 years — 6 months |
Distinctive Marks[None noted]
|
Height |
5 feet 7¼ inches [170.8cm] |
|
Weight |
11 stone 5 pounds [159 lbs or 72.2Kg] |
|
Chest |
37 [94cm] |
|
Complexion |
Medium |
|
Eyes |
Grey |
|
Hair |
Brown |
|
Religious Denomination |
Meth [Methodist] |
CERTIFICATE OF MEDICAL EXAMINATION
I have examined the above-named person and find that he does not present any of the following conditions, viz:—
Scrofula; phthisis; syphilis; impaired constitution; defective intelligence, defects of vision, voice or hearing; hernia; haemorhoids; varicose veins, beyond a limited extent; marked varicocele with unusually pendant testicle; inveterate cutaneous disease; chronic ulcers; traces of corporal punishment, or evidence of having been marked with the letters D. or B.C.; contracted or deformed chest abnormal curvature of spine; or any other disease or physical defect calculated to unfit him for the duties of a soldier.
He can see the required distance with either eye; his heart and lungs are healthy; he has the free use of his joints and limbs; and he declares he is not subject to fits of any description.
I consider him fit for active service.
Date . . . . . 12 Aug 1940 . . . . .
Place . . . . .No. 2 Recruiting Centre Sydney . . . . .
Alan R. Lewington
Flight Lieutenant
(Signature of Examining Medical Officer)
CERTIFICATE OF APPROVING OFFICER
I CERTIFY that this Attestation of the above-named recruit is correct and that the required forms have been complied with. I accordingly approve and appoint him to . . . . .No 2 Recruit Depot, RICHMOND . . . . .
If enlisted by special authority, number and date to be here quoted. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Date . . . . .12 Aug 1914 . . . . .
Place . . . . .No. 2 Recruiting Center, SYDNEY . . . . .
[Illegible]
Flying Officer,
Attesting Officer
For Flight Lieutenant, Commanding No. 2 Recruiting Centre
PERSONAL RECORD OF SERVICE — AIRMEN
CERTIFIED THAT NAME AND DATE OF BIRTH
HAVE BEEN CHECKED WITH BIRTH CERTIFICATE |
1.
|
AIR FORCE NUMBER . . . . 33169 . . . . |
SERIAL |
ITEM |
ENTRIES |
|||||||
3. |
NO. |
33169 |
|||||||
4. |
SURNAME |
SANNE |
|||||||
5. |
CHRISTIAN NAMES |
George Ernest Melville |
|||||||
7. |
DATE OF BIRTH 18 Feb 1919
|
||||||||
8. |
SINGLE |
Single |
|||||||
9. |
NEXT OF KIN |
Sydney Arthur Melville |
|||||||
10. |
RELATIONSHIP |
Father |
|||||||
13. |
PREVIOUS TRADE & TRADE QUALIFICATIONS |
Telephone Linesman 3 Years |
|||||||
14. |
ENLISTMENTS & RE-ENGAGEMENTS |
||||||||
Enlisted for duration of the war and a period of 12 months after on 12 Aug 1940 |
|||||||||
15. |
PREVIOUS NAVAL, MILITARY OR AIR SERVICE |
||||||||
Unit |
From |
To |
Rank on Discharge |
||||||
[No entry] |
[No entry] |
[No entry] |
[No entry] |
||||||
16. |
DECORATIONS, MEDALS, MENTIONS & BADGES |
||||||||
|
Decorations, etc |
Authority |
|||||||
1939 Star |
|
||||||||
17. |
MUSTERINGS |
||||||||
Mustering |
Date
|
Class'n for Pay |
Authority |
||||||
On enlistment Trainee Group V |
14 Apr 1942 |
|
|
||||||
18. |
PROMOTIONS, RECLASSIFICATIONS, REDUCTIONS AND REVERSIONS |
||||||||
Description |
Date |
Authority |
|||||||
A.C. 1 On Enlistment |
12 Aug 1940 |
46 DRI/2RC |
|||||||
19. |
SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS |
[No entry] |
|||||||
20. |
POSTINGS |
||||||||
Posted to |
Date |
Authority |
|||||||
2 RD Richmond |
12 Aug 1940 |
46 DRO/2 RC |
|||||||
