Service Number:  173938 (RAFVR)

Rank: Flying Officer

454 RAAF Squadron :  3.10.1943 - 30.7.1944

Date of Death: 21 Feb 2013

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Crew:

• Flying Officer - James Raymond Baber- Pilot

• Sergeant Leslie Alexander Weale, RAFVR - WOP/AG

• Sergeant James H. Hendy, RAFVR WOP/AG

• Sergeant Rex A. Robinson, RAFVR - Observer

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A recent email to our Hon. Secretary - reads as follows:

 

 

"Dear Penny,

 

The ravages of time have dug deep trenches in my memory's field, so that some of those old mates have been lost forever.  At least I still meet an old crew  member, Jim Hendy (now a widower) once for a week for a couple of beers and a chat of old times.  It may be that the impact of those few months with 454 RAAF had a greater effect on our memories, (he remembers more than I do!), than all the other months of civilian life.  Rex Robinson, Navigator, has been smitten with eye trouble.  He lives alone now but has a close relationship with his family.

 

Finally I applaud your efforts and the other daughters of 454 & 459 Squadrons who have kept the Association alive.  It is heart warming to know that the effort to remember and honour the contribution made to preserve peace will be sustained by your efforts.  Congratulations to you ALL!

Sincerely,

Jim Baber."