Bravery and Honour Page from Pilot Officer Raymond Shaw's album

RAAF Pilot Officer Raymond Shaw was born in Tempe, New South Wales, in 1922 to Sara (nee Michaels) and William ‘Jack’ Shaw. In his younger years, the family recalled; ‘He was wild, a daredevil… He was an outstanding all rounder… Flying was always his passion.’ Raymond was serving in the Citizens Forces when he enrolled in the RAAF Reserve on 2 April 1940. He was accepted, stating his religion was Church of England and lying about his age by two years.

During his service, Raymond began compiling an album with photographs filled with handwritten inscriptions as well as drawings and maps tracking his journeys. The photographs include his training and military deployment to the Middle East as well as images of aircraft and aerial shots and a visit to Windsor Castle and the Royal family.

After months training in Australia, Canada and Great Britain, he was transferred to the Middle East Command and eventually joined the 450 Squadron flying Kittyhawks. On 22 February 1942, Raymond became the first of his squadron to shoot down an enemy aircraft. In his album, there are many photographs of his achievement and celebrating with his peers. He wrote of his war experience to his parents;
‘So far since I have joined the squadron I have shot down a Jus 88 (German high speed bomber) … and damaged an Hesserschmidt 109 F (or German latest high speed fighter)… I was attacked by 6 of them and a running fight took place for about 80 miles. It was very hectic with the Germans doing their utmost to get rid of an accursed Australian for they know Australians are fighting against them and they don’t like it- however everything came off alright.’

Raymond continued to achieve great success as a fighter pilot, becoming a member of the squadron’s ‘Boomerang Club’. This celebrated pilots who succeeded in returning back after being shot down or forced down in enemy territory. On late May 1942, whilst out on patrol, Raymond’s aircraft was attacked and he was reported ‘missing on operations’. He was later found with his downed aircraft and reported as killed in action on 29 May 1942, aged 20.

The album was kept in the family and passed down before it was dedicated by Raymond’s nephew and generously donated to the Museum.