Air Power Archaeology

The Historical Archaeology of Second World War Air Power in Australia
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THOMAS GEORGE WOOD, GM

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NAA: A12372, R/3113/H

General Information

Service(s):
Royal Australian Air Force
Service No:
4437, 1008, O3113
Rank:
Squadron Leader
Date of Birth:
18 February 1912
Place of Birth:
Broken Hill, New South Wales, Australia
Prisoner of War:
No
Honours:
George Medal

Award Citations

George Medal

Flying Officer WOOD has served as Explosives Officer of No. 5 Replenishing Centre since May, 1943, where he has at all times worked tirelessly and efficiently.

On the 25th April, 1944, the explosives area at Batchelor, which contained large quantities of bombs and ammunition of all types, was swept by bush fires. On hearing a loud explosion from the outskirts of the area, he immediately summed up the position, organised fire parties and proceeded to the scene of the fire.

He then discovered that the blast from the first explosion of a dump of 66 500-lb bombs, had distributed burning debris all over a dump of 150 500-lb bombs awaiting unpacking and stacking. At definite risk to his own life, he ran unaccompanied to this dump and succeeded in removing all the burning timber, undoubtedly saving the lives of the personnel fighting the fire in the vicinity, and at the same time avoiding the loss of much additional valuable equipment.

Flying Officer WOOD displayed the utmost courage, initiative and devotion to duty, and by his brave conduct saved the lives of many of the members of his unit.

Unit: No. 5 Replenishing Centre, RAAF

Archival Material

National Archives of Australia

Series No. Control Symbol Item Title Digitised Item Item ID
A12372 R/3113/H WOOD Thomas George : Service Number - O3113 : Date of Birth - 18/02/1912 : Place of Birth - Broken Hill, NSW : Conflict - WW2 30718991
A13859 4437 WOOD Thomas George : Service Number - 4437 : Date of Birth - 18/Feb/1912 : Place of Birth - BROKEN HILL, NSW 31862458

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

We acknowledge the traditional owners of country throughout Australia and pay our respects to elders past, present, and emerging.