Young Alan Whitham wanted to join his father’s squadron in World War Two but, because of his age, had to wait a while and ended up in a RAAF Radar Station.

      After initial training he was suddenly whisked overseas to fill a gap in the staff of 152 Radar Unit and he was soon on his way to New Guinea.

      His first stop was at Finschhafen, where the unit gave advanced warning of Japanese raids and helped the Allies to keep the skies safe in that area.

 

    Then there was another move north, as his unit took its place in the Aitape landing in conjunction with the Americans. He landed under fire and as the area was cleared, he and his mates settled into a location at Tadji airstrip.

 

    Again the Radar played a vital part in protecting the new airstrip and the Aitape area.

 

    When time allowed, Whitham journeyed into the surrounding jungle and his adventures and observations make very interesting reading.

 

     Alan Whitham left the RAAF at war’s end and a while later, joined the Anglican Church, where he spent many busy years as he took on more and more responsibility.

 

    His has been a very interesting life.