The Castle Hill and District Returned Services League sub-branch celebrated the 105th birthday of its member and Air Force World War 2 veteran, David Bruce Robertson, on March 15.
Fondly known as Bruce, he was born on March 23, 1920, and joined the Air Force as a wireless operator mechanic on April 28, 1941. Before being posted to 30 Squadron in March 1942, he conducted training in Morse code, theory and physics in both Sydney and Point Cook.
Only a short time after posting to RAAF Base Richmond, Bruce was one of the first operators to hear the Kana code of three Japanese midget submarines entering Sydney Harbour in June 1942.
In September of that year, Bruce and a 30 Squadron detachment deployed to Milne Bay in New Guinea with the aim of using their Bristol Beaufighters to provide aerial support to Australian and Allied troops in deterring Japanese warships.
It was there, in March 1943, that Bruce and his squadron mates would take part in an assault now known as the Battle of the Bismarck Sea.
In an effort to reinforce their position in the South-Pacific, Japan sent a convoy of eight destroyers and eight troop transports, carrying almost 7000 personnel, to sail the 700km journey between Rabaul and Lae. Bruce, his mates and their American allies would ensure only a small portion would reach their destination.
At 9:30am on March 2, 1943, 12 Beaufighters from 30 Squadron, alongside several US aircraft, began a sustained air attack on the convoy that would see all eight Japanese troop transports perish alongside four of the destroyers.
Deputy Air Commander Australia Air Commodore Susie Barns said none of the 30 Squadron detachment were killed or wounded and all their bombers came in at their set time.
“The battle lasted 28 minutes, with Bruce returning home safe and sound, not only alive but without any injuries,” Air Commodore Barns said.
Surrounded by fellow sub-branch members, friends, family and current serving members of Air Force and Army, Bruce was heralded for his service to Australia, his squadron and his mates during WW2, as well as the veterans he now champions as the president of the 30 Squadron RAAF Beaufighter Association.
Air Commodore Barns said the impact of Bruce’s dedication to his country and community was inspiring.
“Your courage and character, your devotion to duty and your deeds, will always inspire us, those within the Australian Defence Force and the coalition forces – like myself as a member of the Royal New Zealand Air Force,” Air Commodore Barns said.
“We are forever indebted to you and all other Anzacs who have served and sacrificed for our country.”
Defence image RAAF WWII Veterans sit in front of ‘Polly’, an Australian Kittyhawk, at the Australian War Memorial for the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Milne Bay. Battle of Milne Bay Veterans (L-R) David ‘Bruce’ Robertson, Alexander Jenkins, Gregor McGregor.
