These profiles and stories were donated to the RAAF Museum by the Gold Coast Branch of the Air Crew Association.

Service Profile: Robert van Eupen

Robert van Eupen, Flying Cross (Netherlands), enlisted as aircrew in the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) on 19 October 1941. He trained through the World War 2 Empire Air Training Scheme (EATS), graduating as a pilot in New Zealand. His aircrew training took place at No. 1 Initial Training Wing (ITW) Levin, Elementary Flying Training School (ITS) Harewood, Service Flying Training Schools (SFTS) Woodbourne and Wigram.

Earmarked for service in the European theatre, Robert was posted to the United Kingdom for training in the Bomber Command stream, firstly at Advanced Flying Unit at Little Rissington, then at Operational Training Units RAF Bassingbourne and RAF Westcott. Further training took place at Heavy Conversion Unit RAF Stradishall and at RAF Waterbeach.

During his flying career, Robert flew Tiger Moths, Avro Ansons, Airspeed Oxfords, Stirlings, Wellingtons, Martinets, Beauforts, Miles Masters and Mosquitos.

Attaining the rank of Flight Lieutenant, he was awarded the Dutch Flying Cross in addition to World War 2 campaign medals.

Robert was discharged on demobilisation on 4 January 1946.