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The role of Number 31 Beaufighter Low Attack Squadron against the Japanese Forces set to invade Australia, 1943 and 1944. The squadron was based in Coomalie Creek, Northern Territory.

William Mann joined the R.A.A.F. as a Cadet in 1936 at the age of 18. Graduating from Point Cook Academy a year later with the rank of Pilot Officer, he served in No.23 Squadron in Perth and became a Flying Instructor. In 1938 he proceeded to England to undergo training as a Specialist Armaments Officer and afterwards was attached to various R.A.F. Units before returning to Australia in late 1940.

After being involved in Staff appointments and Training Establishments, he eventually assumed Command No.31 Fighter and Low Attack Squadron flying Beaufighter aircraft against the Japanese. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. On completion of this Command, he returned to England, where he served in Special Duties with Invasion Forces in Belgium, France, Holland and Germany until the end of the war in Europe, when he returned to Australia. He retired from the Service in 1946 as a Wing Commander. He lives in retirement in Queensland with his wife.