Air Commodore Deryck Kingwell was one of the Air Force's most decorated pilots and inspirational figures.

ONE of Australia's most highly decorated World War II pilots passed away recently aged 85 after suffering declining health for the past two years.

Air Commodore Deryck Kingwell (ret'd) was best known for forming the famous No. 32 Squadron, which fought the Japanese for air superiority over Papua New Guinea.

Kingwell was awarded the Distinguished Service Order and named a Commander of the British Empire for his bravery during World War II.

His first solo flight was at RAAF Base Point Cook on August 21, 1936 where he graduated as top cadet, winning the Sword of Honour in July 1937 as well as the Mannock Cup for best pilot.

His first posting was to No. 3 Squadron at RAAF Richmond.

Subsequent attachments and postings included the Navigation and Specialist course in the UK, command of the General Reconnaissance School at RAAF Base Laverton and command of No. 23 Squadron at Archerfield Brisbane.

It was during his posting to Port Moresby in 1942 that 32SQN was formed. The squadron was made up of Hudson aircraft and crew from 23, 6 and 24 Squadrons.

Its primary function was to observe the build up and disposition of Japanese forces in the Pacific and take the attack to the enemy.

In 1944 Kingwell formed a new RAAF Unit, No. 82 (Heavy Bomber) Wing. The Wing consisted of Nos 21, 23 and 24 Liberator Squadrons, which operated out of Fenton near Darwin. It was the beginning of a unique association between Kingwell and this particular Air Force unit.

In 1945 the Wing moved to New Guinea and raids were carried out over Mindinao and Borneo.

Kingwell's last operational flight was over Balikpapan and he returned to Australia in July 1945.

At the end of the war Group Captain Kingwell, aged 29, was Officer Commanding RAAF Base Tocumwal, a regrouping Base for Liberators with more than 5000 service personnel.

After the war he had a series of interesting appointments. These included a staff course with the RAF in 1948, Assistant Commandant at the RAAF Academy, Senior Staff Officer Albert Park Barracks Melbourne and Air Attache to the USA and Canada.

His association with 82WG continued when he became Office Commanding RAAF Base Amberley in 1956.

A series of high-level appointments followed, including Director General of Organisation, Director of Air Force Plans, Director General personnel and Senior Staff Officer at Operational command.

He was promoted to Air Commodore on December 18, 1964, and Commanded RAAF Base Amberley until his retirement on July 27, 1971.

During this last appointment he oversaw the preparation of the base to receive the new F-111 aircraft.

In December 1971, he took up appointment as official Secretary to the Governor of Queensland until June 1981.

He received many awards including the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, Companion of the Distinguished Service Order, Pacific Star and the Australia Service Medal.

After his retirement he continued to provide leadership in many areas including President of the United Services club, President of the Council of the Scout Association and Vice President of the Australia-Britain Society.

Fighter pilot and former Defence minister Sir James Killen paid tribute to Kingwell at his funeral in Brisbane recently, saying that he always stressed professionalism, commitment and discipline.

Air Commodore Kingwell will always be remembered for his ability to inspire confidence and his attention to the welfare of those whom he was responsible.

Air Commodore Kingwell (June 15, 1916, to May 31, 2002) is survived by his wife Robyn, two children and five grandchildren.

By CPL Mark Eaton