A local former WWII fighter ace’s extensive personal collection of war memorabilia has been gifted to the Land of the Beardies History House Museum and Research Centre.
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Squadron Leader Peter Turnbull’s niece and custodian, Caroline Whitaker handed over the collection prior to this year’s commemoration of Remembrance day.
Peter St George Bruce Turnbull was born in Armidale in 1917 and was an electrician before he joined the RAAF in 1939.
After pilot training he was posted to No.3 Squadron, which went to the Middle East in 1940. During the North African and Syria-Lebanon campaigns, Turnbull was credited with nine victories and awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.
He joined the No. 75 Squadron at Port Moresby, New Guinea in March 1942 and during the ensuing Battle of Port Moresby, claimed three Japanese aircraft. In May 1942 Turnbull took over command of No. 76 Squadron and was killed in action during the battle for Milne Bay on 27 August 1942.
Glen Innes RSL Sub Branch President Gordon Taylor said it was important collections like Squadron Leader Turnbull’s are kept for future generations.
RSL Sub Branch member and Turnbull family friend Don Hall, said he was delighted that this significant collection of war memorabilia has found its home at the Museum where it can be preserved in perpetuity for future generations.
Museum Research Coordinator Eve Chappell said the collection has been well preserved.
“This valuable carefully annotated collection of primary and secondary materials which has been so well preserved and kept together includes private papers, press clippings, letters, photographs, memorabilia, histories and 76th squadron information,” she said.
“As well as carefully documenting one serviceman’s story, it is also valuable as an example of what might be available for others doing family histories of servicemen.
“Often if you do not have very much information on your relations, you may find they are mentioned in collections like this.”