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Sidney Milton Forrester, 2nd Pilot 416558
Flying Officer, Royal Australian Air Force
Aged 22 of Highgate, South Australia, Australia
Son of Milton William Forrester, and of Elinor Jessie Forrester, of Highgate, South Australia.
Runnymede Panel Number: 187 
Born 25th March 1921 at the Orroroo Hospital, South Australia Sid attended Orroroo Higher Primary School to Grade Nine. Sid grew up on the family sheep station property "Minburra".
He was an avid reader, like his mother. Through his school years he was always involved with the production of the school magazines. He was popular and a good student and received a gold medal, the award for Dux of the School.
In February 1935 he enrolled at Unley High School, where he became Head Prefect. He played cricket, football and tennis. Sid enjoyed swimming and classical music. The home at 108 Cross Rd., Highgate, was a popular meeting place after school for Sid’s and his brother Nigel's friends. Who would gather to play billiards and listen to music. Dave Shannon, who later became one of the Dam Buster pilots of World War 2, was one of these boys.
Sid graduated Unley High School Leaving with Honours in December 1939.
When Sid left Unley High School he enrolled to study medicine at The University of Adelaide, it was here that he met Robert Downing, who later married his sister Margaret. Leaving the University he joined the Air force in April 1941 and received his training at Victor Harbor, S.A., then Parafield E.F.T.s. (Elementary Flying Training School) S.A., and then Point Cook in Victoria, where he received his Wings. Sid became a Pilot Officer, was posted to the United Kingdom, travelling by sea via Cape Town, Sth Africa, where he spent a few weeks leave before continuing the journey, which took approximately 3 months. In the UK he trained as a Lancaster Bomber Pilot.
 On the 3rd September 1943 his plane was attacked by an enemy night fighter and shot down near Stadil, a small country town in Denmark, which was under German occupation at the time.
Sid’s mother Nell was notified by the RAAF that Sid was missing and after 6 months, presumed dead. Towards the end of the war she was informed of the details through the Geneva Red Cross. Nell also received correspondence from Ingemann Halkjær who witnessed the fight in the air together with a description of it and details of the Stadil residents early actions.
The above information is taken from a facsimile from Margaret and Nigel Forrester sent on the 2nd September 1993 to the Danish organisers of the 50th Commemoration - Ms G Goldenbeck and Mr B Anthonisen. Because the family was unable to attend the 50th Commemoration all of the above background information about Sid and the circumstances of the crash were provided to the organisers in the fax. Sid's brother Ian was the first of the family to visit the site in 1950; Sid's sister Margaret and her husband Bob (one of Sid's friends) visited the site in the 1970's; Sid's cousin Jeff and his wife visited the site in 1990 and Sid's brother Nigel also visited the site in 1992 with his daughter. On all these visits the family met with Ingemann Halkjær and/or members of his family where they heard the details of the night of the 4th September first hand.
After the loss of EE138, the crew members' families from Australia and the UK made contact and offered comfort to each other. The following is a letter from Mrs Lee, crew member Jowett's mother to Nell Forrester
Sid left his mark in the wall of the old woolshed at Minburra, near Orroroo South Australia where he grew up
In 1922 Minburra was visited by Captain Miller - who gave flights to the shearers.
 Above photo taken in october 1942, standing on the pier at Muizenberg, South Africa. Drakensberg mountains in the background.
The following information is a timeline of Sid's activities whilst in the RAAF - compiled from a variety of sources.
