A dedicated airman
Obituary

Ronald Hayes during WWII.

A WORLD War II veteran who transferred from the AIF to the Air Force – the service that became his life-long interest – has died aged 82.

Ronald Bruce Hayes (ret’d) joined the AIF in 1939 but soon switched to the Air Force and served with many units during his service career.

During World War II he served at RAAF Base Darwin and also with No. 110 Fighter Control Unit Morotai in the Pacific.

Towards the end of June 1945 he joined the large convoy of the 7th Division that sailed from Morotai to Balikpapan, Borneo.

On day two of the landing he was with No. 110 Fighter Control Unit. He recalled that they were grim days.

After the war he left the Air Force but re-enlisted in 1948 with the same rank of flight sergeant.

He then transferred to the Active Reserve and was granted a commission. In January 1968 he was promoted to squadron leader.

In 1975 the Defence Department informed him he would receive the honorary rank of wing commander.

In 1966 he was awarded an MBE and, on the same day, an Air Efficiency Award with two clasps for his service to the Air Force.

President of the ACT Branch of the Air Force Association from 1979 to 1982, Ronald Hayes died a few days before the dedication of the Air Force Memorial in Canberra, a project to which he devoted much work and enthusiasm over the years.

Family and friends will always remember him for his dedication to the Air Force and endearing nature, especially to the hundreds of airmen and women he came into contact with during his long and proud service.

He is survived by his wife Maree.

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