21. |
ATTACHMENTS |
||||||||
Attached |
From |
To |
Authority |
||||||
3 RC Brisbane |
24 Jan 1942 |
31 Jan 1942 |
8 SFTS 13/42, 18/42 |
||||||
22. |
MOVEMENTS AND MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS. |
||||||||
Proceeded on duty by rail to Enfield&emsps; 12 Feb 1942 8 SFTS 24/42 |
|||||||||
23. |
CHARACTER AND TRADE PROFICIENCY. |
||||||||
Rank |
Character |
Trade Classification |
Proficiency |
Date |
Recommended for Promotion or Not |
||||
A |
B |
C |
|||||||
Cpl |
V.G. |
RHG |
Sat. |
Sat. |
Sat. |
31 Dec 1941 |
Annual Assess |
||
24. |
COURSES OF INSTRUCTION. |
||||||||
Type of Course
|
From |
To |
Result |
Authority |
|||||
No 168 Drill Course No2 RD
|
14 Aug 40 |
11 Sep 1940 |
Pass |
URO 553/40 |
|||||
25. |
EXAMINATIONS PASSED FOR PROMOTION. |
||||||||
Rank Passed For |
Subject |
Date |
Remarks |
Authority |
|||||
[No entry] |
[No entry] |
[No entry] |
[No entry] |
[No entry] |
|||||
26. |
PAY AND ALLOWANCES. |
||||||||
[No Entry] |
|||||||||
27. |
DEPENDANTS |
||||||||
Name in Full |
Relationship |
Date of Birth |
Authority |
||||||
[No entry] |
[No entry] |
[No entry] |
[No entry] |
||||||
28. |
CASUALTIES, ADMISSIONS TO AND DISCHARGES FROM HOSPITAL |
||||||||
Nature of Casualty/Disability |
Hospital |
From |
To |
Authority |
|||||
[Not recorded] |
S[upport?] Sqn Rathmines |
21 Aug 1944 |
28 Aug 1944 |
11 Sqn 72/44 |
|||||
29. |
CRIMES AND PUNISHMENTS |
||||||||
Act or Regulation |
Award or Sentence |
Location |
Date |
Authority |
|||||
Air Force Act (40) |
8 days forfeiture of pay |
Cairns |
2 Dec 1944 |
Acting CO |
|||||
No other offences at any time - certified annually by his unit at the time. |
THE "TANNE" TRANSACTIONS
Having contributed to the winning of the war, George Sanne was to retire from the Air Force. That was the start of what was to become an administrative nightmare when his family name was spelled as Tanne rather than Sanne. What I've been unable to determine is how this played out on the ground for George, because he knew what his name was and much of this took place at Headquarters unit.
DATE |
FROM |
TO |
CONTENT |
21 NOV 1945 |
3 RPP |
FIRSTAAF(BPSO) |
33169 LAC SANNE G.E.M. DMT 3RPP POSTED 2 PERSDEPOT
DISCHARGE SECTION WEF 5 DEC. UNDER AFR 115(T) ON
DEMOBILISATION. FIRSTAF(BPSO) TO EFFECT POSTING TO 3 RPP
(RAS) |
26 NOV |
FIRSTAF (BPSO) |
RAAF HQ |
FOLLOWING PERSONNEL POST EX 3RPP TO PERSDEP FOR DISCHARGE. NO RECORD THIS HEADQUARTERS. |
UNDATED |
NOT SHOWN |
NOT SHOWN |
DELETE ALL REF TO THIS AIRMAN ON D.A. 612, ENT IN ERROR UNDER AIRWOMEN. APPREHENDED AND TAKEN ON STRENGTH AT
2 P.D. 12.12.45 APPREHENDED AND TAKEN ON STRENGTH 13.13.45 |
18 DEC 45 |
11 GP HQ |
RAAF HQ |
FORWARDED HEREWITH IS COPY PD(C)756 11 NOV 1945 WHICH WAS RECEIVED BY NO 9 TMO (MOROTAI) 18 DEC AND PASSED THIS HEADQUARTERS THIS DAY. UPON CHECKING WITH SIGNALS STATION 60 OBU OT WAS REVEALED THAT THIS SIGNAL WAS RECEIVED 17-626Z. NO RECORD OF THIS AIRMAN IS HELD THIS HEADQUARTERS. |
8 JAN 1946 |
HQ RAAF |
|
POSTING 33169 LAC 'TANNE G D.M.T. 3RPP TO 2 PERSDEP DISCHARGE SECTION VIDE PD(C) 756 2 NOV. YOUR M1580/PGM 26 NOV ADVISES MP RECORD AIRMAN YOUR AREA. RECORD THIS HQ SHOW AIRMAN ON STRENGTH 113 ASRF POR/48/45 REFERS. AIRMAN TO PROCEED ON POSTING IMMEDIATELY. |
17 FEB 945 |
RAAF HQ |
3 RPP,1 RPP,
2 PERS DEPOT
AFO/BRIS |
PDC756 11 NOV UNCLAS SERIAL NO H530036. 33169 LAC TANNE
