My father was an Observer in 1772 squadron FAA, embarked on Indefatigable, flying in Fireflies (Dad was the only "RN" officer in the squadron, all the others were RNVR / War Service officers).
His log book records attacks on Tokushima, Takamatsu, Shikoku, Nagoya Bay, Matsushima, Korigama & Taina [names are Dad's spelling, may not be correct!] in July & August 1945.
On 24th July 1945 "Maurice & Don ditched. Don later picked up (2 days)". On 28th July Dad was "grounded with a bad cold", but his regular pilot LT. Stevens is "missing over target with Mike" [presumably another Observer]. On 10th August "Much flak. Roberts & McBride bought it. Darby & O'Neill bailed out"
RIP "Maurice", "Steve", "Mike", "Roberts" and "McBride" - at least five fatalities out of presumably twelve 2-man crews in the Squadron. 20% casualties in two months combat flying seems horrifyingly many from today's perspective.
With a little luck, and Covid-19 permitting, I will be attending Dad's 100th Birthday in Sydney in December.
He is the last survivor of BRNC Dartmouth Benbow Term, starting in 1934 and graduating in 1938