Special Sub-Topic: What did you do in the War, Dad? Click Here To Play: What did you do in the War, Dad?

During the war, Dad was in the R.A.A.F. So which country does he hail from?

Australia. THe Royal Australian Air Force uniform during World War 2 was a darker blue than other Commonwealth countries'. Nowadays it's a much lighter blue. Dad was a fitter, a member of the groundcrew.

Dad's active service was carried out in New Guinea. So, what nation was he fighting against?

Japan. Interestingly, Japan is presently (2002) Australia's biggest trading partner.

When I once asked Dad how he got to New Guinea he said he flew up in a Kai-bomber. What did he mean by 'kai'?

food. Kai kai is the Pidgin English term used by New Guinea locals (and others such as New Zealand Maoris) for food. The Dakota's supply drops to soldiers fighting in the jungle were indispensable. This variant of the DC-3 along with the Jeep and the landing craft was said by Eisenhower to be the tools that won the war.

Dad achieved the exhalted rank of L.A.C. What do those letters stand for?

Leading Aircraftsman& Leading Air Craftsman& Leading Aircraftman& Leading Air Craftsman. This rank, signified by a two bladed propellor was the equivalent to the army's Lance-Corporal, American P.F.C.and to the German Wehrmacht's Gefreiter. Quizzer Spanishliz has drawn my attention to the fact that the rank can also be designated without the "s", so I have amended both terms to be acceptable. Thanks Liz

Dad tells me that his Squadron once took over an airfield from the Americans, who demonstated their affluence by abandoning an A-20 bomber because they had no spark plugs on hand for it. The A-20 was also called the ...?

Havoc. The British/Australian version of the A-20 Havoc was named the Boston. The abandoning of the plane due to a lack of sparkplugs demonstrated why the United States was never going to lose its war against Japan. While Japan throughout the war built a total of 16 aircraft carriers, a year and a day after the Pearl Harbour attack, America launched it's 50th.

Dad was part of 100 Squadron RAAF, which flew Australian made Beaufort bombers. How many engines did the Beaufort have?

2&two. The Beaufort bomber could also carry torpedoes. 'Though when Dad was working on them, they had been fitted out for transport duties. Two stretchers had been attached to inside the fuselage for carrying wounded soldiers.

To combat malaria, Dad had to take a drug called Atebrine. It did keep the malaria at bay, but it also had the unfortunate side-effect of turning his skin this colour.

yellow. My Mum said she laughed out loud when after the war Dad came down the street looking bright yellow. In New Guinea malaria caused more casualties than did combat.

The Allied Commander in New Guinea was named General Sir Thomas_______ ?

Blamey. Blamey was appointed Commander-in-Chief of allied land forces South West Pacific by US General Douglas MacArthur, Supreme Allied Comander, South Pacific. Although Blamey was eventually made Australia's only Field Marshall, Dad, like many Aussie ex-servicemen has a very low opinion of his character.

Dad left New Guinea and returned home on October 25 1945. Was this before the end of the war?

n. The Japanese signed the surrender documents on USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay on September 2nd 1945, thereby bringing an end to those proceedings.

Like most servicemen who served in the war, Dad won no medals for bravery. However if he had won his country's highest gallantry award, it would have been the ______?

Victoria Cross. The Victoria Cross or V.C. is still one of the most highly esteemed awards. I asked dad once if he had won any medals and he said "I almost got the W.C. and chain". He did his bit and I'm rightly proud of him, medals or no medals.