410627 DR BUTTERWORTH, NAV 262, 35 SAAF Sqns & Ferry Command.
Don Butterworth had a long battle with Alzheimer's Disease which gradually took away his regular attendances at Anzac Day reunions ending with his death in July.
One of our members, Aubrey Houghton, entered the RAAF with Don in January, 1942 sharing tent life at 1 ITS, Somers. Their navigational training included periods at Mount Gambier, Sale and Nhill, including trips in Fairey Battles. In January, 1943, they were posted to Halifax, Canada, via Los Angeles, flying in Avro Ansons.
After travelling to the UK in the "Queen Elizabeth" Don began his long service in Catalinas with 262 Squadron.
They left the UK, flew down the west coast of Africa, across that continent and were finally based at St. Lucia, in Zululand, on the east coast. From there they traversed the wide expanses of the Indian and Southern Oceans.
For
those of our many members who served in Bomber Command and thought that
20,000 plus feet, cruising speeds over 200 mph, trips of some 7 hours
and a whole range of sophisticated navigation were the norm, the comparable
figures for Catalinas are staggering.
Heights from sea level to 5,000 feet (some reached 10,000 feet, but
lack of oxygen limited this) speeds around 95 knots and trips of 20
hours were common! With no land-based aids navigation was conducted
by such basic methods as drift sights and sun shots.
An eventful moment for Don was when an engine caught fire on take-off
and the pilot made a hurried landing on a nearby beach. The jar cause
the depth charges to drop below the aircraft but without exploding!
The fact that Don returned from that unique war zone testifies to his
skill as a navigator. We wish him well on his last, and longest trip.
For the record, 262 Squadron, RAF, became 35 Squadron, South African
Air Force in January, 1945.
(K.C.S.)
437968 WM WILSON, NAV, 166 Sqn.
Bill
Wilson grew up in East St. Kilda and was educated at State School and
Melbourne Grammar. After a brief stint in the Merchant Navy he commenced
a law course at Melbourne University. This was interrupted by service
in the Army, during which he was engaged in driving heavy transport
on the then unmade roads of Northern Australia. He later transferred
to the RAAF and was posted to Canada for training as a navigator and
where he met his wife, Eileen. On completion of training he went to
England where he served in 166 Squadron Bomber Command with almost a
full tour of ops behind him by VE day. Eileen came to the UK after VJ
day and they were married in South Kensington, London.
Bill returned to Australia on the "Aquitania", arriving here
in November, 1945. On this voyage he, along with most of the RAAF contingent
on board, was involved in the walk off the ship at Cape Town. The ship
was too big to dock there and was being provisioned at anchor by lighters.
The British O.C. troops considered it too dangerous for the thousands
on board to risk clambering down to the lighters on rope ladders. However
the "troops", faced with the prospect of not leaving the ship
during the entire voyage from UK to Sydney, thought otherwise and the
hospitality of the lighter crews and Cape Town people was enjoyed by
all.
Eileen arrived in Melbourne on the "Stirling Castle" in June,
1946. In the meantime Bill had recommenced his law course and his keen
support of the Melbourne "Demons".
After
completing his law degree he joined the City firm of Home Wilkinson
and Lowry where he remained until eventual retirement by which time
he was senior partner. He resided in Preston for some years as resident
partner and Solicitor to the Preston City Council.
He always had a great affinity for water sports and the sea and during
his working life spent much time at a holiday home in Sorrento, enjoying
boating and fishing. He played water polo along with his interest in
football and was coach of the Melbourne "fourths".
After retiring he and Eileen spent much time in Queensland where he continued to enjoy boating and fishing despite recurring ill health. During retirement he lived in Frankston when not in Queensland, with a final move to Mount Martha where he died peacefully in his sleep aged 78.
He
is survived by Eileen, daughter Denise, son-in-law Ralph and grandsons
Dane and Brent.
(Jack Tarrant)
430498 KJ GRACE, WAG 20 (P) AFU, 14 ACHU.
Kevin Grace died on 10 April 2001, aged 77 years, after a long battle with cancer. He had been an Odd Bods member since 1994. Kevin was born and reared in the Windsor/St.Kilda area, attending local primary school and the Christian Brothers College, St. Kilda and, on leaving CBC, he worked with the Victorian Railways. Joining the RAAF at age 18, Kevin trained and graduated as a WAG, was posted to the UK and was at 27 (O) AFU, Oxfordshire on his way to Bomber Command when hostilities ceased in Europe.
Post-war he trained as a Civil Engineer under the CRTS and worked for the Federal Department of Works specialising in airfield construction. Two major projects for him were RAAF Sale and Tullamarine. Later he took the position of Staff Engineer (Construction & Maintenance) at Monash University until his retirement in 1985.
Kevin
was always involved in work for his community, including his local church,
St Vincent de Paul Society and St Frances Cabrini Hospital and he was
also very much involved in the Catholic Church Charismatic Renewal program.
He loved bush walking, especially with his binoculars and bird watchers'
books and was, of course, a keen lawn bowler.
