Memories of Service 2 - Tom Beale

Like many others who signed up at the beginning of World War II, Tom Beale was looking for excitement, travel and the glamour of the uniform. Where he ended up was Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands. A Leading Aircraftman (a junior rank in the air force), Beale served alongside Americans and Australians as they fought to push the last remaining Japanese soldiers off the island. Daily Japanese bombing raids added to the discomfort of fighting in the tropics. Returning home, Beale found it difficult to settle and re-enlisted, ending up in Japan as part of the occupation force.

So Ike and I hit this slit trench. I can still remember him huddled up, a little fellow, nice little guy he was, and he was shaking. And I suddenly realised I was shaking with him too.

– Tom Beale

Key Cast & Crew

Patricia Stroud

Producer, Research

David Blyth

Director, Interviewer

Jed Town

Composer

Edward Larsen

Editor

Simon Schueller

Camera, Sound