History of No Moon Tonight in Timeline

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No Moon Tonight

No Moon Tonight is an autobiographical account by Don Charlwood, an Australian who served as a navigator in the RAF's Bomber Command during World War II. The book details Charlwood's training through the Empire Air Training Scheme in Canada and vividly portrays his experiences and the challenges faced by his crew during their operational tour. The title originates from the song "Tristesse", commonly played before missions, encapsulating the somber atmosphere of the time.

1915: Don Charlwood Born

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

1940: Charlwood Joins RAAF

In 1940, Don Charlwood joined the Royal Australian Air Force and trained in Canada through 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.

July 1945: Charlwood demobbed from RAAF

On 31 July 1945, Don Charlwood was demobbed from the RAAF and later worked for the Department of Civil Aviation for 30 years, initially as an Air Traffic Controller and later as a trainer.

1984: Paperback edition published

In 1984, the paperback edition of "No Moon Tonight" was published, revealing the true names of several men who were initially concealed using pseudonyms.

1991: Journeys Into Night published

In 1991, a companion book to "No Moon Tonight" titled "Journeys Into Night" was published.