Introduction On the 17th February 1943, Flying Officer William Torrens Hinds, a cousin of the direct descendants of Harry Watson, who settled Gregory Downs, in the Gulf of North Queensland, was posted to Darwin with 54 squadron of the RAF flying Spitfires out of Parap airfield defending Darwin against Japanese attacks. On the 7th September … Continue reading Flt Lt William Torrens Hinds
54 Squadron Spitfire Models
Rab Cooper's Model Rab Cooper is the great-great nephew of Sgt Albert "Bert" Cooper of 54 Squadron, RAF. Albert was killed in action over Darwin on 15 March 1943. “I’m taking part in a model show in September 2026 , where the theme is Spitfires, marking the 90th anniversary of the Spitfire’s first flight. I’ve tried … Continue reading 54 Squadron Spitfire Models
“Darwin’s Air War 1942-1945”
An Illustrated History Commemorating the Darwin Air Raids Published 1991 - Author Bob Alford (Reprinted 1997 and 2001) This is the most authoritative work on Darwins air war, and has been compiled from a wide range of sources worldwide, including Japan. This edition contains many new photos, most of them from private collections. The entire … Continue reading “Darwin’s Air War 1942-1945”
“The Luck of the Draw”
"Horses, Spitfires and Kittyhawks" Published 2003 - Author Edward 'Ted' Sly DFC MID In his youth Ted Sly worked on an outback Queensland cattle station. He joined the 7th Light Horse, then the RAAF. After training in Rhodesia he served with 452 RAAF and 450 RAAF Squadrons, 92 RAF East India Squadron and as an … Continue reading “The Luck of the Draw”
“Darwin Spitfires”
The Real Battle for Australia Published in 2011 - Author Anthony Cooper Shines a light on a much neglected history - that of 1 Fighter Wing, the RAF unit manned by British and Australian pilots during the Second World War, who protected North West Australia from a series of relentless Japanese raids from 1942-43. The … Continue reading “Darwin Spitfires”
“Killer Caldwell”
Australia's Greatest Fighter Pilot Published 2005 - Author Jeffrey Watson Written after Clive's death in August 1994, Jeffrey Watson had the benefit of interviews with a number of people in the book, including Clive Caldwell. He also had access to his personal papers, thanks to the generosity of Mrs Jean Caldwell. Clive Caldwell, himself, would … Continue reading “Killer Caldwell”
“Tally Ho!”
From the Battle of Britain to the Defense of Darwin Published 2008 - Author Wing Commander R W Foster DFC AE (Co Author with Norman Franks) Bob Foster was a well known figure at book and print signings in many parts of the UK. Although recognized as a Battle of Britain veteran, little is known … Continue reading “Tally Ho!”
“The Making of a Spitfire Pilot”
The Battle of Britain to the Timor Sea. The War Diaries of RKC Norwood 1940-46 The Battle of Britain to the Timor Sea. The War Diaries of RKC Norwood 1940-46 Published 2016 - Authors Ralph and Gay Murphy This is the diary of a Spitfire Pilot, Robin Norwood, who served in RAF Volunteer Reserve before the … Continue reading “The Making of a Spitfire Pilot”
“A Squadron Diarist’s Year At Nightcliff Camp: Darwin”
Published December 2021 - Author Sarah Weatherhead-Kous "Boldness to Endure Anything" - RAF 54 Squadron Motto An insight into what life was like for members of 54 Squadron RAF stationed in Darwin during WWII. Not just the engagements with the enemy but also the rigours of camp life and how they entertained themselves and kept … Continue reading “A Squadron Diarist’s Year At Nightcliff Camp: Darwin”
Hinds Spitfire DL Code?
Most units of the Royal Air Force (RAF) are identified by a two character alphabetical or alpha- numeric combination squadron code. Usually, that code is painted on the aircraft belonging to that unit. The squadron code is usually presented along with an individual letter or character to form a call sign for the particular aircraft. Location of the call sign … Continue reading Hinds Spitfire DL Code?
A Darwin Spitfire Defence Fail
The No 1 Fighter Wing Spitfires that defended Darwin comprised RAAF Squadrons 452 and 457 as well as British RAF Squadron 54. The Wing had their first engagement on the 2nd of March of 1943 however April was a quiet month. The enemy did not send one raider against them during that month, whereas in … Continue reading A Darwin Spitfire Defence Fail
A Spitfire over Darwin 