Roulettes on the canvas

Painter and WWII veteran Col Hobson with Aerospace Centre Commanding Officer Group Captain Ric Casagrande, and the RAAF Roulettes team (clockwise from bottom left) Squadron Leader Andrew Greaves, Flight Lieutenant Andrew Broadbridge, Flight Lieutenant Dennis Tan, Squadron Leader Peter Robinson, Flight Lieutenant Paul Bryan, Flight Lieutenant Chris Tulk and Flight Lieutenant Glen Hanly. Photo by LACW Simone Liebelt

By Sue Caddaye

COMBINING his respect for the Air Force and his skills as an artist, World War II pilot Col Hobson recently presented his painting entitled “The Finale” to the Air Force Roulettes.

The painting, which depicts the Roulettes’ final manoeuvre, was originally painted for the RAAF Heritage Awards in 2002.

“I saw the Roulettes in 1993 at the 50th anniversary of RAAF East Sale’s opening and was inspired by their amazing final move,” Mr Hobson said.

“The Roulettes are marvellous pilots and after the competition I decided to donate the painting to RAAF East Sale and the Roulettes.”

While he was pleased to present the work in person to the Roulettes in a ceremony at the Aerospace Centre in Canberra, Mr Hobson was also thrilled that his painting was now going to hang at RAAF Base East Sale.

“It’s a real thrill knowing it’s going there. I have a bit of a soft spot for the base,” he said.

Roulettes Leader Squadron Leader Peter Robinson said it was an honour to receive the painting from Mr Hobson.

“We have set aside a special place for the painting at RAAF Base East Sale,” he said.

Mr Hobson joined the Air Force as a pilot in 1941, receiving his initial training on Beaufort bombers at RAAF East Sale.

As a Flying Officer he saw action in World War II with the Beaufort bombers over Papua New Guinea.

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