G.E.M. DMT 3 RPP - POSTED 2 PD DISCHARGE SECTION WEF 5 DEC
UNDER AFR 115(T) ON DEMOB FIRSTAF 9BPSO TO EFFECT POSTING
TO 3RPP |
26 FEB 1946 |
2 PERS DEPOT |
1, 3, 4, 5, 6 |
FOLLOWING AIRMEN POSTED THIS DEPOT FOR DISCHARGE EX 3 RPP VIDE AUTHORITIES SHOWN NOT YET REPORTED [OTHER NAMES DELETED] LAC TANNE G.E.M. VIDE PDC 656 26 NOV WEF 5 DEC. REQUEST ADVISE IF ANY RECORDS. |
26 MAR 1946 |
2 PERS DEPOT |
1, 3, 4, 5, 6 |
REPEAT LIST OF NAMES FROM 26 FEB, INCLUDING TANNE G.E.M. |
2 APR 1946 |
2 PERS DEPOT |
RAAF HQ |
REF LAC TANNE G.E.M.T POSTED THIS DEPOT FOR DISCH EX 3 RPP VIDE PC756/45 21 NOV WEF 5 DEC. PERSDEPS ADVISE NIL RECORD THIS AIRMAN |
3 APR 1946 |
2 PERS DEPOT |
RAAF HQ |
33169 LAC TANNE G.E.M. DMT REPORTED DISCHARGE SECTION
28 MAR FOR DISCHARGE VIDE PD(C)756/45 221 NOV WHICH QUOTES
THIS AIRMANS SURNAME AS "TANNE" REPEAT "TANNE".
DISCHARGE ACTION PROCEEDING AND FINALISATION EXPECTED 5 APR. |
8 APR 1946 |
2 PERS DEPOT |
POR 1333 PAGE 1 |
A 2 PAGE LIST OF AIRMEN TO BE DISCHARGED FROM NO 2 PERSONNEL DEPOT. INCLUDES: |
15 Apr 1945 |
RAAF HQ |
2 PERS DEPOT |
REF LAC TANNE YOUR M940T 2 APR STATES NO RECORD AIRMAN |
No 11 Squadron Royal Australian Air Force WW2
Extracted from Wikipedia
No. 11 Squadron was established on 25 September 1939 at RAAF Station Richmond, New South Wales. It was equipped with two Supermarine Seagulls and two Short Empire flying boats. The squadron's first commanding officer was Flight Lieutenant James Alexander. In late September, the squadron deployed to Port Moresby in New Guinea, where it monitored Japanese shipping movements in the region. In mid-1940, the squadron received another two Empires as it began to expand its operations to places such as Thursday Island and Bougainville. The squadron was re-equipped with six Consolidated Catalina aircraft in 1941, before transferring some of its aircraft to No. 20 Squadron RAAF. In late November, the squadron helped search for survivors from HMAS Sydney following its battle with the German auxiliary cruiser Kormoran, but was unsuccessful.

Insignia No 11 Squadron Royal Australian Air Force
Upon the outbreak of war with Japan in December 1941, No. 11 Squadron began flying long-range patrols across the South West Pacific area; these would continue throughout the war and would sometimes be up to 20 hours in duration. It suffered its first loss on 8 December when one of its aircraft crashed on take-off in Port Moresby; all six crew members were killed. On 12 January, the squadron launched an attack on the Japanese airbase at Truk, but it was abandoned due to bad weather. Further raids were undertaken throughout the next couple of months around Rabaul and patrols were undertaken along the north coast of New Guinea during which the squadron lost one aircraft shot down and several others damaged in attacks or in accidents. The squadron also flew evacuation missions, repatriating military personnel and civilians back to Australia as the Japanese attacks intensified. In May, following the Japanese air attacks on Port Moresby, the squadron was withdrawn to Australia, arriving in Bowen, Queensland, from where it flew reconnaissance sorties in support of Allied naval operations during the Battle of the Coral Sea. Throughout the remainder of the year, the squadron undertook anti- submarine and anti-shipping patrols, and several bombing missions in New Guinea during which one Catalina was lost.
