LEST WE FORGET
Squadron Leader Robert Wilton BUNGEY DFC
Commanding Officer No. 452 Squadron, 15 June 1941 – 25 January 1942
Service No: 257414 (also RAF Service No: 40042)
Born: Fullarton SA, 4 October 1914
Enlisted in the RAAF: 15 July 1936, 25 January 1943
Unit: No. 4 Embarkation Depot, Adelaide SA
Awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC), 7 October 1941
Died: Injuries, Brighton SA, 10 June 1943, Aged 28 Years
Buried: Brighton (St Jude) Church Cemetery, SA
CWGC Additional Information: Son of Ernest and Ada Blanche Bungey, of Somerton; husband of Sybil Ellen Bungey
Roll of Honour: Glenelg SA
Remembered: Panel 114, Commemorative Area, Australian War Memorial, Canberra ACT
Remembered: World War II Honour Roll, National War Memorial of SA, North Terrace, Adelaide
Squadron Leader Bungey was an Australian Cadet trained for the RAF who embarked for the UK on 22 July 1937.
DFC Citation (for service with No. 452 Squadron RAAF): “This officer has been almost continuously engaged in operations against the enemy since the war began. During operations in France he carried out many bombings and reconnaissance missions and later fought in the Battle of Britain. Since July 1941 Squadron Leader Bungey has led the squadron and occasionally the wing, on many operational sorties over Northern France. Brilliant successes have been achieved and during August the unit shot down 24 hostile aircraft. Throughout this officer has displayed gallant and efficient leadership.” (London Gazette 7 October 1941 page 5773)
On 10 Jun 1943, Squadron Leader Bungey was found shot on Brighton Beach, South Australia, while he was on special leave. His son of 15 months was found critically wounded beside his body but survived the tragedy. His wife had died at Glenelg, South Australia, on 25 May 1943.
Squadron Leader Bungey first enlisted in the RAAF on 15 July 1936. He went on to serve with the RAF where he was awarded the DFC. Following the expiration of his Short Service Commission with the RAF, he was placed on the RAAF reserve and called up on 25 January 1943 and embarked for the UK on 19 February 1943. The on-line records do not show when he returned to Australia.
References:
Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour On-Line Records
Commonwealth War Graves Commission On-Line Records
Department of Veteran’s Affairs On-Line WWII Nominal Roll
National Archives of Australia On-Line Record A705, 166/6/175
Newton, Dennis A Few of the Few: Australians and the Battle of Britain, Australian War Memorial, Canberra ACT 2600, 1990