LEST WE FORGET
Leading Aircraftman George Patrick TAIT
Service No: 449705
Born: Kew VIC, 16 March 1926
Enlisted in the RAAF: 21 April 1944
Unit: No. 2 Initial Training School, Lindfield NSW
Died: Drowned, Lane Cove NSW, 22 October 1942, Aged 18 Years
Buried: Sydney War Cemetery, Rookwood, NSW
CWGC Additional Information: Son of Henry George and Johanna Gertrude Tait, of Ascot Vale, Victoria
Roll of Honour: Kew VIC
Remembered: Panel 117, Commemorative Area, Australian War Memorial, Canberra ACT
On 22 October 1942, Leading Aircraftman Tait, and Aircrew Trainee, died from asphyxia from drowning, when swimming in the waters of the Lane Cove River near Bradfield Park. He was taking part in an official organised cross-country run, and only strong swimmers were instructed to swim across the river, while others crossed via a punt.
References:
Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour On-Line Records (RAAF Casualty Information compiled by Alan Storr (409804))
Commonwealth War Graves Commission On-Line Records
Department of Veterans’ Affairs On-Line WWII Nominal Roll
National Archives of Australia On-Line Record A705, 166/39/377