Book: In Just Five Years, NHILL - a “Forgotten” WW2 RAAF Base revi

[darren.crick]

The Nhill Anson

A newsletter from the

Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre

28-08-2009

NHILL - a “Forgotten” WW2 RAAF Base revisited.

The Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre (NAHC) committee is determined that the story of the WW2 RAAF Base at Nhill (Victoria) will be told to modern generations and that a significant part of Australia’s wartime contribution will not fade from memory.

As Britain prepared for war it was quickly realised that insufficient resources were available to maintain the Royal Air Force at an adequate strength to confront Germany. The Empire Air Training Scheme was implemented in 1939 and Australia undertook to provide 10,000 aircrew per year to defend Britain and the Empire. One of many bases was built at Nhill where more than 2,000 Navigators were trained between 1941 and 1943. During the next two years almost 10,000 Armourers, Bomb Aimers, Chemical Warfare operators and Gunnery trainees passed through this unit, located half way between Melbourne and Adelaide. Trainees came from all states and territories of Australia and many lost their lives in operations over Europe.

During October 10 -18, the town of NHILL will be celebrating a “Back-To” for all who have some connection with the town. The Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre welcomes those involved with the RAAF base, and their families and friends, to visit and enjoy some special aviation related events happening during the week. The committee would also appreciate contact with any trainees or family or friends who are unable to join us in Nhill. It is important to recognise the contribution of as many as possible in the activities of the Nhill base so please use the contact details below.

On Monday Oct 12th a new book will be launched at Nhill about the history of the Base together with the experiences of many personnel and Nhill citizens. Included in the book are numerous photographs never before published. This 200-page book will be available through the Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre at an expected cost of $40 during the Back-to-Nhill week. People interested should pre-order as it is a limited publication that is expected to be very popular and the cost will almost certainly rise to $45 after the Back-to-Nhill week. Postage is expected to be $15. Please refer to the following website for additional information. www.injustfiveyears.com

An aircraft “fly-in” has been organised by the Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre committee for Saturday Oct 17 when a wide variety of aircraft, including a WW2 Wirraway, are expected at the local airfield. Interested flyers are invited to contact John Deckert by email john@westprint.com.au or by phone on 03 5391 1466.

In Just Five Years

Available Mid October

Pre publication orders $40

Plus Post

All sales after Oct. 18 will be at least $45.00

Memories of an Avro Anson Flight Mechanic




Attached Image

[Warhawk]

I've just received mine in the post yesterday.

Not a bad read or format. Infact, very well done.

I only have one or two ever so smallest of quips:

(1) on the picture statement on USAAF marked Buffaloes,flown by RAAF Pilots being mid/late 1942 ex NEIAF (Possibly intended for 25Sqn in Pearce ex USAAF Figther OCU at Williamtown Aug/Sept 42)ones rather then 1941 RAAF reinforcements to Singapore.

(2) no Australian/NSW map with actual location of Nhill, NSW.

Enjoyable ,full of information and great pics. Well worth the money, so hurry up and order as there are only 1000 copies

Best
Gordy

[Rod Farquhar]

Sorry Gordy, Nhill is in Victoria!
Rod. :rolleyes:

[Warhawk]

There you go Rod,......no map reference

Lol

Gordy

[darren.crick]

Got mine too Gordy and a nice invite to the release of the book which I am unfortunately unable to attend...

see ya tommorow!!