Several airgraphs and letters in which Sid mentions the crew and some of their activities have been transcribed - follow the links below:
| Date |
Location |
Notes |
Source |
| Friday, 25 March 1921 |
Australia Orroroo |
Born |
|
| Tuesday, 1 April 1941 |
Australia Adelaide |
Enrolled in the RAAF Reserve had medical examination |
SMF Service Records |
| Monday, 21 July 1941 |
Australia Adelaide |
Enlisted at No 5 Receiving Centre for the duration of the war and a period o 12 months thereafter (age 20) Rank: A.C. 2 Posted to 4 Initial Training School (4ITS) in Victor Harbor. |
SMF Service Records |
| Wednesday, 6 August 1941 |
Australia |
Vaccinated for T.A.B. |
SMF Service Records |
| Tuesday, 12 August 1941 |
Australia |
Re-Mustered to Aircrew V (P) |
SMF Service Records |
| Thursday, 4 September 1941 |
Australia |
Vaccinated for T.T. |
SMF Service Records |
| Friday, 12 September 1941 |
Australia |
Passed 17 Pilots Course |
SMF Service Records |
| Saturday, 13 September 1941 |
Australia |
Re-Mustered to Aircrew II (P) Rank: L.A.C. |
SMF Service Records |
| Sunday, 14 September 1941 |
Australia |
First day of 4 days inter-course leave |
SMF Service Records |
| Thursday, 18 September 1941 |
Australia |
Posted to No. 1 E.F.T.S. |
SMF Service Records |
| Thursday, 18 September 1941 |
Australia |
Commenced 1 E.F.S.S. Course |
SMF Service Records |
| Thursday, 18 September 1941 |
Australia |
Last day of 4 days inter-course leave |
SMF Service Records |
| Wednesday, 1 October 1941 |
Australia Parafield |
Conduct Report - Being Guilty of neglect likely to cause damage to HM Aircraft material. Placed parachute on wing of aircraft in a negligent manner. Awarded 3 days confined to Barracks. |
SMF Service Records |
| Thursday, 13 November 1941 |
Australia |
Passed 1 E.F.S.S. Course |
SMF Service Records |
| Friday, 14 November 1941 |
Australia Bradfield Park, Sydney NSW |
Posted to No. 2 E.D. Bradfield Park |
SMF Service Records |
| Friday, 26 December 1941 |
Australia |
Attached to HQ Richmond from 2 E.D. |
SMF Service Records |
| Friday, 30 January 1942 |
Australia |
First day of 4 days annual recreation leave |
SMF Service Records |
| Monday, 2 February 1942 |
Australia |
Last day of 4 days annual recreation leave |
SMF Service Records |
| Sunday, 22 February 1942 |
Australia, Temora NSW |
Detached HQ Richmond and Posted to No. 10 E.F.T.S. Temora, NSW. |
SMF Service Records |
| Friday, 6 March 1942 |
Australia Pt Cook |
Detatched from 10 E.F.T.S. and Posted to 1.S.F.T.S. Point Cook |
SMF Service Records |
| Monday, 16 March 1942 |
Australia Pt Cook |
A 13-1 L1-2 1-00 Sgt Webster |
Diary Entry |
| Wednesday, 25 March 1942 |
Australia Pt Cook |
A 13-68 L3 30 Sgt Daglish |
Diary Entry |
| Wednesday, 25 March 1942 |
|
Flying Times: R6151 with Pilot Officer Mac and self 15:15 30 15 17A |
Diary Entry |
| Thursday, 26 March 1942 |
|
AS375 Self Solo 0940 1:00 15,16 |
Diary Entry |
| Friday, 27 March 1942 |
|
AS179 PO Mac Self 1350 .35 20 15 17A 19 |
Diary Entry |
