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(John) Bruce Audsley joined the Royal Australian Air Force in June 1942. He commenced aircrew training in January 1943 and qualified as a wireless operator on 22nd July 1943. He qualified as an air gunner on 19th August 1943. By February 1944 Bruce Audsley had travelled to England via New Zealand and America to begin final training, first at No.9(0) AFU where he completed advanced w/t training. He was posted to No 30 OTU in April 1944 with Sergeant William Skinner from the RCAF. This was the nucleus of the crew that would serve together in 103 squadron. At No 30 OTU they flew the twin engined Wellington bomber on various training missions to hone their skills in a combat situation. | |
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This Flight Sergeant J B Audsley's Royal Australian Air Force Identity Card | ||||
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The entire crew was formed at 1656 Heavy Conversion Unit at Lindholme near Doncaster in July 1944, operating the Halifax four engined heavy bomber. Other pilots Bruce Audsley flew with included Captain Shyberg and Flight Sergeant Doward. Bruce Audsley, P/O Skinner and the rest of the crew completed their training at 1656 HCU and converted to the Lancaster heavy bomber after joining No 1 Lancaster Finishing School at Hemswell in August 1944. The crew were as follows: F/O William Archibald Skinner RCAF Pilot Sgt R Paton RAF Engineer F/S J Cameron RCAF Navigator F/S R Arbuckle RCAF Bomb Aimer F/S J B Audsley RAAF Wireless Operator F/S J J Lahey RCAF Mid Upper Gunner Sgt R A Berry RAF Rear Gunner | |||
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