O’CONNOR, Barry Oakley (1922-2013)

Modified on Mon, 03 Oct 2016 19:13 by Con — Categorized as: Biography - All, Biography - Students, Geelong College, Biography of War - World War II

O’CONNOR, Barry Oakley (1922-2013)

Barry O'Connor was formerly of Somerton Park, South Australia. Born on 27 May 1922, youngest son of Reginald John O’Connor and his wife Viola Sarah Holmes of Nyah West, he first attended Nyah West State School before entering the College from 1933 until 1937 and becoming a member of Calvert House. He then attended Dookie Agricultural College from 1938 to 1941.

From Dookie he enlisted in the RAAF on 6 December 1941 the day before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour. After, training and several Australian postings including 457 squadron and 452 squadron he served with the all spitfire 79 squadron from July to December 1944 as a Warrant Officer. He flew a variety of aircraft including Tiger Moth, Wirraway, Fairey Battle, Gypsy Moth, Ryan Trainer and Spitfire. He was discharged on 11 February 1946. He died in South Australia on 20 May 2013.

Sources: Affleck p413; O’Connor Family. OGC 1937.