CARROLL [DFC], William Thomas

Bill and his fellow crew members [no. 37 Sqn RAF] undertook many bombing raids against Axis forces in North Africa, Crete and enemy held islands in the Mediterranean. Casualties amongst the aircrews were high. Bill quickly became a skilled air gunner and his quick reflexes saved his aircraft on many occasions during confrontations with enemy Heinkels and Dorniers. During this time, the Squadrons flew in support of the besieged Allied troops at Tobruk, the siege later ended in November 1941. Bill was then posted to 102 Squadron RAF, a unit equipped with the four-engine Halifax bomber. Night after night, the Squadron flew in missions over Germany, often taking part in the “1,000 bomber raids”. It was during his tour with 102 Squadron that he later learned he had been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. He had been promoted to Flying Officer on 1 April 1943.

Last Name
CARROLL [DFC]
Given Names
William Thomas
Service Number
407098
Distinguished Flying Cross
YES
Date of Birth
22/09/1916
Birth Location
Renmark South Australia
Enlistment Date
27/05/1940
Enlistment Location
Adelaide S.A.
Course Details
WAGS Course 2
Intake Date
28/05/1940
Finish Date
29/07/1940
To
P/Cook
Kill Date or Discharge Date
10/09/1945 (Discharged)
Discharge Unit
AGSch
Rank
Flight Lieutenant
Notes

Bill and his fellow crew members [no. 37 Sqn RAF] undertook many bombing raids against Axis forces in North Africa, Crete and enemy held islands in the Mediterranean. Casualties amongst the aircrews were high. Bill quickly became a skilled air gunner and his quick reflexes saved his aircraft on many occasions during confrontations with enemy Heinkels and Dorniers. During this time, the Squadrons flew in support of the besieged Allied troops at Tobruk, the siege later ended in November 1941. Bill was then posted to 102 Squadron RAF, a unit equipped with the four-engine Halifax bomber. Night after night, the Squadron flew in missions over Germany, often taking part in the “1,000 bomber raids”. It was during his tour with 102 Squadron that he later learned he had been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. He had been promoted to Flying Officer on 1 April 1943.

NAA Status
DIGITIZED
1 WAGS - CARROLL William Thomas - 407098
1 WAGS - CARROLL William Thomas - 407098
1 WAGS - CARROLL William Thomas - 407098

Acknowledgements

National Archives of Australia - 1 WAGS BallaratUBC Web Design - 1 WAGS BallaratCity of Ballarat - 1 WAGS BallaratAPCO Alfredton - 1 WAGS BallaratDepartment of Veterans Affairs - 1 WAGS BallaratAustralian War Memorial - 1 WAGS BallaratRSL Virtual War Memorial - 1 WAGS Ballarat