Flight Lieutenant James F. Mahoney, Wartime photographs
Details:
Title
Flight Lieutenant James F. Mahoney, Wartime photographs,
Creator
Mahoney, James K.,
Collection
Territory Times Gone By,
StoryNT,
Date
2016-03-17,
Location
Darwin,
Description
My father was Flight Lieutenant James F. Mahoney, Intelligence Officer, No 5 Fighter Sector based in Darwin. He was based in Darwin during the Japanese air raids on 19 February 1942 and continued to serve with the RAAF until 1945. The photographs are copied from an album that he had compiled during his time in Darwin.
Flight Lieutenant James F. Mahoney was a business executive in civilian life and enlisted in the RAAF at the age of 39, in the hope that his knowledge could be useful. He received a posting to Darwin in early February 1942, given his final instructions by the O.C. Intelligence Group Captain and was told that Singapore would soon fall to the enemy. As Officers were needed to assist with 300 men for the overland trip to Darwin he was refused permission to fly. They arrived in Darwin, after an eventful trip and on the 19th February 1942 the Japanese attacked.
He worked with a number of American Intelligence officers who became friends for the rest of their lives.
He mentioned that several Aborigines who were skilled trackers, were of great assistance in the search for downed pilots.
In March 1944 the 80 fighter wing of 3 squadrons was formed, he being Senior Intelligence Officer. They were told to be ready to move to the Islands. After many injuries he was flown to Melbourne where he was declared medically unfit and unable to return to active service. He was discharged from Heidelberg Hospital Melbourne at the end of August 1945.
He was a member of the RAAF for 3 years & 9 months. He returned to civilian life as Manager of a large retail firm. Information provided by son, James K. Mahoney.,
Subject
Second World War, 1939-1945,
Northern Territory,
Darwin,