{"draw":0,"recordsTotal":594,"recordsFiltered":594,"data":[["1","https:\/\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/Dave_Robson.jpg","David","Robson","Vietnam","Wing Commander","0316429","David Robson is a career aviator having been nurtured on balsa wood, dope and tissue paper. He has contributed to Australia\u2019s military Aviation heritage significantly through his service in the Royal Australian Air Force as a pilot.\r\nHis first job was as a junior draughtsman at the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation (CAC) in Melbourne, Australia. It was during this time that he learnt to fly Chipmunks at the Royal Victorian Aeroclub. David\u2019s first solo flight was in the de Havilland Chipmunk shortly after his seventeenth birthday. Joining the Royal Australian Air Force in 1965 he served twenty-one years as a fighter pilot and a test pilot. David has logged over 1000 hours on Mirages and 500 hours on Sabres. In 1972 he completed the Empire Test Pilots Course at Boscombe Down, England flying everything from gliders to Hunters, Canberras, Lightnings and Argosies. David completed a tour of Vietnam with the United States Air Force as a Forward Air Controller in support of the First Australian Taskforce. In Vietnam David flew 240 missions in the Cessna O-2A conducting over 80 strikes. In his video he talks about his time in Vietnam.","david_robson"],["2","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/adrian-furniss.jpg","Adrian","Furniss",".","Unknown","034499","Adrian enlisted in the RAAF in 1951 and was approved for pilot training at Point Cook. Having completed the elementary phase on Tiger Moths he was involved in an accident while flying solo in a Wirraway where he was forced to make a heavy landing and was scrubbed. He was later posted to Woomera for a period running the airport during rocket trials and then back to Melbourne where he completed a commerce degree. In 1967 he was selected for exchange with a US officer and went to Sacramento where he was involved with the F-111 project, followed by another US posting to study logistics at Dayton Ohio. Back in Australia he was involved with the computerisation of stores control at 1 Stores Depot, Tottenham. Adrian retired from the RAAF with the rank of Air Commodore. He talks about his time at Woomera.","adrian_furniss"],["3","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/adrian-streather.jpg","Adrian","Streather",".",".","A48900","Adrian enlisted in the RAAF in January 1975 as an apprentice and trained at Wagga. In late 1976 he was posted to Edinburgh serving with 11 Squadron in the instrument section of the maintenance division. After training on the Mirage simulator he served with 292 Maintenance Squadron. Posted to 1 FTS Point Cook in 1982 he worked in the RAAF Museum. He was then posted to 2AD Richmond where he worked on the Sabre now at the Temora Aviation Museum.","adrian_streather"],["4","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/alan-day.jpg","Alan","Day","Pacific","Leading Aircraftman","410534","Alan enlisted in 1941 and did his initial training at Bradfield Park in Sydney. A horse riding accident before the end of that course meant he was remustered as a medical orderly. Many others in his course became gunners in Bomber Command and few survived. He served in the South West Pacific area doing both medical and dental orderly work. His story is about his work in Darwin.","alan_day"],["5","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/alan-durward.jpg","Alan","Durward",".","Unknown",".","Alan trained in New Zealand on Tiger Moths and Harvards. He was transferred to the RAF, where he was endorsed to fly Meteors at Driffield. He later converted to the Hawker Hunter and was posted to 56 Squadron. His next posting was to RAF Germany where he was in charge of the Station Flight, responsible for 4 Vampires, a Chipmunk and an Anson.","alan_durward"],["6","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/alan-laider.jpg","Alan","Laidler","WW2","Leading Aircraftman","49371","Alan enlisted in the RAAF at the end of 1941 with the desire to somehow avenge his brother's death at Tobruk. His mother would not let him join the army, he didn't fancy the Navy but volunteered for ground crew duties. After doing his Rookies in Melbourne he was posted for a time to 1 OTU at East Sale but was later sent to do an engine fitters course at Flemington. He was then posted to 7AD Tocumwal where he spent the next 18 months working on rebuilding and testing Pratt and Whitney radial engines. His next posting was to 99 Squadron, a new unit which was just receiving their B24 Liberators in Queensland, but the war ended before the squadron was operational. At the end of the war Alan stayed on with 112 Air Sea Rescue Flight working on their Catalinas. He was discharged in 1946. Alan recounts an event flying in a Hudson at Sale as well as engine changes while with 112 ASR in Darwin.","alan_laidler"],["7","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/alan-leask.jpg","Alan","Leask","Pacific","Flying Officer","432524","Alan enlisted in the RAAF in 1943. He did his elementary flying training at 10 EFTS Temora before being posted to Point Cook to train on Airspeed Oxfords. His next posting was to Nhill as a staff pilot on Fairy Battle aircraft at the bombing and gunnery school. Eventually he was posted to 1 OTU at Sale for operational training on Beauforts and from there to convert to Beaufighters at Williamtown. His operational posting at the beginning of 1945 was to 30 Squadron at Morotai and he was involved in ground attack operations until the war ended. His last flying duty was to escort the two Japanese aircraft used for the surrender at Moratai as they flew to the Celebes. Alan speaks about his time at 10 EFTS Temora.","alan_leask"],["8","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/alan-newton.jpg","Alan","Newton",".","Unknown","218707","Alan enlisted in the RAAF in 1957 and was trained as a motor mechanic. After training in Brisbane and Wagga he was posted for a time to a Stores depot in Regents Park Sydney and then to East Sale. He describes incidents when the US U-2 spy aircraft were based there.","alan_newton"],["9","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/alan-patching.jpg","Alan","Patching",".",".",".","Alan started working at the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation as a draftsman in 1943. During his time there he worked on the Wirraway, Boomerang, CA-15 fighter, Wackett bomber and Mustang. He has spent his working life in the aviation industry mainly in the testing of aircraft structures. He tells three stories, the first is about the Wirraway, the second is about an experience with Wackett concerning the bomber and the third about Greg Board, the chief test pilot for CAC.","alan_patching"],["10","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/theodosia-cowan.jpg","Theodosia","Cowan","WWII","ACW","177619","Born at the Mater Hospital in North Sydney to Kathleen Elizabeth (Kit)\r\nCowan nee Turner (typist) and Meredith Thomas (Mick) Cowan (bank\r\nofficer) on 20th February 1925, younger sibling of Jeanne Meredith\r\n(b.1918). The family resided in the manager's residence atop of the Victoria\r\nCross, North Sydney, branch of the Commonwealth Bank.\r\nKnown widely as Theo, she attended Loreto College in Kirribilli and upon\r\ngaining her intermediate certificate, achieved above average skills at\r\nstenography and typing at Miss Hale's Business College, and in the early\r\n1940s took a number of fill-in clerical jobs.\r\nPerhaps inspired by sibling Jeanne's service as an Australian Army nursing\r\nsister, in 1943 Theo commenced nursing studies at Royal Prince Alfred\r\nHospital but by the time of her application for enlistment in September 1943\r\nhad accumulated only 5 months nursing experience. Realising that didn't\r\nqualify her for Service nursing, she nominated clerical work as her preference.\r\nIt appears that the recruiting authority agreed, and released her from her\r\napplication for 12 months, to be re-engaged on 19 Oct 1944, posted to No.5\r\nWAAAF Depot at Penrith, for No.124 Recruit Drill Course.\r\nAfter the successful completion of No. 506 Trainee Fitters course on 24 February 1945 and Flight Mechanics Course ion 26 May 1945 at No.1 E D Ascot Vale, Theo was, on 1 June 1945, posted to 10EFTS at Temora, remustered as a Flight Rigger with the rank of ACW.\r\nIn early October 1945, she was transferred to 3 Communications Unit at\r\nMascot, with her duties unrecorded, and in early January 1946, posted to 3\r\nRAAF Hospital, also at Mascot, until discharge on 13 Feb 1946 from 2PD\r\n(Personnel Depot, Bradfield Park, Sydney).\r\nTheo resumed her career as a typist\/stenographer, and with additional\r\nswitchboard skills, enjoyed flexibility and independence as a highly\r\nrecommended relief clerk, predominantly in the legal profession.\r\nJust on 12 months back in civilian life, whilst enjoying a\r\nfamily holiday at the celebrated Pomare guest house at\r\nCobbity (NSW), Theo was so impressed by fellow guest,\r\nformer Pilot Officer Frederick Heppell (RAAF), that within 6\r\nweeks they returned to honeymoon at Pomare. They had\r\nmarried at St Francis Xavier Church, Lavender Bay on 2nd\r\nApril 1947. \r\nAfter a couple of career moves which took them from North\r\nSydney to Mosman to a period at Corrimal on the South Coast,\r\nand with Fred firmly established in the NSW Public Service,\r\nthey settled in a comfortable War Service home on Gardeners\r\nRoad at Kingsford, raising daughter Anne (1948) and sons\r\nJonathan (1951) and Peter (1952) to school age, whereupon\r\nTheo rejoined the workforce, with an appointment as Clerical\r\nAssistant to the Headmaster at Randwick Boys High School.\r\nThere she served with distinction until her retirement in1985 at\r\nage 60, upon which she was awarded the NSW Dept of\r\nEducation Medal for 28 years of Service to Children.\r\nAfter 10 years of well-deserved retirement, during which she\r\ntravelled widely and laid claim to the position of No.1 fan of the\r\nRandwick Rugby Club's Galloping Greens, Theo died peacefully\r\nin her Coogee Bay unit, two days before her 71st birthday, and\r\nis memorialised in the gardens at Eastern Suburbs Memorial\r\nPark.","theodosia_cowan"],["11","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/alan-wright.jpg","Alan","Wright","Pacific","Flight Lieutenant","428433","Alan joined the RAAF in December 1942. After initial training at Somers Alan was selected for pilot training and posted to No. 10 Elementary Flying Training School, Temora. His first posting was to Mount Gambier as a staff pilot at the time of the Japanese mini submarine scare. They were sent to look for evidence of refuelling and 50 miles off the coast Alan spotted what they thought was an oil slick. At about 80 metres above the water Alan executed a steep turn and the port motor suddenly stopped. Alan takes up the story.","alan_wright"],["12","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/alec-genge.jpg","Alec","Genge","Pacific","Private","NX156429","Alec was a Temora boy who enlisted in the Army in January 1942. After training in Australia he was posted to Torokina where he was engaged in fighting the Japanese. He describes how fish were harvested using an aircraft to top bombs to stun them. Alec\u2019s brother was an engine fitter at 10 EFTS Temora.","alec_genge"],["13","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/alec-sim.jpg","Alec","Sim","Pacific","Warrant Officer","419504","Alec enlisted in the RAAF in August 1942. His initial training was at Victor Harbour in South Australia. Categorised as a Wireless Operator, he was posted to Ballarat for wireless training. He also undertook gunnery training at Sale. His next posting was to Rathmines for training on Catalinas. He was then posted to 11 Squadron, initially on air-sea rescue but later on longer mine laying missions. He tells a tale about mine laying.","alec_sim"],["14","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/alf-brooks.jpg","Alf","Brooks","WW2","Leading Aircraftman","156318","Alf enlisted in the RAAF in July 1944 after finally obtaining a release from his job in a foundry. Posted to 83 Squadron he was initially a guard and then a driver. At that time in 1945, 83 Squadron was based at Menangle Racecourse, and Alf was there at the time the Japanese surrendered. His final RAAF posting was to Laverton which by that time was a storage facility for unwanted RAAF aircraft. His story is about his time with 83 Squadron.","alf_brooks"],["15","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/alf-humble.jpg","Alf","Humble","WW2","Flight Lieutenant","416429","Alf Humble joined the RAAF in 1941 and trained as a pilot. His first posting was to 14 Squadron in Western Australia flying Hudsons on coastal patrol work. As a plotting officer he was involved with the plotting of the Coral Sea Battle. Later after a general reconnaissance course he was posted to 7 Squadron as a Beaufort pilot. Alf was discharged in 1945 as a Flight Lieutenant.","alf_humble"],["16","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/alfred-cocks.jpg","Alfred","Cocks","Europe","Flight Lieutenant","409664","Alfred Harvey Cocks was an Australian airman and officer who served as a pilot in the Royal Australian Air Force during the Second World War. He was born on 24 March 1922 in Bendigo, Victoria, and came of age as the war expanded across Europe and the Pacific.\r\n\r\nCocks entered the RAAF Reserve on 19 June 1941 and formally enlisted in the Permanent Forces on 10 October 1941 at Melbourne, committing to wartime service and subsequent reserve obligations as required. His attestation and medical examination recorded him as fit for flying training, and he commenced the rigorous pathway then standard for pilot candidates.\r\n\r\nAfter progressing through initial , elementary (10EFTS Temora) and advanced flying schools, Cocks qualified as a pilot and was awarded his Flying Badge on 23 October 1942, a milestone that marked his transition from trainee to operational aircrew. Training documents and course cards indicate experience on multiple aircraft types typical of RAAF instruction of the period, including the de Havilland Tiger Moth and Avro Anson, before moving to more advanced operational types such as the Lockheed Vega Ventura. He subsequently held commissioned rank, serving first as a Pilot Officer and later as a Flying Officer, reflecting satisfactory progress and professional standing within his branch.\r\n\r\nOperational records and performance reports place Cocks with No. 464 Squadron, an RAAF unit operating within a wider Allied framework. While his general conduct was assessed as satisfactory, a 1944 officer\u2019s report noted that he experienced difficulty adapting to the de Havilland Mosquito in tactical operational flying (mainly in formation flying), leading to reassignment from that role. The same report described him as reliable, if \u201cnot a dynamic personality,\u201d a characterization that nonetheless sat alongside consistent assessments of temperance and acceptable professional ability. Transferred back to Australia, Alfred continued on as a Staff Pilot on Airspeed Oxfords.\r\n\r\nDuring his service he qualified for the 1939\u201345 Star, Defence Medal, War Medal 1939\u201345, Australia Service Medal 1939\u201345, and the Returned from Active Service Badge. His logbook is archived at the Temora Aviation Museum and can be viewed on eHive.com","alfred_cocks"],["17","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/alfred-payne.jpg","Alfred","Payne","Pacific","Flying Officer","409937","Alf Payne enlisted in 1940. He trained in Australia and Canada and after gaining his wings was posted to England to convert onto Spitfires. He was then sent to Burma where he joined 616 Squadron and, with his twin brother, saw a lot of action against the Japanese. His squadron was often called to escort Dakotas dropping supplies. He describes the tactics used by Spitfires against Japanese aircraft.","alfred_payne"],["18","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/allan-beavis.jpg","Allan","Beavis","Europe","Flying Officer","431122","Born in 1925 Alan enlisted in the RAAF in May 1943. He did his initial training at Bradfield Park, followed by a navigation course at Mt. Gambier then a Bombing and Gunnery course at Port Pirie. Sent to England via the Panama Canal and New York he was posted to 608 Squadron, RAF on Mosquitos where he flew on bombing missions as a navigator.  Mostly the bomb load was 4 x 500 pound bombs although they later received modified Mosquito aircraft which could carry a 4,000 pound 'Cookie' blast bomb. Allan completed 55 sorties of which 25 were on Berlin. Alan was awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal and his pilot a DFC for one of their two daylight missions where they took over as lead bomber. He talks about this sortie.","allan_beavis"],["19","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/allan-couper.jpg","Allan","Couper","Europe","Flight Sergeant","430013","Allan enlisted in December 1942. After initial training at 1 ITS Somers he was categorised for pilot training and posted to Western Junction in Tasmania. After only 12 hours (and no solo), he was remustered as an Air Observer, training at the Air Observers School at Cootamundra. This was followed by bombing and gunnery at West Sale and finishing with an air navigation course at Nhill. Once posted to England he was further trained as a bomb aimer and posted to 75 Squadron RAF, a New Zealand Bomber Command unit. Allan completed a tour of 32 daylight and night operations and was then posted to a technical unit flying in Wellingtons calibrating equipment at various airfields around Britain and Ireland. His story is about his experiences as a bomb aimer.","allan_couper"],["20","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/allan-dowland.jpg","Allan","Dowland","Vietnam","No info","O33669","Allan joined the apprenticeship scheme at the age of 15\u00bd and spent three years at Wagga training as an engine fitter. He then joined the Air Force and trained at Uranquinty in the last course before the facility closed down.  While there, he flew Winjeels and finished at the top of his course. He was posted to Pearce for applied flying training on Vampires. From there was posted to 21 Squadron in Laverton.  After the city squadrons were closed down, his next posting was to Williamtown, where he joined the newly re-formed 76 Squadron. While there, he completed an intensive operational conversion course to Sabres in 1961. He was then posted to 3 Squadron at Butterworth, Malaya where he spent two and a half years, occasionally being sent on attachments in Ubon in Thailand. Towards the end of his service, he spent six months at Woomera flying the remotely controlled Meteor U Mk.21s.  He then left to fly for Qantas.","allan_dowland"],["21","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/allan-macdonald.jpg","Allan","MacDonald","Europe","Warrant Officer","428655","Allan was initially called up by the Army and after rookie training at Maribyrnong was posted to a searchlight unit in Balwyn, a Melbourne suburb. He later transferred to the RAAF and did his initial training at 1 ITS Somers where Sir Hubert Opperman was able to bend the rules to allow him to be posted to Canada while still 18 to be trained as a Wireless Air Gunner. In Canada he was first posted to Calgary at No 2 Wireless School and the onto No 2 Bombing and Gunnery School at Mossbank. After embarkation leave in New York Allen arrived in Liverpool and was sent by train to the Aircrew Reception Centre at Brighton. A long wait for a posting ensued and Allan volunteered to work in RAAF Headquarters in London where he was responsible for sporting equipment. His flying resumed with a posting to No 10 Advanced Flying School at Dumfries in Scotland on Avro Ansons. Finally he was posted to an operational Training Unit on Wellingtons and had just completed his training when the war finished. Allan tells what happened while he was waiting for a ship home.","allan_macdonald"],["22","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/allan-scarlett.jpg","Allan (Albert)","Scarlett","Pacific","Leading Aircraftman","144113","Allan joined the RAAF in 1943 and was trained as an armourer\/air gunner at a number of locations including Tocumwal, Laverton, Adelaide and Nhill. He was posted to 21 Squadron based in Fenton in the Northern Territory on B24 Liberator aircraft. As an armourer\/air gunner his duties included servicing the guns and turrets as well as loading bombs and when a crew member was unavailable he was to take their place on operational sorties. Allan flew as a crew member on several missions. The squadron was later posted to Morotai where they stayed until November 1945 helping repatriate former PoWs from Singapore. Allan tells of some of his experiences on B24s.","allan_scarlett"],["23","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/andrew-roach.jpg","Andrew","Roach","Gulf",".","S131448","Andrew Roach joined the Navy in 1981 and trained as an aircraft maintainer. He was posted to 817 Squadron where he worked on Sea King helicopters. Later he went to 723 Squadron which involved working on Iroquois, Squirrel and Bell 206 helicopters. His story is about being called to volunteer for service in the Gulf in 1990.","andrew_roach"],["24","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/angus-cameron.jpg","Angus","Cameron","Europe","Warrant Officer","429007 (O23249)","After initial training at No. 2 Initial Training School, Bradfield Park, New South Wales, Angus Cameron trained as a wireless operator at No3 Wireless Air Gunnery School at Maryborough in Queensland, followed by a gunnery course at No. 1 Bombing and Gunnery School, Evans Head. He was posted to Bomber Command in England, and after further training found himself part of 214 Squadron, RAF, a most secret unit as part of 100 Group equipped with Flying Fortresses. The Squadron was known as: 214, FMS (Federated Malay States so named because ex-pats had raised the money for the aircraft) SD, or Special Duties Squadron. 100 Group often carried out feint missions to deceive the German fighter controllers as to which bomber force was the real one. They also carried out electronic countermeasures which was the work Angus was part of. In addition to Angus whose duty was wireless operator they carried a German speaking wireless operator whose job it was to intercept German controllers and speak to the German fighter pilots to vector them away from the bomber stream. He also had to jam various German radio frequencies to further thwart the defences. They orbited about 3000 feet above the main bomber stream over target for periods as long as 15 minutes before another Fortress relieved them.","angus_cameron"],["25","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/angus-mclachlan.jpg","Angus","McLachlan","Europe","Flight Lieutenant","416977","Angus trained at Parafield in South Australia and was selected as a fighter pilot. In the last year of the war he was strafing some German vehicles when the Napier Sabre engine of his Hawker Tempest suddenly stopped. Angus had to force land in No Mans Land.","angus_mclachlan"],["26","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/anthony-bennett.jpg","Anthony","Bennett",".",".","A219961","Anthony enlisted in the RAAF in 1960 following an electrical apprenticeship. After training at the School of Radio in Ballarat he qualified as a radio mechanic. He was posted to Woomera where he spent two years. He received further training as a signaller and was posted to 10 Squadron in Townsville. By 1965 he had reached the rank of Pilot Officer, Air Electronics Officer. In 1967 Anthony was selected for pilot\u2019s course, training at Point Cook and then Pearce in Western Australia where he graduated on Vampires. His next posting was to the School of Air Navigation at Sale, but was then posted to 34 VIP Squadron, flying Falcons.Two years later he was posted to bomber Operational Conversion Unit to fly Canberras. Following a desk job he was posted to Indonesia, based in Sulawesi involved in mapping. Back in Canberra he became involved in administrational duties, was promoted to Wing Commander before retiring at the age of 50. He then joined the Defence Force Academy as a senior technical officer in aerospace mechanical engineering. He set up a flying school to consolidate student\u2019s knowledge of aerodynamics and retired in 1960","anthony_bennett"],["27","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/anthony-calliard.jpg","Anthony","Calliard","Europe","Flight Lieutenant (RAF)","3054021","Anthony joined the RAF in October 1944 and was trained as a pilot in Tiger Moths, followed by Harvards and then a conversion to the Mosquito.Posted to the Egypt in the early 1950s he flew photo reconnaissance missions with 13 Squadron. He was on the second Canberra conversion course in England and operated out of Binbrook. In 1954 Anthony was posted to Amberley in Australia and converted many Lincoln crews onto the Canberra which is the subject of his story.","anthony_calliard"],["28","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/arch-simpson.jpg","Arch","Simpson","Pacific","Flying Officer","419016","Arch did his flying training at 11 EFTS, Benalla. This was convenient as he lived there. After graduation he was posted to No 7SFTS at Deniliquin flying Wirraways. From there he was posted to No2 OTU Mildura for training on P40 Kittyhawks. He tells of one takeoff where he neglected to switch from the small leading edge fuel tanks and wound up with an engine failure. This necessitated belly landing the aircraft in the Mallee desert. He survived this and was posted to 78 Squadron, based at Aitape and later Cape Gloucester. He tells a riveting story of dive bombing Japanese positions on Shaggy Ridge. On another occasion he was asked to transport an army officer in the Wirraway, forgot to lock the tailwheel on landing and groundlooped. He came to rest perfectly in a gap between aircraft with the wingtips nicely lined up.","arch_simpson"],["29","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/archibald-streeter.jpg","Archibald","Streeter",".",".","218760","Arch Streeter enlisted in the RAAF in 1958. After pilot training on the Winjeel and Vampire he was posted to 38 Squadron. Between 1963 and 1966 Arch was posted on exchange to the RAF. Back in Australia his next RAAF posting was to 36 Squadron where he flew the A model Hercules, followed by the E Model in the 1970s. He retired from the RAAF in 1979. He was also the Director of Flying Safety and worked with USAF accident investigation, on one occasion investigating a wartime crash of a USAF Boston in New Guinea. It was during his time on 36 Squadron he was a student pilot in a Hercules which accidentally entered a spin and was recovered dangerously close to the ground.","archibald_streeter"],["30","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/arnold-delaney.jpg","Arnold","Delaney",".","Leading Aircraftman","130962","Arnold was an instrument maker and completed his basic training in Adelaide. His operational posting was to 13 Squadron, then based in Canberra where he worked on the squadron\u2019s Beaufort, Hudson and Ventura aircraft. He would often fly on test flights, and tells the story of Gough Whitlam\u2019s narrow escape from death when a bullet went into the engine, then out again.","arnold_delaney"],["31","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/arnold-kopp.jpg","Arnold","Kopp","Europe","Flying Officer","418283","Arnold trained at No 7 EFTS, Western Junction in Tasmania. He completed his dual training at Essendon and was posted to England where he joined 466 Squadron as a Halifax pilot. Arnold is of German descent and explains the difficulties he experienced as a consequence. He describes the crewing up process and tells of several incidents during his operational tour, including seeing night fighters and being coned by searchlights, and the corkscrew manoeuvre to avoid them. Arnold also tells of a mission where their aircraft was struck by incendiary bombs from another bomber which damaged their aircraft and injured many of the crew, including himself.","arnold_kopp"],["32","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/arthur-atkins.jpg","Arthur","Atkins","Europe","Flying Officer","418514","Arthur did his elementary flying training at 11 EFTS Benalla, then SFTS at Mallala. He was posted to England where he trained on Wellingtons then Lancasters at No1 Lancaster Finishing School. He flew a tour of 31 operations, earning a DFC. He then stayed on as the Wing Commander's personal pilot on an Oxford. His final posting was as an instructor on Lancasters. His story is about being hit by flak.","arthur_atkins"],["33","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/arthur-pardey.jpg","Arthur","Pardey","Europe","Warrant Officer","432861","Arthur was born in and lived Temora until 1942, leaving his night shift job in the local flour mill to join the Air Force.  He completed his Elementary Flying Training at Temora and earned his wings at Uranquinty. He then trained in various postings in England flying Tiger Moths and Miles Masters. Shortly after his arrival in Cairo, he was placed on leave as a disciplinary measure. Upon returning from leave Arthur was posted to Ismailia on the Suez canal, initially flying Harvards, Hurricanes and then Spitfire Mk Vs. After a posting in Athens, he completed an Advanced Flying Unit refresher in Salerno, Italy and converted to Mustangs.  He was seconded to No. 3 Squadron and was involved in close support work against the retreating German Army. Arthur was away for nearly two years, returning to Australia in time for his 21st birthday. He returned to Temora in 1950.","arthur_pardey"],["34","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/arthur-sibthorpe.jpg","Arthur","Sibthorpe","Vietnam",".","O1513","Arthur enlisted in the RAAF in 1945 and served until 1974. In the 1960s he volunteered for Forward Air Control duty in Vietnam and flew the 01G Bird Dog.","arthur_sibthorpe"],["35","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/arthur-bluey-sharman.jpg","Arthur Bluey","Sharman","Middle East","Flight Lieutenant","411534","Arthur, or 'Blue' Sharman did his elementary flying training at 10 EFTS, Temora. He was next posted to Deniliquin where he gained his wings on Wirraways. Posted overseas he found himself in the Middle East. After operational training at Tatacula Arthur was posted to 683 Squadron flying Spitfire PR XI on photographic reconnaissance operations.","arthur_bluey_sharman"],["36","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/athol-graham.jpg","Athol","Graham","Pacific","Leading Aircraftman","146248","Athol enlisted in late 1943 at a time when the aircrew demands were low, and consequently underwent training at Point Cook as a telegraphist.  He was posted to 77 Squadron on Labuan where he was assigned the management of the canteen. After the war finished he was posted to the base squadron at Iwakuni in Japan as part of BCOF. He served there for two years.","athol_graham"],["37","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/barbara-james.jpg","Barbara","James","Pacific","Lieutenant","SF64849","Barbara James (nee Hill) served with 58th Searchlight Brigade and was posted to Western Australia where she was responsible for a troop of female operators. The searchlights formed part of the defence for that part of Australia. Barbara was commissioned as a Lieutenant.","barbara_james"],["38","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/barrie-wallis.jpg","Barrie","Wallis",".",".","O14984","Barrie joined the RAAF in January 1956 and originally trained as an engine mechanic at Wagga  then field trained as an engine fitter. From there he was posted to 82 Bomber Wing. After a couple of years there he was posted to 42 Maintenance Squadron then to 6 and 2 Squadron working on Canberras. He retrained as a flight engineer and tells a harrowing story of his first flight in a C130 Hercules.","barrie_wallis"],["39","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/bernard-keady.jpg","Bernard","Keady","Pacific","Signalman","NX87602","Originally in the Army, Bernie was trained as a signaller at Tamworth. As part of 3 Light Wireless Section Bernie\u2019s job was to relay radio communications from the aircraft to the Army. After being involved in the Battle of Milne Bay he was sent to Dobodura and Poppondetta and worked with Beaufighters and Kittyhawks.","bernard_keady"],["40","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/bernie-shallard.jpg","Bernie","Shallard",".",".",".","With the death of his father in a car accident, Bernie lied about his age to be accepted into Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation in the mail room. As a result of his father\u2019s relationship with Lawrence Wackett, Bernie learnt to fly on an experimental version of the Wackett trainer fitted with one of the Gipsy 6 engines from a Tugan Gannet. He later moved on to putting hours onto each Wirraway aircraft before acceptance by the RAAF. In his lunchtimes Bernie would get rides in Beauforts flown by the test pilots from Department of Aircraft Production next door to CAC. Later in the war CAC took on assembly work of American types, flying a two seat trainer version of the Lockheed Lightning.","bernie_shallard"],["41","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/bert-smithwell.jpg","Bert","Smithwell","Pacific","Flying Officer","423519","Bert enlisted in the RAAF in 1942 doing his initial training at 2 ITS Bradfield Park where he was selected for pilot training. He did his elementary training at Narromine on Tiger Moths and was then sent to Uranquinty for single engine training on Wirrways. After gaining his wings he was posted to East Sale as a staff pilot at 3 Bombing and Gunnery school flying Fairey Battles. After a year there he was posted briefly to Parkes for a refresher course on Wirraways before being sent to 2 OTU Mildura where he converted to the Kittyhawk. On graduation he was then posted overseas to 82 Squadron at Nooemfor where he carried out ground strike operations against the Japanese until the end of the war. His story is about his time at 3 BAGS where as a senior pilot he was asked to demonstrate a new time saving drogue flying arrangement to the top brass.","bert_smithwell"],["42","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/beryl-manion.jpg","Beryl","Mainon","WW2","Aircraftwoman","106683","Beryl joined the RAAF in October 1942, after putting her age up by a year. After initial training she was called to go to Richmond in New South Wales for Radar training, which was still secret. She was posted to a radar station at Ash Island, which was a mud island in the Hunter River near Newcastle where she spent 13 months. Beryl tells the story of assisting a lost Catalina early one morning reach its base at Rathmines.","beryl_mainon"],["43","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/bevan-fenner.jpg","Bevan","Fenner",".","Unknown",".","Bevan did his National Service in the RAAF in 1952. As a motor mechanic he served as an apprentice working on Mustangs and Wirraways of 21 Squadron at Laverton in Victoria. He describes the life and times during his 6 month stint.","bevan_fenner"],["44","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/bill-fenwick.jpg","Bill","Fenwick","WW2","Flying Officer","423695","Bill enlisted in the RAAF in July 1942. He trained as a pilot at 10 EFTS Temora on 3 Course and gained his wings at Deniliquin on Wirraways. He was posted to Central Flying School at Tamworth where he trained as a Tiger Moth instructor. On graduation Bill was posted back to Temora in July 1943. Another posting to CFS, Point Cook saw him qualified as a Wirraway instructor. He spent the rest of the war instructing on these aircraft at Uranquinty. He talks about having to scrub some would be pilots at Temora.","bill_fenwick"],["45","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/bill-frazer.jpg","Bill","Frazer","Europe","Flying Officer","422040","Bill had an unusual start to his flying as he was initially classed as a wireless air gunner. After almost completing a course at Maryborough, he was remustered as a pilot and did his elementary training at 10 EFTS Temora. His service training was in Canada on Harvards. Once in England the need was for bomber pilots so he trained on Airspeed Oxfords and then Halifaxes. He began his operational flying early in 1945 with 462 Squadron, part of 100 Group, mostly involved in dropping 'Window' to confuse enemy radar. His story is about his days at Temora.","bill_frazer"],["46","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/bill-herbert.JPG","Bill","Herbert","Europe","Flight Lieutenant","418410","Bill Herbert trained at Benalla and then it was onto Wirraways at Deniliquin. After receiving his wings he was posted to England. There he eventually flew Beaufighters with 455 Squadron on anti shipping strikes. Post war he joined the Fleet Air Arm and flew Fireflies. He tells of flying the Beaufighter at almost sea level over the North Sea","bill_herbert"],["47","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/bill-johns.jpg","Bill","Johns","Europe","Warrant Officer","433914","Bill Johns did his elementary flying training at Narrandera. Despite his desire to be transferred as a bomber pilot was sent to Uranquinty to train on the Wirraway. Posted to England toward the end of the war, he found there was a surplus of pilots. After doing some further training at some Coastal Command stations was sent to train as a flight engineer on Lancasters, but the war finished before he had completed his course.","bill_johns"],["48","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/bill-jordan.jpg","Bill","Jordan","Europe","Flight Lieutenant","417711","Born in Riverton South Australia in 1924, Bill enlisted at age 18 but had to wait most of a year for his call up. After completing initial training at 4 ITS Victor Harbour Bill did his elementary flying training at Parafield and then gained his wings on Ansons at Mallala. He then was attached to Guinea Airways as a co-pilot on Lockheed Lodestars on the run from Adelaide to Darwin for several months, followed by staff piloting work at Cootamundra and Evans head. Finally he was posted to England, underwent further training including a Wellington OUT and had just finished his conversion to Lancasters when the war ended.","bill_jordan"],["49","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/bill-kilsby.jpg","Bill","Kilsby","Europe","Wing Commander","O33178","Bill Kilsby enlisted in 1943 and trained as a pilot at 7 EFTS Western Junction. He then gained his wings on Oxfords at Point Cook. Posted to England he volunteered for service in Burma going on operations with 356 Squadron on Liberators. Post war he served a year in Malaya on Lincolns and later flew over 2000 hours on Canberras. He retired from the RAAF in August 1974 with the rank of Wing Commander. Bill\u2019s story outlines some of his post-war experiences.","bill_kilsby"],["50","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/bill-kynoch.jpg","Bill","Kynoch","Europe","Flight Lieutenant","419657","Bill joined the RAAF in September 1942. He was posted to No. 11 EFTS, Benalla and gained his wings on Wirraways at N0. 7 SFTS, Deniliquin. By December 1943 he was in England at No 6 Advanced Flying Unit and was posted to 467 Squadron RAAF and then 463 RAAF Squadron. Bill flew operationally with both Squadrons and was Flight Commander of B flight. His usual aircraft was Lancaster PO-M. In November 1944 he was attacking German oil refineries at Hamburg when they were attacked and damaged by a German night fighter and had to land at the emergency landing ground at Woodbridge. Bill received a Distinguished Flying Cross and returned to Australia in early 1946","bill_kynoch"],["51","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/bill-mcrae.jpg","Bill","McRae","Middle East","Squadron Leader","118567","Born in 1913 Bill was working in London when the war broke out. He joined the British Army, graduating as a Lieutenant in March 1940 but later joined the RAF and was selected for pilot training. A posting to the Middle East followed with Bill flying Wellington aircraft as part of the Desert Air Force. Based in various locations including Malta Bill was involved in raids on Tobruk, Palermo and El Alamein. Following his tour he instructed at an OTU at Lossimouth in Scotland. Bill was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Force Cross. In 2015 at the age of 102 and a half Bill was part of a group of Bomber Command veterans visiting the Temora Aviation Museum.","bill_mcrae"],["52","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/bill-painting.jpg","Bill","Painting","Europe","Flying Officer","423863","Bill Painting enlisted in the RAAF in 1942. He trained as a Wireless Operator Air Gunner and was posted to Europe where he served with 320 (Dutch) Squadron on B25 Mitchells. He was part of the only Australian crew on the squadron. His story is about a mid-air collision which almost brought their own aircraft down.","bill_painting"],["53","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/bill-purcell.jpg","Bill","Purcell","Europe","Warrant Officer","432568","Bill enlisted in the RAAF in January 1943. After training as a wireless operator and air gunner in Australila Bill was posted to the United Kingdom. Halfway through his operational training the skipper was transferred to Pathfinders where he was allocated to a crew looking for a wireless operator. They were posted to 115 Squadron RAF which operated Lancasters. He describes the crew positions on a Lancaster.","bill_purcell"],["54","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/bill-purdy.jpg","Bill","Purdy","Europe","Flight Lieutenant","422697","Bill learnt to fly Tiger Moths at No. 10 Elementary Flying Training School, Temora on 28 course. Due to a problem with airsickness in aerobatics he made bombers his first choice. Consequently he did his service flying training on Airspeed Oxfords. He was commissioned off course and posted to England where he trained on Wellingtons and Stirlings. He transitioned onto Avro Lancasters and completed a tour of 30 operations with 463\/467 Squadrons, earning a Distinguished Flying Cross. His story is about what happens during the day of an operation.","bill_purdy"],["55","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/bill-rendall.jpg","Bill","Rendall",".",".",".","Bill worked as an engineer with CAC when he arrived from the UK in 1964. Before that he spent 5 years in the RAF and also worked for Freddie Laker on Bristol Freighters and Carvairs. His story is about a time in his RAF service when the Avro Shackelton he was travelling in was detailed to provide an escort to the Queen Mother's QANTAS Super Constellation as it travelled across Africa. Both the QANTAS aircraft and the Shackelton experienced problems.","bill_rendall"],["56","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/bill-sidwell.jpg","Bill","Sidwell","Europe","Warrant Officer","435375","A top grade tennis player before the war, Bill was working for Slazengers before enlisting in the RAAF in May 1943. Classified for pilot training he was posted to 10 EFTS Temora on 38 Course. He gained his wings on Oxfords at Point Cook. He sailed to England and after further training he was converted onto the Mosquito and flew with a Pathfinder squadron. Bill played some exhibition tennis matches while in England. His stories are about his missions as a pathfinder pilot including one where he had to tangle with enemy fighters.","bill_sidwell"],["57","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/bill-simmonds.jpg","Bill","Simmonds","Korea","Pilot Officer","O32542","Born in 1930 Bill Simmonds enlisted in the RAAF in 1948. He trained as a pilot at Point Cook and served with 77 Squadron in Korea where he was the first Australian to shoot down a MiG. He was awarded a MiD and US Air Medal. Back in Australia he flew with 25 Squadron at Pearce and in the mid-1950s was posted on exchange to the RAF where he flew the F86 in Germany. From 1959 to 1962 he was with 78 Wing at Butterworth on Sabres. He was also responsible for forming the Deltas display group for the RAAF's 50th anniversary and his story is about that. Bill rose to the rank of Air Marshal being Chief of Air Force Ops and Plans between 1985 and 1987 when he retired.","bill_simmonds"],["58","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/bill-wilkie.jpg","Bill","Wilkie","Europe","Warrant Officer","431136","Bill trained as an air gunner in Australia at East Sale. He was posted to England and crewed up at a Wellington OTU at Litchfield but wound up with 15 Squadron RAF as a tail gunner. His Lancaster was shot down by flak close to the Dutch border on his eighth operation which was to bomb the rail yards at Cologne. His story is about bailing out at high altitude.","bill_wilkie"],["59","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/bill-francis-evans.jpg","Bill (Francis)","Evans","Europe","Warrant Officer","417950","Bill enlisted in the RAAF in 1942. He did his initial training at Victor Harbour at 5 ITS and was mustered as a Wireless Air Gunner. He trained at Ballarat and East Sale for gunnery. He was posted to England, crewed up at an OTU, then when on squadron their pilot was sent on his first mission with an experienced crew who was shot down. They were sent back to the OTU to join a new crew and repeat the OTU experience. He was eventually posted to 625 Squadron on Lancasters and on his 20th mission was shot down by Ju88s. He evaded capture and was sent back to England by the French Underground but was not allowed to fly over occupied Europe again. His story is about being shot down.","bill_evans"],["60","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/bill-lloyd-grey.jpg","Bill (Lloyd)","Grey","Europe","Flight Lieutenant","428691","Bill Grey trained as a pilot at 10 EFTS Temora and was then posted to Mallala for training on Ansons. He was then sent to England to join 15 Squadron RAF of Bomber Command. His story is about his second operational sortie, a daylight raid which was recalled, meaning they had to jettison their bomb load over the Wash before returning to base. Their bombs may well have been those which hit the aircraft carrying US bandleader Glenn Miller.","bill_grey"],["61","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/bob-barkla.jpg","Bob","Barkla","Pacific","Flight Lieutenant","409648","Bob enlisted in the RAAF in October 1941. After his initial training at 1 ITS Somers Bob did his elementary flying training at Western Junction in Tasmania. His service flying training was done at Deniliquin, New South Wales, where he gained his wings. His next posting was as a staff pilot to Ballarat where he flew Wackett Trainers for the wireless school. He was next posted to No2 Operational Training Unit at Mildura to learn fighter skills on Kittyhawks. He was then posted to Goodenough Island, flying every second day on Beauforts doing sea patrols, and was almost shot down by a British Battleship. He joined 86 Squadron based at Merauke flying operations against the Japanese. A signwriter by trade, Bob was responsible for painting a lot of the nose art on the squadron\u2019s aircraft.","bob_barkla"],["62","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/robert-black.jpg","Bob","Black",".",".","A218647","Bob Black enlisted in the RAAF in 1957. After training at Wagga Wagga as an airframe engineer was posted to Williamtown where he worked on Sabres. He tells of life in the RAAF and how he engineered a smoke system for Sabre displays","bob_black"],["63","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/bob-costello.jpg","Bob","Costello","Middle East","Flight Sergeant","A317791","Bob enlisted in the RAAF in March 1967 and was trained as a Radio Technician - Air. He was posted to Darwin where they were responsible for two Dakotas and Huey. He also worked on transiting aircraft such as Canberras and C130s. He was then posted to 38 Squadron on Caribous, operating both in Australia and New Guinea. His major overseas deployment was to Kashmir as part of a United Nations peace-keeping force with a white painted Caribou. Later he was involved in supporting mapping exercises in Indonesia. A promotion to Sergeant coincided with another posting into Calibration at 2 AD and then 1AD at Laverton. Finally he was promoted to Flight Sergeant and posted back to Melbourne. His story is about his time with the peace keeping force in Kashmir.","bob_costello"],["64","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/bob-kyle.jpg","Bob","Kyle","Vietnam","Sub-Lieutenant (RAN)","O63268","Bob served with the RAN as a pilot, first learning to fly fixed wing aircraft, and then transitioning to helicopters. He volunteered for service in Vietnam and in 1968 flew many intense missions dropping off and collecting troops with the  U.S. 135th Assault Helicopter Company, flying the UH-1B Iroquois. In Vietnam he flew both UH-1H and UH-1C. He flew as a copilot for a couple of months then was upgraded to captain. He flew an average of 100 flying hours each month and saw much action in combat assaults mostly in the UH-1H gunships. His story is about a mission early in his tine in Vietnam where he was flying as co-pilot of a slick, an Iroquois helicopter used to transport troops","bob_kyle"],["65","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/bob-macdonald.jpg","Bob","MacDonald",".","Unknown","38058","Bob Macdonald was a National Serviceman who joined the RAAF in 1952. He worked as an engineer at 1 Aircraft Depot, Laverton.","bob_macdonald"],["66","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/bob-macintosh.jpg","Bob","Macintosh","Korea","Wing Commander","O37576","Bob enlisted in the RAAF in 1951. He trained at Pt. Cook, Archerfield and graduated with his wings at Uranquinty in 1952. He was posted to Williamtown for fighter training before being posted to 77 Squadron in Japan to convert to Meteors. He flew 29 missions over Korea. He was later posted to the Sabre Trials Flight, and then to Point Cook instructing on Wirraways. In the 1960s he was sent to America to convert to the Iroquois helicopter and returned as part of 5 Squadron including flood rescue work in Queensland and a detachment to Malaya. He was posted to Vietnam with 9 Squadron where he received a Mention in Dispatches for his rescue work with SAS troops.  