| Friday, 27 March 1942 |
|
AS375 Self Solo 1545 .45 15 17 A |
Diary Entry |
| Monday, 30 March 1942 |
Australia Pt Cook |
A 13-42 L4&5 1.00 Sgt Mattress |
Diary Entry |
| Monday, 30 March 1942 |
Australia |
Meet Lorna 7:30 |
Diary Entry |
| Tuesday, 31 March 1942 |
Australia Pt Cook |
Ring Nan. BP for Ian. |
Diary Entry |
| Tuesday, 31 March 1942 |
Australia |
Ring Nan. |
Diary Entry |
| Saturday, 4 April 1942 |
Australia |
A5863 0855 PO Mac and self .45 19 13 14 |
Diary Entry |
| Monday, 6 April 1942 |
Australia |
Lorna MU3535 |
Diary Entry |
| Wednesday, 29 April 1942 |
Australia |
Received "Flying Badge" Decoration |
SMF Service Records |
| Wednesday, 29 April 1942 |
Australia |
Passed Intermediate Flying Course |
SMF Service Records |
| Monday, 4 May 1942 |
Australia Pt Cook |
Conduct Report - Absenting himself without leave for 5 hours |
SMF Service Records |
| Friday, 8 May 1942 |
Australia Pt Cook |
Punishment awarded for Conduct report - forfeit 3 days pay |
SMF Service Records |
| Wednesday, 24 June 1942 |
Australia |
Discharged from RAAF on being granted a commission |
SMF Service Records |
| Thursday, 25 June 1942 |
Australia |
Passed no 20 (P) Flying Couse. Graduated as Pilot Officer |
SMF Service Records |
| Wednesday, 8 July 1942 |
Australia Adelaide |
Detatched from 1S.F.T.S and Posted to 4 E.D. Duties: Flying |
SMF Service Records |
| Saturday, 11 July 1942 |
Australia |
On Leave |
SMF Service Records |
| Friday, 17 July 1942 |
Australia |
On Leave |
SMF Service Records |
| Monday, 20 July 1942 |
Australia |
P.O.R. |
SMF Service Records |
| Monday, 10 August 1942 |
Australia Melbourne |
Posted to 1 E.D.Ascot Vale |
SMF Service Records |
| Saturday, 22 August 1942 |
Australia |
Embarked UK. 1 E.D. |
SMF Service Records |
| Sunday, 23 August 1942 |
Australia |
Attached to RAF UK Duties: Flying |
SMF Service Records |
| Monday, 24 August 1942 |
At Sea |
Embarked at Sydney SS Westernland |
SMF Service Records |
| Sunday, 4 October 1942 |
South Africa (Cape Town ?) |
R.A.F. Imperial Forces Transit Camp |
SMF Service Records |
| Monday, 19 October 1942 |
South Africa (Cape Town ?) |
Ceased Transit Camp |
SMF Service Records |
| Wednesday, 18 November 1942 |
UK |
Disembarked UK posted to RAAF PRC |
SMF Service Records |
| Tuesday, 24 November 1942 |
UK |
Attached to R.A.F. 1 E.D. |
SMF Service Records |
| Wednesday, 25 November 1942 |
UK |
Commenced 11 days leave (Pilot Reception Centre PRC POR 6) |
SMF Service Records |
| Saturday, 5 December 1942 |
UK |
Last day of 11 days leave (PRC) |
SMF Service Records |
| Friday, 25 December 1942 |
UK |
Graduated as Flying Officer |
SMF Service Records |
| Wednesday, 13 January 1943 |
UK |
Attendance at Court Martial (no details) |
SMF Service Records |
| Sunday, 17 January 1943 |
UK |
Mrs W J Richard 28 Hillybank Gdns Glasgow W2 |
Diary Entry |
| Friday, 5 February 1943 |
UK Berkshire |
Attached to ATA White Waltham |
SMF Service Records |
| Sunday, 28 February 1943 |
UK Berkshire |
Ceased White Waltham |
