Gogler Eric 416851
| Type of person | Individual |
| Date of birth | "{{{Date approximate}}}" is not recognized as a Boolean (true/false) value. 1921
|
| Place of birth | Port Augusta, South Australia
|
In Sept 1939 when the announcement of war was made Eric was working in the Bank of Adelaide at the Currie Street branch. On the 30th May 1941 while he was a junior in the Bank of Adelaide at Pinaroo he was advised by the Bank it was in a position to release him for War Service. While in Class E 5 of the Reserves he waited for a call up and was expected to study the "Manual for Air Crew Reservists" and attend courses of instruction. His enlistement came on the 11th October 1941 and Eric formally commenced training at 4 Initial Training School Victor Harbor.
After the successful completion of the course he proceeded to 1 Elementary Flying Training School Parafield.The aim of the course,which commenced on 5th February 1942," was to teach flying of elementary training aircraft in accordance with correct RAAF procedure and to provide the essential instruction in ground work for the later stages of training."Eric made his first solo flight in A17-273 on the 20th February 1942 just after the first time Darwin was bombed. At the completion of the No21 Course Eric was classified as an Aircrew2 Pilot and after assessment he was qualified to continue training in multi -engined aircraft.
The next posting for Eric was to the 6 Service Flying Training School Mallala from 6th April to 17th September 1942. On his arrival he was allotted a hut which had provision for barrack style sleeping and study accommodation for 40 personnel. The nearby Mess and ablution blocks took care of his other needs. " Flying training for Dad (Eric) started immediately with first flight on 7th April in Anson AW846 under instruction from Pilot Officer Whitworth." The training syllabus, of approximately 20 weeks, provided comprehensive lectures which prepared him for air exercises in Avro Anson aircraft. During May the training included night flying and instrument exercises.
On Tuesday 2nd of July Eric and other graduates of No 21 Pilot's Course were presented with their pilot's wings. His time at Mallala included the intermediate phase of training and an advanced training with 'W' Flight for a course of about 10 weeks. A flying time 134hrs 20 mins was achieved.
" On the 16th September 1942 from No 21 Course, 24 pilots (including Dad )were discharged from the RAAF on promotion to Commissioned rank as required by the law at that time." Eric was then posted to General Reconnaissance School with the rank of Pilot Officer.
Throughout the training Eric demonstrated that he had a natural flying ability and his successful career in the RAAF is confirmation of his skills. On 27th June 1946 his service was terminated.
"Following demobilisation, Dad ( Eric ) was issued with an officer's certificate of service that provided he had been awarded the Pacific Star and the 1939-45 Star and was eligble for the Return from Active Service Badge. On temination of service on the active list of the RAAF his substantive rank was Flying Officer and his temporary rank was Flight Lieutenant."
Related Articles |
Sources
- " Eric Gogler in the RAAF " compiled by Kevin Gogler
Memories of Gogler Eric 416851
The experiences of Eric Gogler in the Royal Australian Air Force are told in detail by his son Kevin Gogler. The events above only present an outline of a young man's contribution to his country in the leading up to and his experiences in Mallala. A copy of the book "Eric Gogler in the RAAF" compiled by Kevin Gogler was kindly donated to the Museum.
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