He was awarded an Air Force Cross in recognition of his work in developing Iroquois training. After a staffing role at the Department of Air, he was posted back to No.5 Squadron as Operations Officer and later promoted to Wing Commander and appointed CO. He completed his time in the RAAF as CO Base Squadron Edinburgh.","bob_macintosh"],["67","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/bob-meridith.jpg","Bob","Meredith","Pacific","Sergeant","18190","Bob enlisted in 1940. In 1942 he was posted to Ambon with 13 Squadron who, at that time were equipped with Lockheed Hudson bombers. With the Japanese advance, the squadron came under regular bombing raids and was evacuated to Darwin, with Bob flying out in a flying boat. He arrived in Darwin the day before Japanese bombing raids commenced there. Later he was transferred to No5 Fighter sector at Darwin, becoming part of the crew of the first Mobile Radar Unit to be established in Australia.","bob_meredith"],["68","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/bob-stjohn.jpg","Bob","St. John","Vietnam",".","218262","Bob St. John served in Vietnam as a loadmaster on Caribous. Here he was working with the US Green Berets, the 3\/15th Air Commandos. His story is about being hit by a full metal jacket round which went through an esky he was sitting on. Bob still flies with the HARS Caribou.","bob_stjohn"],["69","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/bobby-gibbes.jpg","Bobby","Gibbes","Middle East","Wing Commander","260714","Bobby Gibbes DSO DFC and Bar was one of our most highly decorated fighter pilots of World War two. He enlisted in the RAAF in February 1940. At the end of his fighter training he was classified as above average. He was posted to 450 and then 3 Squadron RAAF in the Western Desert, where he shot down more than 12 enemy aircraft with a high number of probables and aircraft damaged. He was shot down twice himself. He commanded 3 Squadron and once in the heat of the action landed to pick up a comrade who had been shot down, losing one wheel on take-off. On another occasion he walked 50 miles back, avoiding enemy patrols, being picked up by an allied ground patrol. In July 1944 Bobby was posted back to 80 Wing in Australia where he commanded 457 Squadron flying Spitfire VIIIs. Bobby flew 44 operations with this squadron.","bobby_gibbes"],["70","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/brian-butt.jpg","Brian","Butt",".",".",".","Brian began work as an apprentice Fitter & Turner at the age of 17 at Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation. At the end of his apprenticeship he spent time in various departments and was offered a job in the Engine Factory planning and estimating department. In the late 1960s Brian was sent by the company overseas on the first of many visits both quoting for work for CAC and being involved in the decision for Australia to accept the FA-18. During his time at CAC he worked on most of the jet engines from the Nene to the F404 engine for the Hornet. In 1986 he was transferred to the Aircraft Division as Chief Production Engineer. He finished his working career at Avalon responsible for the equipment and plant layout for servicing of 747 aircraft. Brian describes the early days at CAC.","brian_butt"],["71","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/brian-inglis.jpg","Brian","Inglis","Europe","Flying Officer","418230","Sir Brian joined the RAAF in April 1942. He did his initial training at Somers then being classified for pilot training he was posted to No.10 Elementary Flying Training School and gained his wings at Wagga on Wirraways. He was then posted to England. When he arrived there was a surplus of fighter pilots and he underwent a number of training schools, including engine and commando training. Eventually he was sent to a Spitfire OTU in Scotland. His operational posting was to 453 Squadron, RAAF a month before D-Day. He was discharged in January 1946.","brian_inglis"],["72","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/brian-spilsbury.jpg","Brian","Spilsbury",".",".","O41621","Brian joined the RAAF post WWII and was one of the last to train on Tiger Moths at Archerfield in Queensland. He undertook service flying training at Uranquinty on Wirraways. From there he was posted to Pearce in Western Australia to train on Vampires with 25 Squadron. He was involved in flying one of the last Mustangs to Tocumwal for scrapping. Brian served with 77, 75, 2OCU squadrons flying Meteors and then Sabres. He also instructed on Wirraways at Point Cook.","brian_spilsbury"],["73","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/bruce-atkinson.jpg","Bruce","Atkinson","Pacific","Flying Officer","433559","Bruce Atkinson joined the RAAF towards the end of April 1943 and trained at 8EFTS. Bruce was attached to 77 squadron in Morotai, where he performed survey work, looking for Japanese occupation in the area. After a few months the squadron was redeployed to Labuan Island to support the Australian Army's operations in Borneo. As the war was ending No. 77 Squadron was selected as part of Australia's contribution to the British Commonwealth Occupation Force and converted to Mustangs. Bruce was unable to join the rest of his Squadron in Japan as his mother became unwell.","bruce_atkinson"],["74","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/bruce-clifton.jpg","Bruce","Clifton","Europe","Flying Officer","418693","Bruce enlisted in the RAAF in the middle of 1942. He trained as a pilot at Narrandera and gained his wings at Mallala on Avro Ansons. Posted to England he was introduced to Wellingtons at 14 OTU and after converting to Lancasters was posted to 57 Squadron at East Kirkby. He was shot down by Swedish flak whilst on an operation to Politz in February 1945. His story is about how he bailed out of the aircraft.","bruce_clifton"],["75","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/bruce-crow.jpg","Bruce","Crow","WW2","Flying Officer","436448","Bruce served in the Army before transferring to the RAAF in January 1943. Selected for pilot training he gained his wings on multi engined aircraft at Mallalla. He was posted to Canada and after an instructor's course he spent the rest of the war teaching pilots at a training school there. He was discharged with the rank of Flying Officer in July 1945. Bruce talks about training pilots.","bruce_crow"],["76","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/bruce-evans.jpg","Bruce","Evans",".","Warrant Officer","430613","Bruce Evans grew up in Temora. His grandfather owned \u201cBartondale\u201d farm which was the property used as the location for 10 EFTS. Bruce shares some of his memories of Temora in those days.","bruce_evans"],["77","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/bruce-fuller.jpg","Bruce","Fuller","Europe","Warrant Officer","430446","Bruce Fuller enlisted in January 1943. He was categorised for pilot training at Somers and posted to Western Junction in Tasmania for training on Tiger Moth aircraft. Bruce gained his wings at Deniliquin flying Wirraways. Posted to England, he converted to Hurricanes and was then sent to the emergency airfield at Wickham as a duty pilot. Three months later he was posted to Egypt where he converted to Kittyhawks. Bruce was posted to 450 Squadron operating in Italy in support of the 8th Army, bombing trains and road transport. He was discharged in 1947.","bruce_fuller"],["78","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/bruce-hearn.jpg","Bruce","Hearn","Pacific","Flying Officer","438392","Bruce was just too young to reach an operational squadron during WWII but was posted to a Repair and Salvage Unit where he test flew Kittyhawks. At the end of the war he was posted to 82 Squadron, initially on Labuan Island when they were equipped with Kittyhawks. He volunteered for duty with the RAAF in the occupation of Japan as part of BCOF. Bruce was involved in ferrying a Mustang to Japan and tells the story of the dangers associated with a long overwater ferry flight.","bruce_hearn"],["79","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/bruce-moore.jpg","Bruce","Moore","Europe","Pilot Officer","424436","Bruce Moore enlisted in the RAAF in September 1942. He did his elementary flying training at Narromine and gained his wings at 8 SFTS in Bundaberg. Posted to England he completed operational training at 51 OTU Cranfield flying a mix of aircraft including Blenheim, Beaufort and Beaufighter. In September 1944 he was posted to 456 night fighter squadron RAAF. There he flew Mosquitos and he operated over occupied Europe and Germany.","bruce_moore"],["80","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/bruce-robertson.jpg","Bruce","Robertson","WW2","Corporal","411387","Bruce Robertson trained as a wireless operator at Ultimo in Sydney. He was posted first to 31 Squadron where it was onto Beaufighters. His story is about the battle of Bismark Sea where he was in charge of Base wireless communications.","bruce_robertson"],["81","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/bruce-stevens.jpg","Bruce","Stevens","Europe","Warrant Officer","418479","After training as a pilot at 10 EFTS Bruce was posted to continue his training at Essendon on Oxfords but was scrubbed and remustered as an observer, becoming a bomb aimer. Bruce served with 466 Squadron RAAF in Europe on Halifaxes. On one occasion his aircraft was hit by many incendiaries. One of them smashed through the windscreen forcing Bruce to it remove from the aircraft. He flew the aircraft most of the way home with Arnold taking over for the landing.","bruce_stevens"],["82","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/bruce-wood.jpg","Bruce","Wood","Vietnam","Wing Commander","O57401","Bruce for many years flew the Temora Aviation Museum\u2019s Vampire and Cessna A37 aircraft. He served in the RAAF as a fighter pilot and later as Forward Air Controller (FAC) in Vietnam. In 1968 he was flying Sabres out of Ubon in Thailand. Bruce describes some unusual air combat training he did in conjunction with the USAF.","bruce_wood"],["83","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/brunon-steinborn.jpg","Brunon","Steinborn","Europe",".",".","Brunon was a polish pilot who escaped his country to join the RAF. He flew Spitfires and Mustangs with 316 (Polish) squadron. Near the end of the war he was given permission to fly to see his parents but suffered an engine failure over the English Channel.","brunon_steinborn"],["84","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/bryan-cox.jpg","Bryan","Cox","Pacific","Warrant Officer (RNZAF)","NZ437270","Bryan flew for the RNZAF, and was trained initially on the Tiger Moth and then Harvard aircraft. He tells of his first flight in a P40 in New Zealand.  On his first operational tour on Corsairs, he was involved in a dramatic rescue attempt of a fellow squadron pilot who had been shot down in Rabaul harbour.","bryan_cox"],["85","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/carl-sona.jpg","Carl","Sona",".",".",".","In 1954 Carl was an apprentice at Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation in Lidcombe working on Merlin and the R1830 engines. From there he moved on to working on Vampire airframes at Bankstown. There he worked on the assembly line fitting out the cockpit and control surfaces.","carl_sona"],["86","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/cecil-barlow.jpg","Cecil","Barlow","WW2","Flight Lieutenant","425822","Cec Barlow enlisted in 1941 and was called up in May 1942. He did his initial training at 3 ITS in Sandgate Queensland and was selected for pilot training which he did at No.5 EFTS Narromine. Cec was posted to Canada for training at 3 SFTS Calgary on Cessna Crane aircraft and then did a course in instrument flying at No. 2 IF School. After a further course in Beam Approaches he served for two years as a Flight Commander doing wings tests of new pilots. He was then posted to No. 8 OTU in Greenwood, Nova Scotia on Mosquitos flying anti-submarine patrols out into the Atlantic. It was on one of those patrols where his Mosquito was attacked by a Ju88 causing him to fly home on one engine.","cecil_barlow"],["87","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/cecil-boz-parsons.jpg","Cecil","Parsons","Europe",".","400419","Boz Parsons trained as a pilot at Narromine as well as in Calgary, Canada. Once posted to England he became a bomber pilot. There he did two tours in Europe and another in the Pacific on B24s. After the war, Boz flew the Museum's Wirraway on several occasions. His story is about one of his early trips with 35 Squadron RAF in a Halifax where he was a second pilot gaining experience.","cecil_parsons"],["88","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/cedric-askew.jpg","Cedric","Askew","Pacific","Leading Aircraftman","433707","Cedric enlisted in 1943 and was sent to Sattler Airfield near Darwin. He worked as a wireless telegraphist communicating with the pilots of the Spitfire squadrons based there. He later travelled with the Spitfires to Morotai and Balikpapan.","cedric_askew"],["89","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/cedric-hamilton.jpg","Cedric","Hamilton","Pacific","Unknown","7525120","Cedric Hamilton was a Burmese Chindit who fought with the British Army against the Japanese in Burma. He tells of being flown into battle in a glider.","cedric_hamilton"],["90","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/charles-cull.jpg","Charles","Cull",".","No info","A53909","Charles enlisted in 1955 and was trained as a Radio Technician. After training at Wagga and Ballarat he was posted to Sale working on Wirraways, Mustangs, Vampires, Dakotas and Lincolns. Whilst the radios were relatively simple the H2S radar in the Lincoln was complex running from several units cabled together. He was next posted to 34 ViP Squadron in Canberra working on Convair 440s, transporting the Prime Minister and royalty. He was later posted to Pearce in Western Australia working on Vampires. In his retirement Charles works on the B24 at Werribee","charles_cull"],["91","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/charles-miller.jpg","Charles","Miller","Pacific","Warrant Officer","417756","After training at Parafield and then 7SFTS at Deniliquin, Charles was posted to Central Flying School at Tamworth to do an instructors\u2019 course. He spent the next few months back at 7 SFTS as a Wirraway instructor. His next posting was to 2OTU, Mildura for fighter training and then Parkes for Spitfire OTU. He was then posted to 85 Squadron in Perth flying coastal patrols. His final posting was to 457 Squadron at Labuan in the final months of the war.","charles_miller"],["92","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/charles-palliser.png","Charles","Palliser","Europe","Unknown",".","Charles \u201cTitch\u201d Palliser joined the RAF in 1939. After flying training he was posted to 43 Squadron on Hurricanes, then in September 1940 to 249 Squadron. The day after joining 249 he scored a shared victory, a Dornoer Do17 which he describes in this interview. He went on to have four confirmed, six shared, two damaged and two probables both over England and Malta. Charles left the RAF in 1947 and died in 2011. Charles was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.","charles_palliser"],["93","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/charles-price.jpg","Charles","Price","WW2","Leading Aircraftman","70429","Charles enlisted in 1942 and was mustered as an aircraft fitter. He was attached to 78 Kittyhawk Squadron. His story is about the stall and subsequent crash of a Kittyhawk at Horne Island.","charles_price"],["94","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/charles-barrie-smith.jpg","Charles Barrie","Smith","Middle East","Squadron Leader","401001","Born in 1915 Charles 'Barrie' Smith enlisted in the RAAF in 1940. After training at 1 ITS Somers he and close friend Keith Wathen were posted to Rhodesia for flying training on Tiger Moths and Airspeed Oxfords. Barrie went on to become a test pilot in India at Drigh Road airfield. Sadly his friend Keith was killed in May 1943 on operations with 415 Squadron. Barrie's story is about their training in Rhodesia.","charles_barrie_smith"],["95","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/charles-bud-tingwell.jpg","Charles Bud","Tingwell","Middle East","Flight Lieutenant","413915","Charles 'Bud' Tingwell enlisted in the RAAF in 1941. After elementary training at Narrandera Bud gained his wings in Canada at Camp Borden flying Harvards. He travelled to England and was posted to the Middle East. There he trained as a photo reconnaissance pilot flying Spitfire Mk PRXIs. He was posted to 680 Squadron RAF where he also flew sorties on Mosquitos. His story is about flak.","charles_bud_tingwell"],["96","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/chris-harrison.jpg","Chris","Harrison","Europe","Unknown","150385","Chris is an Englishman who at the outbreak of war was working for Rolls-Royce on the development and testing of the Merlin engine. However he wanted to do more so enrolled in the RAF. He was sent to Alabama in the US for flight training on Boeing Stearmans. Due to his experience, he was seconded to work with Packard in Detroit for nine months as a troubleshooter whilst Merlin engine production got underway. He then went back to complete his training on Texans before traveling to the UK. There he joined a nightfighter squadron flying Beaufighter IIs and then Mosquitoes on intruder missions over Europe. Following this he went back to Rolls-Royce working on the Griffon engine.","chris_harrison"],["97","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/chris-spence.jpg","Chris","Spence",".",".","O225196","Chris Spence graduated as a pilot from Point Cook in 1974 and was posted to 5 Squadron on Iroquois helicopters. By 1980 he was instructing on Macchi trainers. A year later was selected to go to the UK and flew the Vampire as part of the Vintage Pair display team. In 1987 he assumed command of 35 Squadron flying Iroquois and Caribou. He also spent time in the USA in the early 1990s and returned to command 86 Wing. Attached to Chief of Air Force he flew a PC9 to Singapore. His story is about a flight alongside a Su9 with the Chief of Air Force on board.","chris_spence"],["98","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/clem-jones.jpg","Clem","Jones","Europe","Warrant Officer","421303","Clem enlisted in January 1942 he did his elementary flying training at Temora and was posted to Canada for service flying training in Manitoba on Harvards. Posted to England for advanced flying at a Hurricane OUT. He volunteered for service with 1435 Squadron RAF based in Brindisi in Italy. His story is about almost losing his life due to oxygen starvation flying a Spitfire at high altitude. He was flying at 35,000\u2019 to intercept Me109s when his oxygen valve froze. His Spitfire went into an inverted spin, reaching a speed of well over 600mph. He tells of what happened when he regained consciousness at 15,000\u2019.","clem_jones"],["99","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/cliff-dalziel.jpg","Cliff","Dalziel","WW2","Flying Officer","432764","Cliff did his elementary flying training at Narrandera. He was posted to Claresholme in Alberta, Canada for his service flying training. On gaining his wings he was posted to an instructor\u2019s school and spent the rest of the war as a flying instructor and a staff pilot on bombing and gunnery schools. He flew a mix of aircraft including Lysander, Anson and Bollingbrook.","cliff_dalziel"],["100","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/cliff-viertel.jpg","Cliff","Viertel","Malaya","Flight Lieutenant","O114916","Cliff started private flying in 1951 on Tiger Moths with the Royal Queensland Aero Club. In 1953 he was called up for National Service and was selected for further flying training. The initial three months RAAF basic training was at RAAF Amberley and he was then attached to No 1 IFTS at RAAF Archerfield for the flying training phase. The Tiger Moth flying training to RAAF standards was contracted out to the Royal Queensland Aero Club. \r\nIn 1955, he was selected for training as a Citizen\u2019s Air Force Cadet Officer, GD Pilot with No 23 (City of Brisbane) (F) Squadron at RAAF Archerfield. The Squadron was at that time operating Wirraways and Mustangs and his RAAF Wings were awarded in August 1956. After studying the Mustang Pilot\u2019s Notes, Cliff was informed they were being withdrawn from service and was instead converted to the Vampire Mk 33. Conversion to Meteor T7 and Mk 8 followed in August 1957. \r\nAfter flying several hundred hours on Meteors with the CAF, he transferred to the Permanent Air Force as a Pilot Officer GD Pilot in 1959 and was posted to No 76 (F) Squadron, when it re-formed with Vampire Mk 35s at RAAF Williamtown. Operational Conversion Training to Avon Sabres followed in 1960 and he was posted to No 77 (F) Squadron at RAAF Butterworth in June 1960. His service included the initial deployment of No 79 (F) Squadron to Ubon and three tours there. On returning to Australia in 1963, he resigned his Commission and was posted to ARDU as temporary Adjutant and resident Sabre pilot. He joined Qantas as a Second Officer on B707s in March 1964.","cliff_viertel"],["101","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/clin-ashton-martin.jpg","Clin","Ashton-Martin",".",".",".","Clin Ashton-Martin joined the RAF in the early 1950s as a volunteer reservist and trained in England on Chipmunks, Harvards and Vampires. On his return to Australia he joined the Citizen\u2019s Air Force and flew Wirraways with 22 Squadron for a time. Clin also owns a restored Avro Cadet. His story is about an engine failure in a Vampire.","clin_ashton-martin"],["102","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/clive-bolsom.jpg","Clive","Bolsom",".",".","2440782","Clive was an airframe fitter who served in the RAF from 1949 to 1951. After initial training at Cosford he was posted to Acklington for his trade training on Miles Martinets. Next he was posted to an Operational Conversion Unit in Suffolk where he worked on Meteors. He was posted to 263 Squadron, also working on Meteors.","clive_bolsom"],["103","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/col-myers.jpg","Col","Myers","Europe","Flight Sergeant","439486","Col enlisted in the RAAF in July 1943. He was selected for pilot training and posted to 10 EFTS Temora. After graduating he was posted to Canada to train on Cessna Cranes. By the tine he gained his wings the demand for pilots in Europe had finished, consequently he arrived back in Australia and was posted briefly to 6 SFTS at Mallala in South Australia on Avro Ansons. He was discharged as a Flight Sergeant in September 1945. Col's story is about the end of his service with the RAAF.","col_myers"],["104","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/colin-griffin.jpg","Colin","Griffin","Europe","Flight Lieutenant","416568","Colin undertook Initial Training School at Victor Harbour, South Australia, followed by Elementary Training School at Parafield, SA. From there he was posted to as an AC2 to Geraldton SFTS, where he earned his wings and was eventually one of five pilots to be made Pilot Officer. He was then sent to England, and completed his Operational Training Unit in Grantham. By 1942, he was night flying Beaufighters. He was posted to 456 Squadron as a night fighter pilot, and trained on Mosquitos in the Isle of Anglesea. His squadron was eventually posted to Fairwood Common in Wales where they began flights over Germany.  After a number of further postings, his squadron ended up in Bradwool Bay, Essex when the war ended. After the war, Colin joined Australian National Airways as a first officer and spent almost 34 years in the airlines.","colin_griffin"],["105","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/colin-noble.jpg","Colin","Noble",".","Flight Lieutenant",".","Colin joined the RAAF in 1954 and trained at RAAF College for 4 years. He was posted to 22 Squadron operating Meteors and then to 1 OTU in the first conversion course to the Sabre. His story is about a training flight where a Sabre wound up in a flat spin.","colin_noble"],["106","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/colin-peck.jpg","Colin","Peck",".",".","O26698","Colin joined the RAAF post WWII. He was one of the last to train on Tiger Moths and Wirraways at Uranquinty. His first operational posting was to 25 Squadron at Pearce where he flew one of the last Mustangs before they were sent to Tocumwal for scrapping. He converted to Meteors with 25 Squadron at Williamtown and to Sabres with 3 Squadron.","colin_peck"],["107","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/colin-pugh.jpg","Colin","Pugh","Vietnam",".","39302","Colin trained as a radio technician at Bandiana. He volunteered for service in Vietnam and was posted there as part of 161 Recce Unit. This unit operated Sioux helicopters, Cessna 180s and Porter aircraft. In addition to his duties with the radio he flew on dangerous missions dropping white phosphorus grenades to mark targets during the day and parachute flares at night. He returned to Australia after just over a year in Vietnam.","colin_pugh"],["108","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/dal-oliver.jpg","Dal","Oliver","WW2","Flight Lieutenant","411176","Dal enlisted in 1941 and trained as a pilot at Narromine. Despite a flying accident he was posted to Wagga for training on Wirraways. After gaining his wings, Dal was posted to a staff piloting job on Fairey Battles for about a year. He was then was sent to 2 OTU Mildura for fighter training on Boomerangs. This was followed by a posting to 83 Squadron in Queensland. His story is about a training incident where he witnessed another Boomerang crash.","dal_oliver"],["109","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/daniel-armstrong.jpg","Daniel","Armstrong","Middle East",".",".","Daniel joined the RAAF as a direct entry in 2011. After officer training at East Sale he was posted to Tamworth for basic flying training on the CT4. His advanced training was at 2 Flying Training School at Pearce, and following graduation and further training on the hawk he was posted to fly the J model Hercules. He has served on three deployments to Iraq on operations against Isis. He describes what it was like to be there. At the time of his interview he was currently flying with the Roulettes as Roulette 7.","daniel_armstrong"],["110","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/darren-crabb.JPG","Darren","Crabb",".","Flight Lieutenant","239232","Darren enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force and commenced flying training in 1982. Following gaining his wings he was posted as an instructor on the Tutor jet at Moose Jaw where he spent the next five years instructing. Selected as a fighter pilot he transitioned to the CF5. He next qualified on the F18 Hornet. He was then posted to Germany as part of NATO and was stationed overseas for the next 3 years. His next posting was as a F18 instructor and then moved to Australia and joined the RAAF. He was stationed at Williamtown with 76 Squadron and spent a year as an instructor on Macchis before a posting to 77 Squadron for a tour on Hornets. He then left the RAAF to become the Chief Pilot at the Temora Aviation Museum at the time of this interview.","darren_crabb"],["111","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/darryl-whitcomb.jpg","Darryl","Whitcomb","Vietnam",".",".","Darryl Whitcomb was a member of the USAF during the Vietnam War. He was a pilot selected for duty as a Forward Air Controller (FAC) coordinating strikes against enemy positions. Darryl explains the techniques employed by the FACs.","darryl_whitcomb"],["112","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/dave-homewood.jpg","Dave","Homewood",".","Leading Aircraftman","N93507","Dave enlisted in the RNZAF in 1989 as an engineer working in safety equipment.  He was also an aircraft finisher working with fabric and painting. He did his training at Woodburn and was posted to Wigram near the end of flying training at that base. There was a fleet of helicopters and CT4s which departed while he was there. He was posted to Ohakea where he worked on life rafts for the ejection seats for Macchis and Skyhawks. Dave has a long standing interest in the CT4 trainers having lived as a next door neighbour to Pat Monk, the designer of the Air Trainer, used by both the RNZAF and RAAF. Dave tells the story of the CT4A Airtrainer.","dave_homewood"],["113","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/dave-miller.jpg","Dave","Miller",".","N\/A",".","Dave Miller served his apprenticeship with Scottish Aviation as an aircraft mechanic. He emigrated to Australia to work at the Government Aircraft Factory at Fishermens Bend on the construction of the Mirage fighter. Dave later went on to work on the Nomad. He describes his time working on these aircraft. Today in retirement he works on the B24 Liberator project at Werribee.","dave_miller"],["114","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/david-downes.jpg","David","Downes","Europe","Flight Lieutenant","402647","David did his elementary flying training at Tamworth on Tiger Moths. Posted to England, David learnt to fly Spitfires at an operational training unit at Harden. He was posted to 452 Squadron south of Henley with Bluey Truscott as his flight commander. David was flying wingman as part of a very large Spitfire escort to A20 Havocs targeting the rail yards at Lille in France when they were bounced by Me109s. A 20 minute dogfight ensued before they were able to escape over the channel, along the way witnessing Bluey Truscott having to bail out of his stricken aircraft. David remained with 452 Squadron when they were recalled to Darwin and flew against the Japanese. He was posted to No2 OTU at Mildura as an instructor before another posting to 79 Squadron, again flying Spitfires.","david_downes"],["115","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/david-hamilton.jpg","David","Hamilton","Europe","Commander",".","David joined the Royal Navy in 1940 as a cadet. He spent 3 years at the Academy and in 1943 joined his first ship in Chatham dockyard. He needed to pass his watch keeping certificate before he could be trained as a pilot by the RAF.  He learnt to fly first on Tiger Moths and then Harvards where he gained his wings. After being posted to Lossiemouth to train on Seafires he then qualified for carrier operations. He toured the Mediterranean as a Sea Fury pilot. He completed a jet conversion course on Meteor VIIs and then Supermarine Attackers, before flying Vampire XX, Sea Hawks and Sea Venoms. Next he undertook a night flying course, moved onto Sea Vixen and was the first C.O. of the first Sea Vixen squadron to go to sea as a squadron. After a non-flying job David was posted to command 899 on Sea Vixen trials squadron at Yeovilton. He was also involved in aerobatic displays.","david_hamilton"],["116","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/david-jones.jpg","David","Jones",".","Unknown","A847769","David joined the RAAF in January 1971. After completing his trade training in Wagga David was posted to 11 Squadron to begin work on Lockheed Neptune aircraft. A year later he was posted to 38 Squadron where he worked on Caribou and C47 engines. He also was detached to Papua New Guinea and travelled with the squadron to Pakistan during that time. In 1977 he joined 486 Squadron where he worked on Boeing 707s and Hercules. He was then posted to 1 FTS working on CT4 training aircraft. In 1991 he began working at the RAAF Museum Point Cook. Today he is the Technical Curator. His story is about a forced landing in a Lockheed Ventura.","david_jones"],["117","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/david-leicester.jpg","David","Leicester","Europe","Flight Lieutenant","416687","David Leicester enlisted in August 1941 and trained as a pilot. He was posted to Bomber Command in England and served with 158, 614 and 35 Squadrons and became a Pathfinder. He survived 69 operational sorties. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and was discharged in August 1945.","david_leicester"],["118","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/david-morris.jpg","David","Morris","Vietnam","Ordinary Seaman (Air Mechanic)","R111877","David Morris enlisted in the Navy in the late 1960s. He trained at HMAS Cerberus and Nowra as an aircraft engineer, working on Trackers and Skyhawks. He served tours on both the Sydney and Melbourne and would sometimes fly in these aircraft. His story is about his time onboard the Sydney when it was used to ferry materials to Vietnam.","david_morris"],["119","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/david-pietsch.jpg","David","Pietsch","Malaya",".",".","David joined the RAAF in 1969 and flew the Sabre before converting to the Mirage. He served in Malaysia and later qualified as a flying instructor and fighter combat instructor. David was selected to be part of the initial cadre for conversion to the Hornet. He attended staff college in England and returned to Australia to command 3 Squadron. His story is about transitioning from training to flying the Sabre.","david_pietsch"],["120","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/david-rogers.jpg","David","Rogers",".",".","O221357","Air Vice Marshal Dave Rogers AM was born in 1943 and was trained as a fighter pilot. He was involved in the F4E Phantom project and also flew the first F-111 in Australia. He was commanding officer of both 1 and 6 squadrons. In 1978 he and his crewman ejected from a F-111 off the New Zealand coast after an onboard fire. His final appointment in the RAAF was Deputy Chief of the Air Staff.","david_rogers"],["121","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/david-wilson-twyford.jpg","David","Wilson-Twyford","Malaya",".","O219604","David joined the RAAF in the late 1950s. Graduating in 1960 as a pilot he flew Canberras and DC3s during the Malayan emergency. Posted back to Australia he instructed on Winjeels. David describes an incident shortly after commencing as an instructor where a Winjeel accident almost cost him his life.","david_wilson-twyford"],["122","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/denis-blandy.jpg","Denis","Blandy","Europe","Warrant Officer","433082","After working on Beaufort production at the Chullora Railway Workshops Denis enlisted in the RAAF in Sydney in 1943 and was posted to Kingaroy on 38 course for his initial training. Categorised for pilot training he was posted to 5 EFTS Narromine on Tiger Moths and then to 1 SFTS Point Cook for training on Oxfords. On gaining his wings he received a posting overseas and went via South Africa to Scotland and down to Brighton. Due to an oversupply of pilots at that point he was first posted to fly Tiger Moths on liaison duties and then as a test pilot on repaired or serviced Oxfords. Eventually he was posted to 50 Squadron RAF in Egypt and converted onto Martin Baltimore\u2019s but the war ended before he was operational. Denis talks about one of his test flights that did not go to plan.","denis_blandy"],["123","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/denis-kelly.jpg","Denis","Kelly","Europe","Flying Officer","418751","Denis enlisted in the RAAF in mid 1942. He trained as a wireless air gunner at Ballarat and West Sale. Posted to England he travelled across America and reached England. After crewing up he was posted to 467 Squadron RAAF, as a wireless operator on Lancasters. He almost completed a tour but his aircraft was shot down by a Me110. He tells how he got out of his aircraft.","denis_kelly"],["124","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/dennis-godfrey.jpg","Dennis","Godfrey","Europe","Flying Officer","422853","Born in England Dennis enlisted in 1942. He did his elementary flying training at 10 EFTS Temora. After gaining his wings at Mallala in South Australia on Ansons he was posted to England. There he trained on Wellingtons, Stirlings and finally Lancasters with 186 Squadron RAF at Tuddenham. He completed 33 day and night missions with 186 Squadron during 1944 and 45. His story is about being hit in the chest by a piece of flak which came through the windscreen of his aircraft. Dennis was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.","dennis_godfrey"],["125","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/dennis-oleary.jpg","Dennis","Oleary","Pacific","Leading Aircraftman","47522","Dennis trained as a fitter. He worked on the first Spitfires received by Australia. Later he was posted to New Guinea working as part of 78 Wing. This mostly involved on P40 Kittyhawks. His story is about the time in New Guinea.","dennis_oleary"],["126","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/des-mclean.jpg","Des","McLean","Pacific","Warrant Officer","428761","Des joined the RAAF in October 1942 with initial training at Bradfield Park. He was posted to No8 Elementary Flying Training School at Narrandera where he battled to overcome air sickness. After gaining his wings at Uranquinty Des spent a short time as a staff pilot flying Wackett Trainers before being selected for fighter training on Boomerangs at Mildura. Posted to 83 Squadron he was involved in convoy protection work from Millingimbi and later on Gove. He describes the loss of one Boomerang while engaged in fighter affiliation.","des_mclean"],["127","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/desmond-hales.jpg","Desmond","Hales","Afghanistan","Flight Lieutenant",".","Flight Lieutenant Desmond Hales enlisted in the RAAF in 2003. After officer training at Point Cook he did his initial pilot training at 2 Basic Flying Training School at Tamworth followed by advanced training on the PC9 at Pearce in western Australia. A posting to 37 Squadron saw him flying Hercules aircraft with overseas service in Timor and the Solomons delivering troops and supplies. He also served two tours of Iraq and Afghanistan, finishing his Hercules flying in 2010. He at the time of this interview is currently a flying instructor and is also a member of the Roulettes, flying as Roulette five. Desmond speaks about his operational deployment during his two tours of Iraq and Afghanistan.","desmond_hales"],["128","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/dick-ottaway.jpg","Dick","Ottaway","WW2","Flight Lieutenant","411941","Dick trained as a pilot at Mascot and Point Cook. He completed a General Reconnaissance course at Laverton. Further training took place at Cressy and he was then sent to No1 OTU instructing on Hudsons. From here he was posted to the Communications flight at Essendon which was responsible for taking VIPs to locations in Australia and beyond. He gives an account into the investigation of problems with the Beaufort aircraft.","dick_ottaway"],["129","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/digby-johns.jpg","Digby","Johns","Europe","Flying Officer","421019","Digby enlisted in the RAAF in December 1941. He did his elementary flying training at Temora. Digby describes an incident during training on Tiger Moths where two Tiger Moths collided soon after take-off. He later served with 453 Squadron in Europe flying Spitfires. He was discharged in January 1946","digby_johns"],["130","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/don-hindle.jpg","Don","Hindle",".","Unknown",".","Don Hindle joined the RCAF in 1956 and trained as a fighter pilot to fly Canadair Sabres. Posted to Germany he flew for three years with 444 Squadron and then returned home to fly transports. He had a long career with Qantas and now flies the Dakota for HARS. Don\u2019s story is about a dangerous situation flying a Sabre while he had a head cold.","don_hindle"],["131","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/don-horsburgh.jpg","Don","Horsburgh",".","Squadron Leader","O6579","Don enlisted in the RAAF as a trainee Telegraphist in 1954. He trained at the Wireless school in Ballarat and he was posted back to Ballarat as a wireless instructor. In 1963 he was posted to Darwin where he worked at a remote receiving station maintaining communications with RAAF Lincolns and Neptunes. Further training ensued and Don was posted to Melbourne, training cadets at RMIT as part of Medical Support Command. In 1969 he was posted to London as Staff Officer Recruiting, enlisting former RAF ground staff for a six year tour in Australia. In 1972 he was back in Melbourne at the Institute for Aviation Medicine and then to HQ Support Command in charge of discharging personnel who were 'incompatible with service life'. His final posting was to the School of Radio at Laverton as the Senior Admin Officer. He left the RAAF in 1975. He talks about his flying days at Ballarat as an instructor.","don_horsburgh"],["132","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/don-howard.jpg","Don","Howard","Europe","Flying Officer","418119","Born in 1922 Don enlisted in the RAAF in 1942. He trained at 1 AOS Cootamundra and 2 ANS Nhill as a Navigator and also 3 BAGS Sale for bombing and gunnery. He was sent to Canada for General Reconnaissance training and then onto England where was posted to 59 Squadron Coastal Command on B24 Liberators. This squadron undertook long range convoy patrols in what Churchill called 'The Gap'. The B24s were modified to have extra fuel in one of the bomb bays to allow them to spend much of a day patrolling for submarines whilst escorting shipping. Don completed 592 day and 159 night hours in a tour of 56 operational sorties. His last posting was to 1674 Heavy Conversion Unit on Halifaxes as an air navigation instructor. Don talks about attacking a submarine.","don_howard"],["133","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/don-huxtable.jpg","Don","Huxtable","Europe","Flying Officer","421733","Don enlisted in the RAAF in 1942. Categorised for pilot training he was posted to Narromine for his elementary training. He gained his wings in Canada and was then posted to the U.K. After converting to heavy bombers he was posted to 463 Squadron RAF based at Waddington, flying 31 operational sorties in Lancaster JO-B-Baker. Don was awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross after completing 32 operations.","don_huxtable"],["134","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/don-mcdonald.jpg","Don","McDonald","Europe","Flying Officer","410364","Born in 1920 Don enlisted in the RAAF in 1941. He did his elementary flying training at 7 EFTS, Western Junction where he crashed a Tiger Moth. His Service training was on Oxfords at 1 SFTS Point Cook. After gaining his wings he was posted to England via the USA and he trained on Whitleys then Halifax before a posting to 578 Squadron RAF on Halifax Mk 3 aircraft. He completed a tour of 40 operations and was awarded a DFC. He was then posted as an instructor on Wellingtons at Morton in Marsh and was injured in a crash after engine failure. He volunteered for a second tour, completing one mission with 466 Squadron when the war ended. His stories are about his operational experiences.","don_mcdonald"],["135","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/don-merrill.jpg","Don","Merrill","Europe","Flight Sergeant","784757","Don was born in Poland and trained to fly in 1933 in his native country. He escaped to France after his country was over-run by the Germans in 1939 and spent some time in the French Air Force. After France was invaded he joined the RAF in England and spent some time instructing on Botha bombers before a posting to fly Spitfires with 303 (Polish) Squadron. He tells of his time flying Spitfires. When he finished his operational tour he spent the rest of the war teaching instructors on Tiger Moths.","don_merrill"],["136","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/don-newton.jpg","Don","Newton","Malaya","Unknown","218744","Don joined the RAAF in 1958. He trained as a pilot at Uranquinty on Winjeels and completed advanced flying on Vampire T35s at Pearce in Western Australia. His first operational posting was to 38 Squadron at Richmond in New South Wales flying Dakotas. His next posting was to the School of Air Navigation at Sale in Victoria flying single seat Vampires. After operational conversion to Sabres he was posted to 77 Squadron at Williamtown followed by Butterworth in Malaya. His story is about his deployment to Ubon.","don_newton"],["137","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/don-sandburg.jpg","Don","Sandberg",".",".",".","Don \u201cSandy\u201d Sandberg joined the RAN in 1950 as a recruit seaman. After 10 hours training on Tiger Moths at Point Cook he was remastered as an observer and posted to England for further training. Sandy flew in Fireflies, Gannets and Sea Venoms. His story is about an incident in training where his pilot was hit by shrapnel.","don_sandberg"],["138","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/don-smith.jpg","Don","Smith","Europe","Flying Officer","428370","Don started training at No1 ITS, Somers, in 33 Course. He was then selected for pilot training and sent to No 11 EFTS at Benalla. From there he went to No 5 SFTS, Uranquinty. Against his wishes he was posted as an instructor but he managed to have that changed to overseas service. He was posted to 463 Squadron RAAF on Lancasters as part of 5 Group. On an operation to Nurenburg his aircraft was shot down by a night fighter attacking from underneath. After holding it steady for the crew to go, Don was the last to bail out, only just managing to exit the aircraft. After 7 days on the run he was captured in no mans land by the Germans.","don_smith"],["139","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/don-southwell.jpg","Don","Southwell","Europe","Warrant Officer","422987","Don first served in the Army as a guard before transferring to the RAAF in 1942. Initially trained as a pilot at Narranderra he was remustered as a Navigator and posted to Canada for training at an Air Observers School. After arriving in England he went through various units including an Advanced Flying Unit at West Frugh, 29 OTU where he crewed up, then Heavy Conversion Unit and Lancaster Finishing School, finally posted to 463 Squadron. Don completed 9 missions before the end of the war. Don outlines his operational sorties including repatriating PoWs after the war ended.","don_southwell"],["140","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/don-tomb.jpg","Don","Tomb",".",".",".","Don joined Gloster Aircraft as an apprentice draftsman in 1936 when the company was building Gauntlet biplanes. He spent most of his time there working with jigs and tooling. Glosters were producing the Gladiator when Don was shown the prototype E28\/39, or Gloster Whittle. He was involved in building a Gloster Gamecock from drawings saved in Denmark. He remained at Gloster until they closed in 1963. He emigrated to Australia where he joined Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation working in the engineering department. His story is about a hat and run raid on the Gloster factory by a German aircraft","don_tomb"],["141","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/donald-anderson.jpg","Donald","Anderson","Pacific","Warrant Officer","418908","Don Anderson enlisted in the RAAF in June 1942. He was mustered as a Wireless Air Gunner. After training he was posted to 14 Squadron based at Pearce in Western Australia. The squadron was involved in night time anti-submarine patrols and convoy escort duties. Don\u2019s next posting was to 100 Squadron, based at Aitape in New Guinea on Beaufort aircraft. Their task was to bomb enemy positions, often in conjunction with the Army to soften up targets. He was with 100 Squadron at the time the war ended and was discharged in January 1946.","donald_anderson"],["142","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/donald-andrews.jpg","Donald","Andrews","Europe","Wing Commander","404795 (O11557)","Don Andrews DFC. Don was a Spitfire pilot who was also commanding officer of 453 Squadron. He enlisted in the RAAF in 1940, did his initial training at Bradfield Park and learnt to fly at Narrandera on Tiger Moths. His service flying training was at Camp Borden in Canada. After a period as an instructor he was posted to 615 Squadron RAF flying Hurricanes, then to 245 and 175 Squadrons again flying Hurricanes. He joined 453 Squadron and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for an action in which he shot down a Foke-Wulf 190. Don was a Wing Commander and flew a Spitfire.","donald_andrews"],["143","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/donald-charlwood.jpg","Donald","Charlwood","Europe","Flight Lieutenant","408794","Don began his navigation training at Somers in 1940.  From there, he volunteered to continue training in Edmonton in Canada, and then trained in bombing and gunnery in Lethbridge. He then faced blizzard conditions in Rivers in Manitoba while learning astro navigational skills. He left for Great Britain on Anzac Day in 1942, where he participated in exercises learning to navigate the English countryside.  He formed a crew in Lichfield, which was becoming the main Australian base for feeding bomber command. They were sent to 103 Squadron Elsham Wolds where their crew was completed with the addition of a flight engineer and mid-upper gunner.  They flew Halifaxes and later Lancasters. In 1943 Don and his pilot were sent back to Lichfield as instructors, but in the midst of planning to return to action, Don was sent home as a result of a change in policy. Don later wrote two books about his experiences, \u201cJourneys into the Night\u201d and \u201cNo Moon Tonight.\u201d","donald_charlwood"],["144","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/donald-jackson.jpg","Donald","Jackson","Pacific","Unknown",".","Donald enlisted in the RAF in 1942. After training in the UK and Canada he was posted to the Middle East for operational training on Blenheims and Beaufighters. He was then posted to 39 Sqn, part of the Balkan Air Force. His second tour was in Burma flying Beaufighters in a search and rescue role. He was sent back to the Middle East following the end of the war in the Pacific to complete his tour.","donald_jackson"],["145","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/donald-ripper.jpg","Donald","Ripper",".",".","O316708","Don was a photographer with the RAAF and served from 1964-70. Don's duties included general photography and filming around the base. This included recording air to air shoots with the aerobatic team. His story is about the crash of a Macchi Trainer based at East Sale.","donald_ripper"],["146","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/doris-harper.jpg","Doris","Harper",".","N\/A",".","Doris Harper was a teenager living in Temora not far from 10 EFTS. She shares her stories of her farm being visited by students and instructors from the airfield","doris_harper"],["147","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/doug-hayward.jpg","Doug","Haywood",".","Unknown","O229500","Doug Hayward enlisted in the RAAF in 1976 and was on the second course to train on the CT4. Following that he flew Macchis and then went on to 34 Squadron, VIP Flight in the BAC-111. He later flew the C130H Hercules and instructed on HS 748 at the School of Air Navigation at East Sale. He retired from the RAAF in 1986, joined Qantas and is also endorsed on the C47 and Caribou with HARS","doug_haywood"],["148","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/doug-lorimer.jpg","Doug","Lorimer","Pacific","Flight Lieutenant","416871","Doug trained as a pilot, and was posted to 6 Squadron RAAF, based in New Guinea where the work was mainly shipping patrols and escorts along with some bombing raids. He completed an operational tour of duty.","doug_lorimer"],["149","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/doug-osborne.jpg","Doug","Osborne","Pacific","Flying Officer","401829","Doug enlisted in the RAAF in 1941. He trained as a navigator and was posted to 13 Squadron in Darwin on Lockheed Hudsons. Their work involved dropping supplies to Australian troops in Timor as well as bombing Japanese positions and shipping. On several occasions they were attacked by Zeros but were able to escape. On one occasion their turret gunner shot down a Japanese \u2018Pete\u2019. He was discharged as a Flying Officer in 1946.","doug_osborne"],["150","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/doug-parry.jpg","Doug","Parry","Middle East","Pilot Officer","428505","Doug enlisted in the RAAF in November 1942. After initial training at Victor Harbour he trained as a wireless operator at Ballarat. This was followed by the Bombing and Gunnery course at Sale.  His next posting was to the Air Observers School at Cootamundra as a staff Wireless Operator. He was then posted to England, travelling via the USA. In England there was further wireless training at Yatesbury and a posting to Coastal Command where he did an Air to Surface Vessel radar course. He was sent to the Middle East to an Operational Training Unit on Wellingtons. By November 1944 he was flown by B24 back to England as the German submarine threat was still current. He finished the war with another radar course at Chivenor. Doug's story is about a landing accident in the Wellington.","doug_parry"],["151","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/doug-purvis.jpg","Doug","Purvis",".",".","C108570","Doug Purvis joined the Navy in 1972. Following the initial training at HMAS Cerberus was posted to Point Cook for flying training on Winjeels. He was off to Pearce for advanced training on Macchis. At HMAS Albatross at Nowra he was posted to fly Grumman Trackers. His work included coastal surveillance between Darwin and Perth looking for \u2018boat people\u2019. Doug was also involved in Operation Trocus looking for Indonesian fishermen poaching on Australian reefs.","doug_purvis"],["152","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/doug-skinner.jpg","Doug","Skinner","WW2",".","76298","Doug was an engine fitter who worked on radial engines. He enlisted in the RAAF in 1942 and, though he was able to fly, the requirement at the time was for ground crew. He was posted to 8 SFTS in Bundaberg working on Avro Ansons. He was later posted to 27 Squadron working on B24s.","doug_skinner"],["153","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/doug-williams.jpg","Doug","Williams",".",".","A311676","Doug joined the RAAF in the mid-1950s and after his trade training was posted to Laverton. There he worked as an airframe fitter on Wirraways and Mustangs and later Vampires. He served 37 years in the RAAF. Doug describes some of the aircraft in service with the RAAF in the late 1950s and 60s.","doug_williams"],["154","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/doug-jack-russell.jpg","Doug Jack (John Fredrick)","Russell","Pacific","Flight Lieutenant","401854","Jack (believed to be John Fredrick) enlisted in 1941, trained at Narranderra and gained his wings at at Point Cook on Hawker Demons. By that time the Japanese had entered the war and Jack was sent to Sale to do operational training on Hudsons. He was then posted to 13 Squadron in Darwin flying sorties over Timor as well as attacking Japanese shipping. He finished this and started a second tour on Beauforts with 6 Squadron on Goodenough Island, earning himself a Distinguished Flying Cross. His story is about a crash landing of a Hudson at Sale during training after one of the brakes had seized and the undercarriage collapsed.","doug_jack_russell"],["155","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/dudley-glastonbury.jpg","Dudley","Glastonbury","WW2","Squadron Leader","253761","Dudley Glastonbury joined the RAAF in the 1930s and was involved in the formation of the Air Training Corps. He left the RAAF in 1945 with the rank of Squadron Leader. He speaks about the formation and aims of the ATC","dudley_glastonbury"],["156","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/dudley-marrows.jpg","Dudley","Marrows","Europe","Flight Lieutenant","400656","Dudley enlisted in the RAAF in 1940. He was posted to Rhodesia for his flying training at 25 EFTS Belvedere and then to 22 SFTS Thornhill on Harvards. He gained his wings with an 'Above Average' rating. He passed as top of his course at 16 Air School on Ansons. He was posted to Stranraer in Scotland to convert to Stranraer and London type flying boats and then Sunderlands at 4 C.O.T.U. In June 1942 Dudley was posted to 461 Squadron. In July 1943 with more than 850 hours on Sunderlands Dudley took part in one of the most famous submarine sinkings of the war where his Sunderland 'U' of 461 Squadron sank the German submarine U-461. He ordered a life raft be dropped to the survivors. One of these men was the captain, Wolf Steibler who later became good friends with Dudley after the war. Shot down later by Ju88s, Dudley was rescued and later posted back to Australia where he converted to Catalinas at the war's end. He tells of the sinking of U-461.","dudley_marrows"],["157","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/ed-vandergraaf.jpg","Ed","Vandegraaf","Pacific",".",".","Ed was working for KLM in Batavia as a flight engineer when the Japanese invaded. He managed to get onto the last DC3 flight out to Australia where he was assigned to 18 Squadron Netherlands East Indies Air Force. He was initially based in Canberra and then Darwin equipped with B25 Mitchells. He was later posted to 19 Squadron on DC3s. His story is of his escape from the Japanese.","ed_vandegraaf"],["158","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/ed-crabtree.jpg","Ed(win Linklater)","Crabtree","Pacific","Flight Lieutenant","8653","Ed Crabtree enlisted in 1940 and trained as a pilot on multi engine aircraft. In 1944 he was attached to an American squadron operating B24 Liberators from Northern Australia on operations against Japanese forces throughout the South Pacific area. His story is about a fellow B24 pilot whose aircraft went into a spin after being caught in wake turbulence during close formation work.","ed_crabtree"],["159","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/edgar-pickles.jpg","Edgar","Pickles","Europe","Squadron Leader","413248","After service with the 8th Australian Light Horse Regiment Edgar enlisted in the RAAF in August 1941. He was posted to Sandgate in Queensland for initial training. It was to  No. 12 Elementary Flying Training School at Bundaberg where he soloed after 10 hours. His service flying training was also at Bundaberg with No. 8 SFTS on Avro Ansons. He was posted to England where he received further training in beam approach and advanced flying training.  