The squadron moved to Cairns, Queensland in November 1942, and began to interdict Japanese supply convoys moving between Lae and Finschhafen. In early March 1943, aircraft from No. 11 Squadron took part in the surveillance of the Japanese convoy that was destroyed in the Battle of the Bismarck Sea. In April, No. 11 Squadron began conducting offensive mine-laying operations, which it continued until the end of the war. The squadron's most notable achievement in this role was the mining of Manila harbour in December 1944, which required three aircraft to fly over 14,500 kilometres (9,000 mi) in the RAAF's longest mission of the war.
An incident in which a US Navy Wildcat mistook a No. 11 Squadron Catalina for a Japanese aircraft resulted in the adoption of what became the modern RAAF Roundel. At the time, RAAF aircraft were using the RAF roundel and the USN aircraft mistook this for the Japanese red circular aircraft marking. The aftermath led to the removal of the red colour from the centre of the roundel, which remained as the standard RAAF roundel in the Pacific for the remainder of the war. Post-war, the standard RAF roundel was reinstated; the current roundel consisting of the blue outer ring surrounding a red kangaroo in motion was adopted in June 1956.
The squadron spent the final months of the war conducting mine-laying operations, including in Balikpapan Harbour. After Japan surrendered in August 1945, its focus shifted to humanitarian efforts, air dropping supplies to Allied personnel in prisoner-of-war camps, and repatriating newly liberated POWs back to Australia. These operations occupied the squadron until the end of 1945; it was subsequently withdrawn to Australia and officially disbanded on 15 February 1946.
Casualties during the war totalled 102 personnel killed.
No 77 Squadron Royal Australian Air Force WW2
Extracted from Wikipedia

Insignia No 77 Squadron Royal Australian Air Force
No. 77 Squadron was formed at RAAF Station Pearce, Western Australia, on 16 March, with a complement of three officers and 100 men. Temporarily commanded by Squadron Leader D. F. Forsyth, the unit was initially responsible for the defence of Perth. Squadron Leader Dick Cresswell assumed command on 20 April. The squadron transferred to Batchelor Airfield near Darwin, Northern Territory, in August, the first RAAF fighter unit to be stationed in the area. Until this time, air defence over Darwin had been provided by the P-40s flown by the USAAF's 49th Fighter Group. No. 77 Squadron moved to another of Darwin's satellite airfields, Livingstone, in September. Among its pilots was John Gorton, future Prime Minister of Australia. No. 77 Squadron saw action defending Darwin from Japanese air raids and claimed its first aerial victory just after 5 a.m. on 23 Nov 1942, when Cresswell destroyed a Mitsubishi "Betty" bomber. It was the first "kill" for an Australian squadron over the mainland, and the first night victory over Australia. As of 24 December, the unit's strength was twenty-four Kittyhawks.
In February 1943, concurrent with No. 1 Wing and its three Supermarine Spitfire squadrons becoming operational in the Darwin area, No. 77 Squadron was transferred to Milne Bay in New Guinea. Along with Nos. 6, 75 and 100 Squadrons it came under the control of the newly formed No. 71 Wing, which was part of No. 9 Operational Group, the RAAF's main mobile formation in the South West Pacific Area. No. 77 Squadron registered its first daytime victory on 11 April, when a Kittyhawk shot down a Mitsubishi Zero taking part in a raid on Allied shipping near Buna. Three days later the Japanese attacked Milne Bay; the squadron claimed four bombers and a fighter for the loss of one Kittyhawk. By this time, Allied headquarters had finalised plans for a drive north to the Philippines involving heavy attacks on Rabaul and the occupation of territory in New Guinea, New Britain and the Solomon Islands.
No. 77 Squadron began moving to Goodenough Island in May 1943, and was fully established and ready for operations by 15 June. As Japanese fighter opposition was limited, the squadron took part in several ground- attack missions in New Britain, armed with incendiary and general- purpose bombs, a practice that had been employed by Kittyhawk units in the Middle East. During one such raid on 2 August, Cresswell's designated successor as commanding officer, Flight Lieutenant Daryl Sproule, was forced to crash-land on a beach and was captured and executed by the Japanese. Cresswell remained in command until Squadron Leader "Buster" Brown took over on 20 August. Japanese fighter strength in New Britain and New Guinea increased in September and October, and eight of No. 77 Squadron's Kittyhawks were briefly detached to Nadzab as escorts for the CAC Boomerangs of No. 4 Squadron, which were supporting the 7th Australian Division.
