Dadge, Fred

Fred DADGE

RAAF, 54 Squadron

Ground staff

Pilots of RAAF 54 Squadron - Richmond, December 1942.

On a recent visit to the home of a Spitfire pilot friend, I picked up a copy of 'Spitfire News' (The Spitfire Association's official journal) and it was with some surprise and a lot of pleasure, I read articles on No. 1 Fighter Wing and in particular, No. 54 Squadron R.A.F. With whom I served as a ground staff member.  Some of us were located in Berrimah operating radio equipment for the operations room, so we were perhaps not so well known to some members of the Squadron.

After serving our time on 54, we were posted south and enjoyed some leave in the southern states, after which several of us were posted back to Darwin to join the recently formed 548 and 549 Squadrons R.A.F., here we had a good rapport with the R.A.F. Pilots, in particular I remember Doug Wiltshire, Mitch .......... and Vic. Hennessy.

I could go on reminiscing but would prefer to do so with any former comrades, so should any of you read this I can be contacted at Box 9054 Oasis Village Cobram Vic.  Or phone No. (03) 58722477

Fred Dadge and edited by Paul Carter

The Spitfire Association