Edgar was posted to 100 Squadron RAF flying Avro Lancasters where he completed a tour of operations and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. He then trained as an instructor and was posted to 1656 Heavy Conversion Unit on Halifaxes. In December 1944 he was posted on operations to 550 squadron based at North Killingholme. In all he completed 49 operational flights against enemy targets. He flew the first Avro Lincoln to Australia in October 1945. He was discharged with the rank of Squadron Leader in July 1946.","edgar_pickles"],["160","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/edwin-hooke.jpg","Edwin (Ted)","Hooke","Vietnam","Leading Aircraftman","A316312","Ted served in the RAAF in the 1960s. He was trained as an airframe fitter and volunteered for service in Vietnam where he worked with 38 Squadron on Caribou aircraft.","edwin_hooke"],["161","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/egon-mahr.jpg","Egon","Mahr",".","Unknown","49893","Egon enlisted in 1979 and was on 109 pilot\u2019s course at Point Cook on Winjeels then Macchi trainers at Pearce. After gaining his wings Egon was posted to 34 Squadron to fly BAC 111 aircraft in Canberra. In contrast to many other RAAF pilots he did not wear a flying suit and stayed in 5 star hotels as he took VIP passengers including the Prime Minister, Governer-General and occasionally the Queen to locations around Australia and overseas. His next posting was to fly the Macchi on Fleet support followed by HS 748 training navigators at East Sale. He was involved in the development of Navstar which involved detachments to Woomera for trials. Egon was posted to Williamtown to train as a Forward Air Controller (FAC) on the Winjeel aircraft and was then posted as the flight commander of 4 flight, later becoming the acting C.O.","egon_mahr"],["162","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/elmo-thompson.jpg","Elmo","Thompson","Vietnam",".","54787","Elmo tried to enlist in the RAAF and then the Navy but was knocked back due to a hearing problem. However he was able to enlist in the Army and he served in Vietnam. His story is about how the army attitude to the RAAF changed following the work they did in the Battle of Long Tan.","elmo_thompson"],["163","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/elvie-mortlock.jpg","Elvie","Mortlock","WW2","N\/A",".","Born in 1919, Elvie was working as a dressmaker in Melbourne when the war broke out. Wanting to do something to help the war effort she applied for a job at Commonwealth Aircrft Corporation at Fishermens Bend and in 1941 joined the fabric section along with one other woman. They were the first females to be employed in that section. Her work involved stitching and fitting fabric to the flying control surfaces of Wacketts, Wirraways, Boomerangs and Mustangs as well as Wirraway fuselages. She and her husband to be were presented with a horseshoe fabricated by the perspex department on their engagement. Elvie left CAC in 1945. She talks about her time at CAC.","elvie_mortlock"],["164","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/eric-barton.jpg","Eric","Barton","Europe","Flying Officer","423589","Eric enlisted in the RAAF in July 1942. After initial training at Bradfield Park he was classified for pilot training and posted to No.10 Elementary Flying Training School, Temora. After further training in Canada and England he was posted to fly Lancasters and completed 45 operations, earning a Distinguished Flying Cross.","eric_barton"],["165","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/eric-green.jpg","Eric","Green","WW2","Warrant Officer","432153","Eric Green was initially trained as a cypher officer but was remustered as a pilot. He arrived at 10 EFTS in time for the last course before the war finished.  While he was at Temora he was seconded to Narranderra after a Beaufighter carrying a number of ground staff crashed nearby. Eric had to work in the office notifying relatives of the deceased. He talks about his time at Temora, including meeting his future wife at a local dance.","eric_green"],["166","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/eric-mammat.jpg","Eric","Mammat","Pacific","Flying Officer","413781","Eric trained at No 10 EFTS, Temora, and then did his SFTS at Deniliquin on Wirraways. He was posted to 24 Squadron where he learned to fly the Vultee Vengeance dive bomber. He also did a 7 month tour of duty at Kiriwina and Nadzab.","eric_mammat"],["167","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/ernest-hancock.jpg","Ernest","Hancock",".","Unknown- N\/A?",".","Ern's father worked as a designer for CAC during the war and encouraged him to join as an apprentice in the early 1950s. Ern worked on the last of the Mustangs, then the Sabre and Winjeel as a designer. He was also sent to work at Woomera on instruments for the V-Bombers during the atomic tests. After a time working as a designer in the experimental department for Chrysler (where he jointly designed and built the Valcano sports car) he went back to CAC as a contract designer for the Wamira training aircraft project in the 1980s. His story is about his time at Woomera.","ernest_hancock"],["168","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/ernest-matthews.jpg","Ernest","Matthews","Pacific","Flight Lieutenant","401989","Viv Matthews was a Spitfire pilot who was posted to England flying with 610 Squadron RAF, commanded by Johnnie Johnson. With the increasing Japanese threat to Australia he was posted back home, joining 452 Squadron. He operated with that squadron in Darwin before a posting to 25 Squadron at Pearce in Western Australia. It was then off to No. 8 Communications Unit, based in New Guinea where he flew a variety of aircraft including Vultee Vengeance and Boomerang. His story is about an incident whilst with 610 Squadron.","ernest_matthews"],["169","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/errol-driver.jpg","Errol","Driver","Vietnam","Lieutenant (Army)","55165","Errol learned to fly on Winjeels then Cessna 180s at Amberley. He was flown by Qantas on a Boeing 707 charter flight to Vietnam, he flew a Cessna 180 listening for enemy radio transmissions. They would triangulate to determine an exact location which was passed on for action to be taken. Errol was detached to the 54th Company as part of the US Army flying DeHavilland Otters. After his detachment he began flying the Pilatus Porter. When he left the army he went to work at the Australian distributors for Pilatus.","errol_driver"],["170","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/frank-kelly.jpg","Frank","Kelly","Vietnam","Squadron Commander USAF","131213","Frank Kelly joined the USAF in 1966. He trained as an engineer and later was required to be flight qualified to undertake missions in Vietnam on B52 bombers. After the Vietnam war he was on F-111s. He became involved with the SR-71 Blackbird, initially flying reconnaissance missions and later worked as project director for the whole SR-71 project. He tells of his experiences flying the Blackbird.","frank_kelly"],["171","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/frank-kuffer.jpg","Frank","Kuffer","Middle East","Sergeant","42110","Frank Kuffer was a medical orderly posted to 1 Air Ambulance Unit in the Middle East during WW2. He survived being struck by the propeller of one of the unit\u2019s DeHavilland aircraft. The tip of the blade was given to him as a memento after the aircraft crashed. He tells what happened.","frank_kuffer"],["172","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/frank-martin.jpg","Frank","Martin",".","Flight Lieutenant","411036","Frank completed his elementary flying training at Narromine, NSW, and did his SFTS at Wagga on Wirraways. He was sent as a staff pilot to Richmond and Nhill before being posted to a Ferry Flight where he flew a wide variety of aircraft including P40s, Boomerangs and Spitfires. He has some good recollections of Bluey Truscott and speaks about an interesting story which involved bailing out of a war weary Kittyhawk he was ferrying down the Queensland coast.","frank_martin"],["173","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/frank-sims.jpg","Frank","Sims","WW2","Flying Officer","419677","Frank enlisted in 1942. Initially trained as a pilot at 11 EFTS Benalla he remustered as a navigator. After further training in Australia at Cootamundra, Nhill and West Sale he completed his training in Canada.","frank_sims"],["174","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/frank-siska.jpg","Frank","Siska",".",".","S131448","Frankie Siska joined the Navy in 1979 where he trained as an engineer. At the time of this interview he was the assistant engineering officer for 723 Squadron equipped with Squirrel helicopters. He describes the Squirrel and its role with the RAN.","frank_siska"],["175","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/frank-wilmott.jpg","Frank","Wilmott","WW2","Flight Sergeant","444502","Frank Wilmott joined the RAAF in March 1944. He was part of the last group of trainees to be sent to Canada for training as an Air Observer. There was little enthusiasm there for training at that point in the war. He returned to Australia and was discharged with the rank of Flight Sergeant in September 1945.","frank_wilmott"],["176","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/frank-dimmick.jpg","Frank (William)","Dimmick","Europe","Warrant Officer","430913","Frank enlisted in the RAAF trained as an observer. He was posted to England and served with 460 Squadron RAAF on Lancasters near the end of the war. He flew on 3 operational missions and 4 food drops after the end of the war as part of Operation Manna. He describes a cross country training trip which did not go as planned.","frank_dimmick"],["177","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/fred-cassidy.jpg","Fred","Cassidy","Pacific","Flight Lieutenant","35723 (O210462)","Fred enlisted in the RAAF in March 1941. After training he served as a navigator on Beaufighters with 30 Squadron which he joined in June 1942. He flew 74 operations over two flying tours. He later served in the Fleet Air Arm. His story is about being attacked by Japanese Zero fighters.","fred_cassidy"],["178","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/fred-cowpe.jpg","Fred","Cowpe","Europe","Flying Officer","412491","Fred joined the RAAF in July 1941 and was sent to Rhodesia, where he did his elementary flying training at No 25 EFS, Belvedere. He gained his wings at No 20 SFTSl at Cranborne, also near Salisbury. Then he was posted to England. After training on the Miles Master he was posted to 61 OTU which is where he was introduced to the Spitfire. A posting to 453 Squadron followed. Fred was classified as exceptional in his marksmanship and scored two victories, the first over a Me109 and the second a FW 190D. He was also responsible for injuring Rommel when he attacked his Horsch staff car in France after D-Day. His story is about the attack on Rommel.","fred_cowpe"],["179","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/fred-meale.jpg","Fred","Meale","WW2","Leading Aircraftman","136590","Born in Temora in 1925 Fred enlisted in the RAAF in 1943 and was trained as an engine fitter. He spent most of his time working at Uranquinty on the Wirraways at 5 SFTS. He was later posted to 7 OTU Tocumwal and was discharged in 1945. In 2013 he again took to the air in the Museum's Wirraway. His story is about his time at Uranquinty.","fred_meale"],["180","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/fred-phillips.JPG","Fred","Phillips","Europe","Flight Lieutenant","409939","Fred Phillips enlisted in the RAAF in 1941. He trained as a pilot at Parafield and gained his wings in Canada on Harvards. Posted to England he converted to multi engine types and joined Bomber Command. He served with 622 and 7 Squadrons becoming a Pathfinder and Master Bomber. Fred was awarded the DFC and Bar as well as the French Legion of Honour. He describes the role of the Pathfinder.","fred_phillips"],["181","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/gareth-kimberley.jpg","Gareth","Kimberley","Vietnam","Flight Lieutenant","O54468","Gareth trained as a pilot in the early 1960s at Point Cook and Pearce. He was posted to Vietnam with 38 Squadron flying Caribou aircraft. He was also involved with 2 Air Trials Unit at Woomera flying Otters as well as Neptunes with 10 Squadron, and later Dakotas with 38 Squadron. His story is about a difficult landing in a Caribou in Vietnam.","gareth_kimberley"],["182","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/gareth-davis.jpg","Gareth","Davis","Vietnam","Sergeant","A42643","Gareth joined the RAAF in 1955 and trained as a radio technician. After postings to Edinburgh Pierce and Butterworth he was posted in 1966 to Vietnam where he was involved in setting up radio communications for the RAAF Base Squadrons. His story is about how they managed to get enough generators to power the bases.","gareth _davis"],["183","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/geoff-clark.jpg","Geoff","Clark",".",".",".","Geoff was born in England. During the war his family hosted many Australian airmen as part of the Lady Francis Ryder scheme. In the 1950s Geoff enlisted in the RAF as a photographic expert. His story is about testing the bomb camera on a Lancaster with unexpected results.","geoff_clark"],["184","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/geoff-kubank.jpg","Geoff","Kubank",".","Flight Lieutenant","223413","Geoff enlisted in the RAAF in March 1966. After initial training on Winjeels he finished his training on Vampires at Pearce, accumulating around 300 hours by the time he gained his wings. He was posted to Williamtown to convert onto the Sabre which was being phased out at that time, so after a further conversion to the Mirage he was posted to Butterworth with 75 Squadron for two years then back to 77 Squadron at Williamtown. After a couple of years at a desk job Geoff was posted to Richmond to fly the Hercules. This was followed four years later for a couple of years as the liaison officer to the Army with the parachute school. He continued to fly with the RAAF in the reserve, flying the Winjeel until they were retired in the mid 1990s. His story is about an incident in the Mirage.","geoff_kubank"],["185","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/geoff-matthews.JPG","Geoff","Matthews",".","Wing Commander","O32448","Geoff enlisted in the RAAF as a radio apprentice in March 1949 at the age of 16. Qualified as a radio technician ground he was posted to an Aircraft Depot at Laverton. Geoff was then posted to East Sale for the installation of an Instrument Landing System and stayed on to maintain it. In 1954 he was posted to Brookvale in NSW for a Heavy Radar conversion course and at that time learned to fly as a private pilot, having been taught by Keith Robey. In 1959 Geoff was posted to Washington on exchange for six months to study Bomb Assessment equipment and returned to Australia on board one of the new Neptune aircraft. His next posting was to Amberley where bombing assessment was used to record the results of Canberra\u2019s. In 1963 he was posted to Darwin to maintain the radar at 2 Control and Reporting Unit (CRU) and was next posted to Butterworth to 114CRU during the 'Confrontasi' period. By 1966 he was back at Laverton first with 21 Squadron and then a variety of postings around Melbourne. He rose rapidly through the ranks to become a Wing Commander by the end of his service in 1986. Geoff has volunteered at the RAAF Museum Point Cook and tells of his involvement with the building of the Bristol Boxkite replica with Ron Gretton.","geoff_matthews"],["186","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/geoff-morton.jpg","Geoff","Morton",".","Commodore (RAN)","O1984","Geoff joined the Royal Australian Navy in 1961. He began flying gliders while at the RAN College. As part of his training in the UK he learned to fly Tiger Moths and Chipmunks. Although being streamed as a pilot the RAN retired their carriers and Geoff\u2019s Navy career took a different turn, serving on HMAS Melbourne running their weapons practices. Geoff retired from the Navy in 2000.","geoff_morton"],["187","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/geoff-peterkin.jpg","Geoff","Peterkin",".",".","O218757","Geoff joined the RAAF in January 1958. He graduated as a Flying Officer and topped his flying course. After serving with 75 and 76 Squadrons on Sabres he was posted to England to do a test pilot\u2019s course. The aircraft he flew there include Chipmunk, Canberra, Viscount, Hunter and Lightning. His story is about a lightning strike whilst flying the Canberra.","geoff_peterkin"],["188","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/geoff-rose.JPG","Geoff","Rose","Vietnam",".","319239","Keen to fly, Geoff Rose joined the Air Training Corps at the age of 14. He later trained as a pilot and flew C130E Hercules with 37 Squadron. In April 1975 Geoff was part of an operation where a number of Hercules were flown to Vietnam to evacuate personnel.","geoff_rose"],["189","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/geoff-white.jpg","Geoff","White",".",".","72500","Geoff served in the RNZAF, joining in 1950. He trained on Tiger Moths and Harvards and also undertook an instructor's course. He was posted to 42 squadron and retired from the RNZAF in 1953. He then pursued a career as an airline pilot. His first story is about his air force career; the second is about losing several engines on a Short Solent flying boat crossing the Tasman Sea.","geoff_white"],["190","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/geoff-windsor.jpg","Geoff","Windsor",".",".","O217299","Geoff enlisted in the RAAF in 1955. After doing his rookies at Richmond he was trained in Wagga as an airframe fitter. Geoff\u2019s first posting was to Williamstown where he worked on Meteors and then Sabres. He was then posted to 34 Squadron where he worked on aircraft of the Prime Minister's Flight. He often flew as a flight engineer with Sir Robert Menzies and other dignitaries. His last posting was as an instructor at Wagga. His stories are about his time with 34 Squadron.","geoff_windsor"],["191","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/geoffrey-ledger.JPG","Geoffrey","Ledger",".","Commodore","O108546","Geoff graduated with his wings at Point Cook in June 1973. He was posted to Peace in Western Australia for further training on Macchi Jets. He was selected to train on helicopters and was posted to 5 Squadron for his flying training in Canberra. Posted to Nowra he then converted to Wessex helicopters. When Cyclone Tracy hit Darwin in 1974 Geoff was sent on the HMAS Melbourne to assist with the rescue efforts. He describes the scene on New Year\u2019s Day.","geoffrey_ledger"],["192","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/geoffrey-rees.jpg","Geoffrey","Rees","Europe","Flight Lieutenant","424939","Geoff Rees enlisted in the RAAF in October 1942 and trained as a pilot at Narrandera. He was posted to England and joined 456 night fighter squadron flying Mosquitoes. His stories are about attacking trains at night and the delivery of a new Mk30 Mosquito by an ATA delivery girl.\r\nGeoff sadly passed away recently at the age of 98 on 5\/8\/22 at Gosford Hospital. Fit and vital till the end, still living independently and driving from Gosford to Wagga each year. Only giving up solo hang-gliding at the age of 90 after a prang on landing. His only prang in his aviation career. An amazing man.","geoffrey_rees"],["193","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/george-cecil.jpg","George","Cecil","Pacific","Leading Aircraftman","143972","George enlisted in October 1943 and after training as an engine fitter he was posted to the gunnery school at West Sale to work on Fairey Battles. A year later he was posted to the South West Pacific area doing daily inspections on 79 Squadron's Spitfires and then 30 Squadron's Beaufighters. A daily inspection included running up the engines. He describes an occasion with one of the Beaufighters which had a problem with the feathering mechanism on the port engine.","george_cecil"],["194","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/george-clissold.jpg","George","Clissold","Europe","Flying Officer","420150","George was trained as a single engine pilot and after training at Tamworth and Uranquinty he was sent to England, where he was posted to 245 Squadron flying Typhoons. He was shot down the day after the Rhine was crossed. George was attacking some half-tracks when his engine was hit and burst into flames. He bailed out by bunting the aircraft and flying out over the propeller, being shot at all the way down by the Germans he\u2019d been attacking. He was badly burnt on the face and injured his knee in the landing. He later escaped from the Germans during a march and returned to his unit but was not allowed to undertake operational flying.","george_clissold"],["195","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/george-hale.jpg","George","Hale","Korea","Sergeant","A35090\/O35090","George trained at Point Cook and joined 77 Squadron to fight during the Korean war. George Hale is credited with one MiG and another probable MiG kill, both on the same sortie. The Museum\u2019s Mk8 Gloster Meteor is painted to represent A77-851 Halestorm, George\u2019s famous aircraft.","george_hale"],["196","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/george-hedges.jpg","George","Hedges","Europe","Flight Sergeant","1585080","George joined the RAF in the early 1950s and was posted as a pilot to a ferry squadron where he flew a variety of aircraft. His story is about being chosen to fly a Spitfire.","george_hedges"],["197","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/george-lansell.jpg","George","Lansell","Pacific","Flight Lieutenant","401972","George learnt to fly in the 1930s, but was initially refused entry to the RAAF because he was in a reserved occupation. Finally he was able to enlist and trained at Essendon on Wackett trainers, later doing a fighter course at Sale. It was then decided Australia needed Army Co-operation squadrons, so George trained in Canberra at the School of Army Co-operation and was later posted to 4 Squadron in New Guinea flying Wirraways. Before they went to New Guinea George was involved in the first operation by 4 Squadron when he was sent out before dawn from Camden to look for the mother submarine when midget submarines attacked Sydney. His first real taste of war was on Horn Island when the base was strafed by Japanese aircraft. In New Guinea 4 Squadron was involved in the Buna Gona campaign, starting with mapping from 6,000 feet and also doing army co-operation work. George was flying a patrol when John Archer famously shot down the Japanese fighter with a Wirraway, and took the photographer to Dobodura to take pictures of Archer for publicity.","george_lansell"],["198","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/george-mclean.jpg","George","McLean",".","Unknown",".","George was a National Serviceman who was attached to the RAAF in the early 1950s. He was fortunate to be selected for pilot training and learned to fly Tiger Moths at Schofields. He later flew Wirraways, Mustangs, Vampires and Meteors with 22 Squadron.","george_mclean"],["199","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/george-parker.jpg","George","Parker","Korea",".","42416","George served during the Korean War working as an engineer on Gloster Meteors. His job was to assist with the assembly of the crated aircraft as they arrived from England. He later worked for deHavilland at Bankstown working on the assembly of the training version of the Vampire aircraft.","george_parker"],["200","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/george-smith.jpg","George","Smith","Europe","Flying Officer","419407","George was a wireless operator\/air gunner. Trained in Australia and Canada he was sent to the European theatre where he was posted to 180 Squadron RAF which operated B25 Mitchell bombers. During their fourth operation the navigator was seriously wounded by flak and George had to climb forward to render first aid","george_smith"],["201","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/george-stimson.jpg","George","Stimson","Pacific","Leading Aircraftman","36851","George arrived at 10 EFTS Temora and was assigned to drive the fire tender. He tells the story of meeting the Duty Pilot one summer morning. The Duty officer said: \u201cNo sense us both staying awake\u201d and promptly dropped off to sleep. The next thing they knew there was a crash and they opened their eyes to see a Tiger Moth vertical standing on it\u2019s propeller. George was later posted to New Guinea then to Wagga where he was discharged with Rheumatic Fever.","george_stimson"],["202","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/george-tulloch.jpg","George","Tulloch","Europe","Flying Officer","431799","George enlisted in the RAAF in August 1943 and was posted to 3 Bombing and Gunnery School at East Sale. On completion of that course he was posted to England, sailing on the New Amsterdam via South Africa to Scotland. His next posting was to 27 OTU at Litchfield where he crewed up and trained on Wellingtons. This was followed by 1658 Heavy Conversion Unit onto Halifax aircraft. His operational posting was to 192 Special Duties squadron which carried a civilian radar operator for secret 'radar calibration' work. They flew as part of the bomber stream and dropped incendiaries but were also monitoring German fighter control radar. He completed a tour of 26 operations. George talks about his time with 192 Squadron.","george_tulloch"],["203","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/gerald-mcpherson.jpg","Gerald","McPherson","Europe","Flying Officer","430468","Gerald trained as an air gunner and was posted to England arriving there via America. He served a tour of 38 operations as a tail gunner on Lancaster with 186 Squadron RAF. A total of 31 of these operations were daylight raids. Gerald\u2019s story is about their wireless operator joining another crew for an operation with possibly disastrous results.","gerald_mcpherson"],["204","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/gil-gude.jpg","Gilbert","Gude","Europe","Warrant Officer","428594","Gilbert, known as Gil transferred to the RAAF after serving about a year in the Army. After completing his initial training at 1 ITS Somers Gil was posted to Canada for further training as a Wireless Air Gunner at 2 Wireless School, Calgary and 2 Bombing and Gunnery School Mossbank flying in Bolingbrokes. He was next posted as a staff wireless operator to 9 Air Observers School in St. Johns on Avro Ansons. He was then posted to England in 1944 and served at 8 Advanced Flying Unit, then 2 OUT on Wellingtons, with his final training on Lancasters at 654 Heavy Conversion Unit at Wigsley. The war in Europe ended while he was at that unit. He arrived back in Australia and was discharged early in 1946. Gil talks about crewing up and some of his experience on operational training.","gilbert_gude"],["205","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/gilbert-newby.jpg","Gilbert","Newby",".","Unknown","75255","Gilbert was part of the Royal Navy\u2019s Fleet Air Arm in the 1950s. He flew Tiger Moths, Harvards, Seafires and later the Meteor. He describes landing a Seafire on an aircraft carrier.","gilbert_newby"],["206","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/glen-coy.jpg","Glen","Coy",".","Squadron Leader","8156968","Glen joined the RAAF at the beginning of the eighties and trained at the RAAF Academy. He trained at Point Cook on CT4s and after graduation from Pearce was posted to fly Hercules aircraft with 37 Squadron. His next posting was to Point Cook as an instructor on the CT4 and he was later posted to Central Flying School at East Sale teaching instructors as well as display flying with the Roulettes where he finished as the B Flight commander and lead on the Roulettes. Glen is still with the RAAF and displays the museum aircraft on the interactive days. He talks about his time with the Roulettes.","glen_coy"],["207","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/gordon-bennett.jpg","Gordon","Bennett",".",".","0117782","Gordon Bennett first enlisted in the Army in 1967 and having had some experience with army aviation he was accepted into the RAAF as an air traffic controller. After a migraine wiped out his peripheral vision he was transferred to Canberra to work in Intelligence, later flying in the F-111 and Hornet as part of his job.","gordon_bennett"],["208","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/gordon-laidlaw.jpg","Gordon","Laidlaw","Europe","Flight Lieutenant","O33160","Gordon enlisted in the RAAF in 1942. He did his elementary flying training at Western Junction near Launceston in Tasmania. Next he completed the Wirraway course at 7 SFTS Deniliquin. Posted to England he became a bomber pilot, training on Wellingtons, Stirlings and then Lancasters. Gordon flew with 106 Squadron and 83 Squadron RAF. After the end of the war he became a flying instructor on Avro Ansons at Mallala in South Australia. He retired from the RAAF in 1955. His story is about his rear gunner shooting down a Ju88 night fighter","gordon_laidlaw"],["209","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/gordon-macrae.png","Gordon","Macrae","Europe","Flying Officer","432835","Gordon was posted to England and after a delay of 5 moths worked as a staff pilot on transport Command. By the time he had completed operational training on Wellingtons the war in Europe had finished.","gordon_macrae"],["210","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/gordon-schwartz.jpg","Gordon","Schwartz","Europe","Flight Lieutenant","417668","Gordon trained as a pilot but was scrubbed and remustered as a navigator. He was sent to England and was posted to 10 Squadron on Short Sunderland flying boats completing a tour of operations.","gordon_schwartz"],["211","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/graham-neil.jpg","Graham","Neil","Vietnam","Squadron Leader","O215111","After receiving a scholarship from the Air Training Corps, Graham joined the Citizens Air Force in 1956. He gained his wings and was converted onto the Meteor. In March 1959 he transferred to the permanent Air Force and converted onto Sabres. He joined 3 Squadron and served in Butterworth for a time but was transferred in 1962 to the RAF to operate as a non-pilot Forward Air Controller working with Australian Sabres. In 1969 he was posted to Vietnam as a Forward Air Controller where he flew the OV-10 Bronco. Graham served in Vietnam from November 1969 to October 1970. Post-Vietnam, Graham became a tactical air support commander. Graham was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.","graham_neil"],["212","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/graham-tibbitts.jpg","Graham","Tibbitts","WW2","Flight Sergeant","444277","Graham enlisted in the RAAF in 1944 and was sent to Canada for training in gunnery, bombing and navigation. His course finished too late in the war for him to be sent to England and he was discharged after returning home. His story is about his training at Lethbridge in Canada.","graham_tibbitts"],["213","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/greg-jones.jpg","Greg","Jones",".","Unknown","A231443","Greg worked in the RAAF with 5 Squadron painting Bell Iroquois helicopters. He was later transferred to Richmond where he worked on Hercules, Orion and Caribou aircraft. He was involved in a special project in 1988 which was to paint the Sabre which is currently operated by the Temora Aviation Museum.","greg_jones"],["214","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/harold-croft.jpg","Harold","Croft","Vietnam","Leading Aircraftman","O2552","Hal Croft trained during World War 2 as a wireless engineer and stayed in the RAAF until retirement in the late 1970s. His story is about the living conditions during the Vietnam War when based at Ubon in Thailand, working with the Americans due to a shortage of wireless technicians.","harold_croft"],["215","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/harry-chatfield.jpg","Harry","Chatfield","Pacific","Flying Officer","401493","Harry did his initial training at Somers and was posted to Rhodesia for flight training. He gained his wings on Harvards. Harry was then posted to England for further training on Masters followed by Hurricanes and Typhoons. He was sent to India and joined 615 Squadron flying Spitfires. The squadron was posted to Palal in the Imphal Valley where they operated against the Japanese. With only about 16 operational flying hours Harry destroyed two bombers in an attack on a Japanese formation on one sortie. Whilst most of their operations were low level attacking troops and trucks Harry also downed a Japanese Oscar fighter. Harry left the RAAF in December 1945 with the rank of Flying Officer.","harry_chatfield"],["216","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/harry-kerr.jpg","Harry","Kerr","Pacific","Flight Lieutenant","411789 (O215038)","Harry enlisted in the RAAF in May 1941. He was posted to Temora for elementary flying training on 15 course. He gained his wings flying Wirraways at Wagga and after operational training was posted to 76 Squadron in Queensland and then Milne Bay in July 1942, flying ground attack and escort operations on Kittyhawks. He spent much of 1943 instructing at Mildura before being posted back to 78 Squadron. He talks about his time in Milne Bay.","harry_kerr"],["217","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/harry-pescud.jpg","Harry","Pescud","Europe","Warrant Officer","12024","Harry worked at RAAF Richmond in New South Wales in stores for the first couple of years of the war before remustering as a pilot. He undertook his training at No. 10 Elementary Flying Training School, Temora. Posted to Canada he next trained on Avro Ansons where he was scrubbed following a snowstorm which resulted in a landing away from base. He subsequently discovered there was a shortage of bomb aimers. Back in Australia he was posted to Bundaberg for refresher training and graduated with his wings. Posted to England just before D-Day the demand for pilots was low so he retrained as a flight engineer on Lancasters, however an operational posting eluded him.","harry_pescud"],["218","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/harry-waters.jpg","Harry","Waters","Pacific","Flight Lieutenant","416910","Harry enlisted in the RAAF in October 1941. After training he was mustered as a Navigator. Harry\u2019s first posting was posted to Canada for training and then Ceylon to fly with 205 Squadron RAF in Catalina flying boats. His is a dramatic story of survival after being attacked by Japanese Zeros. Harry was discharged as a Flight Lieutenant in December 1945.","harry_waters"],["219","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/harvey-bawden.jpg","Harvey","Bawden","Europe","Warrant Officer","419835","Harvey Bawden was a mid-upper gunner in a Lancaster with 150 Squadron RAF. On a daylight raid on a German synthetic oil plant his Lancaster was shot down by flak. Most of the remaining aircrew were been murdered by the Germans after they landed. Harvey was one of only two survivors. He tells the story of how he managed to leave the stricken aircraft.","harvey _bawden"],["220","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/heather-williams.jpg","Heather","Williams (nee Harris)","WW2","Aircraftwoman","96712","Heather was a WAAF telephonist who served at Mallala in South Australia, East Sale, Bairnsdale and Townsville. It was here she met her future husband.","heather_williams"],["221","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/henry-hall.jpg","Henry","Hall","WW2","Lieutenant Commander","O1519","Henry Hall joined the Navy during WW2 and was trained as a meteorologist observer in England. He was mentioned in despatches for bravery during the sinking of HMAS Canberra in 1942. Later, as a Sub-Lieutenant, he served on HMAS Melbourne as hangar manager. He describes the complex business of arranging aircraft on an aircraft carrier. He retired in 1981 as a Lieutenant Commander.","henry_hall"],["222","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/herb-plenty.jpg","Herb","Plenty","Pacific","Group Captain","3103","Herb Plenty was a career RAAF Officer. In the early part of the war he was with 8 Squadron flying a Lockheed Hudson on patrol when they spotted the Japanese force attacking the British battleships Prince of Wales and Repulse. Following his tour he was awarded the DFC. Posted back to Australia he was an instructor at 1 OTU, Sale, again on Beauforts, a type he disliked intensely. He did a second tour on Beauforts with 100 Squadron, earning a bar to his DFC.","herb_plenty"],["223","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/herbert-tinning.jpg","Herbert","Tinning","Europe","Flying Officer","19585","Herbert, or Bert as he is known, originally enlisted in the RAAF as an airframe rigger but transferred to aircrew after a stint at 1 Communications Flight, Laverton. Remustered as a Navigator he trained at 1 Air Observers School, Cootamundra and then 2 Astro Navigation School at Nhill. Bert was then posted to England where in May 1943 he was posted to 7 EFTS on Tiger Moths to get used to the English landscape. He was involved in a mid-air collision with another Tiger Moth and was injured in the forced landing. He crewed up at 27 OTU at West Frew in Scotland and after conversion to Halifaxes at 1652 HCU was posted to 51 Squadron where he completed a tour of 40 operations and was awarded a DFC. Bert describes the incident in the Tiger Moth.","herbert_tinning"],["224","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/hilary-ellis.jpg","Hilary","Ellis","WW2","Flight Sergeant","449463","Hilary joined the RAAF at the beginning of 1944. After the initial training, he was posted to West Sale to train on Avro Ansons. He then transferred to OTU at East Sale where he was flying in Lockheed Hudsons. He tells the story of almost shooting themselves down due to a fault in the turret. On completion of his training news came through of the war\u2019s end with the dropping of the atomic bombs.","hilary_ellis"],["225","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/howard-franks.jpg","Howard","Franks",".","Unknown","317004","Howard enlisted in the 1960s and trained as an airframe engineer. He worked on Mirage fighters and later retrained as a flight engineer, serving on Lockheed P3 Orions. His final posting was back to maintenance on the Mirage shorty before they were retired from RAAF service. He describes working on the Mirage.","howard_franks"],["226","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/howard-martin.jpg","Howard","Martin","Pacific","Warrant Officer","416355","Howard, also known as Howard James-Martin, initially a bank teller, joined the RAAF in 1941 after the outbreak of WWII. He trained under the Empire Air Training Scheme, which involved multiple countries but not Britain due to its proximity to the fighting. \r\nHe began his basic training at Somers, Victoria, in June 1941, where he faced harsh conditions and rigorous training. He was selected for pilot training and moved to Parafield for flying training. Training on Tiger Moths, he made his first solo flight after eight hours.  The Tiger Moth was challenging to land but provided essential training. \r\nFurther training on Wirraways at Point Cook followed, where he graduated as a Sergeant Pilot in November 1941.  The attack on Pearl Harbor shifted his expected posting from the UK to the Pacific. \r\nIn February 1942, he was posted to Maryborough, Queensland, as a staff pilot, where he gained significant flying experience, though not combat-related. \r\nIn October 1942, he moved to Williamtown for dive bomber training, initially on modified Wirraways. \r\nPosted to 25 Squadron at Pearce, WA, he flew Vultee Vengeance aircraft, which he found enjoyable and stable compared to the Wirraway. \r\nIn December 1943, he joined 23 Squadron in Nadzab New Guinea, participating in numerous bombing raids, including a significant one on Hansa Bay.\r\nThe first operational flight with Alec Boxall was to Hansa Bay which was the worst\r\nstrike we ever did, that was the one where we lost two crews in the bombing of\r\nHansa Bay, it was the hairiest day that I experienced. We were told that there\r\nwas only one Jap heavy ack-ack position and that they knew roughly where it was,\r\nalthough it was well hidden. They thought that radar guided the gun because\r\nwhenever an American flew too low over the position it took only one shot to get\r\nthe plane. There were quite a few American squadrons flying from the five\r\nairstrips at Nadzab.\r\nWe put our three Vultee squadrons up to get this ack-ack position, not knowing\r\nthat there were actually three positions within about half a kilometre of each\r\nother. We went in at about 10 - 12,000 feet and dived at two-second intervals. I\r\nlost sight of the bloke in front of me, so, rather than drop my bombs on him, I\r\nwent for the second ack-ack position. That meant that I had to cut right across\r\nthe middle of Hansa Bay to rendezvous point.\r\nWhen we were bombing like that we used to go down as near vertical as we\r\ncould, using our gun sights to aim and drop our bombs at about 2,000 feet. The\r\nmoment we had dropped our bombs we would pull the nose slightly out of the\r\ndive and retract the dive brakes. As a result, the plane would go from a speed of\r\nabout 350 knots to well over 500 knots which would give you a real kick in the\r\nback. Alec and I went right across this damn bay with every Jap around firing at\r\nus, it was very uncomfortable.\r\nHe recounts a forced belly landing due to landing gear issues, highlighting the robustness of the Vultee Vengeance. \r\nIn March 1944, he was posted to Jacky-Jacky, Cape York, where he experienced boredom and logistical challenges.\r\nReturning to Pearce in August 1944, he continued flying until January 1945, including a memorable incident involving a hydraulic failure.\r\nHe converted to Kittyhawks at Mildura in March 1945, completing his training in May.\r\nIn August 1945, he joined 82 Squadron at Morotai, participating in operations until the Japanese surrender.\r\nHe moved to Labuan, where he flew missions until the end of the war. He chose to return to Australia rather than join the occupation force in Japan. \r\n He revisited Labuan in 1976, where he was warmly received by locals who remembered the RAAF's presence during the war.\r\nHoward passed away on the 10th June 2014 aged 93.\r\nThis biography is a summary of a very detailed account captured by Peter James-Martin from his interview with his father. To read the full version please copy and paste this link into your browser. https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/martin+memoir.pdf\r\nHis story in the video is about dive bombing in a Vengeance.","howard_martin"],["227","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/huck-ennis.jpg","Huck (Gary)","Ennis","Vietnam","Flying Officer","O19987","Huck was a Mirage pilot who was selected as a Forward Air Controller during the Vietnam War. He flew the 01G Bird Dog for the first three months in support of the 9th Infantry Division in the Mekong Delta, later moving on to fly the OV-10 Bronco. Huck describes flying both the Bird Dog and Bronco and the suitability of each type for forward air control. Huck vividly describes his experiences in action which led to being put up for a Silver Star which was eventually converted to a DFC.","huck_ennis"],["228","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/ian-ferguson.jpg","Ian","Ferguson",".","Petty Officer RAN","R35387","Ian joined the Navy in October 1947 was on the first FAA Armourers course. His first posting was to 805 Squadron which was operating Hawker Sea Furies. He served on all RAN carriers and was involved in introducing the A4 Skyhawk into service. Ian's story is about his training in the US on the Skyhawk. He retired as a Chief Petty Officer.","ian_ferguson"],["229","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/ian-leslie.jpg","Ian","Leslie","Middle East","Flight Lieutenant","410245","Ian Leslie enlisted in 1941. Categorised as a pilot he trained at Parafield on Tiger Moths and was then sent to Canada for training on Cessna Cranes. After gaining his wings and converting to the B24 he was posted to ferry Liberators to the Middle East and India. He served a tour with 354 Squadron RAF flying anti submarine and shipping patrols. He was discharged in September 1945.","ian_leslie"],["230","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/ian-mclaughlan.jpg","Ian","McLaughlan","Pacific","Flight Lieutenant","O4982 (417093)","Ian trained at 1 EFTS, Parafield and then at 7 SFTS, Deniliquin on Wirraways. After further training on P40s at 2 OTU he was posted to 84 Squadron based at Horne Island. He then went to 75 Squadron flying P40s in Biak and Noomfor, finally at Morotai. He was hit by anti-aircraft whilst strafing enemy positions at Utaron but landed safely.","ian_mclaughlan"],["231","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/ian-reese.jpg","Ian","Reese","Malaya",".","0313224","Ian joined the RAAF in 1955 and was on the first course to be trained on Winjeels at Uranquinty in 1956. Next, he flew Wirraways, completing about 150 hours on type before graduating with his wings at Point Cook. He later flew Sabres with 3 Squadron at Butterworth in Malaya.","ian_reese"],["232","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/ian-warren.jpg","Ian","Warren",".",".","8040026","Ian was trained as a Navy aircraft mechanic and after serving at HMAS Albatross at Nowra was posted in 1964 to HMAS Melbourne. He was on board when it collided with HMAS Voyager.","ian_warren"],["233","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/ivan-mckay.jpg","Ivan","McKay","WW2","Sergeant","12933","Ivan worked as a wireless mechanic at No2 Air Observer\u2019s school. He is the father of  one of the Temora Aviation Museum's pilots Roger McKay.","ivan_mckay"],["234","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/jack-anastas.jpg","Jack","Anastas",".","Leading Aircraftman","122446","Jack enlisted to be an air gunner but due to colour blindness he was remustered as a cook. Posted to Darwin with 457 Squadron, Jack discovered he only had a trailer mounted Wiles steam cooker to prepare the meals.","jack_anastas"],["235","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/jack-balloch.jpg","Jack","Balloch","Pacific","Flying Officer","430430","Jack enlisted in the RAAF in January 1943. After initial training at 1 ITS Somers he was posted to 7 EFTS, Western Junction in Tasmania. He gained his wings at Uranquinty on Wirraways and was posted to 2 OTU Mildura where he flew Kittyhawks. He suffered a forced landing at Mildura with an engine failure. John was then posted to 75 Squadron at Nadzab in New Guinea for operational flying. They were then moved to New Britain flying coastal patrols attacking barges and installations. On one occasion he was almost shot down by ground fire - his mechanic found a 25mm explosive shell inside the inner tube of his tailwheel tyre. He served a tour of just under 12 months arriving back in Australia for Christmas 1944.","jack_balloch"],["236","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/jack-cameron.jpg","Jack","Cameron","Europe","Flight Lieutenant","411284","Jack completed his training at No. 2 Initial Training School, Bradfield Park, New South Wales in 1941. He was assessed for pilot training on Tiger Moths at No.6 EFTS, Tamworth. On graduation he was sent to Fort McLeod near Calgary in Canada for Service Flying Training. He travelled to England in a convoy, completed his training before being posted to Lindholme to convert onto Lancasters. A taxiing accident saw him sent to 199 Squadron RAF on Wellingtons. Jack did most of his operational flying in Wellingtons and Halifaxes, and recounts several incidents where his aircraft was damaged by flak. He also once unwittingly brought back a 4,000 pound \u201cCookie\u201d bomb.","jack_cameron"],["237","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/jack-capel.jpg","Jack","Caple","Middle East","Lieutenant","VX33860","Jack Caple enlisted in the Australian Army in 1940. Posted to the Middle East he was one of the famous Rats of Tobruk and experienced many air raids by German Stuka bombers. Jack's story is about one of those air raids where he was caught out in the open in a Bren Gun Carrier.","jack_caple"],["238","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/jack-gow.jpg","Jack","Gow",".","Unknown",".","Jack Gow worked for the railways as an apprentice but then joined CAC in the late 1940s. He was involved in the design work on the Winjeel, Sabre and the Wirraway based Ceres cropduster. He worked at CAC for 10 years. After leaving CAC he became part of the design team at Holden, working on all models from the FB to Commodore. His story is about the design changes needed to adapt the F86 design to suit the Australian Sabre's larger engine and changed armament.","jack_gow"],["239","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/jack-kellam.jpg","Jack","Kellam","Pacific","Leading Aircraftman","73616","Jack was posted to 82 Squadron at Bankstown which was equipped at the time with Kittyhawks and Airacobras. After conversion to new Kittyhawks the squadron moved to Noomfor Island and then Morotai. Jack describes the process of arming a Kittyhawk.","jack_kellam"],["240","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/jack-macalister.jpg","Jack","Macalister","Pacific","Flight Lieutenant","390","Jack Macalister enlisted in the RAAF in 1938. Trained as a pilot he was shot down in his Lockheed Hudson while attacking a Japanese aerodrome, which earned him a DFC as he managed to shoot down one of the Japanese fighters. He became a prisoner of the Japanese for the duration of the war, where he also earnt an OBE. In the video below he describes how his aircraft was shot down. His citations are reproduced here.\r\n\r\nFlight Lieutenant Jack Lyle MacAlister No. 390\r\nDISTIGUISHED FLYING CROSS\r\n\r\nFlying Officer (temporary Flight Lieutenant) MacAlister, No. 390, on the 23rd March 1942, carried out a photographic reconnaissance of Koepang aerodrome in a Hudson aircraft. There was no cloud cover and enemy fighters were known to be based close to the target. Flight Lieutenant MacAlister carried out a bombing run, through anti-aircraft opposition, wrecking a flying boat and damaging another. He continued on course, taking photographs and making visual observations, while 15 Japanese aircraft were seen taking off to intercept him.\r\nHe took evasive action by flying low but was unsuccessful and was engaged by the enemy fighters at low altitude. The gun turret out of action and repeatedly hit, the Hudson caught fire. He gave the order to abandon the aircraft, which was carried out by the wireless operator and second pilot, the gunner apparently killed in the turret. At this period a Japanese fighter was close in and Flight Lieutenant MacAlister engaged and shot it down, then abandoned his burning aircraft.\r\nAfter escaping machine gun fire directed at him from the Japanese fighters Flight Lieutenant MacAlister was captured by the Japanese due to his betrayal by treacherous natives.\r\nThe conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty displayed by Flight Lieutenant MacAlister in this series of gallant actions, is an inspiration to all.