FSGT Jack McAuley Morrison 402522

Jack was from Grafton, NSW.

Ex 457er Ron Lambert, remembered as an echelon fitter, he repaired and replaced the entire empennage of Jack Morrison's Redhill Spitfire. He writes that he has an alternative photo of Morrison and the tattered rudder from a different angle however, this photo of a smiling Jack Morrison in Redhill on the 14/3/1942, speaks for itself.

Jack had learned the art of flying with his two friends David Downs (79 Squadron) and Ross Williams.

Posted back to Australia to join No 75 Squadron RAAF, Jack was killed when his Kittyhawk crashed at Kingaroy on the 28/6/1942.

Aircraft Record

A29-134, P-40E-1 Kittyhawk, 41-36093 6/42

Served with 75 Sqn; on 21/6/42 received by 75 Sqn from 2 AP (ex ET739); on 28/6/42. It failed to recover from a spin crashing near Kingaroy, Qld killing Sgt John McAulay Morrison (402522).ADF Serials

Meeting Jack's widow

Years later his old mates met with his widow Merle. Ross Williams was talking to a lady at the retirement village and was suggesting that all families put the names of all on the back of photographs. One thing led to another and he was astounded to learn that she was the widow of his mate Jack Morrison.

Jim Grant who wrote and researched a lot of this story said, "It was a promise fulfilled". On learning who Ross was Merle Morrison said, "Jack promised me that one day I would meet his two mates". After waiting 60 years the very happy threesome got together for an emotional meeting.

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P-40N Kittyhawk A29-1070/GA-H 'Ester' with pilot and ground crew.
75 Squadron, Tarakan, c.1945,
via Mike Mirkovic.

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L-R David Downes, Merle Taylor/Morrison and Ross Williams

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