Welcome to the 76SQN data base. This is the third list I have now done and the easiest of the three to compile. This list only took two days to research, one day at the RAAF Historical Section in Canberra and one day at RAAF Base Williamtown. Once again I found that some of the Fabric Workers completed Parachute Packing Courses at Archerfield during WW2. 76SQN also has the largest Number of Fabric Workers Assistants that I have come across to date, at total of eight, all during the War.

76SQN also served in Malta alongside 75SQN. As the deployment was under the banner of 78Wing the names are the same as the 75SQN list. Again I found that Fabric Workers served side by side with Safety Equipment Workers at SQN level up until 1967/68, a total of four being at 76SQN at that time. After that time the SQN only had SEWs and then finally ALSFITTs. 76SQN has been disbanded a number of times during its life, 1948 to 1949, 1955 to 1960 and then 1973 to 1989, the latter being the largest of the breaks.

Once again my thanks go to Janet Beck at the RAAF Historical Section, I would never get this research done without her assistance, also Pete ‘Bags’ Lewin for helping with the study and a place to stay whilst down Canberra way. Last but not least, thanks to Kevin ‘Dinga’ Bell and Al Kendall for helping to fill in the blanks when the Squadron reformed in 1989.

Paul “Changa” Mason

The Squadron was formed at Archerfield in Queensland on the 14 March 1942, equipped with P-40E Kitthawks.

• S.N. White.

Whilst at Weir strip near Townsville the Squadron was scrambled three times during May to intercept enemy aircraft but no contact with the enemy was made. The Squadron left Weir on the 14 July for Townsville then left Australia on the 19 July 1942.

• S.N. White.

• L.G. Jarvis.

76SQN operated from Milne Bay along side 75SQN, carrying out attacks on Japanese troops, bomber escort, and defensive patrols, with 220 sorties being completed up until the 5 September. On the 21 September, 76SQN was relieved by Nos 34 and 36 SQNs USAAF. During this time the CO SQNLDR Turnbull was killed and he was replaced by SQNLDR ‘Bluey’ Truscott. The Squadron returned to Darwin on the 2 September 1942.

• S.N. White.

• L.G. Jarvis.