Kevin is survived by his wife of 47 years, Veronica, his children Michael and Mary and his 4 grandchildren.(GVS)
410184 SH VOCE, W/OP (Special) 199 & 171 Sqns.
Stan Voce who joined the Association in 1990 died in September last year in Mildura, where he had lived since his wife passed away some years ago.
Stan trained as a wireless operator and achieved status as a W/Op (Special) serving on Stirlings and Halifaxes engaged in Special Duties such as anti-radar, radio counter measures against the Luftwaffe's night fighter network, mine laying and support work for the Resistance forces, a pretty lonely job. I understand that Stan's crew did 55 ops.
Post-war we believe Stan had a career with the State Electricity Commission and lived in the Eltham area. He was always a keen fisherman, especially freshwater, hence his wish to be near rivers, reputedly he knew where the fish were hiding.
We only received news of Stan's death when his last newsletter was returned recently. (GVS)
421665 JF McCARTHY, AE, WAG 196 Sqn.
Dr Jim McCarthy passed away on 26 September after suffering a cerebral stroke. He joined 196 Squadron as a WAG and took part in the D-Day operations towing glider troops for the initial assault. His service with 196 Squadron continued with drops to the Resistance movement and included Operation Market Garden, the Arnhem operation.
On his crew's third flight into Arnhem their aircraft was hit by flak and Jim assisted his pilot to regain control of the Stirling. Unfortunately the aircraft was forced down near Brussels and hit a tree and Jim was instrumental in assisting the rest of the crew to evacuate safely.
It was just after Arnhem that Jim was commissioned. He continued flying with 196 Squadron up to Operation Varsity, the crossing of the Rhine.
postwar Jim took up dentistry and was later appointed head of the Melbourne Dental Hospital. He retained his connection with the RAAF being appointed Dental Officer to 21 Squadron, Citizen Air Force.
Jim joined the Association in the 1960s and was a welcome participant in our functions. He is survived by Enid, his wife of 55 years, his three sons, Jamie, Bill and Ian, and their families. He will be sorely missed by his many friends within the Odd Bods. (H.H.)
2001 BATTLE OF BRITAIN COMMEMORATION
The 2001 Battle of Britain Commemoration at St.Paul's Anglican Church was quite outstanding due, in many respects, to those conducting our annual event. These included the forthright Rev. Harlin Butterley as the locum vicar, and our own Venerable Archdeacon Stan Moss, who gave an outstanding Sermon which included the "Airman's Prayer" printed below, written by Hugh Brodie, a former Melbourne Boys' High School history teacher, killed in Bomber Command where he was serving as a Navigator in 1942.
The
composure of Air Commodore David Beatty, DFC, AFC, who coped admirably
with the sudden change of flight plan was followed by Committee members
Norm Dobbie and Alan Monaghan with the Testament readings.
The absence of the Choir, committed elsewhere, was regrettable, but
the harmony of the two RAAF trumpeters with the organist was noteworthy.
It was a service to be remembered for its quality in the face of a diminished
attendance, in part due to illnesses. Those absent members missed a
memorable event - 41 members, 4 members of the RAAF and 7 parishioners
attended, and enjoyed the quality afternoon teas kindly provided by
the Parish Ladies.
Those who were unable to attend - please make a note to be with us in 2002. (JE)
SHRINE DEVELOPMENT UNVEILED
It was announced in July that the plans for a $5.5 million new entry
and development of Melbourne's Shrine of Remembrance had been unveiled
by the Chairman of the Shrine of Remembrance Trustees, Mr John Taylor.
The plans, designed by architects Ashton Raggat McDougall, cover 2,000
square metres and once completed will provide vitally needed improved
public and disability access, public reception facilities, multi-purpose
education and orientation spaces, meeting accommodation and public amenities.
Courtyards are to be constructed at the north east and north west sides
of the Shrine in the original Tynong stone, the courtyards being aligned
on the axis of the Shrine reflecting the original design and reinforcing
the formal symmetry of the layout.
The development is being funded by the Commonwealth Government's Centenary
of Federation Fund and plans have been submitted to Heritage Victoria
and Melbourne City Council and, once approved, construction is anticipated
to commence in October 2001 and be completed by mid 2002.
This proposed development will build upon the work of the previous trustees
who undertook the original restoration works over the past 10 years
and commenced planning for the improvements which were unveiled.
One important step is to create a Galleries of Remembrance in the balance
of the undercroft space which will include additional display and educational
facilities.
THE AIRMAN'S
PRAYER
Almighty and all-present power,
Short is the prayer I make to thee.
I do not ask in battle hour
For any shield to cover me.
The vast unalterable
way
From which the stars do not depart,
Pray to be turned aside to stay
The flying bullet to my heart.
I ask no help to strike my foe,
I seek no petty victory here.
The enemy I hate, I know
To thee is also dear.
But this I pray be at my side
When death is drawing through the sky,
Almighty God who also died,
Teach me the way that I should die.
(Hugh Brodie)