These profiles and stories were donated to the RAAF Museum by the Gold Coast Branch of the Air Crew Association.

Service Profile: Neil O'Connor

During World War 2, C.J. (Neil) O'Connor DFC (ACA 13157) enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force in March 1940 and was placed on the Active Reserve (Aircrew) like hundreds of his fellows. He was called into service on 3 January 1941. His initial training took place at Somers, Victoria, as a member of No. 10 Course. On successful completion of the course, he was categorised for pilot training.

Under the Empire Air Training Scheme (EATS), Neil was then transported by passenger liner to South Africa and by train to Rhodesia (later Zimbabwe) to begin his pilot training on Tiger Moths at No. 27 Elementary Flying Training School (EFTS) at Induna, near Bulawayo. Following further training at No. 21 Service Flying Training School (SFTS), flying Airspeed Oxfords, Neil was posted to No. 70 Operational Training Unit (OTU) in Kenya to 'crew up' and convert to Blenheim bombers. On completion of his training, he was posted to RAF No. 14 Squadron based in Egypt's Western Desert.

His squadron was later re-equipped with B-26A Marauders, which he flew for the remainder of his tour in North Africa and the Middle East, primarily on long-range anti-shipping bombing and mine-laying missions.

A posting to the UK followed, and Neil subsequently flew Wellingtons, Avro Ansons, Harrows, Miles Magisters, Beauforts and Beaufighters.

He served at No. 4 Advanced Flying Unit (AFU) in Scotland and with RAAF No. 92 Squadron.

Awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross for his service in North Africa and the Middle East, Neil took his discharge from the RAAF on 27 June 1946, holding the rank of Flight Lieutenant.

Post-war, Neil was granted a civil pilot's licence and, later, spent 17 years flying helicopters for a mining company in Papua New Guinea.

As it Happened: Tigers Meet in Mid-Air (130K PDF)