SMF Service Records |
| Tuesday, 2 March 1943 |
UK Leconfield |
Posted to 11 PRC 15 P AFU |
SMF Service Records |
| Thursday, 4 March 1943 |
UK Leconfield |
Commenced Adv Flying Training No 29 course with 15 P AFU |
SMF Service Records |
| Tuesday, 30 March 1943 |
UK |
Attached to 50 Group (pool) |
SMF Service Records |
| Tuesday, 30 March 1943 |
UK Berkshire |
Attached to R.A.F. Watchfield |
SMF Service Records |
Tuesday, 6 April 1943
Wednesday, 21st April |
UK
UK |
Ceased 50 Group
 Wrote Mother 10
Wrote 1 Margaret |
SMF Service Records |
| Tuesday, 27 April 1943 |
UK Lichfield,Staffordshire |
Posted to 27 -OTU |
SMF Service Records |
| Tuesday, 27 April 1943 |
UK |
Completed Adv Flying Training No 29 course |
SMF Service Records |
| Wednesday, 28 April 1943 |
UK |
Wrote Nan 4, wrote Mother 11 |
Diary Entry |
| Thursday, 29 April 1943 |
UK |
Wrote Kay Maggs |
Diary Entry |
| Friday, 30 April 1943 |
UK |
Wrote Betty McCallum |
Diary Entry |
| Monday, 3 May 1943 |
UK |
Wrote Dot McDonald
 Wrote Phil Hart
|
Diary Entry |
| Thursday, 6 May 1943 |
UK |
Wrote Nan 15 |
Diary Entry |
| Friday, 7 May 1943 |
UK |
Received 1 Alan Roach, 1 Iris Powell |
Diary Entry |
| Saturday, 8 May 1943 |
UK |
Received 1 Dot McDonald 1 Betty McCallum |
Diary Entry |
| Sunday, 9 May 1943 |
UK |
Received 1 Kay Maggs |
Diary Entry |
| Saturday, 15 May 1943 |
UK |
Arrived at Church Broughton. Letters today Nan 15 Mother 11 |
Diary Entry |
| Sunday, 16 May 1943 |
UK |
Wrote Nan |
Diary Entry |
| Friday, 21 May 1943 |
UK |
Received 2 Nan, 1 Phil
 1 Biddy
|
Diary Entry |
| Sunday, 23 May 1943 |
UK |
Received 1 Margaret and Shiela Richards |
Diary Entry |
| Monday, 24 May 1943 |
UK |
Wrote Mother 12 |
Diary Entry |
| Tuesday, 25 May 1943 |
UK |
Wrote Biddy, received 1 mother, received 1 Card Coral Sanger, 2 birthday Parcels mother |
Diary Entry |
| Wednesday, 26 May 1943 |
UK |
Received 3 Nan, 2 Mother, 1 Margaret, 1 Bob Downing, 1 Betts Wheeler |
Diary Entry |
| Thursday, 27 May 1943 |
UK |
Received 1 Mother, wrote 1 Phil, 1 Iris Powell |
Diary Entry |
| Monday, 31 May 1943 |
UK |
Wrote 1 Nan |
Diary Entry |
| Thursday, 3 June 1943 |
UK |
Received Statement Bank |
Diary Entry |
| Friday, 4 June 1943 |
UK |
Received 1 Iris Powell, send cables 1 Nan, 1 Mother, wrote 1 Alan Roach, wrote 1 Kay Maggs, wrote 1 Daph Willett |
Diary Entry |
| Saturday, 5 June 1943 |
UK |
Wrote 1 Betty McCallum |
Diary Entry |
| Sunday, 6 June 1943 |
UK |
Wrote 1 Margaret F |
Diary Entry |
| Monday, 7 June 1943 |
UK |
Wrote Bob 1 |
Diary Entry |
| Wednesday, 16 June 1943 |
UK |
Received 1 Mother, 1 Kay, wrote 1 Pat Ellis + 1 book |
Diary Entry |
| Tuesday, 22 June 1943 |
UK |
Wrote 1 Airgraph Nan, wrote  1 Airgraph Mother, received 1 letter Pat Ellis |
Diary Entry |
| Friday, 25 June 1943 |
UK |
Received 2 Mother, 1 Nan |
Diary Entry |
| Sunday, 27 June 1943 |
UK |
6:30 |
Diary Entry |
| Monday, 28 June 1943 |
UK |
1435 3.25 38.30 36.35 |
Diary Entry |
| Thursday, 1 July 1943 |
UK |
 Received 1 Brian Wicks,