In January 1944, No. 77 Squadron took part in the two largest raids mounted by the RAAF to that time, each involving over seventy aircraft attacking targets in New Britain. It was subsequently assigned to Los Negros in the Admiralty Islands, joining Nos. 76 and 79 Squadrons under No. 73 Wing. No. 77 Squadron's ground party went ashore at Los Negros on 6 March, in the middle of a firefight with Japanese forces. Fourteen of the squadron's Kittyhawks arrived a week later, and another ten on 28 March. Their primary duty was providing air cover for Allied shipping, though no Japanese aircraft were encountered; they also flew ground-attack missions in support of US troops on Manus Island. Following the capture of the Admiralties, which completed the isolation of Rabaul, No. 77 Squadron remained with No. 73 Wing on garrison duty at Los Negros from May to July 1944.
Between 13 August and 14 September 1944, the squadron transferred to Noemfoor in western New Guinea to join Nos. 76 and 82 Squadrons as part of No. 81 Wing under No. 10 Operational Group (later the Australian First Tactical Air Force), which had taken over the mobile role previously performed by No. 9 Group and was supporting the American landings along the north coast of New Guinea. Cresswell, now a wing commander, arrived for his second tour of duty as commanding officer on 26 September. Operating P-40N Kittyhawks, No. 77 Squadron bombed Japanese positions on the Vogelkop Peninsula in October and on Halmahera in November. Cresswell handed over command in March 1945. The squadron moved to Morotai on 13 April and conducted ground-attack sorties over the Dutch East Indies until 30 June, when it redeployed with No. 81 Wing to Labuan to support the 9th Australian Division in North Borneo until hostilities ended in August 1945.
The squadron's tally of aerial victories during the war was seven aircraft destroyed and four "probables", for the loss of eighteen pilots killed.
Medals and Dress Embellishments
Entitled to wear 1935-1949 Star, Pacific Star, British War Medal 1939-1945 and Australia Service Medal 1939-1945.
Fair use, Link
1939-1945 Star

The 1939-45 Star is awarded for service between 3 September 1939 and 2 September 1945 for:
- a period of six months (180 days) operational service for RAN and Army personnel and RAAF non-air crew personnel;
- a period of two months operational service for air crew personnel; and/or
- a period of six months service at sea for Merchant Navy provided at least one voyage was made through one of the specified areas of active operations;
The 1939-45 Star 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. See required evidence to support a claim.
Design
The six–pointed star is yellow copper zinc alloy. The obverse has a central design of the Royal and Imperial cypher, surmounted by a crown. The cypher is surrounded by a circlet containing the words "The 1939-45 Star".
Stars issued to Australian personnel have recipient names engraved on the plain reverse.
Ribbon
The ribbon has three vertical stripes of dark blue, red and light blue. The dark blue stripe represents the Naval Forces and the Merchant Navy, the red stripe the Armies and the light blue stripe the Air Forces.
Clasps
The "BATTLE OF BRITAIN" clasp was awarded to eligible air crew involved in the Battle of Britain.
The "BOMBER COMMAND" clasp was introduced in 2012 and is awarded to eligible Bomber Command aircrew.
When the ribbon is worn alone the standard silver rosette ribbon emblem is worn to denote the award of a clasp. The silver rosette emblem is not supplied by the Directorate of Honours and Awards.
Pacific Star

The Pacific Star is awarded for entry into operational service in the Pacific Theatre of Operations between 8 December 1941 and 2 September 1945.
Navy and Merchant Navy personnel are eligible if the 1939-45 Star is earned by six months service or if they entered the Pacific Theatre between 2 March 1945 and 2 September 1945.
The Pacific Star is awarded to Australian Civilian Personnel who served afloat with the United States Army Small Ships Section. Eligibility is the same as that for Merchant Navy personnel. See required evidence to support a claim.
Design
The six–pointed star is yellow copper zinc alloy. The obverse has a central design of the Royal and Imperial cypher, surmounted by a crown. The cypher is surrounded by a circlet containing the words 'The Pacific Star'.
Stars issued to Australian personnel have recipient names engraved on the plain reverse.
Ribbon
The ribbon has central yellow and green stripes that represent the forests and the beaches of the Pacific, flanked dark blue, light blue and red stripes that represent the service of the Naval Forces and Merchant Navy, the Air Forces and the Armies.
Clasp
The Burma clasp was issued for the Pacific Star.
When the ribbon is worn alone a silver rosette ribbon emblem is worn to denote the award of a clasp.
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
[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 the Australian coat of arms, placed centrally, surrounded by the words "THE AUSTRALIA SERVICE MEDAL 1939-1945".
The rim is plain, and the medal hangs from a suspender.
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.
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 month 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.