\r\n\r\n\r\nTO BE A MEMBER OF THE MILITARY DIVISON OF THE MOST EXCELLENT \r\nORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE\r\n\r\nAfter a gallant but unsuccessful attempt to capture an enemy aircraft in Timor, whilst a prisoner of war Flight Lieutenant MacAlister was placed in the hands of the Japanese Military Police by whom he was subjected to the most rigorous torture and was later kept for nine months in solitary confinement under the most degrading conditions finally being removed to hospital more dead than alive. During the period Flight Lieutenant MacAlister maintained firm refusal to give any information to the Japanese while his exemplary behaviour and spirit was an example to all.","jack_macalister"],["241","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/jack-rose.jpg","Jack (John)","Rose","Europe","Flying Officer","433341","Born in 1924, Jack was conscripted into the Army in 1942 but transferred to the RAAF in 1943. He trained as a bomb aimer as part of 92 Air Bombers course in Canada and was posted to England in 1944. There he crewed up and in December joined 15 Squadron RAF as part of a mostly Australian crew. He completed a tour of 35 operational sorties, mostly in daylight, and was then posted as a bombing instructor for a short time until the war ended. His story is about how he acquired the souvenir of a piece of flak on the Dresden raid in February 1945.Born in 1924, Jack was conscripted into the Army in 1942 but transferred to the RAAF in 1943. He trained as a bomb aimer as part of 92 Air Bombers course in Canada and was posted to England in 1944. There he crewed up and in December joined 15 Squadron RAF as part of a mostly Australian crew. He completed a tour of 35 operational sorties, mostly in daylight, and was then posted as a bombing instructor for a short time until the war ended. His story is about how he acquired the souvenir of a piece of flak on the Dresden raid in February 1945.Born in 1924, Jack was conscripted into the Army in 1942 but transferred to the RAAF in 1943. He trained as a bomb aimer as part of 92 Air Bombers course in Canada and was posted to England in 1944. There he crewed up and in December joined 15 Squadron RAF as part of a mostly Australian crew. He completed a tour of 35 operational sorties, mostly in daylight, and was then posted as a bombing instructor for a short time until the war ended. His story is about how he acquired the souvenir of a piece of flak on the Dresden raid in February 1945.Born in 1924, Jack was conscripted into the Army in 1942 but transferred to the RAAF in 1943. He trained as a bomb aimer as part of 92 Air Bombers course in Canada and was posted to England in 1944. There he crewed up and in December joined 15 Squadron RAF as part of a mostly Australian crew. He completed a tour of 35 operational sorties, mostly in daylight, and was then posted as a bombing instructor for a short time until the war ended. His story is about how he acquired the souvenir of a piece of flak on the Dresden raid in February 1945.Born in 1924, Jack was conscripted into the Army in 1942 but transferred to the RAAF in 1943. He trained as a bomb aimer as part of 92 Air Bombers course in Canada and was posted to England in 1944. There he crewed up and in December joined 15 Squadron RAF as part of a mostly Australian crew. He completed a tour of 35 operational sorties, mostly in daylight, and was then posted as a bombing instructor for a short time until the war ended. His story is about how he acquired the souvenir of a piece of flak on the Dresden raid in February 1945.Born in 1924, Jack was conscripted into the Army in 1942 but transferred to the RAAF in 1943. He trained as a bomb aimer as part of 92 Air Bombers course in Canada and was posted to England in 1944. There he crewed up and in December joined 15 Squadron RAF as part of a mostly Australian crew. He completed a tour of 35 operational sorties, mostly in daylight, and was then posted as a bombing instructor for a short time until the war ended. His story is about how he acquired the souvenir of a piece of flak on the Dresden raid in February 1945.Born in 1924, Jack was conscripted into the Army in 1942 but transferred to the RAAF in 1943. He trained as a bomb aimer as part of 92 Air Bombers course in Canada and was posted to England in 1944. There he crewed up and in December joined 15 Squadron RAF as part of a mostly Australian crew. He completed a tour of 35 operational sorties, mostly in daylight, and was then posted as a bombing instructor for a short time until the war ended. His story is about how he acquired the souvenir of a piece of flak on the Dresden raid in February 1945.Born in 1924, Jack was conscripted into the Army in 1942 but transferred to the RAAF in 1943. He trained as a bomb aimer as part of 92 Air Bombers course in Canada and was posted to England in 1944. There he crewed up and in December joined 15 Squadron RAF as part of a mostly Australian crew. He completed a tour of 35 operational sorties, mostly in daylight, and was then posted as a bombing instructor for a short time until the war ended. His story is about how he acquired the souvenir of a piece of flak on the Dresden raid in February 1945.Born in 1924, Jack was conscripted into the Army in 1942 but transferred to the RAAF in 1943. He trained as a bomb aimer as part of 92 Air Bombers course in Canada and was posted to England in 1944. There he crewed up and in December joined 15 Squadron RAF as part of a mostly Australian crew. He completed a tour of 35 operational sorties, mostly in daylight, and was then posted as a bombing instructor for a short time until the war ended. His story is about how he acquired the souvenir of a piece of flak on the Dresden raid in February 1945.Born in 1924, Jack was conscripted into the Army in 1942 but transferred to the RAAF in 1943. He trained as a bomb aimer as part of 92 Air Bombers course in Canada and was posted to England in 1944. There he crewed up and in December joined 15 Squadron RAF as part of a mostly Australian crew. He completed a tour of 35 operational sorties, mostly in daylight, and was then posted as a bombing instructor for a short time until the war ended. His story is about how he acquired the souvenir of a piece of flak on the Dresden raid in February 1945.Born in 1924, Jack was conscripted into the Army in 1942 but transferred to the RAAF in 1943. He trained as a bomb aimer as part of 92 Air Bombers course in Canada and was posted to England in 1944. There he crewed up and in December joined 15 Squadron RAF as part of a mostly Australian crew. He completed a tour of 35 operational sorties, mostly in daylight, and was then posted as a bombing instructor for a short time until the war ended. His story is about how he acquired the souvenir of a piece of flak on the Dresden raid in February 1945.Born in 1924, Jack was conscripted into the Army in 1942 but transferred to the RAAF in 1943. He trained as a bomb aimer as part of 92 Air Bombers course in Canada and was posted to England in 1944. There he crewed up and in December joined 15 Squadron RAF as part of a mostly Australian crew. He completed a tour of 35 operational sorties, mostly in daylight, and was then posted as a bombing instructor for a short time until the war ended. His story is about how he acquired the souvenir of a piece of flak on the Dresden raid in February 1945.Born in 1924, Jack was conscripted into the Army in 1942 but transferred to the RAAF in 1943. He trained as a bomb aimer as part of 92 Air Bombers course in Canada and was posted to England in 1944. There he crewed up and in December joined 15 Squadron RAF as part of a mostly Australian crew. He completed a tour of 35 operational sorties, mostly in daylight, and was then posted as a bombing instructor for a short time until the war ended. His story is about how he acquired the souvenir of a piece of flak on the Dresden raid in February 1945.Born in 1924, Jack was conscripted into the Army in 1942 but transferred to the RAAF in 1943. He trained as a bomb aimer as part of 92 Air Bombers course in Canada and was posted to England in 1944. There he crewed up and in December joined 15 Squadron RAF as part of a mostly Australian crew. He completed a tour of 35 operational sorties, mostly in daylight, and was then posted as a bombing instructor for a short time until the war ended. His story is about how he acquired the souvenir of a piece of flak on the Dresden raid in February 1945.Born in 1924, Jack was conscripted into the Army in 1942 but transferred to the RAAF in 1943. He trained as a bomb aimer as part of 92 Air Bombers course in Canada and was posted to England in 1944. There he crewed up and in December joined 15 Squadron RAF as part of a mostly Australian crew. He completed a tour of 35 operational sorties, mostly in daylight, and was then posted as a bombing instructor for a short time until the war ended. His story is about how he acquired the souvenir of a piece of flak on the Dresden raid in February 1945.Born in 1924, Jack was conscripted into the Army in 1942 but transferred to the RAAF in 1943. He trained as a bomb aimer as part of 92 Air Bombers course in Canada and was posted to England in 1944. There he crewed up and in December joined 15 Squadron RAF as part of a mostly Australian crew. He completed a tour of 35 operational sorties, mostly in daylight, and was then posted as a bombing instructor for a short time until the war ended. His story is about how he acquired the souvenir of a piece of flak on the Dresden raid in February 1945.Born in 1924, Jack was conscripted into the Army in 1942 but transferred to the RAAF in 1943. He trained as a bomb aimer as part of 92 Air Bombers course in Canada and was posted to England in 1944. There he crewed up and in December joined 15 Squadron RAF as part of a mostly Australian crew. He completed a tour of 35 operational sorties, mostly in daylight, and was then posted as a bombing instructor for a short time until the war ended. His story is about how he acquired the souvenir of a piece of flak on the Dresden raid in February 1945.Born in 1924, Jack was conscripted into the Army in 1942 but transferred to the RAAF in 1943. He trained as a bomb aimer as part of 92 Air Bombers course in Canada and was posted to England in 1944. There he crewed up and in December joined 15 Squadron RAF as part of a mostly Australian crew. He completed a tour of 35 operational sorties, mostly in daylight, and was then posted as a bombing instructor for a short time until the war ended. His story is about how he acquired the souvenir of a piece of flak on the Dresden raid in February 1945.Born in 1924, Jack was conscripted into the Army in 1942 but transferred to the RAAF in 1943. He trained as a bomb aimer as part of 92 Air Bombers course in Canada and was posted to England in 1944. There he crewed up and in December joined 15 Squadron RAF as part of a mostly Australian crew. He completed a tour of 35 operational sorties, mostly in daylight, and was then posted as a bombing instructor for a short time until the war ended. His story is about how he acquired the souvenir of a piece of flak on the Dresden raid in February 1945.Born in 1924, Jack was conscripted into the Army in 1942 but transferred to the RAAF in 1943. He trained as a bomb aimer as part of 92 Air Bombers course in Canada and was posted to England in 1944. There he crewed up and in December joined 15 Squadron RAF as part of a mostly Australian crew. He completed a tour of 35 operational sorties, mostly in daylight, and was then posted as a bombing instructor for a short time until the war ended. His story is about how he acquired the souvenir of a piece of flak on the Dresden raid in February 1945.Born in 1924, Jack was conscripted into the Army in 1942 but transferred to the RAAF in 1943. He trained as a bomb aimer as part of 92 Air Bombers course in Canada and was posted to England in 1944. There he crewed up and in December joined 15 Squadron RAF as part of a mostly Australian crew. He completed a tour of 35 operational sorties, mostly in daylight, and was then posted as a bombing instructor for a short time until the war ended. His story is about how he acquired the souvenir of a piece of flak on the Dresden raid in February 1945.","jack_rose"],["242","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/jack-shaw.jpg","Jack (John)","Shaw","Pacific","Pilot Officer","419075","Jack enlisted in the RAAF in 1942. Selected for pilot training he was posted to 11 EFTS, Benalla and then 7SFTS, Deniliquin where he gained his wings on Wirraways. After a short posting to 3 Bombing and Gunnery School in Sale (where he flew a Ryan) he completed his training at 2 OTU, Mildura. His first operational posting was to 78 Squadron on Kittyhawks. This was followed by a tour with 76 Squadron in the Admiralty Islands. He was then posted to Test and Ferry Flight at Laverton flying a variety of aircraft, once having to crash land a Kittyhawk on a remote beach. His story is about being hit by flak while dive-bombing Japanese positions.","jack_shaw"],["243","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/jack-storey.jpg","Jack (William John)","Storey","Pacific","Squadron Leader","400508","Jack Storey trained at Narromine and later in Canada on Harvards. After further training in England he was posted to 135 Squadron on Hurricanes fighting the Japanese in Burma. He was a successful fighter ace with eight confirmed victories and two probables, earning him a DFC. This makes him the highest scoring Australian in that theatre. After two tours Jack was posted back to Australia to command the Central Gunnery School at Cressy in Victoria. Jack tells of the American Volunteer Group in Burma and also his first victory over a Japanese type 97 fighter on his first operational flight from Rangoon.","jack_storey"],["244","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/jack-ellis.jpg","Jack (George)","Ellis","WW2","Flying Officer","432372","Jack did his elementary flying training at No8 EFTS, Narranderra, then 5 SFTS on Wirraways at Uranquinty. Much to his dismay he was sent to Parkes to do an instructors course on Tiger Moths, describing it as one of the worst jobs of the war. He was later posted to No2 OTU at Mildura where he trained on Boomerangs and was then posted to the School of Army Co-op in Canberra on Wirraways. He was involved in the Japanese surrender activities and ferried a Zero at the end of the war.","jack_ellis"],["245","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/jack-beaven.jpg","Jack (John)","Beaven","WW2","Leading Aircraftman","65795","Jack Beaven joined the RAAF in June 1942. He was a fitter IIA.  He worked on airframes, with a special interest in hydraulics. After training in Melbourne Jack was posted to No2 Wireless and Air Gunnery school at Parkes. Here he worked on Wackett Trainers. Later he worked on the Kittyhawks of 75 Squadron.","jack_beaven"],["246","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/jack-burgess.jpg","Jack (John)","Burgess","Korea","Leading Aircraftman","A4516","Born in 1928 Jack Burgess joined the RAAF in 1950 trained as an armourer with the RAAF at Wagga and was posted to Kimpo in Korea with 77 Squadron. Jack was the armourer on A77-851 on the day George Hale shot down one MiG 17 and damaged another. He retired from the RAAF in 1953. Jack talks about his time in Korea.","jack_burgess"],["247","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/jack-curtis.jpg","Jack (John)","Curtis","Europe","Flying Officer","432762","Jack enlisted in the RAAF in January 1943. His elementary flying training was at No. 10 Elementary Flying Training School, Temora. He gained his wings at Uranquinty flying Wirraways. His first operational posting was to 260 Squadron RAF which was staffed mostly by South Africans. His next posting was to 450 Squadron RAAF flying Mustangs in Italy towards the end of the war. Post war, Jack had a long career in the airlines.","jack_curtis"],["248","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/jack-elliott.jpg","Jack (John)","Elliott","Europe","Warrant Officer","430131","Jack enlisted in the middle of 1942 but had to wait until he turned 18 for acceptance into aircrew training. Selected as a pilot he was posted to 11 EFTS Benalla and gained his wings at 6SFTS, Mallala on Avro Ansons. A short course at Point Cook learning a standard beam approach followed. Jack was then posted to England and travelled there via the USA. Once in England it took 8 weeks before a posting to Fairoaks where he flew Tiger Moths to learn map reading in the UK. This was followed by 6 Advanced Flying Unit at Charmy Down on Oxfords. Jack was finally posted to 21 OTU where he gained a crew and flew Vickers Wellingtons. The European war finished just after he completed his operational training so he was stood down and returned to Australia. Jack tells of a tragedy which occurred at Benalla immediately prior to his first solo on a Tiger moth.","jack_elliott"],["249","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/jake-newham.jpg","Jake","Newham","Korea","Air Marshall","O35108","Jake Newham enlisted around 1950 and stayed in the RAAF for the rest of his career flying aircraft from the Tiger Moth to the Hornet.  He became an Air Marshal and Chief of the RAAF. He served in Korea with 77 Squadron flying Meteors and tells of his operational service there.","jake_newham"],["250","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/james-beckingsale.jpg","James","Beckingsale","Middle East","Flight Lieutenant","401098","Jim was a Catalina pilot who enlisted in the RAAF in January 1941. He did his initial training at Somers in Victoria and was posted as part of the Empire Air Training Scheme to Rhodesia where he trained first on Tiger Moths and then Harvards. After gaining his wings he was posted to George in Africa for a General Reconnaissance course which destined him for a posting to Coastal Command. In England he was posted to a Coastal Command OTU at Silloth flying Hudsons. Posted to Karachi he spent some time ferrying parts around India before doing a conversion to flying boats where he was introduced to the Catalina. His posting was to 205 Squadron based in Ceylon. Part of his work was to fly the Ceylon to Perth shuttle which was one of the longest routes in the world.","james_beckingsale"],["251","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/james-carroll.jpg","James","Carroll","Europe","Flying Officer","432751","James Carroll trained at Temora and was posted to England for operational flying and was ultimately posted to 466 Squadron RAAF flying Halifaxes.  His story is about the interview process which led to his selection as a pilot.","james_carroll"],["252","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/james-coward.jpg","James","Coward","Europe","Air Commodore (RAF)",".","James joined the RAF in the 1930s and was one of the first to fly the new Spitfire when it was introduced to 19 Squadron. His first story is about the delivery of this aircraft by test pilot Jeffery Quill. He also tells of his first encounter with enemy aircraft. During the Battle of Britain James\u2019 aircraft was shot down and he was badly injured while attacking Dornier Do17 aircraft after his guns jammed. He tells of his dramatic escape from his Spitfire.","james_coward"],["253","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/james-lee.jpg","James","Lee",".","Unknown","44691","James Lee was trained as an engine fitter in the Navy. He describes his life on board HMAS Melbourne working on Fireflies and Gannets.","james_lee"],["254","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/james-nolan.jpg","James","Nolan","Pacific","Flight Lieutenant","436296","Jim 'Paddy' Nolan was a pilot who trained at Temora. After gaining his wings in Canada on Harvards he was posted back to Australia where he converted onto Wirraways and Boomerangs. His operational posting was to 5 Squadron in New Guinea in an Army Co-operation role based at Torokina. When he flew the Museum\u2019s Wirraway on a mission in extremely bad weather to drop a Storpedo with supplies for our troops. Here Jim tells the story of this trip and a near miss which occurred.","james_nolan"],["255","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/james-hancock.jpg","James (Jim)","Hancock","Europe","Flight Lieutenant","416762","After training in Australia as a pilot, Jim was posted to England where he joined 9 Squadron RAF flying Avro Lancasters. He served a full tour on Lancasters, often bringing the aircraft home on three or fewer engines. Jim was on his fifth mission to berlin when they were attacked by a Ju88 night fighter, which they shot down. Jim was awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross.","james_hancock"],["256","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/jay-tuffley.jpg","Jay","Tuffley","Afganistan",".",".","Squadron leader Jay Tuffley joined the RAAF straight out of university in 2001. After pilot training on CT4 and PC9 airfcraft he graduated in 2003 and was posted to fly P3 Orion aircraft with overseas deployments on exercise in mayaysia and the south-West Pacific. He also served tours in Afganistan and Iraq providing overland reconnaisance. Currently Jay is a flying instructor and is also Roulette leader at the time of this interview. Jay describes an incident when flying at night 300 miles off the coast of the Northern Territory where a bird strike disabled and engine.","jay_tuffley"],["257","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/jeff-nicholls.jpg","Jeff","Nicholls","Europe","Flight Lieutenant","437228","Jeff joined the RAAF in December 1942. He enlisted in Adelaide and did his initial training at Somers in Victoria. His elementary training was at Benalla at 11 EFTS and he gained his wings at Mallala on Avro Ansons. Jeff was posted to England to fly in Coastal Command. He was posted to 10 Squadron and was trained to fly Sunderlands at Plymouth working on anti-submarine and shipping patrols. He was discharged in February 1946.","jeff_nicholls"],["258","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/jeff-osborne.jpg","Jeff","Osborne","Pacific","Flight Lieutenant","409319","Jeff Osborne enlisted in 1941. He trained as a pilot at Parafield in Adelaide and was posted to Point Cook first on Wirraways and then to Airspeed Oxfords. His next posting was to do a General Reconnaissance course at Cressy. His first operational posting was to a Communications Unit based at Port Moresby. He was later posted to 13 Squadron flying Lockheed Venturas. He was discharged as a Flight Lieutenant in May 1946.","jeff_osborne"],["259","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/jeff-trappet.jpg","Jeff","Trappett","Vietnam",".","O117198","Jeff enlisted in the RAAF in 1967. After initial training on Winjeels he finished his training on Vampires at Pearce. After gaining his wings he was posted to ARDU as a C47co-pilot for 18 months. Jeff\u2019s next posting was onto Caribous and he spent time flying in Australia and Vietnam on that type with 35 Squadron at Vung Tau. On returning from Vietnam a posting onto Mirages did not materialize. Instead Jeff was sent on a flying instructor\u2019s course on Winjeels at Point Cook. After a brief stint with TAA Jeff rejoined the RAAF instructing on Macchi, Winjeel and CT4s and he also flew the Dakota. Jeff did two tours with the Roulettes then was posted to fly the F-111. He later came back to East Sale as Roulette leader and was hit by one of his wingmen. Jeff describes what happened in his interview. After leaving the RAAF Jeff flew with Qantas International and now has a collection of aircraft including an airworthy Sabre.","jeff_trappett"],["260","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/jeffree-hudson.jpg","Jeffree","Hudson","Korea","Warrant Officer","A2996","Jeffree enlisted in the RAAF in January 1947 and served for 30 years. He worked as an engine fitter, having done an apprenticeship as a fitter and turner. He was able to enlist as a qualified tradesman. Jeffree was sent to Iwakuni as part of British Commonwealth Occupation Forces, working on Mustangs and then Meteors. He talks about the Korean winter.","jeffree_hudson"],["261","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/jeff-reidy.JPG","Jeffrey","Reidy","Europe","Flying Officer","419217","Jeff joined the RAAF in July 1942. He was sent to England to join Bomber Command and was posted to No 199 Squadron RAF. This was a special operations unit involved in electronic countermeasures. He flew the Short Stirling aircraft which the squadron used almost until the end of the war. He completed 46 operations.","jeffrey_reidy"],["262","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/jim-duncan.jpg","Jim","Duncan","Pacific","Flight Sergeant","443548","After initial training at Bradfield Park Jim was classified for pilot training which he did at No 10 EFTS, Temora. He tells the story of ferrying an Avro Anson to New Guinea late in the war.","jim_duncan"],["263","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/jim-eaglin.jpg","Jim","Eaglin",".","Flight Commander?",".","Jim enlisted in the RAAF in 1980 and trained at Point Cook on CT4 aircraft. He was posted to Pearce on Macchi trainers. He was then posted to 2FTS at Williamtown to train on fighters and was posted to fly Fleet Support on Macchi aircraft. This was followed by conversion to the Mirage at 77 Squadron on the second last Mirage course. Jim was posted to Butterworth with 3 Squadron and then 79 Squadron. His next posting was an exchange to the UK, converting to the F3 Tornado. He was there for three years during which time the Berlin Wall came down. Jim describes some incidents in his flying career.","jim_eaglin"],["264","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/jim-falkner.jpg","Jim","Falkner","Europe","Flight Lieutenant","400220","Jim Fraser Falkner was sent to England not long after the Battle of Britain and flew with the RAF on missions over occupied Europe. He was shot down in flames and very badly burnt. He was captured by the Germans and spent the rest of the war as a POW.","jim_falkner"],["265","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/jim-ferguson.jpg","Jim","Ferguson","Europe","Flight Lieutenant","403917","Jim joined the RAAF in March 1941, did his elementary flying training at No. 6 EFTS, Tamworth and his service flying training in Canada. Posted to England he did further training and was posted to 453 Squadron in Europe from its formation at Drem in Scotland in 1942 until 1944 when he was shot down by German flak over Dunkirk. His aircraft was hit in the engine and the aircraft caught fire. He force landed but was captured in a French farmhouse and spent the rest of the war as a PoW.","jim_ferguson"],["266","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/jim-henry.jpg","Jim","Henry","Europe","Warrant Officer","403108","Jim enlisted in 1940 and was posted to Canada where he trained as a navigator. In England he joined 100 Squadron and completed two trips in Avro Manchesters and a further three in Lancasters. In July 1942 on his third Lancaster trip he was shot down by a night fighter and he spent the rest of the war as a prisoner at Stalag 8B, Lamdorf.","jim_henry"],["267","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/jim-hill.jpg","Jim","Hill","Vietnam","Naval Air Mechanic Weapons","R94227","Jim joined the Royal Australian Navy as a junior recruit at the age of 15. Trained as an armourer, he became a door gunner on Huey helicopters in Vietnam. In September 1967 Jim was posted to Vietnam as part of 73 Squadron. He initially worked repairing weapons and then he worked in supply with 135th Helicopter Assault Company. He also flew as a door gunner on gunship Huey helicopters and saw a lot of action. Once the Squirrel helicopters came into service he was involved in the design and testing of a gun mount for Australian use in the Gulf War.","jim_hill"],["268","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/jim-mitchell.jpg","Jim","Mitchell","Pacific","Warrant Officer","419051","Jim enlisted in June 1942 and did his elementary flying training at Benalla. He was posted to Deniliquin and gained his wings on Wirraways there before a posting to 2 OUT Mildura where he was involved in the forced landing of a Wirraway. Jim was posted to 84 Squadron just after they changed from Boomerangs to Kittyhawks and later to 77 Squadron where he was on operations against the Japanese. At the end of the war he volunteered to fly as co-pilot on C47s with 38 Squadron returning Australian POWs. Jim\u2019s story is about attacking a Japanese airstrip while with 77 Squadron.","jim_mitchell"],["269","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/jim-nicholas.jpg","Jim","Nicholas","Europe","Flight Lieutenant","419870","Jim Nicholas enlisted in October 1942 and after elementary flying training at 11 EFTS Benalla gained his wings in Canada. Posted to England he was flying Wellingtons at 6 AFU when the war ended.","jim_nicholas"],["270","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/jim-payens.jpg","Jim (James)","Payens","Pacific","Flying Officer","413243","Jim trained as a Wireless Operator Air Gunner. After completing his operational training at East Sale he was posted to 7 Squadron on Beauforts flying coastal patrols from north east Australia and New Guinea. After completing a tour of operations he was posted to 18 Squadron Netherlands East Indies on B25 Mitchells where he flew as a tail gunner. Jim's story is about having to learn to fly the Beaufort in case his pilot was disabled by enemy action.","jim_payens"],["271","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/jim-simpson.jpg","Jim (James)","Simpson","Europe","Warrant Officer","409238","Jim Simpson enlisted in the RAAF in 1941 and trained as a pilot at Western Junction and Deniliquin. He was remustered as a navigator and posted to England, serving with 460 Squadron. His aircraft was shot down on his first operation to Hannover and  he spent the rest of the war as a prisoner.","jim_simpson"],["272","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/jim-tevlin.jpg","Jim (James)","Tevlin","WW2","Warrant Officer","401159","Jim joined the RAAF in January 1941. He was posted to Western Junction in Tasmania for elementary flying training. Next it was to Point Cook for his service flying training. Here he went solo on a Hawker Demon but they were being superseded so he completed his training on Wirraways. After a couple of years as a staff pilot on Battles and Wirraways he was posted to 452 Squadron in Darwin where he flew Spitfires. His story is about chasing an unidentified aircraft.","jim_tevlin"],["273","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/jim-cahir.jpg","Jim (Francis Shamus)","Cahir","Europe","Warrant Officer","419441","Jim trained as a Wireless operator Air gunner and was sent to England where after further training he joined 466 (Australian) Squadron flying the Handley Page Halifax bomber.  On his third operation, to Frankfurt  his aircraft was shot down by a Ju88 night fighter. Jim tells the dramatic story of this event and the ensuing time as a Prisoner of War at Stalag 4b.","jim_cahir"],["274","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/james-flemming.jpg","Jim (James)","Flemming","Pacific","Air Vice Marshall","439465 (O22136)","Jim joined the RAAF in July 1943 and had a long career in the service, retiring as an Air Vice Marshal in 1982. In August of 1943 year he was flying Tiger Moths at No. 10 Elementary Flying Training School, Temora. He flew the Museum\u2019s Tiger Moth at that time. His first operational posting was to 76 Kittyhawk squadron in New Guinea, followed by a conversion to Mustangs and transfer at the end of the war to the occupation forces. He flew Mustangs and Meteors with 77 Squadron in Korea and later flew Sabres","james_jim_flemming"],["275","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/jim-alsop.jpg","Jim (James)","Alsop","WW2","Flying Officer","430350","Jim enlisted in January 1943 and initially trained as a pilot at 11 EFTS Benalla. He was remustered as a navigator and posted to England. He completed operational training and was posted to a Mosquito training unit and then to 627 Squadron RAF which was part of the Pathfinder Force. Jim describes the process for marking targets from 500 feet.","jim_alsop"],["276","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/joan-felstead.jpg","Joan","Felstead (nee Reed)","WW2","Corporal","SF83957","Joan served with 58th Searchlight Brigade and was posted to Western Australia where the searchlights were used for coastal defence, rescue and exercises with the RAAF.","joan_felstead"],["277","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/joan-merrill.jpg","Joan","Merrill","Europe","Unknown","1056097","Joan served as a WAAF driver in England. She was attached to 303 (Polish) Squadron where she met and married her husband Don, a Polish Spitfire pilot. She describes what \u201cJankers\u201d means.","joan_merrill"],["278","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/john-mcauley.jpg","Jock","McAuley","Middle East","Warrant Officer","430463","Jock was a fighter pilot who joined the RAAF in January 1943. He trained at 11 EFTS Benalla and gained his wings at 7 SFTS Deniliquin on Wirraways. Posted to England he completed more training and was sent to the Middle East where he joined 3 Squadron, part of the Desert Air Force. Once with 3 Squadron he converted from the Kittyhawk to Mustangs as the squadron moved from North Africa to Sicily and then to Italy.","john_jock_mcauley"],["279","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/john-ahern.jpg","John","Ahern","Pacific","Flight Lieutenant","426817","After finishing his service flying training at Uranquinty on Wirraways John was introduced to the Boomerang fighter at Mareeba with 5 Squadron. From there he was posted to 4 Squadron in New Guinea. John describes the Boomerang and how it compared to the Japanese Zero fighter. He also describes testing the Boomerang at high altitude. He goes on to describe the Army Co-operation work done by 4 Squadron. John also talks about the shortcomings of the Boomerang aircraft.","john_ahern"],["280","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/john-allen.jpg","John","Allen","Pacific",".",".","John joined the Royal Navy in 1941, trained in the UK and Canada before being sent to an Advanced Flying Unit in the Orkney Islands, flying an unusual variety of aircraft including Blackburn Roc, Vought Chesapeake, Gladiator, Defiant and Lysander on training cooperation with the Navy. In 1944 he was posted to the Indian Ocean on small carriers flying Grumman Wildcats and Hellcats, mostly escorting Avengers and participating in strikes on Japanese targets in Burma and South-East Asia. John describes the procedure for launching a Hellcat from the deck of an aircraft carrier by hydraulic catapult.","john_allen"],["281","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/john-bailey.jpg","John","Bailey","Pacific","Flying Officer","415015","Born in Carnarvon in 1922 John enlisted at Pearce in the middle of 1941. After his initial training he was sent to Cunderdin to learn to fly Tiger Moths. Once gaining his wings on Ansons at Geraldton he received his first operational posting to 25 Squadron flying Wirraways. One of his first jobs was to search the coast of Western Australia for wreckage or survivors from HMAS Sydney. John was one of nine pilots selected to fly Brewster Buffalo aircraft which were allocated to 25 Squadron. Serviceability problems led to their replacement by Boomerangs and a new squadron, No. 85 was formed. John was then posted to 75 Squadron after a course on fighter techniques on Kittyhawks at 2 OTU in Mildura. He flew a tour in the Pacific Islands with 75, attacking Japanese targets as well as escort work. At the end of his tour he was posted to 7 Communications Unit flying Tiger Moths on resupply and other trips to the Western Australian mobile radar units. John's story is about attacking a Japanese air base.","john_bailey"],["282","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/john-bell.jpg","John","Bell","Korea","Leading Aircraftman","A33783","John joined the RAAF in 1950 at Wagga as an apprentice. After training he was posted to 77 Squadron, first in Japan then into South Korea during the Korean War. After the Korean War John spent over 8 years at Williamtown, firstly with 77 Squadron and then with 75 Squadron. He transitioned from working on Meteors to Sabres, then was posted to Woomera, again working on Meteors and Canberras. He was promoted to Sergeant and after further training worked on C130 Hercules aircraft, flying to Vietnam. He retired from the RAAF in 1970, joining Qantas as a flight engineer on 707s and later the 747. He describes experiences with both the Meteors in Korea and C130 in Vietnam.","john_bell"],["283","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/john-bell404137.jpg","John","Bell","Europe","Warrant Officer","404137","Joined the Militia in 1936 with the 5th Field Regiment. Decided to join the RAAF. Initially classified for pilot training he was reclassified as a Wireless Air Gunner and trained at Ballarat. After further gunnery training he embarked and sailed to The Suez Canal where he was posted to an RAF squadron in the Bomber Transport Group, flying in elderly Vickers Victoria, Valencia, open cockpit biplanes. From there they moved to flying in Bristol Bombays, which were used as transports and air ambulances.","john_bell404137"],["284","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/john-caddy.jpg","John","Caddy","Pacific","Flying Officer","417048","John Caddy was a Beaufort pilot who trained at Cunderdin and Mallala. He had some postings as a staff pilot before undertaking operational training at Sale and was then posted to 100 Squadron based at Tadji in New Guinea. He flew many bombing operations towards the end of the war and his story is about a crash landing following engine failure.","john_caddy"],["285","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/john-clark.jpg","John","Clark","Pacific","Flying Officer","411863","John Clark trained as a Wireless Air Gunner and flew in the original \u201cTojo Busters\u201d Hudson represented by the Museum\u2019s aircraft. His story is about an action in that aircraft where they were chased by Japanese fighters whilst based at Milne Bay.","john_clark"],["286","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/john-coxon.jpg","John","Coxon","Pacific","Warrant Officer","410147","John did his initial training at No.1 Initial Training School at Somers in Victoria. Categorised as a wireless air gunner, he was posted to No.2 Wireless Air Gunnery School at Parkes in New South Wales. After training in wireless he did his air gunnery course at No.2 Bombing and Gunnery School at Port Pirie in South Australia. His operational training was done at No.2 Operational Training Unit at Bairnsdale in Victoria on Hudsons. His first operational posting was to No.2 Squadron, based in Darwin, from where they carried out convoy patrol work and night attacks on Japanese positions in Timor. At the war\u2019s end, the squadron had converted to B25 Mitchells and was on the way to Balikpapan when the atomic bomb was dropped, ending the war.","john_coxon"],["287","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/john-doyle.jpg","John","Doyle","Pacific","Flying Officer","423412 (O211428)","John was posted to 85 Squadron in Western Australia flying Boomerangs flying shipping patrols. He also flew as top cover to the Catalinas operating out of Derby. In November 1944 the squadron was re-equipped with Mk V Spitfires. John was badly injured in a landing accident when another Spitfire hit his aircraft.","john_doyle"],["288","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/john-eacott.jpg","John","Eacott",".","Captain (RN) ??",".","John enlisted in the Royal Navy in 1967. He did his fixed wing training on Chipmunks and rotary wing training on the Hiller 12E. It was then onto the Westland Whirlwind on which he gained his wings. He was posted to fly the Wessex 1 and then Wessex 3 for operational flying training. His first operational posting was to the Sea King Trials unit, and then onto 826 Squadron on HMS Eagle. The Sea King was used for anti-submarine patrols around the fleet. His next posting was to 819 Squadron at Prestwick in Scotland where the role was to 'sanitise' the area where the Polaris submarines were departing. John left the Fleet Air Arm to pursue a career flying helicopters in civil aviation and moved to Australia. His story is about the capabilities of the Sea King helicopter.","john_eacott"],["289","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/john-ellis.jpg","John","Ellis",".","Lieutenant","592315","After a 3 year US Navy university scholarship John began pilot training at Pensacola. He was in the first intake of all jet training. After finishing his training on a variety of jets including the Grumman F9F and F11F Tiger, he was posted to an operational squadron on USS Forrestal flying the F8 Crusader. This was the Navy's hottest new fighter at the time, capable of Mach 1.5. After leaving the Navy in 1964 John joined Pan Am. In 1978 he flew the investigating team into Scotland after the terrorist bombing of flight 103 over Lockerbie just before Christmas. He was to have been captain on that flight but a more senior pilot took that position. John describes night operations on board the USS Forrestal.","john_ellis"],["290","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/john-fielder.jpg","John","Fielder","Europe","Flying Officer","418259","After a period as a guard at Benalla John joined the RAAF in May 1942. He trained at Benalla on Wirraways before a posting to the UK saw him retrained as a multi engine pilot. When finally posted to 622 Squadron RAF in late 1944 flying Lancasters most of his missions were daylight raids. John describes flying in formation on a daylight raid to Cologne.","john_fielder"],["291","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/john-gates.jpg","John","Gates","Europe","Flying Officer","409401","John enlisted in 1941 and trained at Benalla and Deniliquin. He was sent to England and after further training was posted to 137 Squadron RAF flying Hurricanes, Westland Whirlwinds and later Typhoons. He was involved in the battle of Falaise Gap and was shot down, becoming a prisoner of the Germans in late 1944. He tells the story of how he was shot down.","john_gates"],["292","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/john-grant.jpg","John","Grant","Europe","Flying Officer","429946","John Grant enlisted in the RAAF in 1942 and was trained as a pilot on multi engine aircraft. He was posted to England and was posted to 619 Squadron flying Lancasters. His story is about one of his early trips to Bergen to attack the German\u2019s heavy water facilities.","john_grant"],["293","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/john-harrison.jpg","John","Harrison",".","Flight Lieutenant","O44201","John trained on Winjeels at point Cook in 1964 and soloed after 8 hours. He was also the first of his course to solo on a Vampire at Pearce in Western Australia. His first posting off pilots course was on Canberras. In 1966 John served with the RAAF Transport flight flying Caribous in Victoria. He later flew Hercules aircraft. John resigned from the RAAF in 1973.","john_harrison"],["294","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/john-hartigan.jpg","John","Hartigan","Vietnam","Corporal","A112387","John was conscripted in 1953 and after doing his six months enlisted in the permanent RAAF. He spent the next 26 years working as an engine fitter, working on merlins, Pratt & Whitneys, Avon and Atar engines. He trained in Wagga Wagga and had postings in Richmond, Williamtown, Amberley as well as a posting to Vietnam in the mid 1960s. His final overseas posting was to Butterworth working on the Atar engines of the Mirage fighters. He speaks about his Vietnam posting.","john_hartigan"],["295","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/john-hocking.jpg","John","Hocking",".","N\/A",".","John joined CAC as a sheet metal apprentice in April 1940 when CAC was undergoing an expansion period. He recalls how there were 6 Wackett Gannets on the flightline when he arrived. He worked mostly as a draftsman and later as a lofter, working on such types as Wackett Trainers, Wirraways, Boomerangs, Woomera and the CA15. After the war he worked on everything CAC designed from the Mustang to the Wamira, including the Comair buses. He was also seconded to the Government Aircraft Factory working on the stretched version of the Nomad. He retired from CAC in the 1980s.","john_hocking"],["296","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/john-laffan.jpg","John","Laffan","Europe","Flying Officer","432212","John learned to fly before the war at Mascot and flew solo after three hours, gaining his pilots licence in 10 hours. He enlisted in the RAAF in December 1942 and after initial training at Bradfield Park was posted to Narrandera to fly Tiger moths. Categorised for single engine aircraft he gained his wings at Uranquinty and was then posted to Evans head as a staff pilot on Fairy Battles. Eventually John was posted to England where he joined 603 City of Edinburgh Squadron at the beginning of 1945 flying Spitfire Mk XVI operationally over Holland and Belgium mostly on ground attack sorties but also some daylight escorts of Lancasters. Following the war John flew commercially accumulating 26,000 hours, having flown a wide variety of aircraft including Sandringham, Dakota, Super Constellation and nomad. John\u2019s story is about a precision attack on German scientists at the Hague.","john_laffan"],["297","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/john-laming.jpg","John","Laming",".","Flight Lieutenant","A37575","John immigrated to Australia from England and joined the RAAF at the age of 18 where he trained as a pilot. He spent a total of 18 years in the RAAF. He flew Wirraways, Mustangs and Vampires and later Lincolns. His story is about gunnery training. After being scrubbed from the fighter course and being assigned to fly Lincolns, he was about to depart when he was called to do one more duty.","john_laming"],["298","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/john-lemke.jpg","John","Lemke","Pacific","Flight Lieutenant","412154","John enlisted in the RAAF in June 1941 and his initial training was at Bradfield Park. John undertook his elementary flying training at Narrandera and he gained his wings on Wirraways on Point Cook. He was sent to Laverton and then Cressy for a Navigation course. He was then sent to Bundaberg to teach navigation to new pilots. Categorised as a multi engined pilot, John was posted to Bairnsdale to fly Beauforts. He was posted to 7 Squadron and sent to Nowra to do a torpedo bombing course. The squadron was sent to Horn Island as part of the defence of Australia against the Japanese. The work there was mainly patrols and convoy escort. There were some bombing raids carried out by the squadron on the coast of New Guinea. About the time of the Battle of Coral Sea John was sent south as an instructor at East Sale. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and was discharged in March 1946.","john_lemke"],["299","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/john-marion.jpg","John","Marion",".","N\/A",".","John joined CAC in 1963 as part of the Mirage intake. Qualified as a metallurgist, he joined as a materials engineer. His work was mostly on the Atar engine. CAC built the wings, tail and engine while the main contractor was Government Aircraft Factory who built the fuselage and then assembled them at Avalon. He later worked on the Macchi trainer project. He describes the modifications to the Macchi Trainer.","john_marion"],["300","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/john-matthews.jpg","John","Matthews","Malaya","Unknown","O42910","John enlisted in the RAAF in 1957. He was one of the first recruits to train on the Winjeel at Uranquinty and he also flew Wirraways and Vampires. Posted to 23 Squadron he flew Mustangs and then Meteors before his main posting to Butterworth. John was there for three years flying Sabres during the Malayan Emergency with 77 Squadron as part of SEATO. After leaving the RAAF he had a long career as a pilot for TAA, Australian Airlines and finally Qantas.","john_matthews"],["301","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/john-maxwell.jpg","John","Maxwell","Europe","Flight Lieutenant","413488","John Maxwell was a Spitfire pilot who trained at Narromine and Uranquinty. He was posted to England and after further training was sent to Malta to join 243 Squadron. Whilst there he shot down at least two German aircraft. One of three Australians on the squadron he was the only one to survive the war. His story is a poignant one about the effect the war had on him personally after he returned home.","john_maxwell"],["302","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/john-mccredie.jpg","John","McCredie","Pacific","Flying Officer","418236","John trained as a pilot at 10 EFTS Temora. He was sent to England where he trained on the Wellington 1C, transitioning onto the B24 Liberator bomber. He was posted to India with 99 Squadron RAF. On his first operational flight he was hit in the face by a bird which had collided with the aircraft, smashing its way through the bomb aimers window through to the flight deck where he was observing between the two pilots. Their operational work included bombing Japanese positions in Thailand and other parts of South East Asia.","john_mccredie"],["303","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/john-missen.jpg","John","Missen","Pacific","Leading Aircraftman","450118","John enlisted in mid-1944. After training at Somers he was posted for further training at Point Cook in base radio. He was posted to Morotai as part of 381 Base Squadron working on the electronic installations.","john_missen"],["304","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/john-mitchell.jpg","John","Mitchell","Europe","Warrant Officer","434895","John enlisted in the RAAF in February 1943. Selected for training as a Wireless Operator Air Gunner he was located to Parkes, flying in Wackett Trainers and DH84s. He was then sent to 1 Air Gunnery School at West Sale on Ansons. Posted to England as a staff wireless operator  he was at 18 Advanced Flying Unit at Church Lawford on Oxfords for several months. In February 1945 he was posted to Palestine at 78 OTU where he crewed up and was instructed in the use of Air Surface Vessel radar. From June to August 1945 he was with 1346 Air Sea Rescue flight as part of 292 Squadron on Liberators in Ceylon. He was discharged in December 1945 with the rank of Warrant Officer. John speaks about his time on this flight.","john_mitchell"],["305","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/john-musgrove.jpg","John","Musgrove","Europe","Flying Officer","432537","John enlisted in 1943 and was sent to Canada for his training under the Empire Air Training Scheme.  As a bomb aimer on a Lancaster squadron John gives a vivid account of an attack on Duisburg as well of being hit by FLAK. John is credited with the destruction of a Me262 jet fighter.","john_musgrove"],["306","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/john-parker.jpg","John","Parker","Korea","Sergeant","A33838","John Parker enlisted just after WW2 broke out and was posted to 76 Squadron as a Mustang pilot. He was later posted to 77 Squadron and served in Korea. Back in Australia John was involved in the Sabre Trials Flight. His story is about converting from the Mustang to the Vampire.","john_parker"],["307","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/john-payne.jpg","John","Payne","Pacific","Flight Lieutenant","409953","John Payne trained in Australia and Canada as a fighter pilot and was posted to 615 Squadron flying Spitfires in the Imphal valley of Burma against the Japanese. He tells of an encounter with a Zero.  With his aircraft had already been hit and damaged, the Japanese fighter had overshot him and was in the process of stall turning to come around behind him when he presented John with a no deflection shot. Due to damage to his Spitfire he had no guns and the engine was dying. He tried to collide with the Japanese and this is where he takes up the story.","john_payne"],["308","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/john-rendall.jpg","John","Rendall","WW2","Warrant Officer","419593","John was a pilot who was trained a Mallala on Avro Ansons and was sent to England quite late in the war. As a result he was assigned as a staff pilot on Proctors flying trainee wireless operators. By the time he had completed heavy conversion onto Lancasters and crewed up the war finished. His story is about his staff piloting experiences.","john_rendall"],["309","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/john-rickard.jpg","John","Rickard",".",".",".","John joined Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation in 1942 where he worked as an engineer in the engine production department. John worked on tooling for the production of engines such as the R1340 for the Wirraway, R1820 for the Boomerang, Beaufort, Wackett Bomber and other aircraft, Merlin for Mustang, Mosquito and Lincoln. He was involved in the CAC built Nene engine for the Vampire single seat fighter. He also worked on the Avon around the time he left CAC in 1947. John talks about CAC, the aircraft and his work in the engine department.","john_rickard"],["310","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/john-rodgers.jpg","John","Rodgers","Pacific","Flying Officer","416710","John trained as a pilot at Parafield and went to Point Cook where he continued his training on Wirraways. Once he gained his wings he was posted back to Parafield as an instructor on Tiger Moths where he spent the next two years before going to Mallala in order to convert to Ansons. Toward the end of the war he converted onto Beaufighters at Williamtown and served at Morotai with 31 Squadron. He starts his tale by describing his first solo flight in a Beaufighter.","john_rodgers"],["311","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/john-tait.jpg","John","Tait","Europe","Flight Lieutenant","36040","John enlisted in the RAAF in 1941 and trained at 10 EFTS, Temora. He gained his wings in Canada on Harvards at Monkton. Sent to England, he trained as a night fighter pilot and was posted to 25 Squadron RAF flying Beaufighter IIs and Mosquitos. Later in the war he flew a wide variety of allied and captured enemy aircraft including Me110, Me 410, Siebel, Black Widow, Hellcat and Meteor. His story is about test flying enemy aircraft.","john_tait"],["312","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/john-temby.jpg","John","Temby","WW2","Flight Sergeant","431797","John enlisted in the RAAF in August 1943. He did his elementary flying training at 11 EFTS Benalla and gained his wings at Point Cook on Airspeed Oxfords. Posted to 2 AOS in Mount Gambier he spent the next 6 months as a staff pilot flying trainee navigators in Avro Ansons. He next converted to Liberators at 7 OTU in Tocumwal before being posted to 102 Squadron in Queensland. The war finished before he became operational.","john_temby"],["313","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/john-trevaskis.jpg","John","Trevaskis",".",".","O29490","John joined the RAAF in the mid-1950s as part of the National Service requirement. He was posted to Williamtown which at the time was flying a mix of Mustangs, Wirraways and Vampire aircraft. John describes some of the incidents which took place during his time there.","john_trevaskis"],["314","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/john-wherry.jpg","John","Wherry","Europe","Flying Officer","424335","John trained as a wireless operator during WWII. He was posted to 90 Squadron which was operating Stirling bombers. Operations included dropping mines and, after D-Day, paratroopers and spies in occupied France. On Sept 19th 1944 they were shot down by flak. John bailed out through the front hatch. The navigator went out before him, feet first, striking his head so hard on the coaming John said he could hear it. The navigator was killed instantly. John became a POW. He picks up the story as the aircraft, having been hit and put on fire, was going down.","john_wherry"],["315","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/john-gary-beck.jpg","John (Gary)","Beck","Vietnam","Flight Lieutenant","O19607","Having previously flown Dakotas and Caribou with 34 Squadron Gary Beck was a Flight Lieutenant when he was sent to Vietnam to fly Canberras with 2 Squadron. Based at Phan Rang he initially flew \u201cSky-spot\u2019 missions which were night time high altitude bombing but later switched to low level bombing. Gary served in the RAF for the rest of his career and at the time of the interview was head of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.","john_gary_beck"],["316","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/john-hearn.jpg","John (Jack)","Hearn","Pacific","Flight Lieutenant","410978","John \"Jack\" Hearn trained as a pilot and was posted as an instructor to 11 EFTS Benalla for most of his service. Late in the war he was posted to 5 Squadron becoming its senior officer. Jack relates a story about his interaction with Japanese just after the end of the war.","john_hearn"],["317","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/joseph-mcgrath.jpg","Joseph","McGrath","Pacific","Leading Aircraftman","118799","Joe McGrath enlisted in the RAAF in September 1942. He did his initial training at Shepparton and was then posted to Laverton for further training in RAAF Stores. His operational posting was to 75 Squadron which was then based on Goodenough Island. From there the squadron went to Milne Bay, then onto Lae, Nadzab, Cape Gloucester and finally to Aitape. Joe was discharged in 1946.","joseph_mcgrath"],["318","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/joy-marsh.jpg","Joy","Marsh","WW2","Aircraftwoman","176385","Joy enlisted in 1943 and trained as a flight mechanic. Her postings included Parkes and No.1 Central Flying School where she worked on Tiger Moths, Wirraways and Oxfords. She had just arrived in Parkes when the Japanese breakout from the PoW camp at Cowra occurred. Her story is about that event.","joy_marsh"],["319","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/kathleen-smith.jpg","Kathleen","Smith","WW2",".","63431779","Kathleen Smith (nee Hill) enlisted in the RAAF in June 1942. After training at Somers completed her clerical training in Melbourne. She was sent to Prahran working on postings for airmen. In 1944 she was posted to 7 SFTS Uranquinty where she met her future husband Noel Smith, an instructor. Despite warnings from her officer in charge about not fraternising with the officers, a romance developed between Sergeant Hill and Pilot Officer Smith. She tells this story.","kathleen_smith"],["320","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/keith-campbell.jpg","Keith","Campbell","Europe","Warrant Officer","423220","Keith enlisted in the RAAF in June 1942. He was posted to Canada to train as a bomb aimer at Air Observers School Edmonton and then Bombing and Gunnery school at Lethbridge. In England he crewed up at 27 OTU and was posted to 466 Squadron on Halifax bombers. Keith completed 33 trips of a tour of 35 but his aircraft was lost on a mission to Stuttgart on July 27th 1944, becoming a Prisoner of War in Stalag Luft 7. It was only many years after the war he discovered his aircraft was the victim of a mid-air collision and explosion rather than enemy action. He was the only survivor of both aircraft. He talks about this experience.","keith_campbell"],["321","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/keith-chamberlain.jpg","Keith","Chamberlain","Europe","Flying Officer","430200","Keith joined the RAAF in early 1943 and after training as a wireless operator in Australia was posted to Britain to join Bomber Command. His operational posting was to 460 Squadron RAAF based at Binbrook where he completed 26 missions in Lancaster AJ-K2, including some from Operation Manna Drop in early 1945. His story is about sighting 2 Me109s in bright moonlight one night over Germany.","keith_chamberlain"],["322","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/keith-gillespie.jpg","Keith","Gillespie","Europe","Flying Officer","428273","Keith was a Wireless operator\/bomb aimer who served in Bomber Command during World War II. He enlisted in October 1942, did his initial training at Somers in Victoria, and was sent to No. 1 Wireless Air Gunners school at Ballarat. He was then posted to No.3 Bombing Air Gunnery School West Sale. He was posted to Bomber Command and served in 466 Squadron RAAF and did an operational tour on Halifax bombers.","keith_gillespie"],["323","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/keith-meggs.jpg","Keith","Meggs","Korea","Flying Officer","A\/O33283","Keith Meggs began work at Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation early in 1943 as a teenager and began gliding at the end of 1945. In August 1948 he joined the Royal Australian Air Force for flying training and subsequently flew Mustangs. He graduated to Meteor Mk.8 jets in the Korean War, earning the DFM and AAM. Following this he flew Vampires in Australia and Malta. Keith rejoined the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation in 1957 working for several years on Sabres and the Ceres cropduster. He then joined the Department of Civil Aviation as an Air Traffic Controller before taking up freelance charter flying, which lasted some 25 years and culminated in a grand total of 19,460 hours attained on 109 types of aircraft. A foundation member of the Aviation Historical Society of Australia in 1959, Keith has been President since 1988. In recent years, Keith's time has been taken up in researching and writing the four volume series Australian Built Aircraft and the Industry.","keith_meggs"],["324","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/keith-oconnell.jpg","Keith","O'Connell","Malaya",".","021476","Keith O\u2019Connell enlisted in the RAAF in 1948 at the age of 18. He trained as an armourer but was later remustered as an air gunner. Keith served two tours on Lincolns in Malaya. His story is about landing on top of another Lincoln in the dark at Cloncurry.","keith_oconnell"],["325","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/keith-robey.jpg","Keith","Robey","Pacific","Flight Lieutenant","423426","Keith enlisted in the RAAF in 1942 but had gained his private A licence in 1939. He trained at Temora and later returned as an instructor. His story is about 2 Squadron Liberators in an attack on a Japanese ship where his B24 was detailed to provide cover to the rescue Catalina.","keith_robey"],["326","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/keith-routley.jpg","Keith","Routley","Pacific","Leading Aircraftman","56964","Keith enlisted in the RAAF in 1942 and trained as a wireless and radar operator. He worked as part of fighter control in the north of Australia and in New Guinea. His story is about an American raid on New Britain and the reprisal raid by the Japanese.","keith_routley"],["327","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/jock-cassels.jpg","Cunningham (Jock)","Cassels","WWII \/ Vietnam","Flight Lieutenant","O316966","This story is of Jock Cassels 37-year career in two air forces: the Royal Air Force (RAF) and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).  