Not quite old enough to participate though, having been born in 1943.

Adults left to right: Aunt Ruth Christison, mother Jean Whitfield, Uncle Neil Christison (RAAF), Aunt Beth Christison.

Children: Me, sister Jeanette, brother Ian.

My guess is that photo – this copy creased because my father carried it in his wallet when serving in the RAAF in Port Moresby – was taken in 1945. Or could it have been summer 1944 – maybe around Christmas? Do I look 18 months old, or older? Hmmm.

My Uncle Neil, who passed away last month,  would already have participated as a member of the “communication unit for the  airfield construction squadron who repaired airstrips and built new ones” on Aitape and Morotai. He must have been home on leave when this was taken in Auburn Street, Sutherland.

Airfield construction squadrons of the RAAF were some of the most experienced units in amphibious operations. At several locations, including Hollandia and Morotai, Australians were responsible for repairing captured airfields and building new ones. They landed shortly after the first waves of American troops, bringing ashore heavy equipment including bulldozers and graders to clear jungle and develop airfields. Australians also were responsible for bomb disposals and other support roles.

source

Kittyhawks, Morotai – Torrential rain makes discarded belly tanks look like stepping stones. Bomb shattered palms form a giant palisade against the sky.  By war artist W E Pidgeon. The airfield was being built in September 1944.

Sergeant LL Whittington (left) and Leading Aircraftman AG Ashenden, 14 Airfield Construction Squadron RAAF, bulldozing jungle for an airstrip at Morotai, September 1944.

If you want to explore Australia/war-related information for 1944, see Digger History:  an unofficial history of the Australian & New Zealand Armed Forces.