This document presents the first-hand recollections of Jean White (née Forrester), who began working at Archerfield Aerodrome in Brisbane at the age of sixteen during World War II.
Jean initially worked for Australian aviation companies involved in wartime transport and support operations. She later moved to the Qantas-operated Engine Overhaul Workshop at Moorooka, where aircraft engines—including engines associated with Netherlands East Indies aircraft—were serviced.
Her memoir then describes her work with the Netherlands East Indies Transport Service at Archerfield. It provides valuable personal insight into the Dutch airmen who escaped from the Netherlands East Indies, the mixed Dutch–Australian workforce, and the small number of Indonesian personnel involved in postwar supply, relief and repatriation operations.
Of particular historical value are Jean’s descriptions of the administrative and engineering work behind the flying operations. Civilian employees recorded engine hours, monitored maintenance schedules and carried substantial responsibility for keeping the transport aircraft operational.
Together with the accompanying photographs, Jean White’s memoir adds an important personal dimension to the history of Dutch and Netherlands East Indies aviation at Archerfield.
Photographs from the Jean White collection
The following photographs come from the Jean White collection held by the Moorooka History Group
Photos from the Jean White collection (at the Moorooka History Group)
Jean White’s memoir
The complete memoir is reproduced below as an original personal account. Its wording and presentation have been retained as provided.
