The B24 Liberator Bomber was used as support in the Pacific in World War II.
Liberator No. 7 Operational Training Unit was established at Tocumwal.
Norman Keith Wilson (449324), who was 18 at the time, was posted to the unit after initial training in the role of nose gunner at Sale, Victoria.
Norm, as nose gunner, was one of an 11-man crew.
On completion of the course, he was posted to 21 Squadron operating from Darwin and Moratai, involved in coastal patrol to mainly providing convoy cover.
As a member of the Allied Service personnel assembled, Norm witnessed the signing of the surrender document by Japan’s Lieutenant General F Teshima and Australia’s General Thomas Blamey at Moratai, Dutch East Indies, in September 1945.
On discharge, Norm returned to his hometown of Cobden, Victoria.
The family moved to Finley in 1961 where Norm worked as Butter Factory foreman.
Now retired, Norm has been a member of the RSL for over 75 years and is a much respected member of the Finley Sub-branch.
He has taken on many roles during this time.
It is understood there are only three members of 21 Squadron still living.
