Photograph album that belonged to RAAF Pilot Officer Raymond Shaw
Object numberM2022/023
TitlePhotograph album that belonged to RAAF Pilot Officer Raymond Shaw
Creator Raymond Shaw
DescriptionBound album of photographs belonging to the late RAAF Pilot Officer Raymond Shaw. The photographs include his training and military deployment to Canada, England and then the Middle East as well as images of aircraft and aerial shots, a visit to Windsor Castle and the Royal family. Each page of the album has handwritten captions by Shaw explaining his experiences.
Pilot Officer Raymond Shaw was born in Tempe, New South Wales, in 1922 to Sara (nee Michaels) and William ‘Jack’ Shaw. In his young years, the family recalled; ‘He was wild, a daredevil… He was an outstanding all rounder… Flying was always his passion.’
Ray worked as a Display Designer and was serving in the Citizens Forces when he enrolled in the RAAF Reserve on 2 April 1940. He was accepted, stating his religion was Church of England and lying about his age by two years. During training he flew Gipsy and Tiger Moths
After months training in Australia, Canada and Great Britain, he was transferred to the Middle East Command and eventually joined the 450 Squadron flying Kittyhawks. On 22 February 1942, Raymond became the first of his squadron to shoot down an enemy aircraft. In his album, there are many photographs of his achievement and celebrating with his peers. He continued to achieve great success as a fighter pilot, becoming a member of the squadron’s ‘Boomerang Club’, celebrating pilots who succeeded in returning back after being shot down or forced down in enemy territory.
In late May 1942, whilst out on patrol, Raymond’s aircraft was attacked and he was reported ‘missing on operations’. He was later found with his downed aircraft and reported as killed in action on 29 May 1942, aged 20.
Pilot Officer Raymond Shaw was born in Tempe, New South Wales, in 1922 to Sara (nee Michaels) and William ‘Jack’ Shaw. In his young years, the family recalled; ‘He was wild, a daredevil… He was an outstanding all rounder… Flying was always his passion.’
Ray worked as a Display Designer and was serving in the Citizens Forces when he enrolled in the RAAF Reserve on 2 April 1940. He was accepted, stating his religion was Church of England and lying about his age by two years. During training he flew Gipsy and Tiger Moths
After months training in Australia, Canada and Great Britain, he was transferred to the Middle East Command and eventually joined the 450 Squadron flying Kittyhawks. On 22 February 1942, Raymond became the first of his squadron to shoot down an enemy aircraft. In his album, there are many photographs of his achievement and celebrating with his peers. He continued to achieve great success as a fighter pilot, becoming a member of the squadron’s ‘Boomerang Club’, celebrating pilots who succeeded in returning back after being shot down or forced down in enemy territory.
In late May 1942, whilst out on patrol, Raymond’s aircraft was attacked and he was reported ‘missing on operations’. He was later found with his downed aircraft and reported as killed in action on 29 May 1942, aged 20.
Production date 1940 - 1942
Production periodWorld War II (1939-1945)
Object namephoto albums
Materialfibres (fabrics), paper
Dimensions
- width: 330.00 mm
height: 265.00 mm
depth: 45.00 mm
Credit lineSydney Jewish Museum Collection, Donated by David Whitten. This object is donated in memory of Pilot Officer Raymond Shaw (450th Squadron RAAF).