Douglas Glasson lived through extraordinary times. Douglas was born on January 10, 1919, in Greenwich, New South Wales, into a world on the cusp of great change. The Sydney of his childhood would have been a place filled with promise, but also uncertainty, as the world would soon be thrust into the greatest conflict it had ever known.
In 1941, Douglas enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force, serving with 466 Squadron during World War II.
As a Flight Lieutenant, Douglas served as a navigator, guiding his crew through perilous skies over Europe during the height of the war.
One mission in particular stands out, on the night of April 26, 1943, when Douglas and his crew were tasked with an operational flight over Duisburg. It was their third flight together, and the danger was immense. As they returned to base, their aircraft was struck by flak over the Netherlands, shattering the cockpit’s perspex. Despite the damage, Douglas and his fellow crew members landed safely back at Leconfield airfield. His steady hand and clear head under fire ensured their survival, and for his service and bravery, Douglas was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC).
This award, gazetted on November 16, 1943, was a testament not just to his skill as a navigator but to his unwavering commitment to his crew and his country.
But Douglas’ contributions didn’t end with the war. He embarked on a successful career in invention and innovation, applying his skills to improving everyday life. Douglas was the inventor of a tray for liquid sterilizers, a device that utilized ultraviolet rays for sterilization. His patented invention, US3694651A, reflected his keen scientific mind.