Bravery and Honour Page from Pilot Officer Raymond Shaw's album (1940/1942) by Raymond ShawSydney Jewish Museum
Pilot Officer Raymond Shaw, born in 1922, was an Australian Jewish fighter pilot. He served in the Middle Eastern campaign for the Royal Australian Air Force. As a keen photographer, during his service he documented his experience through his personal photo album.
His training took him all over the world from New Zealand, Canada and England to the Middle East. He charted his journey on a map in his album.
Bravery and Honour Page from Pilot Officer Raymond Shaw's album (1940/1942) by Raymond ShawSydney Jewish Museum
Royal reception
During his training in England, Raymond visited Windsor Castle where he met King George VI, Queen Consort Elizabeth, Princess Margaret and the future Queen Elizabeth II.
'Moved In, Settled Down But Still A H-- Away from Home.'
Raymond enlisted in the Royal Australian Airforce in 1940. Like so many young men serving in the war, he was excited to see and experience new places but always thought of home.
Bravery and Honour Page from Pilot Officer Raymond Shaw's album (1940/1942) by Raymond ShawSydney Jewish Museum
Following extensive training flying Gipsy and Tiger Moths, Raymond was deployed to the Middle East at the beginning of 1942. He participated in various patrols with the 450 Squadron, flying Kittyhawk aircraft.
A Great Talent
When not on duty, Raymond filled his time drawing and writing letters home to his family and friends.
Bravery and Honour Page from Pilot Officer Raymond Shaw's album (1940/1942) by Raymond ShawSydney Jewish Museum
The Boomerang Club
The Boomerang Club recognised pilots who had returned from operations after being shot down or into a forced landing in enemy territory.
Raymond became a member of this club, with his name immortalised on the 450 Squadron "Desert Harassers" shield.
Raymond photographed the first plane he shot down; a German Messerschmitt Bf 109 E fighter jet.
Six Weeks Later... another shot down
After shooting down the German aircraft, Raymond soon engaged with the enemy again, this time an Italian fighter plane. He documented the wreck in his album.
He wrote home describing the experience:
"The other day while on patrol... we got into a glorious dogfight... I saw a Machi 200 attacking and dived on him and shot him down... at present I am the top scorer in the squadron having shot the most planes down..."
Bravery and Honour Page from Pilot Officer Raymond Shaw's album (1940/1942) by Raymond ShawSydney Jewish Museum
Following his successful campaigns, Raymond was warmly celebrated by his squadron mates.
Raymond had the name of his girlfriend Marjorie painted as 'nose-art' on his fighter plane as well as two swastikas to indicate his previous aviation success.
His Last Patrol
In late May 1942, Raymond was sent on patrol with nine other aircraft.
On the 29th May, his acting Chief Officer reported: "The formation was attacked... the attack lasted approx. three minutes. From this operation Sgt. Shaw failed to return, and no news has yet been received."
Although initially reported as "missing on operations", Raymond's family were told his plane was found two days later but that he had died of his wounds.
Raymond Shaw was 20 years old.
Bravery and Honour Dedication by his family (1940/1942) by Raymond ShawSydney Jewish Museum
A Lasting Tribute
Before donating this album to the Sydney Jewish Museum, Raymond's nephew, David Whitten, added this photograph and dedication to the album.
Like so many who gave the ultimate sacrifice, his service will not be forgotten.