Wrote 1 Nan |
Diary Entry |
| Friday, 2 July 1943 |
UK |
Received 1 Nan, 1 Betty McCallum |
Diary Entry |
| Saturday, 3 July 1943 |
UK |
Commenced 7 days leave (27OTU) |
SMF Service Records |
| Friday, 9 July 1943 |
UK |
Last day of 7 days leave (27OTU) |
SMF Service Records |
| Saturday, 10 July 1943 |
UK Blyton, Lincolshire |
Posted to 1662 Conversion Unit Duties: Aircrew/Pilot |
SMF Service Records |
| Sunday, 11 July 1943 |
UK |
Wrote 1 Mother |
Diary Entry |
| Monday, 12 July 1943 |
UK |
Received 1 Telegram Mother, 1 letter Daphne Willett, 1 Bank Statement |
Diary Entry |
| Tuesday, 13 July 1943 |
UK |
Wrote 1 Nan |
Diary Entry |
| Monday, 19 July 1943 |
UK |
Received 5 Mother, 4 Nan, 1 SA Ag General |
Diary Entry |
| Wednesday, 21 July 1943 |
UK |
Wrote 1 SA Ag General |
Diary Entry |
| Friday, 23 July 1943 |
UK |
Wrote 1 Gwenn |
Diary Entry |
| Saturday, 24 July 1943 |
UK |
Wrote 1 Betty McCallum 1 Dorothy Fairhead |
Diary Entry |
| Sunday, 25 July 1943 |
UK |
Wrote 1 Nan |
Diary Entry |
| Monday, 2 August 1943 |
UK |
Wrote 1 Airgraph Nan, Mother, Nigger, Jeff Forrester |
Diary Entry |
| Monday, 9 August 1943 |
UK |
Wrote 1 Airgraph Nan, 1 Airgraph Mother, F/Lt Tuckwell Self Crew 1. 1420 .40 and 2. Test and Dual 1500 .40 |
Diary Entry |
| Thursday, 12 August 1943 |
UK |
Received 1 letter Gwenn, 1 Airgraph Ian |
Diary Entry |
| Friday, 13 August 1943 |
UK |
Received 1 Airgraph Nan, 1 Airgraph Mother |
Diary Entry |
| Saturday, 14 August 1943 |
UK |
F/Lt Cole Self Crew 1. 1500 1.00 Self Crew 2. 1600 2.00 |
Diary Entry |
| Monday, 16 August 1943 |
UK |
Wrote 1 letter Nan |
Diary Entry |
| Tuesday, 17 August 1943 |
UK |
S W4264 Self Crew X Country and bombing 11:55 5.55 |
Diary Entry |
| Wednesday, 18 August 1943 |
UK |
J P/O Ralph Self Crew 21:50 - 22:55 0145-0205 120 Ex1 J Self Crew 0205-0425 2.20 |
Diary Entry |
| Thursday, 19 August 1943 |
UK |
Received Airgraph Nan |
Diary Entry |
| Friday, 20 August 1943 |
UK |
Wrote 1 letter Mother, 1 letter Dot Fairhead |
Diary Entry |
| Saturday, 21 August 1943 |
UK |
Received 1 Airgraph Mother. SW4264 Self Crew Gunnery 1715 1.25 |
Diary Entry |
| Sunday, 22 August 1943 |
UK |
Wrote 1 letter Nan, wrote 1 Letter Agent General. T W4882 F/S Dangic Self Officers MK IX 22:50 .45 Self F/S Dongics and crew 23:35 MK IX .45 |
Diary Entry |
| Monday, 23 August 1943 |
UK |
N ED727 Self Crew Bombing X/C 21:15 04:00 6.45 |
Diary Entry |
| Tuesday, 24 August 1943 |
UK |
T W4882 F/O Major Self Sy 1.05 1510 Self Sy F/O Major 1.05 16:15 Q W4241 Self Crew X Country 2145 5.00 |
Diary Entry |
| Monday, 30 August 1943 |
UK Binbrook, Lincolnshire |
Posted to 460 Squadron Duties: Flying |
SMF Service Records |
| Friday, 3 September 1943 |
Denmark, Stadil |
Missing Presumed Dead |
SMF Service Records |
| Saturday, 4 September 1943 |
Denmark, Stadil |
Casualy Report no: 117 Presumed dead by Air Ministry |
SMF Service Records |
Scroll sent to the Forrester family by command of the King:
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