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

Service Profile: Stan Patch

Thomas Stanway Patch (ACA 15390) was a member of the Royal Australian Air Force during World War 2 from 30 March 1942 to 1 April 1946.

Stan trained as a pilot, attending Initial Training School (ITS) Sandgate, Queensland; No. 8 Elementary Flying Training School (EFTS) Narrandera, NSW; and gained his 'wings' at No. 8 Service Flying Training School (SFTS) Bundaberg, Queensland.

His extended training took place at No. 12 Ground Reconnaissance (GR-Pilot) Unit, Bairnsdale, Victoria, and No. 1 Operational Training Unit at East Sale, Victoria.

During his RAAF service, Stan flew Tiger Moths, Avro Ansons, Beauforts and Beaufighters, and was posted to No. 32 Squadron at Lowood, Queensland. Active service was experienced in Papua New Guinea.

His postings included No. 100 Squadron, No. 15 ARD at Port Moresby , PNG, and No. 8 Communications Unit at Madang, PNG.

Stan was discharged in April 1946 with the rank of Flying Officer. He continued his flying career post-war an an airline pilot.