Western Desert, Egypt, August 14, 1942: an Australian Kittyhawk fighter-bomber damaged in aerial combat has made a forced landing near El Alamein. Note cannon shell hole above the code’s letter “W” and the bottom part of the rudder taken away. Victor Sierra

After the combat

Caption of the photo AWM 010895: Two members of No 3 Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force, prepare a cross for the grave of Squadron Leader P. R. Heath who was shot down in air combat on Nov 19, 1940, when four of the Squadron's Gladiator aircraft were attacked east of Rabia by eighteen Italian CR-42 fighters. Victor Sierra

A cross for a pilot

Sicily, Italy, July 1943. A Flight Sergeant of No. 3 (Kittyhawk) Squadron Royal Australian Air Force looks at the damage caused by the German anti-aircraft fire on the tail assembly of his aircraft during operations over the Catania area. Victor Sierra