Service: RAAF – 1 Flying Boat Repair Depot
Service number: 121245
Locality on Enlistment: Barwon Downs
Duration of Service: 25 Nov 1942 – 24 Jan 1946
Prisoner of War: No
Honours: None for display
Date and Place of Birth: 21 Dec 1923 Birregurra
Parents: John Patrick WASHINGTON and Elena May Teresa HENNESSY
Spouse: Patricia Mary MULLEN
School/s:
Occupation: Trimmer
Date and Place of Death: 13 Apr 1990 Geelong
Burial: Geelong Western Cemetery
NOTES: Following the four Japanese air raids on Broome in 1942, 24 aircraft were targeted and destroyed, including 15 flying boats. The establishment of a safe haven for flying boats and amphibians was deemed “Essential to the Defence of Australia.” Lake Boga being the preferred site as it was an ideal stretch of water because it was almost circular (offering unlimited choice of landing/take off direction) and free of obstructions. In June 1942, the RAAF established the No. 1 Flying Boat Repair Depot on the shore at Lake Boga, near Swan Hill in Victoria. The southern Australian location was considered to be beyond the range of Japanese aircraft advancing on Australia from the north. Broome Historical Society & Museum