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

Service Profile: Abby Bishop

Albert John Bishop joined the Royal Australian Air Force on 12 August 1943, and served as Nav(B) until 27 September 1945, having attained the rank of Flying Officer at the time of discharge.

During training, Abby flew in Avro Ansons, Fairey Battles and Airspeed Oxfords.

Abby was one of many training within the Empire Air Training Scheme, and on No. 32 Course, his postings included Kingaroy, Cootamundra, Evans Head, Bairnsdale, East Sale and finally Jervis Bay for his torpedo training.

He saw active service in the Pacific theatre of war, serving in No. 8 Squadron. He was at Goodenough from 11 March 1944 to Anzac Day 1944, then at Nadzab from 7 May 1944 to 28 May 1944. He was involved in a crash at Cape Glouster on 22 May 1944, and after a short leave, returned to No. 8 Squadron, to serve at Tadji from 29 July 1944 to 3 May 1945.

After a period of leave, Abby was posted to Nhill to undergo a Bombing Leader's Course, but somehow he found himself AWL in Melbourne, conducting his own VE celebrations. For reasons known only to the Personnel Directorate, he found his posting changed to No. 67 Squadron, based at Laverton, doing anti-submarine patrols from Mallacoota to Yanakie on Wilsons Promontory.

In Abby Bishop style, he wishes to be remembered for being awarded the 'Tokyo Star' for dropping bombs 'SAFE'!

As It Happened: Life Beyond the RAAF (69K PDF)