Born in Scotland in 1923, he joined the RAF in 1941, training as a pilot and serving in World War II.  His service included training in Rhodesia (Tiger Moths and Harvards), operational missions in the Middle East (Spitfires), and combat flying in Italy, where he was shot down. After jumping out of his Spitfire and injuring his leg, he was captured and became a prisoner of war. He was held in various camps, including Stalag Luft 3, before being liberated in 1945. \r\nPost-war, Cassels served as a flying instructor in the RAF, flew Sunderland flying boats in Coastal Command, and held administrative roles in Hong Kong and Scotland. He retired from the RAF in 1966 and emigrated to Australia soon joining the RAAF, where he flew Caribou aircraft in Australia, New Guinea, and Vietnam. He transitioned to administrative roles in the RAAF, serving in Melbourne, Canberra, and Glenbrook before retiring in 1979.\r\nHis story is a testament to a life of service, resilience, and fulfillment.","jock_cassels"],["328","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/ken-andrews.jpg","Ken","Andrews","Pacific","Flying Officer","403849","Ken Andrews served in the RAAF in WW2 as a pilot. He trained at Narrandera, Deniliquin and Williamtown and then was posted as an instructor on Tiger Moths at Tamworth. His next posting was to 52 Squadron flying Fairey Battles on anti-submarine patrols from Evans Head. A further posting as an instructor was to Uranquinty on Wirraways. After a brief posting to 9 Communications Flight he was posted to test and ferry flight delivering aircraft to the South West Pacific Area. His story is about ferrying a Wirraway to New Guinea in adverse weather.","ken_andrews"],["329","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/ken-davis.jpg","Ken","Davis","Pacific","Sergeant","126938","After enlisting in the Army Ken transferred to the RAAF as aircrew and was selected for pilot training which he did at Tamworth. He was then sent to Mallala to train on Avro Ansons and gained his wings there. As the war was drawing to a close he did not have an active posting. His story is about his cousin who was killed flying a Hudson on a supply dropping operation in New Guinea early in the war.","ken_davis"],["330","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/ken-gilkes.jpg","Ken","Gilkes","Europe","Warrant Officer","420656","Ken Gilkes enlisted in the RAAF in 1941. After elementary training at Narromine he was posted to Canada for service flying training on Cessna Cranes. Posted to England he trained as a bomber pilot on Oxfords, Wellingtons and then to a heavy conversion unity on Short Stirlings. Ken was coming in to land one night when they were attacked by a Ju88. They were shot down in flames leaving Ken badly burned","ken_gilkes"],["331","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/ken-grieg.jpg","Ken","Greig","Europe","Warrant Officer","401309","Ken enlisted in the Militia prior to the war but was keen to fly and with some difficulty transferred to the RAAF in February 1941. After initial training at Somers ken was assessed as suitable for pilot training and was posted to 3EFTS at Essendon. Selected for multi engine training he was then sent to 3SFTS at Amberley in Queensland to learn to fly Avro Ansons. After gaining his wings, he was posted to England where after more training on Hampdens and Wellingtons was posted to 408 (Canadian) Squadron flying the Merlin engine Halifax. Ken flew 14 night operations to a number of targets, on one occasion being so badly damaged by a German night fighter he carried out a successful wheels up landing at one of the emergency airfields in England. His 15th sortie was to Essen where his aircraft was shot down by a Ju88 night fighter. Two of his crew were killed but Ken landed safely near Wessel and was immediately captured. He spent the next two years as a prisoner of war in German camps. Ken speaks of being shot down and meeting his first Germans.","ken_greig"],["332","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/ken-ingham.jpg","Ken","Ingham","Pacific","Leading Aircraftman","118674","Ken enlisted in the RAAF in September 1942. He trained in Melbourne as an aircraft electrician. After a brief posting to Wagga he was posted to Menangle where 1 Squadron was being reformed, equipped with Beauforts. The squadron then moved to an airfield south of Darwin and operated over Timor. His stories are about working on Beauforts and how he was hit by 'friendly' fire. He was discharged in April 1946 after working at No2 OTU Mildura.","ken_ingham"],["333","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/ken-kenchington.jpg","Ken","Kenchington",".","Unknown","A587825","Ken Kenchington was an engine fitter with the RAF. In his early days he worked on Merlins, Napier Sabres and even had to section a Junkers Jumo 004. In the 1950s he was serving with a RAF squadron based in Singapore equipped with Shackeltons and tells of a runaway propeller on one of the Griffon engines.","ken_kenchington"],["334","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/ken-mcgee.jpg","Ken","McGee","Middle East","Warrant Officer","420979","Ken enlisted in the RAAF in December 1941. He did his elementary flying training at Temora. Service flying training was undertaken at Camp Borden in Canada on Harvards. Posted to England, he spent almost a year waiting for a posting, via the Middle East to India. Although he trained as a Spitfire pilot he was posted to a Thunderbolt squadron. They did a variety of work including army support, escorts and patrols. He remained flying Thunderbolts until the end of the war. He was discharged in December 1945.","ken_mcgee"],["335","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/ken-munro.jpg","Ken","Munro","Europe","Flight Lieutenant","427604","Ken enlisted in the RAAF in 1942 after a short time in the Army in Western Australia. His mustering was as an observer and he was sent to Canada for his navigation training. On graduation he was sent to England and did further training in airborne radar. That led to a posting to 456 Squadron RAAF operating Mosquito night fighters. Their work was varied and included chasing V1 flying bombs known as \"Divers\" and also intruder missions over enemy territory attacking trains and airfields. Ken describes attacking airfields on moonlit nights.","ken_munro"],["336","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/ken-scott.jpg","Ken","Scott","WW2","Leading Aircraftman","A85172","Ken Scott was an engine fitter who enlisted in July 1944. He trained at Ascot Vale in Melbourne before being posted to 4 Aircraft Depot at Boulder, Western Australia. He worked mainly on Pratt and Whitney R1820 engines fitted to Beauforts and Boomerangs.","ken_scott"],["337","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/ken-semmler.jpg","Ken","Semmler","Vietnam",".",".","Ken Semmler, MiD was a fighter pilot with the RAAF in the 1960s. He flew Sabres and the first Mirages in Malaysia and Singapore. In 1970 he served in Vietnam as a Forward Air Controller flying OV-10 Broncos. His story is about how the OV-10 was used in the role of \"armed FAC\u201d.","ken_semmler"],["338","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/ken-taylor.jpg","Ken","Taylor","WW2","Leading Aircraftman","444813","Ken was a pilot trainee at 10 EFTS Temora in 1944. He has several stories about being at 10 EFTS during his training.","ken_taylor"],["339","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/ken-wright403176.jpg","Ken","Wright","Europe","Warrant Officer","403176","Ken Wright was a photo reconnaissance Spitfire pilot in Europe. On his 20th operation where he was to photograph the Bremerhaven Canal he was shot down. He spent the remainder of the war as a PoW. He describes how he was shot down.","ken_wright403176"],["340","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/ken-wright.jpg","Ken","Wright","WW2","Flight Sergeant","442534","Ken enlisted in the RAAF in September 1943 and was sent to 4 ITS in Queensland for initial training. He was posted to 1 EFTS Parafield for elementary flying training. When he arrived in Canada for further training he discovered his course had been postponed so spent many months doing what was called 'useful duties' such as weeding and kitchen duties. By the end of October 1944 the wait was over and Ken was posted to Canada to 7 SFTS Macleod. Here he flew Cessna Crane aircraft, going solo after four hours. By the time he graduated in February 1945 it was decided not to send any more pilots to operational training. Ken was sent home and discharged with the rank of Flight Sergeant in September 1945. Ken talks about his training in Australia and Canada.","ken_wright"],["341","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/kenneth-jenkin.jpg","Kenneth","Jenkin","WW2","Leading Aircraftman","158087","Ken Jenkin enlisted in the RAAF in October 1944 and was trained as a fitter in Adelaide. His first posting was to 1 Communications Unit at Essendon working on a variety of aircraft including VIP. He also spent time with 36 Squadron at the end of the war working on Dakotas. He describes his time with 36 Squadron.","kenneth_jenkin"],["342","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/kenneth-wohack.jpg","Kenneth","Wohack","Vietnam",".","432385084","Ken has been flying since the late 1940s. He had a 31 year career in the military and flew Caribou aircraft in Vietnam. His story is about the capabilities of the Caribou in that theatre.","kenneth_wohack"],["343","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/kerry-clark.jpg","Kerry","Clark",".",".","A61503","Kerry was an aircraft fitter who joined the RAAF in 1965. He was posted to 481 Maintenance Squadron in Butterworth working with Mirage aircraft. The maintenance squadron was responsible for the \u2018D\u2019 and \u2018E\u2019 servicing which involved the almost complete dismantling and rebuilding of the aircraft. Kerry describes his role in this.","kerry_clark"],["344","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/kevan-smith.jpg","Kevan","Smith","Europe","Warrant Officer","428380","Kevan enlisted in the RAAF in October 1942 and after initial training at 1 ITS Somers was posted to Canada for further training as a Wireless Operator Air Gunner. He flew in Fleet Forts for his wireless training and Bolingbrokes for gunnery training. At the completion of the gunnery course there were lots drawn for the location of operational training. After swapping a couple of times with others he wound up with a posting to Bermuda to train on Mitchells and Liberators. He was part of a crew to fly a new B24 in stages from the Ford factory at Willow Run to England. On arrival he was posted to Brighton where due to illness the rest of his crew were posted off without him. He was then posted to a Halifax Heavy Conversion Unit and then posted to 517 Squadron of Coastal Command. He flew 35 trips doing meteorological flights over the Bay of Biscay and other areas in support of Bombing Command raids, often taking off in appalling conditions. His poignant story is about something that happened at the end of his service.","kevan_smith"],["345","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/kevin-flanagan.jpg","Kevin","Flanagan","Pacific","Flight Sergeant","435935","Kevin joined the RAAF in November 1943. He did his elementary flying training at Narromine and gained his wings at Uranquinty. His next posting was to No. 2 Operational Training Unit at Mildura. Here he learn to fly the Kittyhawk. He was posted to Morotai and then to 80 Squadron at Tarakan. This was where he was located when the war ended.","kevin_flanagan"],["346","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/kevin-hurley.jpg","Kevin","Hurley","Europe","Warrant Officer","433467","Kevin joined the RAAF in 1943. He was posted to No 8 Elementary Flying Training School at Narrandera. His service flying training was at Uranquinty. He was sent to England as a duty pilot at a secret base flying ViPs in Stinson L5 and Dakota aircraft. Later he was sent as part of flying control to an Australian Halifax base with 466 Squadron but did not do any operational flying.","kevin_hurley"],["347","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/kevin-oreilly.jpg","Kevin","Oreilly",".",".",".","Kevin was brought up at Nhill during the war, with an intense interest in No1 Air Observers School which operated there during the war. In the mid-1950s Kevin served with the RAAF as a radio operator, part of the National Service scheme. His story is about a wartime incident with a Vulltee Vengeance which was being ferried via Nhill.","kevin_oreilly"],["348","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/kevin-pyke.jpg","Kevin","Pyke",".",".","O55481","Kevin joined the RAAF in 1957. He trained as a pilot at Uranquinty on Winjeels and then advanced flying on Vampire T35s at Pearce in Western Australia. His first operational posting was to 23 Squadron at Amberley in Queensland flying a variety of aircraft, chiefly the Meteor. While he was there he flew A77-851, the same number as the Museum\u2019s Meteor represents. After time with 77 Squadron at Butterworth Kevin served as a flying instructor, training among others, Bruce Wood. His story is about the powered controls of the Sabre aircraft.","kevin_pyke"],["349","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/kevin-stephens.jpg","Kevin","Stephens","Vietnam",".","3789504","Kevin was a machine gunner in 7 Royal Australian Regiment Australian Army during the Vietnam War. He was badly wounded in a Vietcong ambush and was evacuated by a 9 Squadron 'Dustoff' helicopter. He tells how they almost lost him as he was being winched aboard.","kevin_stephens"],["350","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/kevin-sylvester.jpg","Kevin","Sylvester","Malaya",".","A216978","Kevin joined the RAAF in 1955 as an engineering apprentice at Forest Hill (Wagga). After his training he was posted to 75 Squadron at Williamtown working on Sabres. He transferred to 76 Squadron. He was next posted to 3 Squadron at Butterworth in Malaya before being posted to 79 Squadron at Ubon in Thailand. On his return to Australia he was transferred to maintain the Hercules C130 flight simulator. His story is about electrical aspects of the Sabre aircraft.","kevin_sylvester"],["351","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/kris-sieczkowski.jpg","Kris","Sieczkowski",".",".",".","Kris joined the Raaf in 2008 as a direct entry. He trained at tamworth on the CT4 then at pearce on the PC9, transitioning there to jets on the Hawk. He then converted to the Hornet with 76 Squadron and in 2015 was posted to the Middle East for a tour with 75 Sqaudron conducting ground attacks as part of Operation Okra. Kris is currently an instructor with 76 Sqadron at the time of this interview. He speaks about his time on overseas operations.","kris_sieczkowski"],["352","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/lady-nanette-smith.jpg","Lady Nannette","Smith","WW2",".",".","Lady Nanette Smith is the widow of Admiral Sir Victor Smith, who was a naval aviator during WW2. He once led a flight of 6 Swordfish aircraft in an attack on the Scharnhorst. Lady Smith talks about how hard it was on the wives of men at sea.","lady_nannette_smith"],["353","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/lance-halverson.jpg","Lance","Halvorson","Vietnam","Flying Officer","O51382","Lance joined the RAAF in 1962 and trained at the School of Air Navigation. He was sent to a Canberra OCU, and was then posted to 1 Squadron which was sent to Butterworth in Malaya in 1964. After he had completed his two year tour, the Vietnam conflict kept the squadrons busy with a 6 month rotation sequence. In Vietnam he was based at Phan Rang and was involved in \u2018Skyspot\u2019 bombing using radar at night.","lance_halvorson"],["354","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/lang-kidby.jpg","Lang","Kidby",".","Unknown","39269","In High School Lang was part of the Army Reserve. He joined up in January 1967 with the aim of becoming a pilot. He was one of only two out of more than 200 to be selected for pilot training on Winjeels at Point Cook. After graduation he was posted as a platoon commander at the age of 19 and was later introduced to the Cessna 180 and Pilatus Porter. He went on to fly Porters for almost 3000 hours in Australia and New Guinea as well as Queen Air for aerial mapping in Indonesia and some 90 other types both military and civillian. He has been involved in several re-enactments, the most notable being Bert Hinkler's solo flight to Australia which Lang did in an Avro Avian in 1998, and the Vickers Vimy replica  flight from London to Darwin in 1992. Lang's story is about his flood work near Moree as a young Porter pilot.","lang_kidby"],["355","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/laurie-tucker.jpg","Laurie","Tucker",".",".","212434","Laurie joined the RAAF in the 1950s and was trained as an armourer. Posted to Butterworth he worked on the early jet aircraft. Laurie describes how easy or difficult the aircraft were to work on.","laurie_tucker"],["356","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/lawrence-mcintosh.jpg","Lawrence","McIntosh","Europe","Squadron Leader","403596","Laurie McIntosh enlisted in the RAAF in 1941 and after learning to fly on Tiger Moths at Narrandera he was sent to Uplands in Canada to train on Harvards. Once in England he was posted to train glider pilots on Hotspurs and he describes a very near miss.","lawrence_mcintosh"],["357","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/laurie-larmer.jpg","Laurie","Larmer","Europe","Flying Officer","430037","Laurie enlisted in the RAAF in late 1942. He was selected for pilot training and did his elementary training at 11 EFTS Benalla. He was posted to Canada for the next phases of training on Cessna Cranes at Dauphin in July 1943. Posted to England he did his operational training on Wellingtons at Lichfield and in March 1945 was posted to 51 Squadron based at Snaith for operational flying on Mk III Halifax aircraft. He completed six operations and when the war in Europe ended was posted to 466 Squadron. He left the RAAF in early 1946 with the rank of Flying Officer. He talks about fear and a near-miss experience.","laurie _larmer"],["358","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/lee-constain.jpg","Leigh","Costain","Gulf","Commander","O43376","Lee Costain joined the Navy in 1967 and was trained to fly fixed wing aircraft. He converted to helicopters with 5 Squadron and later flew a variety of helicopters including the UH-1B, 1-H and Sea Kings. He was involved in the Gulf War and tells of his experiences there.","leigh_costain"],["359","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/len-marjason.JPG","Len","Marjason","Middle East","Pilot Officer","424196","Len Marjason enlisted in the RAAF in 1942. He did his elementary flying training at 10 EFTS Temora. He was sent to Canada to train on multi engine aircraft and was then posted via England to the Middle East where he trained on B24s in Cairo. He was posted with 37 Squadron RAF flying B24 Liberators from Italy.","len_marjason"],["360","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/len-wedgemund.jpg","Len","Wedgemund",".",".",".","Len was in a protected industry so learnt to fly after the war. He flew DC3s and was also involved as a flying instructor on a Ryan ST-M aircraft.","len_wedgemund"],["361","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/leo-plumridge.jpg","Leo","Plumridge","Pacific","Flight Lieutenant","412342","Leo Plumridge enlisted in the RAAF in 1941 and trained as a pilot. He flew a tour with 32 Squadron on Beauforts doing coastal patrols and then was posted to 7 Squadron based at Aitape in New Guinea doing operations against Japanese targets. Leo was discharged in early 1946 as a Flight Lieutenant. His story is about being hit by groundfire.","leo_plumridge"],["362","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/leonard-candy.jpg","Leonard","Candy","Middle East","Warrant Officer","50074","Len trained as a fighter pilot, doing his elementary flying training at Western Junction in Tasmania and his service flying training at Deniliquin. On his first night flight during advanced training his undercarriage would not lower so he executed a wheels up landing in a Wirraway. Posted to the U.K. in January 1944 he discovered there was no demand for fighter pilots so spent the next ten months as duty pilot and doing various courses before doing a multi engine conversion which resulted in a posting to Transport Command. His posting was onto Dakotas in India with 31 Squadron RAF where he served until the end of the war.","leonard_candy"],["363","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/les-bennett.jpg","Les","Bennett","Korea","Corporal","A32161","Les trained at Wagga as an Electrical Engineer. His first posting was to Sale, where he worked on Tiger Moths, Wirraways, Mustangs and Lincolns. His next posting was to 38 Squadron at Richmond. He was then transferred to 77 Squadron in Korea, working on Mustangs. After Korea, Les returned to Australia where he worked on Canberras at Amberley. He left the RAAF in 1986 and served as a reservist until 2000.","les_bennett"],["364","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/les-coleman.JPG","Les","Coleman","Korea","Aircraftman","A32698","Les went to work at Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation as a 15 year old in 1945 and was there at the start of Mustang production. On turning 18 he enlisted in the RAAF and was trained as a radio technician. His first posting was to 1 AD Laverton. He was posted to Korea near the end of the war there working on radio compass installations in Meteors at Kimpo and in Japan. He was later posted to 38 Squadron. He remained in the RAAF for 9 years. His story is about being sucked into the intake of a Meteor during a scramble in Korea.","les_coleman"],["365","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/les-shadbolt.jpg","Les","Shadbolt (aka Sinclair)","Pacific","Sergeant","33296","Les was posted to 4 Squadron fairly early in the New Guinea campaign. He recalls when the famous \u2018Archer shot down a Zero\u2019 episode. He was there when Archer returned and saw his observer Coulston climb onto the wing as they were taxiing. The ground crew thought Archer must have been wounded.","les_shadbolt"],["366","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/les-vaughan.jpg","Les","Vaughan","Europe",".",".","Born in 1919 Les enlisted in june 1942. He was mustered as an air gunner and posted to the USA where he undertook a gunnery course near Boston. After further training in England he was posted to 467 Sqaudron RAAF flying in Lancasters and completed a tour before a posting as a gunnery instructor. He flew 9 operations in the famous 'S-Sugar' now preserved at hendon in England. This aircraft bears the famous statement by Goering \"No enemy plane will fly over the Reich territory\". He reached the rank of Flight Lieutenant before discharge from the RAAF in May 1945. Les talks about Lancaster S-Sugar.","les_vaughan"],["367","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/leslie-bailey.jpg","Leslie","Bailey","Europe",".","R25238","Les Bailey joined the Royal Navy in World War Two and trained as a Telegraphist Air Gunner. This was followed by further training as a Navigator. He was posted to Malta where he crewed on Swordfish and later Beauforts. He joined the RAN Fleet Air Arm when he moved to Australia and spent time on board HMAS Melbourne and Sydney on Fireflies. He was also involved at Nowra for many years as a Range Officer. His story is from Malta when he was with 813 Swordfish Squadron.","leslie_bailey"],["368","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/lester-tims.jpg","Lester","Tims","Europe","Warrant Officer","423934","Lester Tims enlisted in the RAAF in 1942. He trained at 10 EFTS Temora and gained his wings on Wirraways at Deniliquin. From there he was posted to 1 BAGS at Evans Head as a staff pilot on Fairey Battles. He was then posted to 451 Squadron in England on Spitfires, arriving after D Day. Most of the work was Army Co-operation attacking ground targets. He was discharged in 1946.","lester_tims"],["369","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/lewis-evans.jpg","Lewis","Evans","WW2","Flight Lieutenant","411591","Lew Evans enlisted in the RAAF in 1941 and after training was posted to 10 EFTS Temora as an instructor. He served at Temora for 18 months. Lew was later posted as a staff pilot at the General Reconnaissance School and was discharged in October 1945. Lew describes the make up of the instructional staff at Temora and also what they were allowed to fly to keep up their level of interest.","lewis_evans"],["370","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/lewis-munson.jpg","Lewis","Munson","Middle East","Wing Commander","414065 (O218089)","Lew did his elementary flying training at Archerfield and advanced flying training on Wiraways at Wagga. In April 1943 he was sent to the United Kingdom. His first operational posting was to 132 Squadron RAF based in East Anglia flying Mk Vb Spitfires doing coastal convoy cover. He was with the squadron for 18 months, transitioning onto the Mk IXb. After a six month stint instructing at an Operational Training Unit he was posted to 41 Squadron on Mk XIV Spitfires. He stayed with that squadron until VE Day. Lew's stories are about combat with Fw 190s.","lewis_munson"],["371","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/lindsay-mckee.jpg","Lindsay","McKee","Vietnam","Corporal","A18738","Lindsay McKee enlisted in the RAAF in 1959 as a driver but retrained as a radio and radar technician.  He served in Vietnam with 2 Squadron based at Phan Rang. Lindsay describes some incidents which occurred during his time there.","lindsay_mckee"],["372","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/lindsay-richards.JPG","Lindsay","Richards","Europe","Flying Officer","436276","Lindsay trained as a pilot at No.10 Elementary Flying Training School, Temora in early 1943 on 38 Course. His service flying training was at 5 SFTS, Uranquinty where he gained his wings flying Wirraways. Sent to England he was posted to 451 Squadron RAAF. His story is of the raw power of the Griffon-engine Spitfire.","lindsay_richards"],["373","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/lloyd-jeffree.jpg","Lloyd","Jeffree","Europe","Warrant Officer","432426","Lloyd enlisted in the RAAF in 1942. He trained at 10 EFTS and has the Museum's Tiger Moth in his logbook. He was posted to England but due to a surplus of pilots at the time he was sent to Scotland as a drogue operator on Miles Martinets. Later he was posted to Thorney Island where he flew Ansons with an Air Sea development unit. As a child of 14 he used to ride his bike to Mascot to see the aeroplanes, on one of these visits he saw two aeroplanes being washed and the man asked, What do you want sonny? He said I want a ride in a plane, to which the reply was you can't do that run away. One of the aircraft was a silver Ryan ST and the othe a Tiger moth VH-UVZ (the TAM Tiger Moth). Move forward 4 years and his first flight after enlistment was at 10 EFTS in Tiger moth A17-691 (VH-UVZ). He went solo after 7.5hrs instruction. In 2010 he returned to the Museum to reaquaint himself with '691' and today in 2020 he is still in touch with the Museum at age 96.","lloyd_jeffree"],["374","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/lloyd-knight.JPG","Lloyd","Knight","Korea","Sergeant","A37573","Lloyd enlisted in the RAAF in 1951, trained on Tiger Moths, Wirraways, Vampires and Mustangs before a posting to 77 Sqn took him to Iwakuni in Japan to convert to Meteors for the last part of the Korean War. He completed 35 ground attack missions before his time expired and he came back to Australia for a period as an instructor on Wirraways and Winjeels at Point Cook. His next posting was to 38 Sqn on C47s and the then new C1030 Hercules transport. He then trained on rotary wing aircraft and also instructed on Iroquois before being posted to Vietnam with 9 Squadron to fly the troopship version of the Iroquois. His story is about taking a hit from flak during a rocket attack in a Meteor during the Korean War.","lloyd_knight"],["375","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/lyall-skinner.jpg","Lyall","Skinner","Europe","Flying Officer","442436","Lyall was a light bomber pilot. He served in the Mediterranean theatre flying Beauforts and then Baltimores. After completing a tour with 69 Squadron RAF on Malta he was posted to a photo reconnaissance squadron where he flew Spitfire PR XI and Mosquitos. His story is about the time when he was based in Italy doing PRU work.","lyall_skinner"],["376","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/Abraham-Lyle.jpg","Lyle","Abraham","Pacific","Leading Aircraftman","40392","Lyle joined the Air Force in 1941.  He did a stint of rookies at Mt Gambier Air Observer School. He then posted to the Engineering School in Melbourne, where he was trained as an engine mechanic, and later trained to become a fitter 2E. He was briefly posted to No. 7 Squadron at Laverton, and then to No. 32 Squadron at Port Moresby, where the Japanese were raiding quite heavily and they lost a lot of aircraft and crew. After six months duty, he returned with his squadron to Camden and the squadron was reformed with Beaufort bombers, but Lyle was quickly posted to Richmond, where he joined the No. 84 Squadron in early 1943. The squadron was transported to Horn Island, from where they patrolled the New Guinea coast.  Lyle survived a bombing raid by 100 Japanese aircraft there. Later, Lyle was posted to 5 Communications Flight in Townsville. His story is about the formation of 32 Squadron after the fall of Malaya and his experiences on Horn Island. Lyle was discharged in 1947.","lyle_abraham"],["377","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/lynton-mathews.jpg","Lynton","Matthews",".","Flight Lieutenant","O319187","Lynton enlisted in 1971 after having had some previous civilian flying training. After initial training on Winjeels at Point Cook he was posted to Pearce to continue on Macchis. Upon gaining his wings he was posted to 5 Squadron where he converted to Huey helicopters and was the among first group not to be sent to Vietnam. He went on to do a tour on Caribous and then Hercules and flew varied missions in Australia, New Guinea as well as ferrying a Caribou to Pakistan. By the 1990s Lynton was in the Air Force reserves and became one of the pilots for the RAAF Museum at Point Cook, flying the Sopwith Pup replica, Harvard and Winjeel. He retired in 2014 after a flying career of 44 years.","lynton_matthews"],["378","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/lysle-roberts.jpg","Lysle","Roberts","Europe","Flight Lieutenant","432618","Lysle enlisted in the RAAF in January 1943 and did his elementary flying training at Narranderra. He gained his wings at Uranquinty and was posted to No2 OTU at Mildura to train on Spitfires. He was posted to 457 Squadron where he served until 1944. Posted to 2AD his next role was to ferry aircraft to and from operational units. His story is about a hairy trip ferrying war weary Kittyhawks back to Australia. Lysle was discharged in 1946.","lysle_roberts"],["379","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/mac-cottrell.jpg","Mac","Cottrell","Vietnam","Group Captain","O316174","\u2018Mac\u2019 Cottrell was a RAAF Sabre pilot who volunteered for duty in Vietnam as a Forward Air Controller, or \u2018FAC\u2019. In 1968 he was a Flying Officer with a few hundred hours experience on Sabres.  His training involved an Air Support unit course which was followed by a carrier landing course and liaison and FAC courses where he learned the ground part of the job. Mac\u2019s involvement early on in the conflict meant he flew the Cessna 01G Bird Dog, often under fire from the enemy whilst searching for and marking targets for air strikes by other aircraft. Sometimes they worked with Australian Canberras but more often with US aircraft. Mac served with the 3rd Brigade, 1st US Infantry Division, and he was made a combat tactical instructor.","mac_cottrell"],["380","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/mac-ford.jpg","Mac","Ford","WW2","Leading Aircraftman","143309","Mac enlisted in the RAAF in July 1943 not long after turning 18. His parents refused permission for him to go into aircrew so he trained as an airframe rigger and was posted to Mallala in South Australia. Here he worked on the Ansons being used by the service training school. He was later posted to 99 Squadron based at Leyburn in north Queensland to work on the B24 aircraft. The squadron was subsequently transferred to Darwin and was almost operational when the war ended. Their last operations involved returning Australian PoWs from Darwin to the southern capital cities. Mac stayed on and was posted to work on Catalinas of 112 Air Sea Rescue Flight. While he was there he was involved in a cunning plan to make a Dakota airworthy to take himself and others to Melbourne. He tells this story.","mac_ford"],["381","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/margaret-laidlaw.jpg","Margaret","Laidlaw","WW2","Unknown",".","Margaret was a WAAF. She enlisted in Melbourne and underwent training. She was posted to Townsville where she worked as a cypher clerk, encoding and decoding messages. She tells of her work and an incident where a possible spy tried to infiltrate.","margaret_laidlaw"],["382","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/mark-binskin.jpg","Mark","Binskin",".","Air Chief Marshal",".","Air Chief marshal Mark Binskin AC joined the RAN in 1978. After officer training at Cresswell he was posted to Point Cook for flying training on 106 pilots course on the CT4. He was then posted to Pearce for advanced flying on the Macchi Trainer. On graduation he went to KHMAS Albatross, Nowra to complete the lead in fighter course, converting to the A4 Skyhawk. His next posting was then posted to 724 Squadron on HMAS Melbourne where he qualified on deck landings. He then went on an exchange to the RAAF to learn to fly the Mirage. It was at the time the Navy decided not to operate fixed wing aircraft and Mark transferred permanently to the RAAF, ultimately becoming Chief of the Australian Defence Forces. Mark speaks about deck landing the A4.","mark_binskin"],["383","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/mark-carr.jpg","Mark","Carr",".",".","O114148","Mark joined the RAN in the 1970s and after training at Point Cook and Pearce converted to the Grumman Tracker at Nowra. He served on HMAS Melbourne flying the Tracker. He later flew P3 Orions. Mark transferred to the RAAF becoming an instructor on the Macchi and later on the Orion. At the time of this interview he flies A330s for Cathay and maintains a fleet of warbirds at the former 11EFTS, Benalla.","mark_carr"],["384","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/mark-lax.jpg","Mark","Lax",".","Group Captain","O228400","Mark enlisted in the RAAF in 1974 and after pilot training was reclassified as a navigator and posted to 37 Squadron on Hercules aircraft. He later underwent fighter training and was posted to 1 Squadron on F111s. After several overseas postings he transferred to ARDU focusing on F111 trials. Mark first talks about the C130, then missile trials and some of his overseas experiences.","mark_lax"],["385","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/mark-orouke.jpg","Mark","O'Rourke",".",".","27543","Mark was conscripted into the RAAF as part of National Service in the 1950s. Despite his first preference as a photographer he was trained as a pay clerk based at Fairbairn in Canberra.","mark_orourke"],["386","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/mark-roberts.jpg","Mark","Roberts","Europe","Warrant Officer","432274","Mark Roberts trained at 8 EFTS Narrandera followed by 5 SFTS Uranquinty. Mark was posted to England where he did further training on Miles Master 11 aircraft. He was then posted to the Middle East where he finished his training on Hurricanes and P40s. His operational posting was to 450 Squadron RAAF. His work there was mostly ground attacks on German targets. Mark was almost shot down by a FW 190.","mark_roberts"],["387","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/mark-skidmore.JPG","Mark","Skidmore",".",".","O49392","Air Vice-Marshal Mark Skidmore AM trained as a pilot in the RAAF during the 1980s. His career included training as a test pilot at Patuxent River in the USA. Mark\u2019s career highlights included commanding ARDU in South Australia, Director of New Air Operations Capability and Joint Force Air Operations Commander. He was selected to be the test pilot for the RAAF Museum\u2019s Bristol Boxkite replica in 2013. He speaks about his first flight in the Boxkite.","mark_skidmore"],["388","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/mark-wallace.jpg","Mark","Wallace",".",".","S3119012","Mark joined the Fleet Air Arm RAN in 1976 and worked as an engineer. He became involved with the Historic Flight and his story is about the destruction of a historic helicopter at Schofields. Mark was actively involved with the Temora Aviation Museum and was often part of the commentary team.","mark_wallace"],["389","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/marshall-burgess.jpg","Marshall","Burgess","WW2","Flight Lieutenant","422416","Marshall Burgess trained at Temora on Tiger Moth Aircraft. He went on to fly Catalina Flying Boats on long missions laying mines and was also involved in anti-shipping and bombing operations.","marshall_burgess"],["390","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/bob-marshall-george.jpg","Marshall (Bob)","George","Pacific","Flying Officer","420655","Bob George enlisted in November 1941. He learned to fly on Tiger Moths at No 6 and then No8 EFTS before being posted to Canada to do his service flying training at Camp Borden in Ontario. Bob was posted to England and did a course in Photo Reconnaissance, training around the north of Scotland and the Shetland Islands. After completing training Bob was posted to Burma for operational flying with 681 Squadron. Bob flew many PR missions in Spitfire PR V and PRXI photographing roads, river traffic and bomb damage as well as potential targets. Bob describes the Spitfire: \u201cIt was an icon, all the big pilots swore by it.\u201d Bob George enlisted in November 1941. He learned to fly on Tiger Moths at No 6 and then No8 EFTS before being posted to Canada to do his service flying training at Camp Borden in Ontario. Bob was posted to England and did a course in Photo Reconnaissance, training around the north of Scotland and the Shetland Islands. After completing training Bob was posted to Burma for operational flying with 681 Squadron. Bob flew many PR missions in Spitfire PR V and PRXI photographing roads, river traffic and bomb damage as well as potential targets. Bob describes the Spitfire: \u201cIt was an icon, all the big pilots swore by it.\u201d Bob George enlisted in November 1941. He learned to fly on Tiger Moths at No 6 and then No8 EFTS before being posted to Canada to do his service flying training at Camp Borden in Ontario. Bob was posted to England and did a course in Photo Reconnaissance, training around the north of Scotland and the Shetland Islands. After completing training Bob was posted to Burma for operational flying with 681 Squadron. Bob flew many PR missions in Spitfire PR V and PRXI photographing roads, river traffic and bomb damage as well as potential targets. Bob describes the Spitfire: \u201cIt was an icon, all the big pilots swore by it.\u201d Bob George enlisted in November 1941. He learned to fly on Tiger Moths at No 6 and then No8 EFTS before being posted to Canada to do his service flying training at Camp Borden in Ontario. Bob was posted to England and did a course in Photo Reconnaissance, training around the north of Scotland and the Shetland Islands. After completing training Bob was posted to Burma for operational flying with 681 Squadron. Bob flew many PR missions in Spitfire PR V and PRXI photographing roads, river traffic and bomb damage as well as potential targets. Bob describes the Spitfire: \u201cIt was an icon, all the big pilots swore by it.\u201d Bob George enlisted in November 1941. He learned to fly on Tiger Moths at No 6 and then No8 EFTS before being posted to Canada to do his service flying training at Camp Borden in Ontario. Bob was posted to England and did a course in Photo Reconnaissance, training around the north of Scotland and the Shetland Islands. After completing training Bob was posted to Burma for operational flying with 681 Squadron. Bob flew many PR missions in Spitfire PR V and PRXI photographing roads, river traffic and bomb damage as well as potential targets. Bob describes the Spitfire: \u201cIt was an icon, all the big pilots swore by it.\u201d Bob George enlisted in November 1941. He learned to fly on Tiger Moths at No 6 and then No8 EFTS before being posted to Canada to do his service flying training at Camp Borden in Ontario. Bob was posted to England and did a course in Photo Reconnaissance, training around the north of Scotland and the Shetland Islands. After completing training Bob was posted to Burma for operational flying with 681 Squadron. Bob flew many PR missions in Spitfire PR V and PRXI photographing roads, river traffic and bomb damage as well as potential targets. Bob describes the Spitfire: \u201cIt was an icon, all the big pilots swore by it.\u201d Bob George enlisted in November 1941. He learned to fly on Tiger Moths at No 6 and then No8 EFTS before being posted to Canada to do his service flying training at Camp Borden in Ontario. Bob was posted to England and did a course in Photo Reconnaissance, training around the north of Scotland and the Shetland Islands. After completing training Bob was posted to Burma for operational flying with 681 Squadron. Bob flew many PR missions in Spitfire PR V and PRXI photographing roads, river traffic and bomb damage as well as potential targets. Bob describes the Spitfire: \u201cIt was an icon, all the big pilots swore by it.\u201d Bob George enlisted in November 1941. He learned to fly on Tiger Moths at No 6 and then No8 EFTS before being posted to Canada to do his service flying training at Camp Borden in Ontario. Bob was posted to England and did a course in Photo Reconnaissance, training around the north of Scotland and the Shetland Islands. After completing training Bob was posted to Burma for operational flying with 681 Squadron. Bob flew many PR missions in Spitfire PR V and PRXI photographing roads, river traffic and bomb damage as well as potential targets. Bob describes the Spitfire: \u201cIt was an icon, all the big pilots swore by it.\u201d Bob George enlisted in November 1941. He learned to fly on Tiger Moths at No 6 and then No8 EFTS before being posted to Canada to do his service flying training at Camp Borden in Ontario. Bob was posted to England and did a course in Photo Reconnaissance, training around the north of Scotland and the Shetland Islands. After completing training Bob was posted to Burma for operational flying with 681 Squadron. Bob flew many PR missions in Spitfire PR V and PRXI photographing roads, river traffic and bomb damage as well as potential targets. Bob describes the Spitfire: \u201cIt was an icon, all the big pilots swore by it.\u201d Bob George enlisted in November 1941. He learned to fly on Tiger Moths at No 6 and then No8 EFTS before being posted to Canada to do his service flying training at Camp Borden in Ontario. Bob was posted to England and did a course in Photo Reconnaissance, training around the north of Scotland and the Shetland Islands. After completing training Bob was posted to Burma for operational flying with 681 Squadron. Bob flew many PR missions in Spitfire PR V and PRXI photographing roads, river traffic and bomb damage as well as potential targets. Bob describes the Spitfire: \u201cIt was an icon, all the big pilots swore by it.\u201d Bob George enlisted in November 1941. He learned to fly on Tiger Moths at No 6 and then No8 EFTS before being posted to Canada to do his service flying training at Camp Borden in Ontario. Bob was posted to England and did a course in Photo Reconnaissance, training around the north of Scotland and the Shetland Islands. After completing training Bob was posted to Burma for operational flying with 681 Squadron. Bob flew many PR missions in Spitfire PR V and PRXI photographing roads, river traffic and bomb damage as well as potential targets. Bob describes the Spitfire: \u201cIt was an icon, all the big pilots swore by it.\u201d Bob George enlisted in November 1941. He learned to fly on Tiger Moths at No 6 and then No8 EFTS before being posted to Canada to do his service flying training at Camp Borden in Ontario. Bob was posted to England and did a course in Photo Reconnaissance, training around the north of Scotland and the Shetland Islands. After completing training Bob was posted to Burma for operational flying with 681 Squadron. Bob flew many PR missions in Spitfire PR V and PRXI photographing roads, river traffic and bomb damage as well as potential targets. Bob describes the Spitfire: \u201cIt was an icon, all the big pilots swore by it.\u201d","bob_marshall_george"],["391","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/mary-downer.jpg","Mary","Downer (nee Gosse)","Pacific","Gunner","SF84344","Lady Mary Downer served as a driver with 58th Searchlight Brigade and was posted to Western Australia where the searchlights were used for coastal defence. Lady Downer describes a \u2018red alert\u2019 and a vehicle fire.","mary_downer"],["392","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/matt-hall.JPG","Matt","Hall","Iraq","Wing Commander","O237986","Matt Hall enlisted in the RAAF through the direct entry scheme in 1991. After officer training he learned to fly on the CT4 aircraft at Point Cook. It was then onto Macchi trainers, followed by the Hornet. He served on a number of squadrons and was working as an instructor on the FA 18A before being posted to the USAF as an instructor on the F15 Strike Eagle. In 2003 he was sent to the Middle East as a strike pilot operating with the USAF in the operations against Iraq. Matt retired from the RAAF in 2008 with the rank of Wing Commander.","matt_hall"],["393","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/max-brown.jpg","Max","Brown","WW2","Flying Officer","418338","Max enlisted in 1942 and was posted to 11 EFTS Benalla for his initial training. He opted for multi engine training and gained his wings at Mallala in South Australia on Avro Ansons. After 6 months as a staff pilot at the General Reconnaissance school at Mt. Gambier, Max completed his operational training at East Sale on Beauforts. He was then posted to 8 Squadron. There, he flew 98 missions and was then posted to Test and Ferry Flight at Laverton. In early 1945 Max was selected to fly the Beaufort in company with the Lancaster G for George on a war bonds tour around Australia, including Temora. His last posting was with the Central Gunnery School at Cressy where he flew evasive tactics in the Beaufort against Spitfires.","max_brown"],["394","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/max-carland.jpg","Max","Carland","Pacific","Flying Officer","57712","Max enlisted in the military in 1941 and remustered for pilot training in 1943. He learnt to fly Tiger Moths at 11 EFTS Benalla and gained his wings at Deniliquin. His next posting was to 2 OTU in Mildura where he trained on Kittyhawks. His operational posting was to 76 Squadron on Noemfoor Island where he completed a tour before the end of the war. He then became part of 81 Wing, spending two years in Japan flying Mustangs. After returning to Australia he joined the newly reformed 3 Squadron doing photographic work. He left the RAAF in 1947. His story is about a dramatic incident when his P40 was hit by Japanese fire.","max_carland"],["395","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/max-langworthy.jpg","Max","Langworthy","Europe","Flight Lieutenant","428848 (O215086)","Max enlisted in October 1942. Classified as a pilot he was posted to 10 EFTS Temora and gained his wings on Ansons at Mallala in South Australia. He was posted to England and did his operational flying on Halifax aircraft at Driffield with 462 Squadron. In late 1944 the squadron became part of 100 Group involved in counter measures. Max completed 22 operations, the last one being on ANZAC Day in 1945. His story is about when he was chased by a German night fighter ace.","max_langworthy"],["396","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/merv-blattman.jpg","Merv","Blattman","WW2","Leading Aircraftman","138501","Merv was an airframe fitter specialising in aircraft coverings. He worked at 5 SFTS Uranquinty and describes working with the Wirraways there, both on the airfield and in the crash hangar.","merv_blattman"],["397","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/merv-pratt.jpg","Merv","Pratt",".",".",".","Merv was working for an engineering firm when the war broke out. He was \u2018manpowered out\u2019 as he was in a reserved occupation. He was an inspector for parts the company made for CAC and the Department of Aircraft Production. They built the undercarriages for Wirraways as well as parts for Beauforts, Beaufighters and Gipsy engines. Merv recalls the specialised large undercarriage his firm built for the Wackett bomber.","merv_pratt"],["398","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/merv-schneider.jpg","Merv","Schneider","WW2","Warrant Officer","438717","Merv enlisted in 1943 and trained as a wireless operator in Ballarat. His next training was as a navigator at Cootamundra. This was followed by a posting to 7 OTU in Tocumwal to train on B24 Liberators. His operational posting was to 25 Squadron in Northern Australia flying on missions over Timor and Java. At the end of the war the squadron dropped supplies to prisoner of war camps and repatriated up to 40 men at a time back to Australia.","merv_schneider"],["399","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/mervyn-kurts.jpg","Mervyn","Kurts","Europe","Warrant Officer","436468","Merv enlisted in the RAAF in 1943. After initial training at Victor Harbour he did his elementary flying training at Cunderdin in Western Australia followed by service flying training at Geraldton on Ansons. Posted to England he was sent on a number of courses but did not get a posting to active flying before the war ended. Back in Australia he stayed on in the RAAF in various roles including a posting to Tocumwal, flying a Tiger Moth from Sydney to Point Cook and was finally posted to 38 Squadron as a second pilot on Dakotas, flying men and supplies to Japan as part of the British Commonwealth Occupation Force. Some of his later flying was to take the Disposals Commission Committee to outlying airfields to assess and sell off RAAF bases and other assets.","mervyn_kurts"],["400","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/michael-glynn.jpg","Michael","Glynn",".","Unknown","231575","Mike enlisted in the RAAF in June 1979. He trained as a pilot at Point Cook, followed by advanced training at Pearce in Western Australia. He was posted to 38 Squadron to fly the Caribou. He flew in both Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia and Papua New Guinea. Most of their work involved transporting loads but they were also tasked to do flood relief. Mike talks about the flood relief work he was involved in.","michael_glynn"],["401","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/michael-heysen.jpg","Michael","Heysen","WW2","Flight Lieutenant","416963","Michael trained at 11 EFTS Benalla on Wackett trainers. On graduation he did further training at Point Cook on Oxfords, then after Operational Training on Beauforts was posted to No 7 Squadron, based in northern Queensland engaged in shipping patrol work.","michael_heysen"],["402","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/michael-toohey.jpg","Michael","Toohey","WW2","Warrant Officer","429056","Michael enlisted in the RAAF in 1942 and trained at 10 EFTS, Temora. He describes flying training and the layout of the base during his time here.","michael_toohey"],["403","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/mick-haxell.jpg","Mick","Haxell","Vietnam","Pilot Officer","O218798","Mick Haxell was a helicopter pilot with 9 Squadron during the Vietnam conflict. He was awarded the DFC for his bravery and flying skills inserting and then recovering troops from heavily defended landing zones. Mick tells the story of one of these 'hot' extractions.","mick_haxell"],["404","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/mike-matters.JPG","Mike","Matters",".","Pilot Officer","A17952","Mike joined the RAAF in 1955. He trained at Uranquinty on the last course on Tiger Moths and Wirraways. He finished his training at Point Cook and was posted to 24 Squadron at Mallala flying Mustangs. He was sent to learn to fly Vampires and convert to Sabres at 2 Operational Conversion Unit, Williamtown. Posted to 3 Squadron served in Butterworth being the first RAAF overseas deployment since the war.  