Back in January I made reference in another thread of Barney Barnett from 136 sqd "The Sea Otter pilot was Barney Barnett who had spent his previous time in India/Burma with 136 Sqn on Hurricanes and Spitfires. Just how Barney finished up on Sea Otters is another story in itself – hopefully to be told another time on this forum." see post No.6 With the Anzac Day commemorations this Monday a number of newspapers here (Brisbane, Australia) are featuring stories of WWII veterans. Barney's amazing escape story has been retold in yesterdays paper. Barney remained on flight duties with 136 sqd for some time even though he was "compromised". The risk of capture, torture and quite possibly death was too high if he was ever shot down again. Thus the transfer to 292 sqd until wars end. You can read more about 136 sqd and Barney in "Air War for Burma" Vol.3 by Christopher Shores "Spitfires Over the Arakan" by Norman Franks "Fly" by Michael Veitch and of course "The Woodpecker Story" 136 squadron by Sqn Ldr Viv Jacobs Barney has the unique distinction of being a member of all three "clubs" the Caterpllar Club for surviving an emergency exit with a parachute the Late Arrivals Club for returning from his aircraft on foot and the Gold Fish Club for parachuting into water and surviving. All three membership cards are very proudly displayed in his log book. A great story about a great guy. Ash airlana
Hi Ash You wouldn't happen to know his Service Number by any chance ? Many thanks ! Ron Hi Ron, Barney's service number is 405461 (RAAF) Let's know if you need anything else regards Ash airlana
Thanks for bringing that to our attention Ash. I think its a great story. Am going to the Pathfinder Memorial Service in May so hope to hear more stories like that... Dee
Thanks for bringing that to our attention Ash. I think its a great story. Am going to the Pathfinder Memorial Service in May so hope to hear more stories like that... Dee Hope you have a great day next month Dee. I'm sure for every well known story there'll be an equally unknown one. A lot of WWII is yet to be told and recorded. Unfortunately we are a bit starved here in Brisbane when it comes to celebrations and war/miliatry collections, etc. The RAAF Museum is at Melbourne 1500kms away (about London to Rome) and our National Archives and Aust War Memorial are in Canberra 1000kms away. Ash airlana