GOWING [DFC], Geoffrey Alexander

"Mr Gowing was in the thick of WWII campaigns to stop the advance of both German and Japanese forces, being awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC). He was trained as a wireless operator/gunner and navigator, in heavy bombers. His crew in 159 Squadron was shot down in Burma behind enemy lines, a fate for those captured, or sympathetic Burmese, which generally resulted, if captured, in summary beheadings. His surviving crew members, though all injured, made a daring escape and were back in the air within months, trying to expel the Japanese from Rangoon and to free brutalised Allied prisoners."

Last Name
GOWING [DFC]
Given Names
Geoffrey Alexander
Service Number
402099
Distinguished Flying Cross
YES
Date of Birth
07/09/1917
Birth Location
Ryde N.S.W.
Enlistment Date
26/05/1940
Enlistment Location
Sydney NSW
Course Details
WAGS Course 2
Intake Date
27/05/1940
Finish Date
14/12/1940
To
1BAGS
Kill Date or Discharge Date
22/06/1945 (Discharged)
Discharge Unit
7 OTU
Rank
Flight Lieutenant
Notes

"Mr Gowing was in the thick of WWII campaigns to stop the advance of both German and Japanese forces, being awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC). He was trained as a wireless operator/gunner and navigator, in heavy bombers. His crew in 159 Squadron was shot down in Burma behind enemy lines, a fate for those captured, or sympathetic Burmese, which generally resulted, if captured, in summary beheadings. His surviving crew members, though all injured, made a daring escape and were back in the air within months, trying to expel the Japanese from Rangoon and to free brutalised Allied prisoners."

NAA Status
NOT YET EXAMINED
1 WAGS - GOWING Geoffrey Alexander - 402099
1 WAGS - GOWING Geoffrey Alexander - 402099

Acknowledgements

National Archives of Australia - 1 WAGS BallaratUBC Web Design - 1 WAGS BallaratCity of Ballarat - 1 WAGS BallaratAPCO Alfredton - 1 WAGS BallaratDepartment of Veterans Affairs - 1 WAGS BallaratAustralian War Memorial - 1 WAGS BallaratRSL Virtual War Memorial - 1 WAGS Ballarat