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G-G’s
homecoming
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Governor-General
Dr Peter Hollingworth in the cockpit of a Winjeel before
his flight.
Photo by SGT Dave Grant, 21SQN
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GOVERNOR-General
Dr Peter Hollingworth’s visit to RAAF Williams, Point Cook
Base, on September 6 was of deep personal interest to him as the
base was once his home for six months.
Dr Hollingworth began his National Service at Point Cook, the birth
place of the Air Force, on June 15, 1953. It was a time that decided
his career path.
On completion of National Service training, he joined the Air Force
Reserve and served as secretary to the base padre. From there the
Aircraft Recruit Minor gravitated towards his calling to the priesthood
and began a 48-year journey to Governor-General and Commander-in-Chief
of the Australian Defence Force.
On his visit to the base, Dr Hollingworth flew aboard a former training
aircraft.
After a safety brief by Reserve pilot Squadron Leader Derreck Fox,
the Museum’s Winjeel trainer, once the pride of No. 1 Flight
Training School Point Cook from 1958 to 1975, took to the skies
over Point Cook and parts of Melbourne .
The Governor-General was clearly elated by his experience “in
the blue” and clouds over Point Cook.
“The Winjeel felt terrific, very reliable, a bit old fashioned
but a great aeroplane,” he said. “This was a wonderful
time of reflection. I was based here when the flight line was filled
with DH82 Tiger Moth trainers. The Winjeel was only being talked
about. It’s marvellous to think that this 1951 CAC Winjeel
I flew in today, was built the year I left school.”
Of his National Service days, he said it was “hard training
with additional duties that included night security and sleeping
in old huts. A wonderful time that sorted me out and gave my life
clear direction – I wish I was 18 again.”
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