History of No Moon Tonight in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 3, 2026

No Moon Tonight is an autobiographical book by Don Charlwood, an Australian navigator in the Royal Australian Air Force during World War II. The book details Charlwood's training under the Empire Air Training Scheme in Canada and recounts his experiences with the RAF's Bomber Command. It focuses on the challenges and dangers faced by Charlwood and his crew as they completed their operational tour, offering a personal perspective on the realities of aerial warfare. The book's title comes from the song Tristesse, often played before missions.

1915: Don Charlwood's birth

In 1915, Don Charlwood, the author of "No Moon Tonight", was born in Melbourne, Australia.

1940: Charlwood joins the Royal Australian Air Force

In 1940, Don Charlwood joined the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and began training in Canada under the Empire Air Training Scheme.

September 1942: Combat mission to Bremen

In September 1942, Don Charlwood crewed up with Geoff Maddern and a British crew to fly a combat mission to Bremen in a Wellington bomber from RAF Lichfield on 13 September 1942. Later, his crew converted to Lancaster bombers at RAF Elsham Wolds.

July 1945: Demobilization from the RAAF

On 31 July 1945, Don Charlwood was demobilized from the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).

1984: Paperback edition published with true names

In 1984, a paperback edition of "No Moon Tonight" was published, using the true names of individuals who were previously concealed with pseudonyms in the original book.