Mike also flew the Sabre operated by the Temora Aviation Museum in service during his time in Butterworth.","mike_matters"],["405","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/mike-nixon.jpg","Mike","Nixon",".","Group Captain","O315907","Mike served with the RAAF as a fighter pilot in the 1960s and 70s. He flew Vampires, Hunters (RAF), Sabres and Mirages. His story is about converting from the Hunter back to the Vampire and then onto the Sabre. Mike has been extensively involved in the operations of the Museum\u2019s RAAF owned Sabre.","mike_nixon"],["406","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/milton-cottee.jpg","Milton","Cottee","Pacific","Group Captain","O22222","Milton Cottee was born in 1926. He enlisted in 1944 on turning 18 and was enrolled on 63 Pilot's Course but the war finished and the course was cancelled. He re-enlisted in 1948, trained as a pilot and was posted to 77 Squadron in Japan as part of BCOF. He flew 50 missions in Mustangs and was later posted to do an instructor's course back in Australia. In 1955 he was posted to Farnborough and Boscombe Down in the UK and became the RAF's chief test pilot on Vulcans and also the other V Bombers. Back in Australia he was posted to ARDU at Laverton where he was a test pilot on Sabres and Canberras. Later he was sent to the US when the F-111 was being considered for the RAAF. His story is about some of his missions flying Mustangs in Korea.","milton_cottee"],["407","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/murray-adams.jpg","Murray","Adams","Middle East","Flight Lieutenant","400613","Murray enlisted in September 1940 and was trained as a pilot at Essendon and Wagga. Sent to the Middle East he was posted to 250 Squadron RAF flying Tomahawks. He later flew a collection of aircraft including Fairey Gordon, Fulmar, Hurricane, Spitfire, and finally Tempests in Europe on ground attack and V1 chasing. His story is from his early days in the desert when he was shot down by a Me109 in the desert and was lucky to escape with his life.","murray_adams"],["408","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/arthur-nat-gould.jpg","Nat (Arthur)","Gould","Europe","Commander (RAN)","404062","Nat joined the RAAF in April 1940 and was on the first course of the Empire Air Training Scheme. He did his elementary flying training at Archerfield, being trained by civilian instructors. His next posting was to Wagga for service flying training where he was trained on Wirraways. He gained his wings in November 1940 and sailed for the United Kingdom. He was sent to a Hurricane OTU in Norfolk, first flying a refresher course on a Harvard.He was posted to 17 Squadron RAF. His next posting was to 134 Squadron, where he was embarked on HMS Argus. This was a WW2 aircraft carrier bound for Russia where the Hurricanes were being delivered. His brief was to teach the Russians how to fly these aircraft. He returned to Australia in May 1942, joining 75 Squadron flying Kittyhawks from Milne Bay in New Guinea against the Japanese. He was later posted to 457 Squadron flying Spitfires. With his valuable combat experience he was later posted to No.2 Operational Training Unit to instruct on fighter techniques at Mildura. Towards the end of the war he transferred to the Navy and after flying with the British Fleet Air Arm he returned to Australia and was involved in the establishment of the Royal Australian Navy\u2019s Fleet Air Arm. He flew a variety of aircraft including the Sea Fury and Firefly. He also flew Sea Furies during the Korean War.","nat_gould"],["409","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/nat-eichler.jpg","Nat (Nathan)","Eichler","WW2","Warrant Officer","438501","Nat started on 47 course and finished on 48, then went to Sale for a couple of months. Then because of a hospital stay was sent with the Qld WAGS to Maryborough to do the radar course then back to Ballarat, then to Tocumwal for OTU and then operated from Darwin with 99 Squadron. He did no operational flying because their B24 aircraft did not arrive from the south until the war had finished. So his flying was mostly repatriating PoWs to the capital cities, freight and then ferrying aircraft back from Cloncurry to Tocumwal for storage.","nat_eichler"],["410","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/neil-cameron.jpg","Neil","Cameron",".",".","O18747","Neil joined the RAAF in 1959 and after training and squadron service with 76, 75 and 3 squadrons on Sabres he served as an instructor on Vampires at Pearce. He describes an incident in the Museum\u2019s Vampire where his student accidentally jettisoned the canopy.","neil_cameron"],["411","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/neil-mcqualter.jpg","Neil","Mcqualter","Pacific","Corporal","148814","Neil McQualter OAM enlisted in the RAAF in 1944 and was mustered as a crash boat engineer. After training at Lake Boga he was posted to serve with 11 Squadron, operating out of Darwin towards the end of the war. Duties included laying flare paths in the sea, and relaying them if the wind shifted more than 10 degrees. At the end of the war he volunteered to work recovering human remains from crash sites through the Islands.","neil_mcqualter"],["412","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/neil-phelan.jpg","Neil","Phelan","WW2","Leading Aircraftman","53612","Neil enlisted in April 1942. He started training at 1 ARD, Shepparton before moving to 1 Engineering School, Ascot Vale in Melbourne for mechanical training. Neil was posted to 100 Squadron which at that time was based at Laverton. They later moved to the Islands and describes the process of daily inspections on Beauforts.","neil_phelan"],["413","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/neil-ralph.jpg","Neil","Ralph","Vietnam","Rear Admiral","O949","Neil Ralph joined the Navy in the early 1950s and flew a variety of aircraft in Australia and England during the 1950s. In the 1960s he started flying helicopters and by 1965 was the C.O. of 725 Squadron. Two years later he was in Vietnam as part of U.S. 135th Assault Helicopter Company, flying the UH-1B Iroquois. Ralph became the executive officer of the unit flying as the command and control helicopter. Later he held the post of Director of Naval Training in Canberra and was also captain of HMAS Torrens. He was promoted to Rear Admiral and spent a year as deputy Chief of Staff and retired in 1989. His story is about inserting South Vietnamese troops into an ambushed area.","neil _ralph"],["414","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/neville-rutledge.jpg","Neville","Rutledge","Pacific","Warrant Officer","431289","Neville enlisted in 1943 and was categorised for training as a Wireless Navigator. Back then this was a completely new category. After wireless training at Ballarat and navigation at Mt. Gambier he was posted to 36 transport squadron based in Townsville. His main duty was as a wireless operator on the routes between Australia and the South Pacific. It also included flying dangerous supply drop operations into the valleys of New Guinea in C47 aircraft. At the end of the war he served with No.1 Communications Unit. This unit was the forerunner to the VIP Flight.","neville_rutledge"],["415","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/neville-silverwood.jpg","Neville","Silverwood","Europe","Leading Aircraftman","449938","Neville enlisted on turning 18 in 1944. He did his initial training at Bradfield Park but owing to a surplus of aircrew he, along with his fellow course members, were posted to the stores depot at Dubbo for several months. He was then posted to do flying training at 10 EFTS Temora but was scrubbed after 10 hours and remustered as a Wireless Operator. He was undergoing training at 1 WAGS Ballarat when the war in Europe finished and the course was cancelled. He was discharged in June 1945. Neville speaks about his time at Temora.","neville_silverwood"],["416","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/nick-leray-meyer.JPG","Nick","Leray-Meyer","Vietnam","Flight Lieutenant","O42838","Nick Leray-Meyer enlisted in the RAAF as an engineering officer apprentice in 1958. He graduated at Point Cook as a pilot with a commission in 1962 and was posted to 76 Squadron where he flew Sabres before another posting to Woomera with 1 Air Trials Unit. After an instructor\u2019s course he was posted to Pearce and later instructed Malaysian pilots who were converting to Sabres. By 1971 Nick had converted to rotary wing aircraft and served a tour in Vietnam with 9 Squadron. Back in Australia he was posted to 5 Squadron at Fairbairn and then became involved with the United Nations as Air Advisor to the Multinational Force and Observers monitoring the handover of the Sinai Peninsula to Egypt. Nick retired from the RAAF in 1981, going on to a further career in aviation. His story is about an assault in Vietnam.","nick_leray-meyer"],["417","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/nigel-berlyn.jpg","Nigel","Berlyn","-","Rear Admiral","O2547","Nigel originally joined the Royal Navy in 1952 and trained as an engineer. He served on board three aircraft carriers. By 1972 he was in the Royal Australian Navy he was the Senior Engineering Officer on HMAS Melbourne which was then carrying A4 Skyhawks and Grumman Trackers. Nigel retired with the rank of Rear Admiral. He explains the mechanism under the deck which absorbs the energy from aircraft as they catch the landing wires.","nigel_berlyn"],["418","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/nigel-lamb.jpg","Nigel","Lamb","WW2","Unknown","4368","Nigel Lamb was born in Rhodesia. Like his father, a RAF pilot during WW2, Nigel joined the Air Force and flew helicopters and jets. These days he's known as an aerobatic champion in the Red Bull races and also flies warbirds including the Temora Aviation Museum's Spitfires. Nigel talks about his air racing.","nigel_lamb"],["419","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/noel-bedford.jpg","Noel","Bedford",".",".",".","Always interested in art and illustration Noel was trained as a technical illustrator and went to work for the Government Aircraft Factory in the early 1950s. Noel worked on a number of projects during his time at GAF including the Jindivik pilotless aircraft and also the Lincoln bomber. He later achieved a measure of fame when working at GM-H in the late 60s when he became the man who named the Monaro car. Noel tells of his time at GAF.","noel_bedford"],["420","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/norm-cognet.jpg","Norm","Cognet",".","Lieutenant Colonel","35194","Norm was a Lt. General who served with the Australian Army and flew the Pilatus Porter in service. He served with 173 General Support Squadron based at Oakey in Queensland and describes the versatility of the Porter aircraft.","norm_cognet"],["421","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/norm-cromack.jpg","Norm","Cromack","Pacific","Sergeant","14594","Norm trained in Adelaide as a Fitter IIE. He was posted to Rathmines to work on Catalina engines. Norm also worked on Catalinas in Port Moresby and describes Japanese air raids.","norm_cromack"],["422","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/norm-goldsborough.jpg","Norm","Goldsbrough","Europe","Warrant Officer","413114","Norm Goldsborough enlisted in the RAAF in 1941. After flying training in Australia he was posted to England, converting to Hurricanes. His operational experience was with 184 Squadron where he was flying Typhoons.","norm_goldsbrough"],["423","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/norm-marsh.jpg","Norm","Marsh","Europe","Flight Lieutenant","11362","Norm was a Spitfire pilot flying with 453 Squadron over Europe. He enlisted in 1940 and trained in Canada where he graduated in 1942 as a Sergeant Pilot. Following a period instructing he was posted to 453 Squadron, shooting down a German aircraft. After being hit by flak Norm had to bail out of his Spitfire over the North Sea, spending 36 hours drifting in a heavy swell in his dinghy. Despite a rescue attempt by a Catalina he drifted to shore and was captured by the Germans. After interrogation he was sent to Stalag Luft 1 on the Baltic, being liberated once by the Russians and again by the Americans.","norm_marsh"],["424","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/norm-smithells.jpg","Norm","Smithells (aka Turnbull)","Europe","Flight Lieutenant","408891","Norm trained in Australia and was sent to England where he joined 131 Squadron RAF. At the end of his tour he returned to Australia where he was posted to 79 Squadron RAAF. His story is about escorting a squadron of A20s to bomb the Foke-Wulf factory.","norm_smithells"],["425","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/norm-swift.jpg","Norm","Swift","Europe","Flying Officer","411404","Norm enlisted in the RAAF in 1941.He was involved in the formation of 453 Squadron in England which was an all Australian Spitfire unit. He later transferred to 137 Squadron RAF flying Hawker Typhoons. Norm was shot down near the end of the war which resulted in him becoming a PoW. His story is about encountering a large group of enemy aircraft, scoring the first hit for 453 squadron.","norm_swift"],["426","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/norm-tims.jpg","Norm","Tims","Pacific","Flying Officer","O33448","Norm enlisted in the RAAF in 1942 and was on 35 course of the Empire Air Training Scheme. He trained on Tiger Moths at 11 EFTS, Benalla and gained his wings at Deniliquin. His operational training was at 2 OTU, Mildura, converting onto Kittyhawks. His first operational posting was to 84 Squadron and then to 80 Squadron based at Cape Gloucester. After service through the South Pacific he came back to Australia to instruct on Wirraways at Uranquinty. Post war he flew with 21 Squadron.","norm_tims"],["427","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/norman-lee.jpg","Norman","Lee",".","Commodore","675","Norm Lee joined the RAN in May 1948 as a recruit rating pilot. He trained at Point Cook on Tiger Moths, Wirraways and Oxfords and gained his wings after 18 months. He was posted to Scotland for flying training on Fireflies. His story is about his early experience deck landing these aircraft.","norman_lee"],["428","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/orf-bartrop.jpg","Orf","Bartrop","Korea",".","O41823","Owen, or \u201cOrf\u201d Bartrop was a fighter pilot with 77 Squadron in the 1950s and 60s. He trained initially at Archerfield in Queensland on Tiger Moths, then Uranquinty in New South Wales to fly Wirraways and Vampires at Sale in Victoria. His next posting was to Williamtown in New South Wales for fighter training on the Vampire. He was posted to 77 Squadron just as they returned from Korea and converted to Meteors. Posted to 75 squadron he was involved in a weapons competition where he was awarded top pilot for his skills. Back at 77 Squadron he converted to Sabres, both in Australia and Malaya where he was involved in a mid-air collision and had to eject. Back in Australia he was posted to No2 Aircraft Depot, a test and ferry flight where he flew a large number of types. He was involved in the test flying of the Meteor Mk IV which were sent as targets to Woomera. He did the acceptance flying for the Cessna 180. Orf flew the last Auster in RAAF service to Tocumwal for disposal.","orf_bartrop"],["429","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/owen-mckenna.jpg","Owen","McKenna","Pacific","Flight Lieutenant","418004","Owen enlisted in April 1942 and did his initial training at Victor Harbour. From here he was sent to No1 Elementary Flying Training School at Parafield and onto No.7 Service Flying Training School at Deniliquin. Due to his preference for dive bombing he was posted to Williamtown for further training. After a month\u2019s training he was posted to 24 Squadron at Bankstown on Wirraways. While there he was involved in a mid-air collision and his observer was killed when his parachute became detached after baling out. His next posting was to 25 Squadron at Pearce, Western Australia. After 18 months there the Vultee Vengeances were phased out and Owen was posted to Mildura for fighter training. He was posted to 78 Squadron flying Kittyhawks at Morotai. He was involved in the landings at Tarakan, arriving on day 3 of the invasion as part of the ground party. He later took part in operational flying on ground attack missions. At the end of the war he volunteered for the occupation forces and was transferred to 77 Squadron, flying to Bofu airbase in Japan in a Mustang. He was discharged from the RAAF in 1947.","owen_mckenna"],["430","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/paul-couvret.jpg","Paul","Couvret","Pacific","Cadet Pilot Officer Royal Dutch Navy","22251","Paul served with the Dutch Navy during the Second World War. He was taken on as a cadet pilot officer who was taught to fly in Surabaya on Ryan aircraft. He had only completed the ground school part of his training when Java fell to the Japanese and Paul was sent to Australia. Two days out of Freemantle his ship was captured by the Japanese and Paul was a prisoner of war, surviving the Atom bomb in Nagasaki. After the war he re-joined the Dutch Navy at their Australian base in Rose Bay. Following discharge he moved to Cowra where he learnt to fly on Tiger Moth aircraft.","paul_couvret"],["431","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/paul-milner.jpg","Paul","Milner",".","N\/A",".","Paul joined Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation in 1973. Initially he worked on Mirage wings and Sabre wing leading edges as an apprentice before becoming qualified as an Aircraft Mechanic - Airframe. CAC underwent a number of ownership changes during Paul's working career including Hawker DeHavilland and then Boeing. Paul also spent time working at Laverton on Macchi Trainers renovating a number which had been put into storage. Paul talks about working on the Macchis at Laverton and describes an unfortunate incident there.","paul_milner"],["432","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/peter-barnett.jpg","Peter","Barnett","Pacific","Sergeant","41779","Peter enlisted in the RAAF in July 1941. He was sent to Rathmines to do his 'rookies' and was then posted to work on airfield construction in the Northern Territory. Here he worked on Coomalie Creek which was being prepared for Beaufighter operations. After spending much of the war in the north of Australia he was involved in construction in Tarakan and Morotai before being posted back to the General Reconnaissance School in Gippsland. His final posting was to Laverton and he was discharged in April 1946.","peter_barnett"],["433","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/peter-clark.jpg","Peter","Clark","WW2","Leading Aircraftman","446046","Peter was a clerk with the airforce. His main duty was in demobbing aircrew post-war interviewing them. He demobbed Bobby Gibbes and Clive Caldwell among thousands of others.","peter_clark"],["434","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/peter-clemence.jpg","Peter","Clemence","Korea","No info","430818","Peter enlisted in 1943 on 39 Course. Trained as a pilot at 11 EFTS Benalla he was posted to England where he was at a Wellington OTU when the war finished. He remained in the Interim Air Force and received further training at Point Cook in Airfield Control. A posting to Amberley found him flying long distances in 2 Squadron's Lincolns as an observer. After doing an instructors course at Point Cook he instructed on Wirraways and was posted to Korea where he converted to Meteors. Back in Australia he also flew Sabres and did several tours in Antarctica. Peter retired from the RAAF in 1967. His story is about his time in Antarctica flying a DeHavilland Beaver.","peter_clemence"],["435","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/peter-clements.jpg","Peter","Clements",".","No info","8191399","Peter enlisted in at the age of 16 as an apprentice engine fitter, working in that trade for five years before remustering for pilot training. He was posted to 9 Squadron on Iroquois helicopters. He served two tours in the Sinai Desert as part of the Peace Keeping force. In 1986 he was trained as an instructor at Central Flying School. He was a member of the Roulettes and participated in displays around the country. Posted back to Point Cook he became the chief display pilot, a position he still has as a reservist. Peter has flown a wide variety of aircraft from World War one types to modern jets, and also flies warbirds for private owners. His story is about how he acquired his nickname, BD.","peter_clements"],["436","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/peter-condon.jpg","Peter","Condon","Vietnam","Wing Commander","O44252","Peter graduated from the RAAF Academy in 1965. Following operational flying training he flew Sabres and then Mirages. He volunteered as a Forward Air Controller in Vietnam, doing a three month tour flying Bird Dog aircraft in support of the U.S. 9th Infantry Division. He later flew a second operational tour with 75 Squadron and became the C.O. with the rank of Wing Commander.","peter_condon"],["437","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/peter-cormack.jpg","Peter","Cormack","WW2","Leading Aircraftman","165458","Peter enlisted in 1944 and trained in Cootamundra and then Ascot Vale in Melbourne as an engine fitter. He worked mainly on the Pratt and Whitney engines of Catalina flying boats based at Rathmines. He describes the work of the Catalinas in his care.","peter_cormack"],["438","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/peter-ellis.jpg","Peter","Ellis",".","RAN (rank unknown)",".","Peter enlisted in the RAN in 1976. He did his officer training at Creswell and was selected for pilot training at Point Cook on the CT4. He was scrubbed but wound up as second in command of HMAS Townsville. He currently serves with the ADF as a civilian. His story is about being scrubbed.","peter_ellis"],["439","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/peter-ferry.jpg","Peter","Ferry","Pacific","Warrant Officer","409987","Peter Ferry flew with the RAAF as a pilot, training on Tiger Moths, Oxfords, Hudsons and Liberators which he flew operationally with 21 Squadron bombing Japanese targets in the South Pacific. His stories cover both training and operational flying.","peter_ferry"],["440","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/peter-hawley.JPG","Peter","Hawley","WW2","Leading Aircraftman","445224","Peter Hawley trained at 10EFTS, Temora on 54 Course near the end of the war. His story is about one of his early solo flights where he ran out of petrol at 4,000' and had to deadstick land among a flock of sheep. He picks up the story as he checks the fuel gauge before taxiing out.","peter_hawley"],["441","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/peter-isaacson.jpg","Peter","Isaacson","Europe","Flight Lieutenant","401068 (O35959)","Peter enlisted in the RAAF in December 1940. After initial training at Somers, he was posted to No.8 EFTS Narrandera for his elementary flying training on Tiger Moths. Peter was posted to Canada for his service flying training at No.2 SFTS at Uplands near Ottawa on Harvards and there gained his wings. He was next sent to England and because there was a requirement for bomber pilots he was trained on multi engine aircraft. Peter\u2019s first operational trip in a Wellington which was also the first of the thousand bomber raids. Cologne was the target. Peter joined 460 Squadron and converted onto the Halifax, his first 4 engine type. Half way through the conversion the Halifaxes were withdrawn and he started flying the Lancaster. Peter volunteered as a Pathfinder and completed the full Pathfinder tour before he was selected to be the first pilot to fly the East to West route to Australia in a brand new Lancaster, Q-Queenie in 1943. He toured this aircraft around Australia and New Zealand raising funds for War Bonds and achieved a measure of fame for flying it under the Sydney Harbour Bridge. This aircraft was badly damaged at Evans Head but was repaired. Following his Lancaster flying Peter was posted to No1 OTU at Sale to instruct on Beauforts. He was discharged from the RAAF in February 1946. Peter was awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal after completing 22 trips as a Sergeant Pilot and later the Air Force Cross and Distinguished Flying Cross.","peter_isaacson"],["442","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/peter-jensen.jpg","Peter","Jensen","Europe","Squadron Leader","403592","Peter Jensen enlisted in 1941. After basic training at Bradfield Park in Sydney he was posted to Canada for training as a wireless operator and air gunner. In England he was posted to flying boats on 461 Squadron which operated Sunderlands. 461 was made up mainly of Australians, based in southern England. Most of their patrols were anti-submarine and in the Bay of Biscay they encountered three submarines being attacked by other aircraft. Taking advantage of the situation they attacked and sank U-461. Their aircraft was \u2018U\u2019 so it was Sunderland \u2018U\u2019 of 461 squadron which sank U-461. Six weeks later they were forced down in the water after an hour long running battle with Ju88 aircraft. Peter explains how the Germans made their attacks.","peter_jensen"],["443","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/peter-joubert.jpg","Peter","JOUBERT","Pacific","Warrant Officer","432988","Peter Joubert did his elementary flying training at Temora and gained his wings on Wirraways. He was posted to 76 Squadron and did an extended tour on P40 Kittyhawks. Back in Australia he was posted to a ferry unit and while he was with them had an incident in a Tiger Moth where his life was saved by the harness when the aircraft tipped over.","peter_joubert"],["444","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/peter-manners.jpg","Peter","Manners","Europe","Flying Officer","180260","Peter joined the RAF in late 1942 and was called up in early 1943. He trained on Tiger Moths and Boeing Stearmans in the United States. He qualified as a flying boat Captain but back in England converted to the Avro Lancaster. His story is about his first solo in a Lancaster where he experienced an engine failure.","peter_manners"],["445","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/peter-pring-shambler.jpg","Peter","Pring-Shambler",".",".","5125112","Peter Pring-Shambler joined the Navy in 1979 and trained as an engineer focusing mainly on rotary wing types. Pete was based at Sale and Nowra in New South Wales. He later became the Chief Engineer at the Temora Aviation Museum. His story is about the Westland Wessex helicopters at the end of their service life.","peter_pring-shambler"],["446","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/peter-radtke.jpg","Peter","Radtke",".",".",".","Peter has been involved in military aviation history most of his life, in particular the Darwin Military Museum. His story involves the water tower which also housed the flying control for Darwin during the war. His tale is about what they found when they excavated underneath it.","peter_radtke"],["447","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/peter-raymant.jpg","Peter","Raymant","Vietnam",".","A318504","Peter enlisted in the RAAF in 1958 as a plumber. After training at Edinburgh was posted to 2 Flying Training School at Pearce. He volunteered for service in Vietnam where his posting was at 1 Operational Support Unit at Vung Tau, home to 35 and 9 Squadrons. Being the only plumber on base he had a busy 12 months doing a wide variety of work. His story is about how a group of tradespeople were able to make their quarters more comfortable during their time in Vietnam.","peter_raymant"],["448","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/peter-salvair.jpg","Peter","Salvair","Vietnam",".","57678","Peter enlisted in the RAAF in 1966 and after training at Point Cook on Winjeels he gained his wings at Pearce on Vampires. Peter's first solo on type was on the Museum's Vampire A79-617. He was posted to No.1 Bomber Operational Training Unit at Amberley in Queensland where he converted to the Canberra. He was posted to 2 Squadron and arrived in Vietnam just before his 22nd birthday. After several months and 240 operational sorties Peter was posted to the USA to train on the F4 Phantom which he flew for a further three years until the F-111 became available. He flew F111s in Australia for a further three years and was then posted as Base Safety Officer to East Sale. After another tour on the F-111 in 6 Squadron he resigned from the RAAF as a Squadron Leader in 1984 and continued his aviation career with CASA. Peter talks about flying the Museum's Vampire and then about working in Vietnam on Canberras.","peter_salvair"],["449","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/peter-shrimpton.jpg","Peter","Shrimpton",".",".","4036577","Peter was a pilot who joined the RAF in the 1950s. He learnt to fly on Chipmunks in Rhodesia. His story is about his first solo.","peter_shrimpton"],["450","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/peter-smith.jpg","Peter","Smith","Vietnam",".","O216415","Peter was a RAAF fighter pilot who volunteered for duty as a Forward Air Controller (FAC) in Vietnam.  He flew Bird Dogs in support of the US and Australian Army. He describes how the FACs operated by day and night.","peter_smith"],["451","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/phil-frawley.jpg","Phil","Frawley",".","Squadron Leader","O119236","Phil joined the RAAF in January 1969 as an engineering apprentice at Wagga. He completed his apprenticeship as an instrument fitter before applying to train as a pilot. His next posting was to 2OCU at Williamtown but ended up being transferred to 36 Squadron to fly Hercules for the next 5 years. He successfully applied to retrain as a fighter pilot and flew Mirages with 77 Squadron, later posted to 3 Squadron operating in Malaysia. He flew the Museum\u2019s Sabre when the RAAF displayed it for over 2 years and was involved with the first flights of the Sabre when it was restored in 2009. He has remained a display pilot flying a variety of aircraft such as P40, Fiat, L39 and the Avenger.","phil_frawley"],["452","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/philip-barker.jpg","Philip","Barker","Middle East",".","4187052","Philip was an airframe technician who served in the Royal Air Force from 1956 to 1961. Whilst serving with 88 Squadron he worked on Canberra bombers. The Canberra version was called an interdictor bomber and in addition to bombing they carried a pack of 20mm cannon in the bomb bay for ground attack work. The stresses caused to the airframe resulted in Philip working to change tailplanes and other components on a regular basis. Philip spent time on detachment to places like Libya and Rhodesia during his service.","philip_barker"],["453","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/philip-larter.jpg","Philip","Larter",".","Unknown","A218802","Phil joined the RAAF in January 1958 and finished his airforce career in January 1978. As a 20 year old Phil was sent to Malaya when the AAF was involved in the Malayan Emergency. Later he was based in New Guinea and spent time surveying old aircraft wrecks, looking for salvageable aircraft. Phil also worked on Canberras at an operational conversion unit and managed to do some flying. His stories are about the Canberra and finding Japanese wrecks in New Guinea.","philip_larter"],["454","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/philip-rowling.jpg","Philip","Rowling","WW2","Signalman","NX207225","Phillip commenced flying training at No.10 Elementary Flying Training School, Temora. Due to a perceived problem with his kidneys he was scrubbed from flying duties and appointed as ground staff. Disappointed with this, he left the training school and joined the Army where he spent three years. He tells of a forced landing during his training time.","philip_rowling"],["455","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/phillip-schneider.jpg","Phillip","Schneider","Europe",".","44984","Phil Schneider was an Australian Spitfire pilot serving with 72 Squadron RAF in the closing stages of the war. He was attacking ground targets in Italy just three weeks before the end of the war when his aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire and he was forced to bail out.","phillip_schneider"],["456","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/phyllis-packer.jpg","Phyllis","Packer","WW2","Lance Corporal","SF65192","Phyllis trained in Adelaide and served with 58th Searchlight Battery. She was posted to Western Australia where the searchlights were used for coastal defence as well as rescue and exercises with the RAAF. Part of her responsibilities were to service the generators and cleaning of the searchlight reflectors. Phyllis met her future husband while serving in Western Australia. She was discharged in March 1945.","phyllis_packer"],["457","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/ralph-doddrell.jpg","Ralph","Doddrell","Europe","Flight Lieutenant","401922","Ralph was posted to Rhodesia for flying training. He trained in Tiger Moths at 26 EFTS, Gwelo, Harvards at the same school and unusually Oxfords. At 21 SFTS Bulaweyo he was endorsed for single and multi-engine aircraft. In March 1944 he was posted to 111 Squadron based at various locations in Italy. Whilst patrolling the Anzio beachhead he shot down (claimed as a probable) a Fw190. In what was possibly his most unusual story (which he didn't tell anyone about at the time) was finding a lone Fw190 which took no evasive action as he approached, flying up until his was wingtip to wingtip. He noticed the pilot was nothing more than a schoolboy. His final posting in that theatre was to 139 MU at Khartoum where he was endorsed on the Hudson and flew VIPs around the area. He also flew as a test pilot for newly assembled aircraft, mostly Spitfires. Posted back to Australia he was given 3 months leave and was then posted to 8OTU Parkes where he flew Wirraways and Spitfire Vs until the war ended.","ralph_doddrell"],["458","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/ralph-white.jpg","Ralph","White","Europe","Flying Officer","O35249","Ralph initially joined the Army and was with the 5th Battalion in W.A. when he heard they were seeking aircrew so he transferred to the RAAF. He did his initial training at Victor Harbour and elementary training at 11 EFTS Benalla on 35 Course. He was posted to Mallala to learn to fly Ansons and after gaining his wings was posted to Point Cook for a beam approach course on Oxfords. He was sent to the UK he was back on Tiger Moths for an advanced flying course followed by a Wellington conversion at 21 OTU, Morton on Marsh where he gained his crew. 1152 Heavy Conversion Unit trained him on the Merlin Halifax 11 before an operational posting to 192 Special Duties Squadron on the Halifax 111. The squadron was part of 100 Group and their duty was to fly with a special German speaking wireless operator. He also worked to discover the wavelength the German anti aircraft radar was using. Ralph's story is about almost losing his bomb aimer on a training mission.","ralph_white"],["459","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/ray-barber.jpg","Ray","Barber","Pacific",".","O22154","Ray enlisted in the RAAF in 1943. Ray was keen to become a navigator but undertook 8 hours training at No. 10 EFTS Temora before completing a navigation course at Evans Head. After operational training at East Sale he was posted to 100 Squadron at Aitape in the last week of the war on Beauforts and completed 8 strikes against the Japanese. Following a period with Air Sea Rescue he was posted to Archerfield to fly on Dakotas. He was one of a few Australians posted to Europe to take part in the Berlin Air Lift. He then completed wireless and weapons courses and was involved in flying in Bristol Freighters to Emu Plain for the atomic tests. He was then posted to fly with 11 Squadron on Neptunes and also had an exchange posting to Ireland on Avro Shackleton\u2019s. In the late 1960s he became a senior weapons officer and research advisor on the Operational Research Bureau. He spent time working in cooperation with the Army, and was also involved with SEATO. His last flying was in Canberras and he retired from the RAAF in 1972 with the rank of Wing Commander. He talks about his time during the Berlin Airlift.","ray_barber"],["460","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/ray-carlton.jpg","Ray","Carlton","Pacific","Warrant Officer","419364","Ray Carlton trained as an observer in Mt. Gambier and then undertook an astro navigation course at Nhill. He completed OTU at East Sale and was posted to 7 Squadron where he did a tour of operations mainly on shipping patrols and strikes on Japanese targets in New Guinea. The Squadron moved to Aitape on the north coast of New Guinea and he continued operations there. His story is about an incident during training at Sale where his Beaufort was involved in locating and attacking a Japanese submarine 200 miles south of the coast.","ray_carlton"],["461","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/ray-hart.jpg","Ray","Hart","Pacific","Leading Aircraftman","134322","Ray Hart enlisted in 1943 and was trained as a telegraphist. He served in Darwin with No.1 Spitfire Fighter Wing in Darwin, attached to 110 Mobile Fighter Control Unit, and later served in Morotai. His story is about his time in Morotai.","ray_hart"],["462","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/ray-littley.jpg","Ray","Littley","Korea","Leading Aircraftman","A32961","Ray joined the RAAF in January 1949 as an apprentice. He spent his first three years training as an engine fitter at Wagga before being transferred to Richmond in New South Wales. He applied for a posting to Japan and was subsequently sent to Korea, working with 77 Squadron on Meteors. His story is about working on Meteors with 77 Squadron in Korea.","ray_littley"],["463","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/ray-mobbs.jpg","Ray","Mobbs",".","Unknown","R43418","Ray enlisted in the RAN in January 1967. Categorised as an engine artificer he was sent to sea on former aircraft carrier HMAS Sydney. His main training was in the operation and maintenance of the steam driven aircraft catapults and arrestor gear used on aircraft carriers. He was posted to HMAS Melbourne which was carrying Skyhawks, Trackers and Wessex helicopters and later on the Sea Kings. He served on the Melbourne for four years on operations mainly in the South China Seas and around Hawaii. He was later posted to HMAS Hobart. Ray explains the workings of launching aircraft from the catapult.","ray_mobbs"],["464","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/ray-seaver.jpg","Ray","Seaver","Korea",".","O35113","Ray enlisted in the RAAF in 1950 and learned to fly on Tiger Moths and then Wirraways. He was posted to 77 Squadron and sent to Korea. There he flew 101 missions against targets in North Korea, attacking a variety of ground targets including troop concentrations, bridges, dams, airfields and power stations. After returning from Korea he instructed on Wirraways at Point Cook and also had a posting to Mawson base in Antarctica, followed by a long career in civil aviation. Ray talks about the time George Hale shot down one MiG and claimed another as a probable.","ray_seaver"],["465","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/ray-smith.jpg","Ray","Smith","Europe",".","10294","Ray served as a medical orderly in the Western Desert during 1942, flying on DeHavilland DH 86 air ambulances with 1 Air Ambulance Unit. He describes his work and an incident relating to the death of two Beaufighter aircrew after a dangerous mission.","ray_smith"],["466","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/ray-staff.jpg","Ray","Staff","Pacific","Warrant Officer","409608","Ray Staff enlisted in September 1941 and was trained as a fighter pilot at Essendon and Uranquinty. He was posted to England and was eventually posted to India doing further training on Harvards and Hurricanes. He was then posted to 615 Squadron in Burma operating Spitfire VIIIs. He describes the difficulties of bomb aiming with these aircraft.","ray_staff"],["467","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/ray-turner.jpg","Ray","Turner","Pacific","Flight Sergeant","431189","Ray Turner joined the RAAF in 1943 and trained as a Wireless operator Air Gunner. He served with 8 Squadron in New Guinea on Beauforts at Tadji. After the war he rejoined the RAAF and was posted to 6 Squadron on Lincolns during the Malayan Emergency. His story is about using a parachute to slow a Lincoln after brake failure.","ray_turner"],["468","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/raymond-wood.jpg","Raymond","Wood","WW2","Warrant Officer","69022","Ray Wood enlisted in the RAAF in August 1942. He was trained as a wireless operator\/air gunner and was eventually posted to England for service. By the time he became operational the war had finished. Ray was discharged in February 1946 with the rank of Warrant Officer.","raymond_wood"],["469","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/reg-johnson.jpg","Reg","Johnson","Europe","Flying Officer","419618","Reg Johnson enlisted in the RAAF in 1942. After elementary training at Western Junction in Tasmania Reg gained his wings on Oxfords at Point Cook. He was sent to England and after further training was posted to 218 Squadron on Lancasters. His story is about losing an engine on a Lancaster and the ensuing consequences.","reg_johnson"],["470","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/reg-davis.jpg","Reg (Francis)","Davis","Pacific","Leading Aircraftman","134526","Reg Davis enlisted in the RAAF in early 1943 as a telegraphist. Due to his previous work at the Post Office he was experienced in Morse Code. By early 1944 he had qualified as a Wireless Operator (Ground) and was also qualified in Direction Finding. Posted to Noemfoor Island as part of No. 47 Operational Base Unit he and a small crew were located several miles from the aerodrome in a native garden where they provided communications with aircraft and saved many through assisting with locating them when they issued MAYDAY calls.","reg_davis"],["471","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/rex-metcher.JPG","Rex","Metcher","Pacific","Leading Aircraftman","56850","Rex Metcher enlisted in 1942 and trained in Melbourne and Geelong as an aircraft electrician. He served six months at 7 SFTS Deniliquin working on Wirraways , was posted to 110 Mobile Fighter Control Unit in Darwin and then into the islands. His story is about arriving in Balikpapan shortly after the invasion.","rex_metcher"],["472","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/rex-tate.jpg","Rex","Tate","Europe","Flying Officer","419489","Rex Tate served some months in the Army but was reserved as aircrew and was sent to 11 EFTS Benalla on 31 Course for pilot training. He gained his wings at Mallala on Ansons and was posted to England where he had further training in Airspeed Oxfords at Banff in northern Scotland. His next posting was to Palestine where he completed his training on Wellingtons before an operational posting to 7 Squadron RAF flying B24 Liberators based at Foggia in Italy. He completed 27 operations before VE Day. His story is about being hit by incendiaries from another bomber.","rex_tate"],["473","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/richard-boydell.jpg","Richard","Boydell","Pacific","Flight Lieutenant","411278","Richard Boydell trained on Wirraway aircraft in late 1941 at Wagga. On graduation he was sent to 2 OTU at Mildura to do the fighter course and then to the School of Army Co-operation at Canberra. He was posted to 4 Squadron which was also based in Canberra. He trained with the US 32nd Division in Queensland. Richard was later posted to New Guinea, taking part in the battles for Buna and Gona, ranging for the artillery. He was present when Jack Archer shot down the Japanese fighter. His tour ended in 1943 and he joined 5 Squadron. He was discharged in 1945.","richard_boydell"],["474","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/richard-cresswell.jpg","Richard","Cresswell","Pacific","Wing Commander","O383","Richard \u201cDick\u201d Creswell had a long and distinguished career with the RAAF. He enlisted in 1938 and trained as a fighter pilot and served both in World War two and the Korean War. Dick was CO of 77 Squadron flying Kittyhawks in Darwin and was the first to shoot down a Japanese aircraft over Australia. Following his tour he was Chief Flying Instructor at 2 OTU, Mildura and was later Wing Leader of No1 Spitfire Wing. Next he formed 81 Wing which was comprised of Kittyhawk squadrons. He took 82 Squadron to Nooemfor Island. After the end of the war he was CO of 21 Squadron based at Laverton in Victoria. In 1950 he became the C.O. of 77 Squadron in Korea, flying Mustangs and later Meteors. After flying 12 missions on Meteors he was transferred to the USAF flying Sabres where he was credited with a damaged MiG 15. He retired from the RAAF in 1957.","richard_cresswell"],["475","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/richard-due.jpg","Richard","Due","Europe","Flight Lieutenant","408983","Dick Due trained at 11 EFTS Benalla and was posted to Canada for further training. In England he served with 611 Squadron at Biggin Hill. He claimed a Fw190A as damaged. He was later recalled to Australia and served with 457 Squadron in Darwin and then to 1 Aircraft Performance Unit at Laverton ferrying various fighters and other aircraft around Australia. His story is about his encounter with the Foke Wulf.","richard_due"],["476","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/richard-hourigan.jpg","Richard","Hourigan",".","N\/A",".","Dick Hourigan has been involved as a warbird historian, restorer and owner since the early 1960s. Dick was responsible for the rescuing and restoration of the Museum's Wirraway which he found at West Sale. He tells the story of its recovery and of finding other Wirraway parts. He is also the owner of a Mustang and Boomerang project.","richard_hourigan"],["477","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/richard-levy.jpg","Richard","Levy","Europe","Flying Officer","428329","Dick Levy enlisted in the RAAF in 1942. He trained as a pilot at 11 EFTS Benalla. It was then off to Mallala where he gained his wings on Ansons. Dick was posted to England to 180 Squadron as a B25 pilot, completing an operational tour of 29 operations. He was discharged with the rank of Flying Officer in 1946.","richard_levy"],["478","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/richard-peters.jpg","Richard","Peters","Europe","Flying Officer","421000","Dick enlisted in 1941. After flying training was posted to England where he joined 453 Squadron as a Spitfire pilot. His story is about being hit by flak while attacking a German road convoy.","richard_peters"],["479","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/rick-holmes.jpg","Rick","Holmes","Vietnam","Sergeant","A56192","Rick was initially trained for clerical work and volunteered for service in Vietnam. He was posted to 9 Squadron at Vung Tau as a Corporal Clerk. After his tour finished he remastered as a photo interpreter and spent five months training in the US. Part of the arrangement was to return to Vietnam for a further six months with 12th Recon Technical Intelligence Squadron USAF where he was part of a team assessing results from a range of air missions as well as bomb damage. His story is about his work in the last stages of the war in Vietnam.","rick_holmes"],["480","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/robert-bell.jpg","Robert","Bell","Europe","Warrant Officer","428621","Bob Bell served as a Lancaster rear gunner with 460 Squadron in Europe. He trained in Australia and was posted to England where he served an operational tour with 460 Squadron RAAF. He describes one operation with an \u201cOboe\u201d equipped Mosquito.","robert_bell"],["481","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/robert-birch.jpg","Robert","Birch","Europe","Warrant Officer","430922","Robert joined the RAAF in 1943 and after training at Narrandera and Deniliquin was posted to England where he flew Hawker Typhoons. His story is about handling the aircraft, particularly a technique used to lower the undercarriage. He was discharged in May 1946.","robert_birch"],["482","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/robert-connell.jpg","Robert","Connell","Europe","Flying Officer","403721","Rob Connell trained at Narrandera on Tiger Moths. He was then posted to Canada for multi engine training at Monkton on Avro Ansons. Posted to England he was then sent to Kenya to fly Blenheims and Baltimores. His operational posting was with 223 Squadron RAF flying as forward artillery for the Army. They flew in boxes of 18 aircraft and developed carpet bombing techniques. He tells of his experiences as a bomber pilot.","robert_connell"],["483","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/robert-cowper.jpg","Robert","Cowper","Europe","Squadron Leader","407666","Bob Cowper was one of Australia\u2019s most successful night fighter pilots with 6 confirmed and one probable victories. He served in Malta with 153 Sqadron on Beaufighters and later in England on Beaufighters and Mosquitos with 456 Squadron. Bob tells of the time off the coast of Sicily during the invasion when he was forced to bail out of his Beaufighter after destroying a Ju88.","robert_cowper"],["484","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/robert-franklin.jpg","Robert","Franklin",".",".",".","During the 1990s Bob was president of the Aviation Society of Northern Territory. He describes the early days of the collection.","robert_franklin"],["485","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/robert-manion.jpg","Robert","Mainon","Pacific","Corporal","119423","Bob Mainon was a radar technician who enlisted in the RAAF in October 1942. After training and a posting in Australia, Bob was sent to Dutch New Guinea as part of 342 Radar Station. His final posting was to No. 2 Operational Training Unit at Mildura which is where he met his future wife Beryl who was also a radar operator. Bob describes operating a mobile radar unit.","robert_mainon"],["486","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/robert-melehan.jpg","Robert","Melehan",".","Unknown","A217908","Robert joined the RAAF in 1956 and became an engine fitter. He worked on most of the aircraft in the RAAF\u2019s inventory including Vampires, Sabres Macchi, and Mirages. He describes the first successful bailout from a Sabre. He also details the work he did on Sabres during his time in the RAAF.","robert_melehan"],["487","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/robert-worth.jpg","Robert","Worth",".",".","A218650","Bob Worth joined the RAAF in the late 1950s as part of his National Service. He quickly decided to become permanent. He served as a Leading Aircraftsman and describes the loss of a friend in a Sabre accident at Williamtown.","robert_worth"],["488","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/robin-weir.jpg","Robin","Weir","Vietnam",".","218849","Robin enlisted in the RAAF in 1958 as an apprentice, trained at Wagga for three years, with a further two years in aircraft depots and 34 squadron and qualified as an airframe fitter. In training he worked on the Sabre and Winjeel prototypes including Vampire and Meteors. His story is about his time as a Flight Engineer on Lockheed Hercules aircraft during the Vietnam war.","robin_weir"],["489","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/robyn-clay-williams.jpg","Robyn","Clay-Williams",".","Wing Commander",".","Robyn wanted to fly from an early age and applied to Ansett Airlines only to be told they weren\u2019t taking female pilots. She enlisted in the RAAF in 1979 and did a four year electrical engineering degree. After a further three years was able to apply for a pilot\u2019s course. She trained on the CT4 at Point Cook and gained her wings on Macchi Trainers at Pearce. As Dux of her course she was given her first choice to fly the HS748 with 32 Squadron. Next, she completed an instructor\u2019s course and spent 9 months instructing on the then new PC9 aircraft. Following this she completed a test pilot course which took her overseas to the US and Europe, flying everything including ultra-lights, helicopters, fast jets and transports. In 1993 she was posted to Russia where she almost lost her life testing a Mig-21. Robyn was selected to fly the test program in the US for the new C130J Hercules. Her story is about that period.","robyn_clay-williams"],["490","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/robin-mahood.jpg","Robin (green fill)","Mahood",".","N\/A",".","Robin is the widow of the late wing Commander Peter Mahood. She is speaking on his behalf. Peter flew Sabres on 77 Squadron in Malaysia. Later he was posted to Pearce in Western Australia as an instructor. Peter later became director of flying safety in Canberra.","robin_mahood"],["491","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/rod-lees.jpg","Rod","Lees","Vietnam","Sergeant","37593","Rod was in the Army in Vietnam and was injured by a 'Jumping Jack' land mine. He was evacuated by a 9 Sqn RAAF Huey.","rod_lees"],["492","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/rod-luke.jpg","Rod","Luke",".","Air Commodore","O228217","Rod joined the RAAF in 1973 and was sent to the Air Force academy at Point Cook. He completed his flying training at Point Cook on Winjeels. Rod graduated as an engineer and was employed at No3 Aircraft Depot as an engineering officer on F-111 engines. As there was a requirement for engineering officers with operational flying experience and Rod did a two year tour flying Canberras. Rod flies the Museum's Canberra","rod_luke"],["493","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/roger-mckay.jpg","Roger","McKay",".","Unknown","O320725","Roger initially trained to fly privately but always had a desire to fly fighters with the RAAF. After several attempts to join the RAAF, Roger was accepted to train as a Navigator. He spent some time flying on C130s before being accepted into flying at Point Cook where he trained on the CT4. His next posting was to Pearce in WA flying Macchi trainers. He was then posted to 3 Squadron on Mirages at Butterworth in Malaysia.","roger_mckay"],["494","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/roger-wilson.jpg","Roger","Wilson","Vietnam",".","O221235","Roger joined the RAAF in 1961 with initial training on Winjeels at Point Cook. He was posted to Pearce in Western Australia and gained his wings flying Vampires. His next posting was to East Sale where he flew Dakotas for two years. Roger was then posted to Williamtown for conversion to Sabre aircraft. In 1965 he was posted to Butterworth in Malaya with 77 Squadron patrolling the border with Indonesia. The duties also included rotations to Ubon in Thailand. Roger also served in Vietnam as a Forward Air Controller flying Bird Dogs with the U.S. forces. He was involved in the second Tet offensive at Bien Hoa. In 1973 he spent time in Indonesia training Indonesian pilots to fly Sabres.","roger_wilson"],["495","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/roland-allman.jpg","Roland","Allman","WW2","Wing Commander","260406","Roland graduated from a full officer training cadetship 1930. He was the first person to crash a Wapiti, (due to a fuel problem) badly injuring himself. Roland went on reserve in 1937 and was called back two months before WWII broke out and completed an instructor\u2019s course on an Avro Cadet.  