The History of the 33rd Pursuit Squadron&The Defence of Darwin
Introduction
I started this project with the intention of commemorating the Life and Death of Jack Peres. I had always believed he was the first to be shot down in the very first bombing raid on the 19th February 1942. I have since learnt that what I thought I knew, and what is commonly thought to be the events of February 19th, 1942 for the 33rd Pursuit Squadron are not quite accurate. That Jack's arrival in Australia and the formation of the 33rd Pursuit Squadron in fact starts with the loss of the Battle of the Philippines and the then need to reinforce Java Indonesia. I have always had an interest in WWII history and hope in compiling this information I can help make sure Jack's story is told and heard as well as the brave sacrifices of the 33rd Pursuit Squadron.
As I get time I intend to add other pages detailing more history of the other pilots over Darwin and other info relating to the 33rd Pursuit Squadron.
I would like to thank the immense help I received from many sources who have done all the hard work through years of research to provide me with the information I have compiled below. I would like to thank the following for their support.
Robert (Bob) Alford Author & Historian
Gordon R Birkett Author, Historian and www.adfserials.com.au
Peter Dunn Historian and www.ozatwar.com
Owen Veal Darwin Aviation Museum
Owen Santa Barbara High School Alumni Association
Al Watt & Paul Van Bruggen Helping me find the site
Page Links
John Glover
The history of John George Glover Jr.
Recommended readings and sources
Every day a nightmare: American pursuit pilots in the defense of Java, 1941-1942, William H. Bartsch, Williams-Ford Texas A&M University military history series
Doomed at the Start: American Pursuit Pilots in the Philippines, 1941-1942, William H. Bartsch, Williams-Ford Texas A&M University Military History Series
December 8, 1941: MacArthur's Pearl Harbor, William H. Bartsch, Williams-Ford Texas A&M University Military History Series
Darwin 1942: The Japanese attack on Australia, Bob Alford, Bloomsbury Publishing
Darwin's air war, 1942-1945: an illustrated history, Bob Alford, Colemans Printing
Australia @ War, "Everything you wanted to know about military activities in Australia during WWII" www.ozatwar.com
ADF Serials, Australian, "New Zealand & Papua New Guinea Military Aircraft Serials & History", www.adf-serials.com