Books

Wings of Gold

The Story of Australian Pilots and Observers Who Trained with the United States Navy 1966–1968

Authors: Trevor Rieck, Jack McCaffrie, Jed Hart

In 1965, The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Air Fleet Arm was experiencing a serious shortage of aircrew to fly the helicopters and aircraft it was acquiring to reach its ongoing operational needs. Training support provided by the RAAF was not adequate enough to meet the numbers required to fill the role of aircrew for the RAN. The RAN therefore took big steps in approaching the United States Navy to accept and train 49 personnel as pilots and observers through their aircrew training program, largely based in Pensacola, Florida. The ambitious program came to be known as the ‘Pensacola Experiment’ and was considered to be an outstanding success, graduating 47 aircrew for the RAN between 1966-1968. This account of a group of young Australians’ taking up the challenge to train with the United States Navy is a unique story and engaging right from the beginning. The characters are instantly likeable and easy to identify with. The reader gets to know them in great detail as they recount their personal stories, beginning the journey from selection for aircrew, initial flying training, graduation and eventually gaining their wings as Naval aviators. There are many personal reflections and amusing encounters along the way as the trainees deal with a system and culture very different to their own. ‘Wings of Gold’ is well researched and written, including many good photos and diagrams from this period. Authors Trevor Rieck, Jack McCaffrie and Jed Hart present an exceptional and clear version of events that led to the proposal, introduction and running of this successful program for the RAN at

the time, whilst also keeping the reader entertained. As the book Foreword suggests, I certainly did feel it possible to strap into a T-28 Trojan and land on the deck of an aircraft carrier after reading this amazing story - a unique chapter in Australia’s aviation history. Published by Big Sky Publishing Pages: 285 | RRP: $34.99 in hardback ISBN: 9781922265852

The High Life of Oswald Watt

Australia’s First Military Pilot

Author: Chris Clark

Walter Oswald Watt was a major influence and contributor to Australia’s emergent military aviation world during the early 1900’s. Qualifying as the first pilot in the Australian Army in 1911, he would go on to serve briefly with the French Air Service upon the outbreak of World War I. By 1916, he had transferred to the Australian Flying Corps and quickly progressed from flight commander with No. 1 Squadron in Egypt to Commanding Officer of No. 2 Squadron on the Western Front. By February 1918, Watt had been promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and taken command of the AFC’s 1st Training Wing in England.

During WWI, Oswald Watt had been the only AFC officer to command a wing apart from Lieutenant Colonel Richard Williams. In recognition of his distinguished service, heroism and leadership of all those who served under

him, Watt received the French Legion of Honour and Croix de Guerre. Watt was also twice mentioned in despatches during the War and appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 1919 for his service.

Upon leaving the AFC post WWI, Watt would pursue various business interests including a partnership in a shipping firm and taking up directorships of mining, rubber and art corporations.

He was also elected President of the Australian Aero Club (NSW Branch) and served on a committee examining options for aircraft to engage in commercial activities across Australia involving passengers and cargo. Watt never forgot his links to the military, assisting former veterans to financially re-establish themselves after they had left the service.

Oswald Watt met an untimely death, drowning at Bilgola Beach, New South Wales, in 1921. In his will, he left various bequests to the Australian Aero Club and the Royal Military College, Duntroon. The ‘Oswald Watt Gold Medal’ continues to be awarded on merit for ‘most brilliant performance in the air’ and most notable contribution to aviation by an Australian.

An amazing, but short life, ‘The High Life of Oswald Watt’, is a thoroughly interesting read. Author Chris Clark provides a well-researched and in depth look at the life of Watt – experienced aviator, wealthy businessman and social influencer - who played a significant role in the early development of Australian aviation. Watt came to be unofficially known as ‘Father of the Flying Corps’ and ‘Father of Australian Aviation’, leaving an enduring legacy that equalled some of the greats including Richard Williams, Charles Kingsford Smith, Bert Hinkler and Hudson Fysh. Published by Big Sky Publishing Pages: 352 |RRP: $29.99 in paperback ISBN: 9781925275797

The Australian Defence Force has marked 75 years since the end of World War II in Europe with a simple ceremony held in Adelaide.

VE Day - Victory in Europe Day - signalled the end of almost six terrible years of fighting between the Allies and Nazi Germany on May 8, 1945.

Three quarters of a century on, in a small ceremony at the South Australian National War Memorial in Adelaide, senior ADF representatives joined Governor of South Australia Hieu Van Le, the South Australian Premier Steven Marshal and the Lord Mayor of Adelaide Sandy Verschoor to lay wreaths in commemoration of those who served.

Senior Australian Defence Force Officer - South Australia and Air Warfare Centre Commander, Air Commodore Brendan Rogers, said the service was personally significant having served with No. 10 Squadron and understanding the importance of their operations in Europe during the war.

“For me the simple service was particularly poignant reflecting on the legacy left by those who flew for 10 Squadron during World War II,” Air Commodore Rogers said.

Anzac Day was marked differently this year but it remains an important time of reflection, especially for those who serve

Ceremony marks 75 years since VE Day

Right: Australian Air Force Cadets 612 SQN Cadet Bethany Yates FLTLT

Geoff Yates and Cadet Caisy Yates commemorate Anzac Day

“Despite the impact of COVID-19, it was important that we came together, however modestly, today to commemorate those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

“We particularly acknowledge the remaining RAAF veterans in South Australia who served in Europe in WWII and who are with us in spirit today but, unfortunately, could not participate in today’s service.”

Director Community Engagement, Group Captain Greg Weller, said RAAF Edinburgh units, and the Air Force veteran community in South Australia in particular, appreciate the importance of this year’s 75th anniversary.

“Several Air Force units at RAAF Edinburgh saw distinguished service in World War II in Europe,” Group Captain Weller said.

“No. 10 Squadron was the first unit to see operations in World War II and the first to incur a casualty on June 15,

Three Senior Service Representatives lay a wreath for VE Day service at Adelaide War Memorial, South Australia. Defence.

1940 - Flight Lieutenant John Napier Bell, a South Australian born at Largs Bay, who joined the Air Force in 1935 and was with 10 Squadron in England at the start of World War II.

Likewise, No. 462 Squadron saw operations with Bomber Command in World War II in Europe. Of the more than 10,000 RAAF airmen that served in Bomber Command, more than onethird paid the ultimate price.