Roland then returned to D flight 22 Squadron at Richmond where he completed two separate courses of air cadets. In 1940, Roland was sent to OCB Flight at No.2 SFDS at Wagga Wagga as part of the Empire Air Scheme and flew Wirraways. Roland was Chief Flying Instructor at the School of Army Air Co-operation for two years and tested over 600 pupils for their wings. He then graduated from Duntroon Military College, and worked as a Liaison Officer and Air Advisor with the Army for almost a year. He left the air force as a Wing Commander in 1947 and established a career in building.","roland_allman"],["496","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/ron-aitken.jpg","Ron","Aitken","Vietnam",".","219684","Flight Lieutenant Ron Aitken was a bomb aimer\/navigator with 2 Squadron during the Vietnam war. Ron's story is about low level bombing.","ron_aitken"],["497","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/ron-appleton.jpg","Ron","Appleton","Pacific","Flight Lieutenant","422018","Ron was a wireless operator\/air gunner who flew on Beauforts in 7 Squadron during World War 2. After operational training at East Sale he served in New Guinea making many operational sorties against the Japanese.","ron_appleton"],["498","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/ron-cundy.jpg","Ron","Cundy","Europe","Flight Lieutenant","402732","Ron started his initial training at Bradfield Park in October 1940. He did his elementary flying training at Narrandera. Ron\u2019s first instructor was killed while flying with another student. He was sent to Canada for his service flying training at Uplands. After gaining his wings Ron went to England for refresher training on a Miles Master, transitioning onto Hurricanes. Having finished OTU Ron was posted to 131 Squadron near Coventry but was only there for two weeks before volunteering for duty in Russia. Instead of being sent there, he wound up in the Middle East. On arrival he was assigned to 260 Squadron RAF in October 1941. In August 1942 Ron shot down his first German. By that stage Ron was flying Kittyhawks. One of the more memorable dogfights was with famous German ace, Hans Marseilles. At the end of his tour Ron was assigned to fly a captured German Heinkel He111 as a transport and was almost shot down by 3 Squadron RAAF.","ron_cundy"],["499","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/ron-gretton.jpg","Ron","Gretton",".","Group Captain","O314559","Son of a RAAF welder, Ron enlisted in the RAAF in 1958 and trained at Wagga for three years, graduating as an Instrument Fitter. It was then down to Melbourne where he later graduated from RMIT as an Engineering Officer. His first posting was to No2 Flying Training School at Pearce in Western Australia where he worked on the school's Vampire trainers. His next posting was to Richmond to run the maintenance section working on the C130 transport aircraft. After two years in Richmond he was posted to Amberley to work at No2 OCU where crews converted onto Canberras before their posting to Vietnam. In 1970 Ron was posted on exchange to New Zealand to learn about the C130H which was soon to be introduced into RAAF service. Back in Australia the Hercules had been delayed and Ron worked on the maintenance planning for the introduction of the CT4A trainer. Ron retired from the RAAF as a Wing Commander. He had long been involved with the RAAF Museum at Point Cook including the rebuilds of the Hawker Demon, Walrus, Shorthorn and the new build Bristol Boxkite to celebrate 100 years of flying at Point Cook in 2014. Ron talks about the Boxkite.","ron_gretton"],["500","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/ron-houghton.jpg","Ron","Houghton","Europe","Flying Officer","422542","Always keen on flying, Ron had his first flight at the age of 14. He enlisted in the RAAF in 1942 and did his initial training at Bradfield Park. He was classified as a pilot and posted to 10 EFTS Temora for elementary flying training. He was next posted to Uranquinty for single engine training on Wirraways. After gaining his wings he was posted to England but instead of going on to further fighter training he was sent for multi engine aircraft and was eventually posted to 102 Squadron RAF flying Halifax aircraft.","ron_houghton"],["501","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/ron-humpherson.jpg","Ron","Humpherson",".","Unknown","607285","Ron served as a pilot with the RAF, but had an exchange posting to the RAAF with 77 Squadron between 1955 and 1957. He flew the Canadair Sabre in Germany and in Australia the Meteor and helped with the transition to the CAC built Sabre. His story is about the transition between the two aircraft.","ron_humpherson"],["502","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/ron-laird.jpg","Ron","Laird","Europe","Flying Officer","410500","After training in Australia on Tiger Moths Ron elected to fly multi engined aircraft and was eventually posted to Driffield in England, onto 466 Squadron flying Halifaxes. On a daylight raid to a target in the Rhur Valley his aircraft was hit several times by flak. With badly injured on board, and two engines out, Ron managed to get the aircraft back to the emergency landing ground at Woodbridge, landing wheels up due to damaged hydraulics. Ron\u2019s flying career was terminated when he suffered burst eardrums after being attacked by German night fighters.","ron_laird"],["503","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/ron-lambert.jpg","Ron","Lambert","Pacific","Corporal","14877","After ITS in Adelaide Ron qualified as a fitter 2E. Sent to England Ron was posted to 452 Squadron who were flying Spitfires out of Redhill. He was transferred to 457 Squadron and came back to Australia with them. The squadron was based at Millingimbi Island and the base was often attacked by bombers and strafing Japanese fighters.","ron_lambert"],["504","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/ron-lawford.jpg","Ron","Lawford",".","Unknown","O55589","Ron joined the RAAF in the mid-1950s and was on the last course operated from Uranquinty. He had further training at Pearce and later flew Dakotas with 38 Squadron in Darwin. His story is about an engine failure in a Vampire.","ron_lawford"],["505","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/ron-mcgrath.jpg","Ron","McGrath","Pacific","Leading Aircraftman","128912","After training in Melbourne Ron was posted to 7 Squadron in 1944 where he drove a number of vehicles including the ambulance. As a pianist he was also involved with the squadron band. His story is about disassembling and then reassembling a Dodge Weapons Carrier transported by aircraft from Jacki Jacki strip to Tadji in New Guinea.","ron_mcgrath"],["506","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/ron-morris.jpg","Ron","Morris",".","Lieutenant (Army)","17038","Ron was an Army officer graduating from Duntroon in 1956. He learned to fly at Bankstown on civilian Austers. He later served as a pilot flying with 16 AOP Flight, flying both Austers and Cessna 180s. His story is about the crash that ended his flying career in the first Army Cessna 180 in 1959.","ron_morris"],["507","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/ron-mullinger.jpg","Ron","Mullinger",".","Unknown","A311337","Ron Mullinger did his National Service with the RAAF in 1954. He was a third year fitter 2A when he entered and was posted to Rathmines. During his training he spent time at Williamtown servicing Mustangs and Vampires. His story is about his time at Rathmines.","ron_mullinger"],["508","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/ron-slater.jpg","Ron","Slater","Vietnam",".","O61240","After learning on Winjeels and Vampires Ron Slater flew Sabres and Mirages. He was part of 76 Squadron, serving a tour in Butterworth. He then volunteered for service in Vietnam on the OV-10 Bronco as a Forward Air Controller. His story is about having to bail out of a Sabre whilst in a flat spin.","ron_slater"],["509","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/ron-ballard.jpg","Ron (Lloyd)","Ballard","Pacific","Flight Lieutenant","411728","Ron did his elementary flying training at 10 EFTS Temora. He was posted to 77 Squadron which was being formed at Pearce in Western Australia. After service with 77 in Darwin and New Guinea he was transferred to Gawler for the formation of 86 Squadron. John describes how his logbook was lost in a forced landing of a C47 on the way back to New Guinea after leave in Australia.","ron_ballard"],["510","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/ronald-benson.jpg","Ronald","Benson","Pacific",".","419629","Ron did his pilot training at Western Junction in Tasmania, and his Service Flying Training at 7 SFTS, Deniliquin. It was there he had a forced landing in a Wirraway due to an on board fire. Ron\u2019s love for low flying led to his application to do Army Co-op work. After training in Canberra he was sent to 5 Squadron at Mareeba before transfer to 4 Squadron in New Guinea where he describes the work the squadron was doing. After his tour expired he was sent back to Australia and was appalled to be posted as a Tiger Moth instructor.","ronald_benson"],["511","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/ronald-george.jpg","Ronald","George","Pacific","Leading Aircraftman","6286","Ron enlisted in 1939 and was posted to do a mechanics course. He was then posted to Point Cook working on the assembly of Avro Cadets. After further training at Ascot Vale on Twin Wasp engines he was posted to 8 Squadron and served in Singapore, Khota Baru and Pelambang, being evacuated as the Japanese overran Java. Back in Australia he served at Wagga and was discharged in 1945. His story is his escape from Kuantan.","ronald_george"],["512","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/ronald-jones.jpg","Ronald","JONES","Middle East","Leading Aircraftman","440782","Ron Jones initially served in the Army in the Middle East and was one of only 80 of his Battalion to return to Australia. When a RAAF recruiting officer visited his unit he was keen to enlist and he explains how it happened.","ronald_jones"],["513","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/ronald-patterson.jpg","Ronald","Patterson","Europe","Flight Lieutenant","409218","Ron enlisted in 1942 and gained his wings at Wagga. Ron was sent to England where he flew Hurricanes. It was then North Africa flying Spitfires with 152 Squadron RAF and during the campaign through southern Europe. Ron was finally posted to Burma. Ron's story is about almost bailing out of his Spitfire 3 times when the engine cut.","ronald_patterson"],["514","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/ronald-smith.jpg","Ronald","Smith","Pacific","Leading Aircraftman","71455","Ronald joined the RAAF in October 1942 and did his rookies at Bradfield Park. He was posted to Lithgow, then Rathmines to work on Catalinas. His further training was conducted at Melbourne and Shepparton. He was then sent to an operational posting to 82 Squadron which was forming up at Bankstown. He spent most of his time working as an armourer on Kittyhawk aircraft. Ronald was discharged in January 1946 with the rank of Leading Aircraftman.","ronald_smith"],["515","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/ronald-tayles.jpg","Ronald","Tayles",".",".","O218756","Ron joined the RAAF in 1958, and trained at Point Cook and Pearce before being posted to10 Squadron where he flew Dakotas and Neptunes. He was also involved in flying warbirds such as the Ventura, Fokker Triplane and Mustang. His story is about flying the Neptune.","ronald _tayles"],["516","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/ross-clark.jpg","Ross","Clark","Pacific","Flight Lieutenant","429925","Ross did his elementary training was at Benalla and he gained his wings at Deniliquin on Wirraways. After completing an instructor\u2019s course he was posted to Parafield to instruct on Tiger Moths. His next posting was to Canberra for training on Army Co-op Austers. Posted to New Guinea with an Air Observation Flight most of his work was casualty evacuation. Finally he was posted to 4 Squadron flying Boomerangs. His story is about flying the Auster in New Guinea.","ross_clark"],["517","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/russell-baxter.jpg","Russell","Baxter","Europe","Flight Lieutenant","403461","Russell trained at 11 EFTS and in Canada before being sent to England. He was posted to 453 Squadron flying Spitfires including the high altitude Mk VII and the Griffon engined Mk XIV.\r\nHis story is about his only combat whilst with 453 SquadronRussell trained at 11 EFTS and in Canada before being sent to England. He was posted to 453 Squadron flying Spitfires including the high altitude Mk VII and the Griffon engined Mk XIV.\r\nHis story is about his only combat whilst with 453 SquadronRussell trained at 11 EFTS and in Canada before being sent to England. He was posted to 453 Squadron flying Spitfires including the high altitude Mk VII and the Griffon engined Mk XIV.\r\nHis story is about his only combat whilst with 453 SquadronRussell trained at 11 EFTS and in Canada before being sent to England. He was posted to 453 Squadron flying Spitfires including the high altitude Mk VII and the Griffon engined Mk XIV.\r\nHis story is about his only combat whilst with 453 Squadron","russell_baxter"],["518","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/russell-leith.JPG","Russell","Leith","Europe","Flight Lieutenant","411790","Russell, or \u201cRusty\u201d Leith was a member of 453 Squadron RAAF. He actually flew the Mk XVI Spitfire in the Museum\u2019s collection. He served a tour with the squadron when it was reformed in England after being temporarily disbanded after the Malayan campaign. After a rest he re-joined the squadron which was then based at B11 landing ground after the invasion of France. He had a forced landing behind enemy lines in France. Rusty was looked after by the Resistance until liberated by the Canadian Army when he re-joined his squadron. Following the Arnhem action the squadron returned to England to prepare to combat the V2 rocket sites located in western Holland. He describes a dogfight off the coast of France where he shot down a Me109 and was almost shot down himself. He flew over 220 operational sorties. In January 1945 Rusty was awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross.\r\nThe collection of Russell's wartime memorabilia can be found on the website www.rustyleith.com","russell_leith"],["519","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/russell-mayo.jpg","Russell","Mayo","Europe","Warrant Officer","430810","Russ enlisted in the RAAF in March 1943. He trained as a Wireless Operator Air Gunner at No2 WAGS Parkes and the Air Gunnery School at West Sale. He was posted to England, sailing on the New Amsterdam from Melbourne to Grenoch in Scotland via South Africa. While in England Russ was posted to 15 Advanced Flying Unit at Long Newton on Ansons and Oxfords. In February 1945 he was posted to Palestine at 78 OTU where he qualified as a radar operator in addition to wireless and gunnery. From June to August 1945 he was with 292 Squadron on Liberators in Ceylon, flying as a tail gunner on air-sea rescue operations. He was discharged in December 1945.","russell_mayo"],["520","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/russell-zenner.jpg","Russell","Zenner","Europe","Flying Officer","400065","Russell enlisted in 1940 and was trained as a Wireless Operator\/Air Gunner. Posted to the Middle East he served with 216 (Transport) Squadron on Bristol Bombays, 458 Squadron, 267 Squadron and finally as a staff wireless operator with 7 OTU at Tocumwal on Liberators. Russell\u2019s story is about one night in November 1941 dropping SAS paratroopers for a raid on a German airfield in Libya","russell_zenner"],["521","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/sam-andrews.jpg","Sam","Andrews","WW2","Warrant Officer","429139","Sam Andrews was selected for pilot training at 10 EFTS Temora on 36 Course. After graduation he went on to gain his wings at Uranquinty on Wirraways. He was then posted to Williamtown for operational training on Vultee Vengeance dive bombers but once his course was finished the Vengeances were withdrawn and he was posted to 6 Communications Unit. His story is about his first solo flight at Temora.","sam_andrews"],["522","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/sasha-miokovic.jpg","Sasha","Miokovic","Gulf","Unknown","135664","Always keen to fly, Sasha enlisted in the RAAF in January 1996. After Officer training he was posted to East Sale for training as a navigator. After graduating Sasha was posted to 36 Squadron on the H model Hercules aircraft. He travelled widely with 36 Squadron on a variety of mission profiles. His story is about his time in the Middle East during Gulf War 2.","sasha_miokovic"],["523","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/sean-trestrail.jpg","Sean","Trestrail",".",".","O321109","Sean enlisted in 1975. He was on 95 pilots course at Point Cook on Winjeels. After gaining his wings on the Macchi at Pearce he was posted to Williamtown for fighter training, first on the Macchi and then converting to the Mirage. He was posted to 77 squadron for a short time and then to 3 squadron at Butterworth for three years. Back in Australia he served with 77 squadron. He was sent to the US as part of the introduction of the Hornet into Australian service writing the computer based training course. His story is about seeing Bruce Wood eject from a Mirage at Williamtown.","sean_trestrail"],["524","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/stan-birch.jpg","Stan","Birch","Middle East",".","1860544","Stan Birch was born in England in 1921. He worked as an instrument maker before the war for Lucas in North London and on one occasion was almost killed when a stick of German bombs fell on the village where he went for lunch, burying him in rubble and killing one of his companions. He transferred to the RAF and was trained as an airframe fitter. Posted to 305 Maintenance Unit in Bombay in India Stan was issued with a machinery workshop lorry and travelled upcountry to work on repairs to aircraft parts at various airfields. Stan later became a despatch rider for the unit using a Norton 500cc motorcycle. Stan's story is about the massive explosion of a ship and rescuing one of the army officers injured in the blast.","stan_birch"],["525","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/stan-guilfoyle.jpg","Stan","Guilfoyle","Pacific","Flying Officer","418395","Stan enlisted in 1941 and began his training May 1942 at 1 ITS Somers. He received further training as a Wireless Air Gunner at Ballarat, Parkes and Port Pirie. He was posted to 2 ANS at Nhill as a staff Wireless Operator. There he also learned to fly on a Link Trainer with some instruction from Anson pilots. He completed a tour in the South Pacific on Catalina flying boats. His story is about coming close to disaster capturing an air to air photograph.","stan_guilfoyle"],["526","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/stanley-moss.jpg","Stanley","Moss","Europe","Warrant Officer","408513","Stan Moss trained as a multi engine pilot and was posted to England. He later joined 464 Squadron RAAF flying Lockheed Venturas and was shot down in 1942 to become a prisoner of war for the duration. He tells the dramatic story during his training in which was the only survivor of a mid-air collision between two Blenheims.","stanley_moss"],["527","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/stephen-gale.jpg","Stephen","Gale",".","Unknown",".","Steve enlisted in the RAAF in 1984 as an officer cadet and trained as an electronics engineer. His first posting was to Amberley to work on the F-111s. He describes a flight in the F-111 to check the terrain following radar.","stephen_gale"],["528","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/steve-manning.JPG","Steve","Manning",".","Unknown","228924","Steve Manning joined the RAAF in the 1970s and was trained as a motor mechanic. He worked on a variety of mechanised things from mowers to large fire tenders. His story is about testing the latest Thornycroft airfield fire tender.","steve_manning"],["529","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/stuart-wright.jpg","Stuart","Wright","Afghanistan",".","8569704","Stuart Wright enlisted in the Royal Navy. He trained as an engineer and worked on Harriers in Afghanistan. He also served for two seasons with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. He transferred to the RAN and at the time of the interview was working with the Navy\u2019s Historic Flight on the Firefly. His story is about joining the BoBMF and flying in the Lancaster.","stuart_wright"],["530","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/sydenham-dobbin.jpg","Sydenham","Dobbin","Europe","Flying Officer","432493","Syd trained at 10 EFTS Temora during 1943. He was posted to Point Cook to fly Oxfords where he gained his wings. He was sent to England via the US and after some time in England was posted to fly Spitfires in 577 Squadron RAF, chasing flying bombs. His story is about Blackjack Walker visiting Temora with some unintended consequences.","sydenham_dobbin"],["531","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/sydney-wickham.jpg","Sydney","Wickham","Europe","Flight Lieutenant","402268","Syd was in the first course at 6 EFTS, Tamworth in 1940 followed by 3 SFTS, Amberley where he was selected for training on Avro Ansons. He was posted to England to join a Hudson training course at Siloth, becoming one of the first single pilots in Coastal Command. Syd joined 459, an Australian Squadron, which was sent to the Middle East. Although Syd was trained for convoy escort work the squadron was pressed into action attacking shipping. Syd was leading a low level attack on German tank carrying barges when he was shot down by flak. His observer, sitting right next to him, was hit and carried out of the aircraft by the impact. Syd crash landed on the water and was catapulted through the windscreen into the sea, badly burned. He spent ten days in Tobruk hospital, bombed nightly by the Allies. Even the doctors were trying to extract information from him. He was flown to Italy and after about three months in hospitals was taken to a prisoner of war camp in Germany.","sydney_wickham"],["532","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/ted-sly.jpg","Ted","Sly","Europe","Flight Lieutenant","402810","Ted was a Spitfire pilot who served in the Western Desert as well as the Pacific Island campaigns. He enlisted in the RAAF in October 1940 and was sent to Rhodesia for his elementary and service flying training. He was commissioned Pilot Officer on gaining his wings flying Harvard aircraft. Ted was posted to 452 Squadron in England flying Spitfires. From here it was to 450 Squadron in the Western Desert on Kittyhawks. It was then back to Spitfires on 92 Squadron RAF. In 1944 Ted was posted back to Australia where he joined 457 Squadron. When flying with 457 Squadron at the end of the war he was detailed to collect a Japanese Zero for evaluation. He flew his last operational sortie in July 1945 and was discharged in early 1946. Ted was awarded a DFC.","ted_sly"],["533","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/terry-heatherington.jpg","Terry","Hetherington",".",".",".","Terry is the manager and Senior Curator of the Royal Australian Navy Fleet Air Arm museum at HMAS Albatross Nowra. Terry explains the relationship between the RAAF and RAN and also talks about the involvement in the RAAF Pilgrimage","terry_hetherington"],["534","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/terry-howard.jpg","Terry","Howard",".","Unknown","A213546","Terry was an engineer who served post-war at Rathmines. Although it was a seaplane base, the only serviceable aircraft was an Auster. There was also one Catalina, \u201cFrigate Bird II\u201d and a crashed Walrus, and some Mustangs they practiced bombing up. He also served some time at Williamtown.","terry_howard"],["535","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/terry-wilson.jpg","Terry","Wilson","Malaya",".","55536","Terry Wilson enlisted in 1958 as an apprentice engine fitter. After three years at Wagga then a further two at a maintenance depot he joined 34 Squadron. In his sixth year he applied for a pilot\u2019s course and after training was posted to 3 Squadron at Butterworth flying Sabres. He later qualified as a combat instructor on Mirages. Terry retired from the RAAF after a career of 33 years.","terry_wilson"],["536","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/thelma-wilmott.jpg","Thelma","Wilmott (nee Johnson)","WW2","Aircraftwoman","108918","Thelma Wilmott joined as a WAAAF in March 1943. She describes her training and subsequent work as a Pay Officer at 5 Maintenance Group at Darling Point in Sydney. She was discharged in May 1946 as an Aircraftwoman.","thelma_wilmott"],["537","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/thomas-dadswell.jpg","Thomas","Dadswell","Korea and Vietnam","Lieutenant Commander","O271","Toz Dadswell joined the RAN in 1946. After training in Australia and a posting to England he was sent to the Korean War where he served as a midshipman. In 1956 he was trained as a pilot, gaining his wings at Point Cook. He flew Fireflies and later Gannets, and his story is about extending the life of the Mamba engines in the Gannets whilst with 816 Squadron RAN on HMAS Melbourne. Toz went on to fly Skyhawks and Trackers and was Air Group Commander for those aircraft during the 1970s.","thomas_dadswell"],["538","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/thomas-king.jpg","Thomas","King","Pacific","Flight Lieutenant","411352 (O215059)","Tom trained as a single engine pilot, doing his elementary training at Temora and gaining his wings at No 7Service Flying Training at  Deniliquin. He spent some time at an embarkation depot before being posted as a staff pilot at Evans Head Bombing and Gunnery School, flying Fairey Battle aircraft. After training at the School of Army Co-op in Canberra Tom was posted to 4 Squadron in New Guinea. Tom explains the role of the RAAF in army co-operation work.","thomas_king"],["539","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/thomas-wiles.jpg","Thomas","Wiles","WW2","Flight Sergeant","439627","Tom did his elementary flying training at 10 EFTS Temora. Tom talks about his experience at Browns which is one of the satellite aerodromes. He also has some stories about the antics some trainees managed to achieve during their time at Temora. Tom describes the flying qualities of the Tiger Moth and how the instructors worked with their pupils. Later Tom was training on Avro Ansons at Bundaberg and relates the story of a ground collision.","thomas_wiles"],["540","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/thomas-mcmullen.jpg","Thomas (Lex)","McMullen","Europe","Flying Officer","432852","Lex was categorised for pilot training and was posted to No.10 Elementary Flying Training School, Temora. His next posting was to St. Hubert in Canada where he initially trained on Harvards before being remustered as a navigator and was commissioned. In England he completed an advanced navigation course at Alness flying long patrols over the North Sea as part of his training. His next posting was to 461 Squadron, based in the south of England at Pembroke Dock flying long distance anti-submarine and convoy escort patrols over the Irish and Celtic seas, Bay of Biscay and the Atlantic ocean.","thomas_mcmullen"],["541","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/tim-ayres.jpg","Tim","Ayers","Vietnam",".",".","Tim is an American who served with Australians as a Forward Air Controller (FAC) during the Vietnam War. He arrived in Vietnam 1971 and flew the Cessna 02A. As a \u201cB\u201d FAC he worked in support of the South Vietnamese Army (ARVN), communicating with US and Australian advisors on the ground. He was coordinating fire from artillery, other aircraft and even navy ships. He completed one tour on the 02A. He retrained as what was known as a \u201cFast\u201d FAC which meant converting to the F4 Phantom. They were based at Ubon in Thailand with the 4th Attack Fighter Wing. Tim was flying a F4 when he was shot down by 37mm anti-aircraft fire. He was captured later that day by the North Vietnamese, transferred to the \u201cHanoi Hilton\u201d where he remained until the end of the conflict.","tim_ayers"],["542","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/tim-parry.jpg","Tim","Parry",".",".",".","Tim was a 7 year old boy attending the 1948 Farnborough airshow with his father when he witnessed the breakup and destruction of the DH110. This aeroplane had just broken the sound barrier. It was flown by John Derry who was killed in the incident.","tim_parry"],["543","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/tim-windsor.jpg","Tim","Windsor",".",".","229801","Tim enlisted in the RAAF in September 1976 and trained on the second CT4 course at Point Cook followed by service training at Pearce on Macchis. His first posting was to the School of Air Navigation at East Sale on HS748 as pilot of a flying classroom and also search and rescue over Bass Strait on P3 Orion aircraft. His next posting was to 36 Squadron as a tactical low level pilot on H model Hercules. Tim describes working with SAS in training. Tim was also posted to the 40th Tactical Airlift Squadron in the US for a period of two and a half years in a \u2018Smart Bird\u2019, a formation leader, which meant spending three months of each year in Europe as part of the NATO commitment.","tim_windsor"],["544","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/tom-knox.jpg","Tom","Knox","Europe","Sergeant","1823036","Tom Knox joined the Royal Air Force and trained at the No.4 School of Technical Training in South Wales. His mustering was flight engineer and he was first posted to 149 Squadron, completing 22 operations. In 1944 he was posted to 199 Squadron also on Short Stirling bombers. Later on he trained on Halifaxes where he flew a further 18 operations, some of which involved clandestine supply missions over occupied France. His story is about a moment when they were almost killed by bombs falling from a Stirling directly above them. Tom was recently awarded the French Legion of Honour.","tom_knox"],["545","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/tom-lawless.jpg","Tom","Lawless","Pacific","Corporal","55527","Tom was first posted to No 1 Aircraft Depot at Laverton. Later he was posted to No 22 Repair and Salvage Unit spending three months at Garbutt Field in Townsville. He served in New Guinea at Nadzab and Nooemfor Island for a nine month tour.","tom_lawless"],["546","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/tom-roache.jpg","Tom","Roache","Europe","Warrant Officer","419139","Tom enlisted in the RAAF in July 1942. After initial training at Shepparton Tom was posted to Point Cook to do guard duty and then to Somers on 32 Course. Categorised as a Wireless Operator \/ Air Gunner he went to Calgary in Canada for training and in England joined 59 Squadron RAF on Liberators. He was discharged with the rank of Warrant Officer in September 1945.","tom_roache"],["547","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/tom-runalls.jpg","Tom","Runalls","Pacific","Warrant Officer","428363","Tom enlisted in the RAAF in October 1942. After initial training at Somers he was mustered as a wireless operator air gunner. His posting was to Cootamundra as a staff wireless operator. He spent three months there before being sent to Rathmines for operational training on Catalina flying boats. His operational experience was with 43 Squadron and he completed a nine month tour. Tom was discharged in September 1945.","tom_runalls"],["548","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/tom-russell.jpg","Tom","Russell","Europe","Flight Lieutenant","264812","Tom joined 3 Squadron RAAF in May 1942 and was based at Cairo. They converted to Kittyhawks. His first operational flight wasn\u2019t until October that year where he was to be No2 to Bobby Gibbes on a bombing mission. Gibbes\u2019 instructions were to: \u201cJust follow me, don\u2019t do anything stupid and drop your bomb when I do.\u201d His story is about an operation escorting 450 Squadron where Tom was almost shot down by German ace Joachim Muchaberg.","tom_russell"],["549","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/tom-smillie.jpg","Tom","Smillie",".",".","126788","Tom enlisted in the Navy in 1979 and was trained on the CT4 at point Cook. He was posted to Pearce gaining his wings on the Macchi. It was then off to 5 Squadron to learn to fly the UH-1B helicopter. His first Navy posting was to 723 Squadron at HMAS Albatross. There he converted to the Wessex helicopter. He was then posted to the multi-national force in the Sinai flying the UH-1H with the RAAF. In 1985 Tom was posted to 817 to fly the ASW Sea King. Two and a half years later he was posted on exchange to the Royal Navy with 706 Squadron for six months and then a further six months doing an instructors course. Back in Australia Tom instructed on helicopters with 5 Squadron and is still with the Navy in 723 Squadron flying the Bell 429.","tom_smillie"],["550","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/tony-ford.jpg","Tony","Ford","Vietnam","Squadron Leader","O219917","Tony was a RAAF fighter pilot who qualified as a Forward Air Controller. He was sent to Vietnam in October 1967, attached to the US 9th Division in Saigon. He flew the Cessna O1 Bird Dog. Being in the first batch of Australian Forward Air Controller, he and his fellow Australians established some new standards in operating the aircraft. He describes being taken by US troops to see the results of his work.","tony_ford"],["551","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/tony-gaze.jpg","Tony","Gaze","Europe","Squadron Leader","60096","Tony Gaze, DFC and two bars, was one of our highest scoring fighter aces with 12 1\/2 confirmed victories. He was the first Australian to fly a jet aircraft. This was the Gloster Meteor and was near the end of the war. He was also the first Australian to shoot down a German jet. His story is about shooting down the Me262 in early 1945.","tony_gaze"],["552","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/tony-hilton.jpg","Tony","Hilton",".","N\/A",".","Tony talks about his father, Doctor Bill Hilton who was involved with the development of high speed aeronautics. In the 1950s he wrote a famous book, High Speed Aerodynamics.","tony_hilton"],["553","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/tony-wheal.jpg","Tony","Wheal","Vietnam",".","O316300","Tony enlisted in the RAAF in the early 1960s and trained as a pilot at Point Cook. He gained his wings on Vampires at Pearce in Western Australia. During the Vietnam conflict he was posted to 9 Squadron on Huey helicopters and flew many missions including supply and hot extractions of SAS troops. His story is about one hot extraction where the troops clung to ropes below the helicopter.","tony_wheal"],["554","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/trevor-horne.jpg","Trevor","Horne","Vietnam","Leading Aircraftman","A117672","Trevor Horne enlisted in June 1967 and initially trained at Edinburgh in South Australia. He then did his radio schooling at Wagga and Laverton. He volunteered for service in Vietnam and spent most of his time at Vung Tau which was the home for 1 OBU. He describes seeing an accident where a Cessna Bird Dog was almost shot down by one of his friends.","trevor_horne"],["555","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/van-loc-pham.jpg","VanLoc","Pham","Vietnam",".",".","Van joined the South Vietnamese Air Force in 1972. He was sent to America for flying training. After returning to Vietnam he was assigned to fly the Cessna A37 Dragonfly aircraft in a close support role. He describes how they worked with the forward air controllers.","van_loc_pham"],["556","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/vern-lancaster.jpg","Vern","Lancaster","Europe","Flight Lieutenant","409149","Vern Lancaster enlisted in the RAAF in July 1941. After training at Benalla and Deniliquin he was posted to England in August 1942. After graduating from 53 OTU in Wales he was posted to 611 Sqn RAF in Biggin Hill where he shot down the squadron\u2019s 999th victim, a Me109. In April 1943 he was posted to the newly reformed 453 Squadron RAAF in Detling as a seasoned Spitfire pilot and took part in the invasion of France, mostly involved in ground attack work on German transport. Vern was awarded the DFC while with 453 in June 1944 for shooting down a German aircraft after being seriously wounded.","vern_lancaster"],["557","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/vic-leigh.jpg","Vic","Leigh","Pacific","Unknown",".","Vic was born in Manchester in 1926 and enlisted in the RAF in 1944. He trained as an aircraft mechanic and was posted to 618 Squadron which was operating Mosquitoes in England. Not long after joining the squadron they were posted to Australia, arriving there on two escort carriers, having also collected a number of Fairey Barracuda aircraft in Ceylon. The aircraft were reassembled in Melbourne and flown to the RAAF base Narromine for working up in preparation for attacking the Japanese shipping with a weapon codenamed highball, which was  an anti-shipping development of the bouncing bomb used in the dams raids a year earlier. A detachment was also sent to Manus Island but the pace of the war meant they did not see action. Vic describes the modified Mosquito aircraft and the bouncing bomb.","vic_leigh"],["558","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/victor-cahill.jpg","Victor","Cahill","Pacific","Warrant Officer","431268","Victor Cahill enlisted in the RAAF in 1943. He trained as a Wireless Air Gunner and was posted to Tocumwal for operational training on B24 Liberators. His time with B24s at 102 Squadron was at the end of the war mostly repatriating personnel back to Australia from New Guinea. He was discharged in February 1946.","victor_cahill"],["559","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/vincent-foley.jpg","Vincent","Foley","Pacific","Leading Aircraftman","A2264","Vince was an aircraft fitter working on Lockheed Hudson aircraft with 2 Squadron. He was posted to Milne Bay in New Guinea at the end of 1942. He describes the conditions in Milne Bay at that time, where the squadron was joined by two Kittyhawk squadrons.","vincent_foley"],["560","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/vincent-obrien.jpg","Vincent","Obrien","Korea",".","164779","Having joined at the end of WW II Vincent \"Dinny\" O'Brien was sent to Japan as part of BCOF working on Mustangs of 77 Squadron. He stayed on in the RAAF working in Korea based at Pusan and Kimpo working on Meteors. After Korea he was posted to Williamtown were he worked on Meteors and Vampires, moving onto Sabres and Mirages as they were introduced. He also worked at ARDU and was selected to go to France to learn about the Mirage. In 1969 he did a tour at Butterworth, later winding up back again at Williamtown with 2 OCU. He witnessed Bruce Wood\u2019s ejection from his Mirage. Dinny retired from the RAAF in 1977 with the rank of Squadron Leader.","vincent_obrien"],["561","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/wal-gascoigne.jpg","Wal","Gascoigne",".","Unknown","O2488","Wal was working as an accountant at BHP in the early 1960s when a nearby airfield sparked his interest in flying.  He applied for the Air Force, but was rejected due to what he describes as his immature attitude, so he joined the Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Australian Navy. After naval training, Wal became one of four midshipmen on 59 Pilots course, training on Winjeels at Point Cook, followed by Vampires at Pearce. After graduating, he was posted to Nowra, flying fleet support in Vampires and later Grumman S2-E Trackers. He was aboard the HMAS Melbourne when it collided with the USS Evans. Wal completed his Watch Keeping Certificate, was promoted to a Commander and then took a position as Deputy Director of Manpower Planning in Canberra. He left the Navy after 21 years, and worked in flight training and charter flights, ending up in Bankstown, where he has formed a long association with Temora Aviation Museum.","wal_gascoigne"],["562","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/walter-eacott.jpg","Walter","Eacott","Europe","Squadron Leader","1382681","Walter enlisted in the RAF in 1940 as soon as he turned 18. Selected for pilot training, he was posted to No.8 Initial Training Wing in Cornwall. His flying training was on the Miles Magister at Stoke on Trent & he graduated with an above average assessment. He also topped the class on Oxfords at 6 SFTS. January 1942 saw Walter posted to train as a night fighter pilot. Later he was posted to 603 Squadron in North Africa to fly Beaufighters. He operated in the role of providing cover for torpedo carrying Beaufighters as well as rover work attacking shipping and shore targets. By the end of 1943, nearing the end of his tour, he shot down two Arado Ar96 floatplanes. However he was shot down a day later by Me109s after being unable to keep up with the other members of the squadron. Rescued and captured he spent the rest of the war in Germany as a PoW. His story is about his encounter with the Arados.","walter_eacott"],["563","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/walter-ives.jpg","Walter","Ives","Europe","Flight Lieutenant","O11397","Wal Ives joined the RAAF in November 1942 after returning from army service in the Middle East. He first trained on Tiger Moths at Narromine. He was classified as a single engine pilot and was sent to Uranquinty to do his service flying training on Wirraways. Wal was posted to England, converted to Beauforts and then Beaufighters at East Fortune for operational training. It was then to 455 Squadron at Dallarchy in Scotland where he flew on anti-shipping operations against the Germans. He describes how he aimed the rockets on anti-shipping attacks. He remained in the RAAF until 1952 and then had a full career as an airline pilot. Duration 43:42 Second interview concentrating initially on his experiences of Black Saturday, as well as his Beaufighter flying.","walter_ives"],["564","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/walter-tee.jpg","Walter","Tee","Europe","Warrant Officer","418988","Wal was working in a protected industry in the railways when he saw a parade of American tanks and was so motivated he enlisted in the RAAF in June 1942. After initial training at Somers he was categorised as a wireless operator and was posted to Ballarat for training. He was then posted to England travelling there via New Zealand and the USA. After a short time at Brighton Wal was posted to an OTU and then to 299 Squadron RAF which was flying Short Stirlings on special duties dropping spies and equipment behind enemy lines. On his fifteenth operational sortie delivering paratroopers to Arnhem they were shot down and Wal spent the next 8 months as a prisoner of war. He tells us how it happened.","walter_tee"],["565","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/warren-mignot.jpg","Warren","Mignot","Malaya","Unknown",".","Warren enlisted in the RAAF in June 1955. He trained as an engine mechanic at Wagga Wagga and was first posted to Williamtown working on the Derwent engines fitted to meteors. After completing a fitters course he was posted to 1 Aircraft Depot at Laverton where he worked on Mk1 Avon engines as well as the Derwents which he did from 1957 until he was posted to Butterworth in 1965 where he was with77 Squadron working on their Sabres with a 3 month rotation to 79 Squadron at Ubon. Back in Australia he worked in support Command until he retired from the RAAF in 1975. He describes some of the challenges working with the Avon engine.","warren_mignot"],["566","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/warren-stickley.jpg","Warren","Stickley","Pacific",".","22185","Born in 1923, Warren enlisted in the Australian Army. He spent several months in 1943 as a Lance Bombadier with 62 Searchlight Battery in Darwin.  Transferring to the RAAF he trained first at 10 EFTS Temora and then gained his wings at 5 SFTS Uranquinty.  He was posted to Japan as part of the British Commonwealth Occupation Force with 76 Squadron flying Mustangs. He later went on to fly jets and in 1964 was awarded an Air Force Cross. He retired from the RAAF in 1973 as a Group Captain. He tells how his searchlight illuminated the first Betty Bomber to be shot down at night by Dick Cresswell.","warren_stickley"],["567","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/warren-bridge.jpg","Warren","Bridge",".",".","A218783","Warren Bridge enlisted in the RAAF in 1958 as an apprentice engine fitter. After 5 years he was qualified and then was posted to Williamtown as a line fitter with 76 Squadron. He then applied for pilot's course and trained at Point Cook and Pearce, but did not complete his course on Vampires.","warren _bridge"],["568","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/weston-bate.jpg","Weston","Bate","Europe","Flying Officer","430354","Weston enlisted in the RAAF in early 1943 and was mustered as a pilot. His initial training was completed at Somers, followed by pilot training at 11 EFTS, Benalla. He went on to multi engine training at 6 SFTS Mallala on Avro Ansons, and after a beam approach course at Point Cook was posted to England. Crewing up at an operational training unit Weston found a wireless operator he had been at school with. Once he had finished operational training he was posted to a Heavy Conversion Unit where he was to fly the Lancaster. He was within a short time of an operational posting when the war finished. He was discharged with the rank of Flying Officer in 1946.","weston_bate"],["569","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/wilfred-goold.jpg","Wilfred","Goold","Pacific","Flight Lieutenant","403135","Wilf joined the RAAF in December 1940. He learnt to fly at No6 EFTS Tamworth and gained his wings at No2 SFTS, Wagga flying Wirraways. He was posted to England and flew with 607 Squadron flying Hurricanes. Next post was to India again on Hurricanes to fight over Burma. This was in the first and second Arakan campaigns followed by later in the Imphal Valley in Spitfires. Wilf was an Ace with five confirmed victories, 1 probable and 8 damaged. He was discharged in September 1945. Wilf was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.","wilfred_goold"],["570","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/william-charney.jpg","William","Charney","Vietnam",".",".","Bill was trained by the Air National Guard and flew F84s during the Cuban crisis. He was also recalled to duty during the Vietnam war in 1968 where he flew F100 aircraft at the time of the Tet Offensive. In this interview he talks about how the U.S. B57 Canberras were used compared with the Australian Canberras.","william_charney"],["571","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/william-hart.jpg","William","Hart",".","Lieutenant","LF9568182","Bill trained as a pilot before remustering as a navigator in the Royal navy\u2019s Fleet Air Arm during the 1950s. He was forced to eject from Sea Vixen aircraft twice and tells the story of one of the ejections here.","william_hart"],["572","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/william-mackie.jpg","William","Mackie","Pacific","Flight Lieutenant","418539","Bill Mackie started his training at Temora but was remustered as a navigator\/bomb aimer on B24 Liberators. Following training at Tocumwal and operational training with the Americans he joined 530th Squadron as part of the US 380th Bomb Group carrying out raids in the South Pacific area.","william _mackie"],["573","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/yvonne-gerstel.jpg","Yvonne","Gerstel","Europe","Unknown",".","Yvonne enlisted in the WAAF in September 1939. Initially trained as a dental assistant, she was posted to RAF Kenley working as a Photographic interpreter. She was at Kenley when it was heavily bombed and evacuated. In 1942 she was posted to Bomber Command HQ working as a liaison officer with Bletchley Park. She next underwent training as a Codes and Cyphers officer and was posted to Helmswell. Here she met and married a Polish pilot of 300 Squadron who was shot down and imprisoned by the Germans until the end of the war. Her final service was with No. 18 OTU. She talks about her time in the WAAF.","yvonne_gerstel"],["574","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/brian-rebbechi.jpg","Brian","Rebbechi","None","None","None","Brian is a highly qualified mechanical engineer. After a long career starting as a cadet with the Department of Supply, then the Aeronautical Research laboratories, which later became Defence Science and Technology Organisation, or DSTO.\r\nIn the late 1990\u2019s Brian was recognised for his work on the aircraft mounted auxiliary drive on the FA-18 Hornet which led directly to the redesign of the gearbox saving the RAAF and the USAF millions of dollars in costs.\r\nChief Engineer of the Temora Aviation Museum, Andrew Bishop invited Brian to do some vibration analysis work on several of the Museum aircraft including the Mk XVI Spitfire and Boomerang.\r\nHis work on the Boomerang resulted in significantly lower vibrations from the propeller which will help extend the life of many of the aircraft components.","brian_rebbechi"],["575","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/Larry-cronin.jpg","Laurance","Cronin","WWII","Flying Officer","400913","Laurance Cronin DFC. Born in Canterbury, Victoria on 17 July 1918, Laurance \u2018Larry\u2019 Cronin joined the RAAF in 1941 and on completion of flying training was posted to the UK in 1942 where, on completion of operational training he joined 453 Squadron as a Sgt pilot. In November 1942 he was posted to 81 Squadron RAF which unit flew to North Africa via Gibraltar, taking part in the Tunisian Campaign immediately thereafter. Here flying a Spitfire Mk V, Cronin damaged a Ju88 on 3 January 1943. Later that month the first Mk IX Spitfires arrived and Cronin claimed two Bf109\u2019s damaged in March and April.\r\n\r\nCronin was credited with two kills following a mission on 25 July 1943.\r\n Flying Mk IX Spitfire EN490 he shot down a pair of Bf109\u2019s over northern Sicily while on a single sortie and followed up this success on 14 September by shooting down an Fw 190 over Salerno.\r\n\r\nNo 81 Sqn was then transferred to Burma to fight the Japanese and was re-equipped with Spitfire Mk VIII\u2019s upon arrival at Alipore. Cronin scored his fourth and fifth kills in March 1944 flying JF630\/ FL-C when he shot down a Mitsubishi Ki 46 Dinah; followed a week later by a Nakajima Ki 43 \u2018Oscar\u2019, the latter, after a dogfight which had seen Cronin and his wingman bounced by eight Oscars while taking off during a squadron scramble from the forward jungle strip known as \u201cBroadway\u201d. His wingman was shot down, but Cronin, with the supercharger engaged (quote) \u201cthrough the gate\u201d managed to gain good height, roll over and destroy his pursuer, being his fifth and last victim. During the same sortie, he also damaged another Oscar. On 12 April Cronin damaged another Oscar over Tulihal.  On 13 March 1944 Cronin was awarded an immediate DFC.\r\n\r\nCronin left the squadron in 1944 and returned to Australia where he became a Staff pilot at 2 OTU Mildura, and then at 1 TU Sale on fighter affiliation tactics. After the war he joined his father\u2019s Chartered Accountancy practice in Melbourne, later moving the business to Beaconsfield, Victoria, where he worked until his death on 3 July 1991 aged 72 years... \r\n\r\n(Attached photograph showing: Flying Officer Larry Cronin posing by his Spitfire Mk VIII at Tulihal in early March 1944. Painted on the unit\u2019s traditional ace of spades emblem, which was applied to all the squadron\u2019s aircraft, are Cronin\u2019s three German kills and a solitary Japanese victory. Within a week of this photo being taken Cronin shot down an \u2018Oscar\u2019 and damaged two others to become an ace)","larry-cronin"],["576","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/keith-gehrig.jpg","Keith","Gehrig","Pacific","Flight Sergeant","431997","Keith was born in 1925 and enlisted in the RAAF in September 1943. He trained as an air gunner and was posted to 25 Squadron on B24 Liberators based at Cunderdin in Western Australia.\r\nThe squadron flew very long-range operations against the Japanese shipping and airfields in the Dutch East Indies.\r\nKeith was a ball turret gunner.\r\nHis story is about the turret and being trapped there once after landing and the rest of the crew had departed the aircraft.","keith_gehrig"],["577","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/john-pettifer-group-of-photos.jpg","John","Pettifer","Europe","Flight Lieutenant","0215100","John (Jack) Pettifer was called up for active service in the Airforce in June 1941. Initial Training was done at No.1 Initial Training School at Somers in Victoria where trainees were introduced to all aspects of Air Force requirements.  He was selected for pilot training and posted to No.10 Elementary Flying Training school at Temora in N.S.W.  Flying training at Temora was carried out using De Haviland 82 aircraft (Tiger Moths).  His instructor was F\/O Roberts.  When not flying, much time was devoted to lectures and studies on the theory of flight, engines, navigation, armaments etc. \r\nJohn Pettifer graduated from Temora in October 1941 and was selected for further training in Canada under the \u201cEmpire Air Training Scheme\u201d.  This training took place at \r\nNo.3 SFTS in Calgary, Canada.  This was a training school for multi-engined aircraft.  The twin-engined aircraft used at Calgary were Cessna \u201cCranes\u201d.  After training here he was rated \u201cabove average\u201d as pilot and \u201cexceptional\u201d as pilot navigator.  On the 27 March 1942 he received his Wings.