HughAHalliday
1st March 2022, 14:24
WALKER, Brian Reginald, W/C (Aus 94, Royal Australian Air Force) - No.30 Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force - Distinguished Service Order - awarded as per London Gazette dated 13 April 1943. Born 27 March 1913 at Adelaide, South Australia; enlisted at Point Cook, Victoria, 15 January 1935; retired 18 January 1946 in rank of Group Captain, Air Defence Headquarters, Darwin. No published citation at the time other than "in recognition of gallantry displayed in flying operations against the enemy in New Guinea." Citation from Michael Maton, Gallantry and Distinguished Service Awards to the Royal Australian Air Force in the Second World War (published by the author, North Turramurra, Australia, 2002). Recommendation dated 8 March 1943 also found in Air 2/8756. Transcribed by Huguette Mondor Oates.
Since the commencement of his service in New Guinea on 13th September 1942, Wing Commander Walker has commanded No.30 (Long Range Fighter) Squadron. During this period, he has taken part in 43 sorties against the enemy, of which 40 have resulted in strikes. Many have been against targets in Buna, Lae and Salamaua, all of which have been heavily defended by anti-aircraft guns.
On 17th September 1942, Wing Commander Walker led the first operation of No.30 Squadron against Japanese targets at Sanananda. This operation was subsequently described by General MacArthur as a “honey”. This and subsequent strikes in the same area seriously hampered the landing of Japanese reinforcements and supplies at Buna.
On one occasion in the course of an attack on a heavy anti-aircraft position at Buna, he forced the position to cease firing although his aircraft was holed in many places. On another occasion when Beaufighters encountered particularly intense anti-aircraft fire at Lae on the 18th November 1942, his aircraft was hit near the tail by a Bofors type shell. The hydraulic system of his aircraft was shot out necessitating a belly landing which he carried out with a minimum of further damage.
Despite the difficult and trying conditions under which his squadron has been operating, this officer’s zeal, energy, courage and determination in operations have been an example and inspiration to all members of his unit.
Wing Commander Walker has displayed outstanding ability and leadership, not only in leading his squadron on operations against the enemy but also in the general administration of his unit. His leadership has placed the reputation of his squadron on the highest plane with that of any other squadron fighting in New Guinea.
From the 17th September 1942 to the 6th March 1943, his squadron completed 130 operations for a total of 1,670 operational hours flown.
Since the commencement of his service in New Guinea on 13th September 1942, Wing Commander Walker has commanded No.30 (Long Range Fighter) Squadron. During this period, he has taken part in 43 sorties against the enemy, of which 40 have resulted in strikes. Many have been against targets in Buna, Lae and Salamaua, all of which have been heavily defended by anti-aircraft guns.
On 17th September 1942, Wing Commander Walker led the first operation of No.30 Squadron against Japanese targets at Sanananda. This operation was subsequently described by General MacArthur as a “honey”. This and subsequent strikes in the same area seriously hampered the landing of Japanese reinforcements and supplies at Buna.
On one occasion in the course of an attack on a heavy anti-aircraft position at Buna, he forced the position to cease firing although his aircraft was holed in many places. On another occasion when Beaufighters encountered particularly intense anti-aircraft fire at Lae on the 18th November 1942, his aircraft was hit near the tail by a Bofors type shell. The hydraulic system of his aircraft was shot out necessitating a belly landing which he carried out with a minimum of further damage.
Despite the difficult and trying conditions under which his squadron has been operating, this officer’s zeal, energy, courage and determination in operations have been an example and inspiration to all members of his unit.
Wing Commander Walker has displayed outstanding ability and leadership, not only in leading his squadron on operations against the enemy but also in the general administration of his unit. His leadership has placed the reputation of his squadron on the highest plane with that of any other squadron fighting in New Guinea.
From the 17th September 1942 to the 6th March 1943, his squadron completed 130 operations for a total of 1,670 operational hours flown.