\r\nSince navigation had a certain appeal for him he expressed his desire to train for Coastal Command and was assigned to No. 31 General Reconnaissance School (GRS) at Charlottetown on Prince Edward Island in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.  Aircraft used at this station were Avro Ansons I and II - an aircraft somewhat larger than the Cessna Cranes.  Following this training John Pettifer was advised that he was to be retained as an instructor at the G.R.S. for about 6 months and was transferred to No.1 G.R.S. at Summerside - a station about 60 kilometres west of Charlottetown.  He was made a special instructor on aircraft compasses but every few days flew the Anson as 1st Pilot carrying those under navigation instruction.\r\nFollowing completion of this instruction period on 28 December 1943 John Pettifer commenced operational training on larger 4 engine aircraft used in Coastal Command.  This training took place at Nassau in the Bahamas at \u201cOaks Field\u201d Training Station (Operational Training Unit No.111) and involved flying (dual and solo in Mitchells \u2013 B25), link training, lectures on engines and navigation, astro-star shots, etc.\r\nOn 7 February 1944 he was informed that he was to be an aircraft Captain and needed to select a crew.  His recollection of this process was that you selected those for whom there seemed to be a possibility of getting on well together.  By 15 March, he had completed his training on B25\u2019s (Mitchells) and moved to the Liberator (B24\u2019s) training area (Windsor Field).  He was finally checked out on Liberators on 24 March and began to fly as a crew.  By 15 April, 1944, his course (No.19) at No.111OTU (consisting of about 20 specially designed flying and navigational exercises) was finished and he was gratified to be graded \u201cabove average\u201d as pilot and pilot navigator.  \r\nJohn Pettifer\u2019s first operational posting in May 1944 was to Coastal Command Royal Airforce Squadron No. 86 in Reykyavik in Iceland.  The initial flights out of Reykyavik involved days of operations practice \u2013 bombing, QGH and air tests, BABS, photos, air\/air etc.  His first operation sortie (after taking off at 11:30pm!) was a 12 1\/2 hour anti-submarine sweep on 12 June 1944.  On the second ops trip the weather was so bad that 6 of the 8 crew \r\nwere sick and they were in the air for 16 hours, 35 minutes.\r\nOn 21 June news came through that 86 Squadron was to be moved to Tain in Scotland and on 27 June the rank of Flight Lieutenant came through.\r\nOperations from Tain generally consisted of long sorties over the North Sea covering quite specific areas and in conjunction with other Command aircraft.  The object was to endeavour to prevent the enemy U-boats from travelling from their bases in France, Norway etc to the broad Atlantic Ocean where they attacked shipping carrying war and personnel supplies from the United States and Canada to England.  This sometimes involved co-operation with the Naval forces.  These ocean patrols required a high degree of navigational skill.  Patrol times were long \u2013 some 15 or 16 hours in earlier times and often involved a long period of dead-reckoning navigation.  Each aircraft in the search area had to cover a specific area.  Other aircraft would be allotted an adjacent patrol area.   In this way a quite large area of ocean could be covered. \r\nIn the earlier days of patrols the U-boats needed to surface to recharge their batteries and thus became vulnerable to air attack.  Also the U-boats could travel much further and faster on the surface.  Later with the advent of the snorkel breathing tube the need to surface was reduced and different attack procedures had to be adopted.  More armament was needed to be added to the aircraft to assist in fighting back against surface U-boats.  This increased the aircrafts overall weight and thus the time of sorties had to be reduced. \r\nAs time passed the aircraft\u2019s radar equipment was improved.  To counter U-boats on the surface at night powerful search lights were fitted under the wing of the aircraft.  This demanded intense co-ordination between radar operator and pilot.  Flying over the ocean was generally at lower levels sometimes as low as a couple of hundred feet and especially at night required a concentrated instrument flying skill. \r\nAbout this time improvements were made with sonar buoys able to detect under-surface U-boat noises and transmitting them back to the aircraft.  This enabled a pattern of depth charging to be used which required a good deal of training practice.  \r\nOne incident recorded in his log book reveals that on 18 July 1944, whilst on an anti-U-boat sweep 68\uf0b0 - 30\uf0b0 N \u2013 09.00 E (within the Arctic Circle) his aircraft attacked a U-boat on the surface.  On the first attack the depth chargers over-shot.  Attacking a second time, the U-boat was better prepared and fought back with large calibre ammunition, piercing the nose of the aircraft, wounding the second navigator and slightly wounding the first navigator, knocking out number 3 engine and rendering the radio compass and search equipment unserviceable.  Running low on fuel, all unused ammunition and machine guns were jettisoned to lighten the aircraft\u2019s load.  He ultimately landed safely at Scatsta in the Shetland Islands. \r\nFollowing the war John Pettifer became a member of the Airforce Reserve for a time and commenced successful studies on a Commercial Pilot\u2019s course until the pressures of family life, work and other studies meant that could no longer be continued.\r\nHis log book indicates a total of 1313.10 hours of flying including 420.55 hours of operational flying.  His wing Commander recorded a \u201cGrand Record\u201d in 86 Squadron.\r\nHe received the following medals: The 1939-45 Star, The Atlantic Star, The Defence Medal, The War Medal 1939-45 and the Australian Service Medal 1939-45.","john_pettifer"],["578","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/alwyn-pritchard.jpg","Alwyn","Pritchard","none","Flight Lieutenant","428355","Alwyn Earnest Pritchard enlisted on 10th October 1942 in Melbourne at 1 Recruit Centre. Alwyn moved on to 1 Initial Training School  at Somers as Aircraftman 2. His next posting was to 11 Elementary Flying Training in Benalla after being promoted to Leading Aircraftman then finished his traing there as a Pilot Officer. . Alwyn continued on to 6 Service Flying Training at Mallala in SA and 5 Elementary Flying Training in Narromine before being sent to Central Flying School in Tamworth to train as an instructor. As an instructor he served at 11 Elementary Flying Training in Benalla and then on the 5th February 1944 he was posted to 10 Elementary Flying School at Temora. With only 109.3 hrs in his logbook Alwyn amassed 327.50 hours instructing pilots in the DH 82 Tiger Moth. Alwyn's time at Temora was cut short when he and Aircraftwoman Sheakespeare crashed West of Temora in A17-288. Alwyn sustained leg injuries and was eventually transferred to the Reserve on the 14th September 1945.\r\nAlwyn became a surveyor after the war. His crash meant he visited Repatriation several times in the following years. Prior to the war he was a top junior tennis player. His leg fractures etc stopped that. He passed away at 62. Hard work and the injuries caught up with him.","alwyn_pritchard"],["579","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/ken-fox.jpg","Ken","Fox AM","Europe","Flight Lieutenant","402330","Born in Sydney on 12th September 1919 to Roy and Ethel Fox. He had an elder sister, Joyce, born two years previously.\r\nKen grew up in the pioneering era of aviation of Kingsford Smith crossing the Pacific, Lindberg crossing the Atlantic and the London Sydney Air Race of the 1930\u2019s. His first flight was a joy ride at 10 years of age. This sowed the seeds that led to his lifelong career and passion. \r\nKen left Summer Hill Intermediate High School, at age 15 and applied to the R.A.A.F. . He was rejected due to his age.\r\nHe joined David Jones in Sydney in the overcoat and suit Department. He has always been an elegant dresser; precise and correct. This was his grounding. Clothing had to fit and be \u2018cut\u2019 correctly! Throughout his working life he had the reputation that he always looked as if he was just coming to work at the conclusion of his day.\r\nAt age 17 he re applied to the R.A.A.F. and was again rejected due to his age and lack of education.\r\nAt 17 he also met a \u201cgood looking blonde\u201d, Joan Maas who was destined to be his lifelong partner. This 60 year partnership led to 2 children, 8 grandchildren and on current count 19 great grandchildren.\r\nAs a young couple their weekends were spent at their favourite place Bondi Beach worshipping the sun. Sun, surf and swimming remained their favourite pastime always.\r\nAt the outbreak of WW2 his opportunity came. Ken reapplied to the R.A.A.F. and was accepted to train as a Navigator. He was called up in August 1940 in the first draft.\r\nWithin an hour he had himself reclassified as a \u2018Trainee Pilot\u2019, such was his persistence. He remained a pilot for the next 40 years. He was 20 years of age.\r\nAfter completion of his initial training at Bradfield Park near Sydney- square bashing he called it- he was selected for the pilot training and sent to Tamworth flying out of the Tamworth racecourse where he learnt to fly. It was in Tamworth that he gained his wings.\r\nThey stayed in temporary mizzen huts next door at the show ground. His first solo was in a Tiger Moth on 26\/10\/40 after 10hrs 10 mins flying training, the third on the course to solo.\r\nHe graduated from his course assessed as \u2018Below Average\u2019 but was selected for fighter pilot training.\r\nFor the next three months he trained at Amberley on Wirraways and was assessed as \u2018average\u2019. He graduated as a SGT ready for posting.\r\nAir crews were being posted to parts of the Commonwealth, but they all wanted to go to the UK and fly Spitfires. The Battle of Britain was headlines in the papers- that\u2019s where the action and excitement was- they were the real Errol Flynn\u2019s. He was lucky and was selected in the Blue Draft to embark to England as replacement crew to the R.A.F. .\r\nOf the 112 R.A.A.F. personnel who embarked on the Freighter \u2018Sarpedon\u2019 in April 1941 he was the only pilot to still be alive in 1945.\r\nThey arrived in Belfast 13 weeks later, in the largest convoy to cross the Atlantic at the time, during an air raid. The Germans knew they were coming. He was off loaded immediately in the dark onto a ferry and taken across the Irish Sea to Scotland. He was one of the few Australians posted to a fighter O.T.U in Northern Wales for conversion to Spitfires. At the conclusion of the 6 weeks course he was one of the 3 or 4 assessed as \u2018Above Average\u2019 as a fighter pilot under training and asked to stay an extra 3 weeks to help instruct the next batch of pilots coming through- \u2018Nothing too tricky\u2019, but it helped the\r\nexperienced instructors who were ex-Battle of Britain pilots. The advantage was he would be sent immediately to 11 Group which was fully combat operational and responsible for the defence of London from the south. The posting to 11 group was a big plus as it saved up to 6 months flying with non-operational squadrons being formed in Scotland and Northern England. He believed that 3 weeks probably saved his life.\r\nOn 20\/11\/1941 he was posted to R.A.F. 124 \u2018Baroda\u2019 Squadron at Biggin Hill, Britain\u2019s top fighter base and promoted to Flight Sgt. His Squadron Commander was Duke Woolley who eventually became Air Commodore. He was the only Aussie most of the time. He said \u2018there was another but\r\nhe was shot down\u2019. At Biggin Hill Winston Churchill used to drive through the airfield to get to his home and often stopped to chat to the pilots in the mess. Biggin Hill was the No. 1 Fighter Station in Britain. 453 pilots were killed operating from there. He flew over 100 operational sorties during his 12 month tour of operations there, being shot up 3 times but managing on each occasion to get his damaged Spitfire back to England.\r\nKen\u2019s experiences were often reported in the Sydney press with headlines such as \u2018Shot Himself Clear\u2019. He was quite the local hero. He always knew that on sorties over France to stir up German Fighter Bases someone wouldn\u2019t return. \u2018Ops to Lille were the worst\u2019. It was the limit of the Spitfire\u2019s range and there were always dogfights on these ops. He said it was a strange existence. You would come back from a sortie at 4:00pm for tea and scones, then out again for a raid before dark. He flew as close escort to the first American Bomber raid. \u2018We learnt never to get too close or you would get shot at\u2019. The bombers were to raid Ostend. They got hopelessly lost, dropped their bombs and returned to base. When they landed the American General decorated the crew of every plane with a D.F.C. .\r\nAt the end of his Tour he was posted back to Australia.\r\nHis R.A.F. Log book shows his assessment as \u2018above average\u2019 as a fighter Pilot.\r\nHe arrived in Sydney in March 1943, 2 years after his departure.\r\nHe was to have a couple of weeks disembarkation leave so he and Joan decided to marry on the first weekend back. On the Saturday, he was drinking in the bar at the hotel Australia in Sydney with his mates when a call came through to return to base at Bankstown. The Japanese were throwing a few shells onto the Sydney beach suburbs from submarines off the coast. Sydney had had the Midget submarines causing havoc right in Sydney Harbour. A Japanese reconnaissance aircraft was shot down over Darwin and the press were asking questions about Sydney\u2019s defence. There was one old fighter based at Bankstown and that was it.\r\nQuestions were raised in Parliament and the Government decided a morale booster was needed. There were Spitfires newly arrived in Australia, along with 452 and 457\r\nSquadrons from the UK. They had been snuck into Darwin. Hence the shot down Reconnaissance plane. Spitfire training was going on at Mildura. So it was decided to forgo the secrecy and fly a Flight of Spitfires from Mildura to Sydney. The problem was that there were no pilots able to stay in Sydney as all available air crew were either training or operational. It was realised there were 3 or 4 experienced pilots just arrived from the UK and in Sydney, among which Ken was one and he was recalled on his wedding eve.\r\nThey were told to beat up Sydney on the Sunday. They were given absolutely free reign. It had never happened before or probably since. Well, did they ever!! There was a huge surf carnival at Bondi. Thousands of people were there. So the 3 Spitfires headed low over the city straight for Bondi, his favourite haunt. They beat up the beach doing barrel roles, then back inland to come again on the deck over the beach and out to sea into a vertical climb and roll out towards Manly and up the coast to Palm Beach. They beat the daylights out of Palm Beach before heading for their Bankstown base.\r\nOn the way back they split up and he decided to fly over his parent\u2019s home at Strathfield. There is a huge park opposite the house with cricket pitches and spacious parkland. He lined up the house and inverted. He said he could see the chimney coming up and he prayed he would miss it. He was losing speed and thought he was gone. Next thing he saw Enfield shopping Plaza whipping past his vision. Somehow he survived the situation and\r\nreturned to Bankstown. The press and population were stirred. Sydney was defended by Spitfires!\r\nThe next weekend he married. It was 8th March 1943. The honeymoon lasted one night. \r\nShortly after he was posted to 452 Squadron in Darwin as replacement air crew.\r\nOn 2nd May \u2013 Raid 54 over Darwin. There were twenty-five Japanese bombers escorted by 27 fighters bombing Darwin. On this raid Ken flew as Wing Commander Clive (Killer) Calwell\u2019s No 2. The role of the No 2 was to protect his leader at all costs. Calwell was jumped by Zeros. Ken was immediately into the fray shooting at the attacking Zeros until they turned away allowing Calwell to escape. However this action made Ken the target.\r\nHe was attacked and his engine seized after being hit. He inverted the aircraft and attempted to bale out somewhere between 60 and 100 miles off the coast. He rolled the aircraft on its back, pushed the cockpit canopy back and endeavoured to fall clear of the plane; the theory was the Spitfire would have enough forward momentum for him to fall clear and safely away. The Spitfire was actually dead stopped and falling like a stone. He couldn\u2019t fall clear. He eventually managed to force himself out of the cockpit and bounce\r\nhis way along the fuselage, knocking himself against the tail and kicking himself clear. This collision with the tail led to hip damage which resulted in a hip replacement in his later years. He said when he was parachuting down there was not a sign of aircraft anywhere. The battle had moved on. He spent ten hours in a dingy being sea sick and was eventually rescued by the Royal Australian Navy.\r\nAbout the battle he says the Japanese fighter pilots did their job, which was to protect the bombers. Nine Japanese Zeros and five Spitfires were shot down & another seven written off through non-combat causes such as engine failure or running out of fuel before returning to base. Only one Japanese bomber was destroyed. The bombers had successfully bombed Darwin.\r\nAfter several more combats his tour ended on 4\/2\/44 and he was posted as an instructor to various training centres (OTU\u2019s) on the East Coast. It was apparent the War was winding up and he was given the opportunity, as one of the first to enlist, to be able to leave the R.A.A.F. and get a job in civilian life before the bulk of the servicemen were repatriated. He was discharged with the rank of Flight Lieutenant and transferred to the Reserve on 12\/1\/45.\r\nHe then joined the A.N.A. to fly the Brisbane-Manilla run under contract to the U.S.A.F. in C47s leased from the U.S. One of the planes he flew was named \u201cShanghai Lil\u201d, later to be VH-AES \u2018Hawden\u2019, T.A.A.\u2019s first aircraft.\r\nHis bride, Joan, moved to Brisbane from Kings Cross where she had been living with her mother. They had seen each other for 5 Weeks in 5 years.\r\nHis first command came shortly after. As the war drew to an end the A.N.A. contracts with the U.S.A.F. diminished and A.N.A. were letting pilots go. There were more pilots than jobs.\r\nHe applied to a new airline T.A.A., which was looking for captains. He joined the airline 2 months before its first flight had was one of T.A.A.\u2019s four foundation captains who started the airline based at Pt Cook. He did the official test flight and acceptance of the C47 \u2018Shanghai Lil\u2019, bullet holes and all, when the Government purchased the aircraft from the U.S.A.F.. The aircraft was now the DC3, VH-AES Hawden. His first operational flight for\r\nT.A.A. was as Captain of \u2018The Hawden\u2019 VH AES from Laverton to Sydney and return on 12 September 1946, his 27th Birthday.\r\nHe became a Training Captain on DC3\u2019S based in Sydney.\r\nIn December 1948 he was in the United States to take delivery of new Convair, a pressurised aircraft. On the delivery flight, flying across the Northern Atlantic to Iceland, the Arctic lights put their radio and navigation equipment out of action. For 5 hours of night flying they had to rely on navigating by the stars and dead reckoning to fly across the Atlantic and find the airstrip in Iceland. They came out of cloud directly over the airstrip which looked fine and came into land. The strip was ice and the plane couldn\u2019t\r\npull up and ended up crashing into rocks at the end of the runway on the oceans edge. The plane was severely damaged but was eventually repaired.\r\nHe was promoted to Assistant Senior Regional Captain in Sydney which his wife Joan loved as it was their home town.\r\nIn 1954 he was part of Queen\u2019s Flight when the royal couple toured Australia. T.A.A. specially converted two Convairs to transport the couple around Australia.\r\nIn 1957 the family was transferred to Melbourne so he could take up the position of F27 Fokker Friendship Project Pilot and Flight Captain, a position he held until 1961. He loved the Friendship and introducing the Turbo-jets and pressurised aircraft travel to the outback and New Guinea.\r\nIn 1961 he became Test Pilot, his office being in the hanger at Essendon. He loved being a Test Pilot. He could take any aircraft off the line for checking and held licences for every aircraft type operating in the fleet plus others such as the Royal Flying Doctor Service aircraft.\r\nIn 1964 he became Boeing B727 Project Pilot and Flight Captain responsible for introducing jet travel to Australian Domestic routes. He was the top pilot on the top plane.\r\nIn 1976 he became Flight Superintendent Training and retired in 1979. His career had included responsibility for the performance of all aircraft in the fleet and ultimately the standards of all pilots.\r\nHe was awarded the Member of the Order of Australia in 1980 for his service to Aviation.\r\nOn retirement he had flown 19,238 hours and 30 minutes, spanning 39 years and flown 23 aircraft types. He was one of the unique group of men who not only established an airline but they were integral in setting the standards for airline performance and safety which we enjoy today.\r\nIn September 1971 he flew VH-AES \u2018Hawden\u2019 on the 25th anniversary flight from Laverton to Sydney.\r\nIn June 2005 he was invited to join a trip on AES Hawden through central Australia and Queensland. I went along as \u2018carer\u2019. He was absolutely shocked at the way people treated him. He was a living legend.\r\nOn the leg from Alice Springs to Birdsville across the Simpson Desert, he was invited into the cockpit. He sat in the 2nd pilot seat and took the controls for the last time. The cockpit door was left open so everybody could witness this 85yo veteran at the controls of this very special plane. Needless to say we did a perfect landing and pulled up outside the Birdsville Hotel.\r\nWritten by Tony Fox (son)","ken_fox"],["580","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/Ron+Kirkland+collage.jpg","Ronald","Kirkland","Europe","Pilot Officer","420961","Ron had enlisted with boy-hood friend, Tom Burnett, and together they successfully progressed with 20 hours of flight training on DH Tiger Moths at 10 EFTS Temora.\r\n\r\nUpon qualifying at Temora, they moved to the next stage of the EFTS program and travelled together on a converted freighter to Ontario Canada for multi-engine aircraft training on Anson and Oxford aircraft from October 1942 till March 1943 when they qualified together.\r\n\r\nHere there was a 50% \u201cwash-out\u201d factor built into the program. They both completed these stages successfully and graduated together. Once again, death by air training accident was also a real risk, to which many had already succumbed. \r\n\r\nApril 1943 and moving closer towards the front line (Halifax Canada) the two close mates joined a convoy ship crossing the murderous Atlantic Ocean risking U-boat and enemy air attack at a time when the Battle for the Atlantic was at its height, and most dangerous.\r\n\r\nNow in Britain, Tom and Ron shared 12 months further training in many locations specifically focussed on flying bombers, using Wellingtons, Stirlings and Lancasters for 12 months from April 1943 till April 1944\r\n\r\nRon Kirkland was sent for operational assignment to RAAF Lancaster Squadron 460 Lincolnshire in April 1944 and the two were now separated for the first time in almost 3 years.\r\n\r\nTom was assigned to No 90 Sqn RAF at Tuddenham West Suffolk- north of London England flying Lancaster bombers, at the same time. This was a very busy area for flying as many of the US Army Air Force bases were located nearby, together with RAF Tactical Air bases too.\r\nMid-air collisions were not uncommon, and the risks were continually high.\r\nTom\u2019s duty was to drill a newly combined crew of RAF and RAAF personnel in a training Lancaster bomber and together they conducted five training flights in April 1944 designed to hone-skills and become more familiar with the new aircraft and each other\r\n\r\nTheir assigned Lancaster NE 177 had accumulated just 22 flying hours when they took ownership on 2 June 1944 (just 8 days before their first operational sortie together).\r\n\r\nSadly just 1 week earlier on 28 May 1944 Pilot Officer Ron Kirkland was Killed In Action (KIA), flying his assigned Lancaster on a preparation for -D Day bombing mission. It was only his fourth operational mission with his assigned crew to attack German gun emplacements at Merville when they failed to return.","ron_kirkland"],["581","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/malcolm-everitt.jpg","Malcolm","Everitt","WWII","Flight Lieutenant","405789","Flight Lieutenant Malcolm Lloyd Everitt served with distinction as a pilot and flying instructor in the Royal Australian Air Force during the Second World War, later continuing his passion for aviation in private flying well into the post\u2011war era.\r\n\r\nWhile working as a travelling salesman, Everitt enlisted with the RAAF and commenced his military aviation career at No. 5 Elementary Flying Training School (5 EFTS) in Narromine, where he undertook his initial flight training. Demonstrating skill and dedication, he progressed to No. 2 Service Flying Training School (2 SFTS) in Wagga Wagga, undertaking advanced flying instruction on Wirraway aircraft. His abilities soon led him to the Central Flying School (CFS) at Camden, where he qualified as a flying instructor.\r\n\r\nFollowing his qualification, Everitt was posted to No. 10 Elementary Flying Training School (10 EFTS) in Temora. From May 1942 to April 1944, he played a vital role in training new pilots, instructing them on Tiger Moths during a period when the demand for skilled aircrew was critical to the war effort. After this significant instructional tenure, he returned to CFS\u2014this time at Parkes\u2014where he converted to instructing on Oxford aircraft.\r\n\r\nIn June 1944, Everitt moved to No. 8 Service Flying Training School (8 SFTS) in Bundaberg, becoming an instructor on Avro Ansons. Later that year, in December 1944, he transferred to No. 6 SFTS in Mallala. He concluded his wartime service at No. 1 Operational Training Unit (1 OTU) in East Sale.\r\nFor his service Malcolm received a commendation from the Governor General on the 8\/10\/1945 for meritorious service in the air.\r\nThrough his dedication as both a pilot and instructor, Malcolm Lloyd Everitt contributed meaningfully to the training and preparedness of countless RAAF aircrew, leaving behind a detailed and valuable record of a remarkable aviation career. A large collection of Malcolm\u2019s wartime memorabilia is archived at the Temora Aviation Museum and can be viewed on eHive.com","malcolm_everitt"],["582","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/Hubert Eccleston2.jpg","Hubert","Eccleston","Europe, Middle East, Pacific","Warrant Officer","412412","Hubert Eccleston, known as Hughie, was born in 1920 and embarked on his journey into military aviation in 1941 when he commenced pilot training at No. 8 Elementary Flying Training School (8EFTS). His early promise as a pilot led to a posting in England, where he continued his training and soon qualified as a fighter pilot.\r\n\r\nHughie was deployed to the Middle East with 324 Wing, serving with distinction in the challenging North African theatre. Flying Spitfire Mark V aircraft over Algeria and Tunisia, he took part in operations that were crucial to the Allied push across the region.\r\n\r\nHe later joined No. 111 Squadron, operating from Malta during a pivotal phase of the war. There he flew both the Spitfire Mark V and the more advanced Mark IX on missions ranging from air\u2011to\u2011air combat to providing essential air cover for the Allied landings in Sicily and on the Italian mainland. His skill and bravery in the air earned him the Distinguished Flying Medal (DFM), awarded in recognition of his destruction of at least four enemy aircraft during active combat.\r\n\r\nAfter his service in Europe and the Mediterranean, Hughie returned to Australia to continue operational flying. He joined No. 79 Squadron, where he flew Spitfire Mark VIII aircraft on combat missions across the Pacific theatre. Based in Darwin and later Morotai, he contributed to the air defence of northern Australia and supported Allied operations in the region.\r\n\r\nHubert \u201cHughie\u201d Eccleston\u2019s wartime career stands as a testament to his courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to duty across multiple fronts of the Second World War. Hughie's wartime logbook and DFC medal are archived at the Temora Aviation Museum and can be viewed on eHive.com","hubert_eccleston"],["583","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/arthur-parkes.jpg","Arthur","Parkes","WWII","Sergeant","440090","Arthur dreamed of learning to fly from a young age. He spoke of riding his scooter as a youngster from home in Croydon Park to Bankstown Aerodrome to watch the planes.  He joined the Air Training Corps at age 16 and trained with 24 SQN Bradfield Park for two years, receiving his Certificate of Proficiency on 31 Dec 1942 (with distinction). \r\nArthur enlisted in the RAAF on 11 Sep 1943 when he was studying accountancy and working part time for a Sydney accountancy firm as a Junior Audit Clerk.  Following his enlistment Arthur spent some time in Benalla, Victoria prior to commencing training at 10 E.F.T.S. Temora in December 1943 where he flew the D.H. 82 Tiger Moth. \r\nIn Sep 1944 Arthur was posted to 3 S.F.T.S. Calgary, Alberta, Canada, where he continued his training flying Cessna Cranes and Avro Ansons around the Rocky Mountains. He told of lives lost by young airmen during their training flights through the Rockies.  Like other trainees Arthur was billeted with a local family and talked of the hospitality he enjoyed with them and friendship with his Australian, New Zealand and Canadian colleagues. \r\nArthur qualified for his Pilots Badge on 16 Feb 1945 by which time there was no further demand for pilots in Europe, much to Arthur\u2019s disappointment.\r\nIn Aug 1945 on demobilization, Arthur transferred to the RAAF Reserves and discharged from the RAAF in 1947.","arthur-parkes"],["585","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/howard_hendrick.jpg","Howard","Hendrick","WWII","Flying Officer","417371","Howard Hendrick DFC, OAM, Legion D'Honneur (France) was born on 2 October 1923, the son of a soldier settler, Tom Hendrick, and his English war bride Laura.  They had taken a solder-settler's fruit block in South Australia's Riverland.\r\n\r\nHe attended primary and secondary school at Renmark\r\n\r\nOn ANZAC Day 1942, at the age of 18, he joined the RAAF and departed for induction training at No. 4 Initial Training School at Mt Breckan in Victor Harbor.   Noting there was not an aircraft to be seen, he began the grind of ground school and streaming of students based on their academic results and aptitudes.\r\n\r\nOn 15 August, Howard and 22 others were assigned to No 1. Elementary Flying School Parafield, north of Adelaide.  At last! Aircraft everywhere, particularly the DH 82 Tiger Moth, the basic trainer of the Empire Air Training Scheme.  It was to be another month before anything of interest occurred; \"hurry up and wait' the catch cry of the military, was in force.  At the EFTS trainees needed to go solo within ten hours of Flying Training.  If they didn't, they would be re-mustered.  Overcoming an initial bout of airsickness, Howard progressed at the requisite rate and having gone solo and completed the course, he was selected to go to to No. 7 Service Flying Training School in Deniliquin NSW\r\n\r\nAt Deniliquin, he flew CAC Wirraway Trainers, in preparation for flying single seat fighter aircraft in due course.  Having duly obtained his 'wings', on 11 April 1943, he was posted to England to complete his training as a fighter pilot.\r\n\r\nIn the UK, he found himself languishing in a personnel depot waiting for a Fighter Conversion course.  Priorities had changed and the need was for bomber crews.  An opportunity presented itself and he was on his way to a course to train on multi-engine aircraft.  He would be destined to fly Lancasters and Halifaxes in the European war zone, and having completed the multi-engine training, he then went through 'Heavy Conversion' on the Lancaster and then to Operational Training Unit, thus retraining as a bomber pilot.\r\n\r\nOne of the 'rituals' at OTU was the process of 'crewing up', where crews more or less selected each other.  They then learned to fly as a team in preparation to share their fate in an operational squadron. Eventually, they were posted to No. 460 Squadron where he and his crew took their place in the Squadron roster.  No.460 was the oldest of the Australian 'Article XV' Squadrons and was made up of Australian pilots and crews from the Dominions.  From there, Howard and his crew went to war. By this stage, it was October 1944.\r\n\r\nDuring the next few months, they flew raids over France and Germany, and along the way he met WAAF Sergeant Winefried Nugent, who worked in the Operations section of the base.  Like his father before him formed a relationship with the woman who would become his 'war bride'. \r\n\r\nThe crew of 'B' for Baker completed 30 raids (a tour of ops) with the same crew.  Relatively few crews completed a tour 'intact'.  Loss rates were high.  Nearly 50% of Bomber Command personnel lost their lives during the course of the war.\r\n\r\nHis next role was as a Flying Instructor until the end of the war at No. 667 Conversion Unit, where he taught trainee pilots how to fly the Lancaster.\r\n\r\nAfter the war, wanting to keep flying, Howard completed further training to become a commercial pilot with British Airways where he flew scheduled routes between London, Johannesburg and Sydney.\r\n\r\nAfter four years with BA, Howard returned to Australia to take up a Soldier Settler block in Loxton, where he and his family worked and resided for more than 60 years, having come full circle\r\n\r\nFinally retiring at aged 86 Howard is a regular guest speaker at Loxton High School, and has had his recollections recorded on ABC Radio, with these oral histories part of the South Australian State Library collection. On Australia Day in 2016, Loxton Waikerie District Council named him Loxton Citizen of the Year 2016. At 92, Howard was still enjoying a monthly Jabiru solo flight (with the relevant \u2018restrictions\u2019) at his local Aero Club.  He said \"it keeps my mind active\"!\r\nThis summary of Howard's biography was compiled by Steve Larkins 2016. To read the full account of Howard's memoir copy and paste this link into your browser.  https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/Hendrick+memoir.pdf","howard_hendrick"],["586","  https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/alexander-boxall.jpg","Alexander","Boxall","WWII","Warrant Officer","416738","Alexander known as Alec developed an early passion for aviation, inspired by living near Essendon Aerodrome. Despite initial setbacks due to educational requirements, he successfully joined the Air Force under the Empire Air Training Scheme after enhancing their skills through night school.\r\nTraining began with rookie sessions at Pearce, followed by specialized courses at Ballarat (radio operation), Sale (gunnery), and Mallala (our crew was formed for an Avro Anson and we became part of an emergency squadron). While at Mallala I applied to do navigation and was accepted. Navigation training at Mt. Gambier was particularly challenging but rewarding, as I excelled in practical skills despite struggling with theoretical subjects.\r\nIn my wartime service I was assigned to 25 Squadron in May 1943 based in Pearce WA, flying in Wirraways where I paired up with pilot Howard Martin and we moved onto flying Vultee Vengeance dive-bombers. Missions included reconnaissance and dive-bombing in New Guinea, targeting Japanese installations. Collaborations with American Catalina Squadrons as a Navigator highlighted differences in training standards and operational approaches.\r\n1944 25 Squadron replaced 23 Squadron and headed for Nadzab, one of the memorable missions Howard and I flew was the Hansa Bay Raid. The squadron faced intense anti-aircraft fire, losing two crews. We were the second flight to dive bomb, where we pulled out low and strafed the gun emplacements on the way out only narrowly escaping in own aircraft.\r\nOn another mission a mechanical failure forced a belly landing at Nadzab, as we could not get the wheels down even after performing some high G manoeuvres to try to force them down. I had to jettison the guns mid-flight as they could move forward on landing and kill the navigator and I did not want that!.\r\nAfter Nazab we were sent to Jacky Jacky on the Cape York Peninsula. Here we waited for our next posting. Howard went off to WA and us navigators went to Melbourne. We were at a loose end for awhile and then I went back to mt Gambier to do a refresher course in navigation and then went to Williamtown to fly in the Mosquito or Beaufighters but the war ended and never got to fly in either.\r\nAfter the war I went back to work at General Motors for awhile then the Commonwealth oil Refineries before finally joining a training scheme to get on the land.\r\nThis is a summary of a comprehensive memoir recorded by Peter James-Martin. To read the full memoir please copy and paste this link into your browser. https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/Boxall+memoir.pdf","alexander_boxall"],["587","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/ken-james.jpg","Ken","James","WWII","Air Commodore","O6180 (408021)","Kenneth Elwin James O6180 (408021) was born on the 27th March 1920, he  joined the RAAF in 1940 and trained in Canada before flying Spitfires in England, Darwin and Morotai. He became a Squadron Leader and Commanding Officer of 457 Squadron in May 1942 shortly before returning with the Squadron to Australia to defend Darwin. \r\nHe flew the first Spitfire in Australia in August 1942. After the Darwin campaign, he Commanded 85 Training Squadron at Pearce in WA before being posted to Morotai to Command 79 Squadron.\r\nKen was discharged at the end of the War, studied Civil Engineering at the University of Melbourne and rejoined the RAAF to command an Airfield Construction Squadron. He went on to establish the Electronic Data Processing in Canberra for the RAAF - the first large-scale use of computers in Defence. Ken retired with the rank of Air Commodore. Ken featured in the short film \"Spitfire over Australia\" produced by Jeff Watson. We believe Ken is the youngest person ever to become Squadron Leader in the RAAF, although he never made claim to this - as stated in his obituary Ken was \"self-effacing to an almost embarrassing degree\".","ken_james"],["588","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/ron-lalor4.jpg","Ronald","Lalor","WWII","Warrant Officer","432822","Ron Lalor (Service No. 432822) began his aviation journey at a young age, joining the Air Training Corps in October 1941 when he was just sixteen. His early commitment to aviation laid the foundation for what would become several years of dedicated service during the Second World War.\r\n\r\nUpon turning eighteen, Ron formally enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force in Sydney. After completing his initial military training, he was posted to No. 10 Elementary Flying Training School (EFTS) Temora, where he began pilot training on the iconic de Havilland Tiger Moth. Ron logged 61 hours on the Tiger Moth before progressing to the next phase of his training.\r\n\r\nHe was then transferred to No. 5 Service Flying Training School (SFTS) Uranquinty, where he advanced to flying the CAC Wirraway. Here, he accumulated an additional 101 hours, steadily honing his skills as a pilot.\r\n\r\nIn January 1944, Ron was posted overseas to the United Kingdom to continue advanced training at No. 6 (Pilots) Advanced Flying Unit (P) AFU Little Rissington. During this stage he flew the Airspeed Oxford, adding a further 93 hours to his growing logbook. Ron remained in England for subsequent training courses; however, the war\u2019s progression meant that he did not participate in operational combat flying.\r\n\r\nReturning to Australia in late 1945, Ron concluded his wartime service and was demobilised in January 1946. He left the RAAF with the rank of Warrant Officer, having contributed several years to his country\u2019s air training and operational preparedness during a pivotal moment in history. Photo credit NAA.","ron_lalor"],["589","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/thomas-burnett.jpg","Thomas","Burnett","Europe","Pilot officer","421069","Thomas Burnett of Ballina, NSW, enlisted in the RAAF on 7 December 1941, leaving behind his wife Jean and infant son, Arthur. After initial pilot training at No. 10 EFTS Temora in 1942, he continued advanced multi\u2011engine training in Canada before deploying to the United Kingdom for bomber operations.\r\nIn April 1944, Tom joined No. 90 Squadron RAF, flying Lancaster bombers. On 10 June 1944\u2014just days after D\u2011Day\u2014his crew took off for their first operational mission, targeting rail yards in Dreux, France. Their aircraft, Lancaster NE177, was attacked by a night fighter and later struck by anti\u2011aircraft fire. Tom gained enough altitude for four crew members to bail out (who avoided capture), but he and two others were unable to escape before the aircraft crashed near Grandvilliers on 11 June 1944.\r\nTom Burnett was 29. He is remembered for his leadership, skill, and the sacrifice he made in attempting to save his crew.\r\nMore information on Tom\u2019s service with his childhood friend is available on Ronald Kirkland\u2019s story on this website.","tom_burnett"],["590","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/bob-wade.jpg","William (Bob)","Wade","Europe","Air Commodore","431595","I reflect on events that began on my eighteenth birthday, when I became eligible to join the RAAF. As the seventh child of a widowed mother, my enlistment required her consent as well as the Air Force\u2019s approval.\r\n\r\nAfter aircrew training at Victor Harbour, navigation training at Mount Gambier, and bombing and gunnery training at Port Pirie, I was posted as a sergeant navigator. Seventy\u2011five years ago, I departed Sydney on the SS *Sea Scamp* with hundreds of other RAAF members. During the journey, we learned that the Allies had opened the Second Front. From San Francisco, we crossed the United States by train and then the Atlantic aboard the *Queen Elizabeth*.\r\n\r\nWhile awaiting posting in Brighton, I volunteered for the Light Bomber Force and began training on the Mosquito\u2014the versatile \u201cwooden wonder,\u201d capable of serving as a fighter, intruder, or bomber. I was paired with RAF pilot John Smith, and after further Pathfinder navigation training, we joined 109 Squadron in January 1945.\r\n\r\nBefore being authorised to mark targets, Pathfinder crews had to prove their accuracy on standard bombing missions. Our first seven operations were bombing runs. On our first, to Duisberg with a 4,000\u2011lb bomb, we lost fuel for unknown reasons and made an emergency landing on an unsuitable Belgian airfield, crashing through fences before coming to rest in a minefield. Fortunately, we were uninjured.\r\n\r\nOver the next four months, until the war in Europe ended, we completed another 25 operations, including four in daylight. These missions required precise coordination. Heavy bombers relied on colour\u2011coded target markers that changed at specific times, and Pathfinders had to ensure each change occurred exactly on schedule to prevent German forces from creating decoy markers.\r\n\r\nOne memorable operation was marking the Bielefeld Viaduct on 14 March 1945. Despite thousands of tons of bombs previously dropped, only minor damage had been achieved. That day, the first 10\u2011ton \u201cearthquake bomb,\u201d (Ten Ton Tess) designed by Barnes Wallis, destroyed part of the viaduct\u2019s foundation, causing its collapse.\r\n\r\nBomber Command\u2019s efforts were critical in undermining Germany\u2019s industrial and fuel capacity, significantly hastening the end of the war. The Command suffered a 46% loss rate the highest of any Allied service with the average age of those killed just 23. Many ground crew and support staff also gave their lives.\r\n\r\nTo honour this service, the International Bomber Command Memorial was established in Lincoln. Its central spire equal to the wingspan of a Lancaster stands among 271 panels engraved with the names of the 57,861 men and women who lost their lives. \r\n\r\nThe Memorial ensures their sacrifice, and the freedom it helped secure, will never be forgotten.","bob_wade"],["591","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/douglas-wackett.jpg","Douglas","Wackett","WWII","Sergeant","20501","Douglas Francis Wackett began his service to Australia on 10 December 1940, when he enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) at the age of 21. Prior to joining the military, Douglas worked as a hairdresser in partnership with his brother, building a civilian life that he would soon leave behind in order to serve his country during the Second World War.\r\n\r\nDouglas\u2019s initial mustering in the RAAF was as a Nurse Orderly, and he commenced his service at No. 1 RAAF Hospital at Laverton. His medical training and dedication soon led him to overseas deployment. From 26 January 1942 to 30 September 1942, he served in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, with No. 32 Squadron, which operated Lockheed Hudson aircraft. During this period, he rose from the rank of Corporal to Sergeant, providing essential medical support under challenging wartime conditions.\r\n\r\nFollowing his first period of overseas service, Douglas sought a new path within the RAAF. He applied for aircrew training with the hope of becoming a bomber pilot and, in August 1943, was posted to No. 10 Elementary Flying Training School (EFTS) in Temora. There, he undertook training on Tiger Moths. Despite three months of effort and passion for flying, Douglas was \u201cscrubbed\u201d from pilot training due to eyesight limitations. Undeterred, he remustered once again as a Medical Orderly and returned to his rank of Sergeant.\r\n\r\nDouglas\u2019s second deployment to Papua New Guinea took place between 4 November 1944 and 27 December 1945. This time, he served with No. 43 Operational Base Unit at Milne Bay, continuing his work as a Medical Orderly and contributing to the health and wellbeing of airmen stationed in the region during the final phases of the war.\r\n\r\nAfter more than five years of service, Douglas Francis Wackett was discharged from the RAAF on 20 February 1946 following general demobilisation. His wartime career reflects resilience, adaptability, and a steadfast commitment to supporting his fellow servicemen, both on home soil and in demanding overseas environments.","douglas_wackett"],["592","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/ted-dowse.jpg","Edmund (Ted)","Dowse","WWII","Warrant Officer","412235","Edmund (\u201cTed\u201d) Llewellyn Dowse, 412235, enlisted in the RAAF on 22 June 1941. After initial training, he was posted to No. 8 EFTS Narrandera to train on the Tiger Moth. He then went on to No. 1 SFTS Point Cook, No. 3 AD Amberley, No. 3 BAGS Sale, CFS Tamworth, returned to No. 8 EFTS Narrandera, and later attended the School of Army Co\u2011operation in Canberra and No. 1 RPP Townsville. Throughout these postings he built his flying hours on Wirraways, Fairey Battles, Oxfords, Avros, and Austers.\r\n\r\nHe was later posted overseas, where he mainly flew Austers and C\u201147s in Lae, Morotai, and Labuan. While at Labuan, he was among the five pilots who courageously carried out the following rescue operation.\r\n\r\nFlight Lieutenant Fred Chaney was posted to No. 16 A.O. Post Flight, where he ultimately commanded the unit and set an outstanding example of courage and flying ability, earning him the Air Force Cross. When it was reported that several American aircrew had been living for many months in the centre of Borneo after being shot down in their two Liberators, Chaney flew an Auster into the area and successfully landed on a 75\u2011yard bamboo strip prepared by Dyaks. His aircraft crashed on take\u2011off, but with the assistance of the natives he repaired it using cane and bamboo. After the Dyaks extended the strip by another 100 yards, he returned and managed to fly four personnel one at a time to Tarakan over approximately 300 miles of enemy\u2011held territory. He continued operations from Labuan after it was captured, ultimately evacuating the remaining members of the crew.\r\n\r\nFlight Lieutenant Fred Chaney and his fellow Auster pilots, Flight Lieutenant Greg Sherman, Flying Officer Jack White, Flight Lieutenant Frank Stokes, and Flying Officer Ted Dowse displayed exceptional skill and courage in flying unarmed light aircraft over enemy territory.","ted_dowse"],["593","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/james-mcauliffe.jpg","James","McAuliffe","Europe","Warrant Officer","417712","James Francis McAuliffe, RAAF service number 417712, began his military career when he enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force on 9 July 1942 at just eighteen years of age. A chemical process worker before the war, James embarked on a path that would take him across the world and into the cockpit of some of the era\u2019s most iconic fighter aircraft.\r\n\r\nJames completed the majority of his elementary flying training in South Australia, quickly demonstrating the aptitude required of a wartime pilot. In June 1943, he was posted to Canada as part of the Empire Air Training Scheme, where he undertook advanced instruction flying Harvards and Hurricanes.\r\n\r\nFollowing his success in Canada, James was sent to the United Kingdom and joined No. 53 Operational Training Unit, where he trained on Spitfires the aircraft that would define the next chapter of his service. In October 1944, he was posted to No. 452 Squadron, an RAAF fighter unit operating in the European theatre.\r\n\r\nDuring his time with 452 Squadron, James flew 35 operational sorties, accumulating over 53 hours of combat flying. Much of his work involved dive\u2011bombing missions, a dangerous and physically demanding role. In his recorded interview, James reflects on the experience of flying the Mk XVI Spitfire of fellow squadron pilot Russell \u201cRusty\u201d Leith DFC, an aircraft that survives today and is preserved at the Temora Aviation Museum, where it is flown by No. 100 Squadron RAAF. Photo credit NAA.","james-f-mcauliffe"],["594","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/james-s-mcauliffe.jpg","James","McAuliffe","WWII","Flight Sergeant","421748","James Stanley McAuliffe 421748 was born on 10 February 1919 in Hurstville, New South Wales. Growing up in suburban Sydney, he would go on to serve his country during the Second World War as a member of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).\r\nMcAuliffe enlisted in Sydney on 28 March 1942, naming Winifred McAuliffe as his next of kin. He began his military journey at the No. 2 Recruiting Centre before progressing to No. 2 Initial Training School (ITS). Demonstrating early aptitude, he advanced to No. 10 Elementary Flying Training School (EFTS), where he trained on Tiger Moth aircraft. After successfully completing his initial flying training, he moved on to No. 1 Service Flying Training School (1 SFTS), followed by further development at the Central Flying School (CFS).\r\nBy late 1942, McAuliffe\u2019s training and skill set led to his remustering as a Link Trainer Instructor. He completed the No. 30 Link Trainer Instructor\u2019s Course at CFS in December that year, transitioning him from active flight training into an essential instructional role. At this stage of his flying career, he had accumulated 71.5 hours in the air which consisted of 26 hours solo and 36 dual on Tiger Moths, 8 hours dual in the Oxford, and 1.3 hours dual in the Wackett. His academic performance during training was strong overall, requiring only further study in theory.\r\n\r\nThroughout the remainder of the war, McAuliffe contributed to the RAAF\u2019s training program, helping prepare new pilots for operational service. His dedication continued through the final months of the conflict, and he was formally discharged at the rank of Flight Sergeant on 14 January 1946, marking the end of nearly four years of service.\r\nJames Stanley McAuliffe\u2019s record reflects the important and often understated work of instructors and support personnel within the RAAF. Individuals whose skill and commitment were vital to Australia\u2019s wartime efforts. Photo credit NAA.","james_s_mcauliffe"],["595","https:\/\/images.unsungheroesaustralia.com.au\/struan-robertson.jpg","Struan","Robertson","WWII","Flight Lieutenant","432976","Struan Birrell Robertson began his Royal Australian Air Force journey in May 1943, marking the start of a flying career that would span the final years of the Second World War and continue into the post\u2011war period. His log book, maintained through to December 1949, traces a progression through several aircraft types, roles, and bases as he developed into an accomplished pilot.\r\n\r\nRobertson commenced his initial training at No. 8 Elementary Flying Training School (EFTS) in Narrandera, where he undertook foundational flight instruction. Demonstrating solid aptitude, he advanced to No. 5 Service Flying Training School (SFTS) at Uranquinty, completing his advanced training on CAC Wirraway aircraft.\r\n\r\nSeeking further specialisation, Robertson transitioned to dive\u2011bomber training at Williamtown, where he learned to operate the Vultee Vengeance. He later qualified as a drogue operator, flying Fairey Battles out of West Sale which was an essential role supporting gunnery training.\r\n\r\nRobertson\u2019s operational career took shape when he transferred to tactical reconnaissance work. Joining No. 5 Squadron, he served as a pilot on army co\u2011operation missions, flying both Wirraways and CAC Boomerangs. His service included deployments at Torokina on Bougainville and a detachment to Tadji in New Guinea, where he contributed to reconnaissance and support operations during the final phases of the Pacific campaign.\r\n\r\nAfter the war\u2019s end, Robertson continued to serve his country as a member of the RAAF Reserve, remaining active until December 1949. In 1946 Struan enrolled at the University of Sydney to study medicine. His special interests were infertility and the treatment of severe rhesus disease. He travelled to Britain to obtain his specialist qualifications then joined his father\u2019s practice and was a clinical assistant at Crown Street Women\u2019s Hospital. Robertson pioneered the use of donor artificial insemination, publishing his results in 1973. The Temora Aviation Museum holds in their archives many of Struan's wartime memorabilia which can be viewed on eHive.com","struan_robertson"]]}