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Ex-Flight
Lieutenant Harold Rowell, No. 22 Squadron’s last known
surviving Boston pilot, NSW Governor Professor Marie Bashir
and former Flying Officer Albert Smylie with the 22SQN plaque
unveiled at the Australian War Memorial.
Photo by LACW Simone Liebelt
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By LACW
Simone Liebelt
ON
the 60th anniversary of a feat that helped earn a brave No. 22
Squadron Boston pilot the Victoria Cross, the Australian War Memorial
in Canberra hosted a plaque dedication ceremony for No. 22 (City
of Sydney) Squadron.
On
March 16, 1943, Flight Lieutenant William Ellis Newton persisted
with an attack despite damage to his aircraft over Salamaua in
New Guinea. Hit again two days later, the 22SQN pilot ditched
into the sea in an attempt to save his crew. Captured by the Japanese,
he was later beheaded.
The
dedication ceremony on March 16 coincided with this historic 22SQN
event, providing a fitting testament to the squadron members who
served their country with honour.
Past
and present members of 22SQN and its Association – including
Harold Rowell, the last known surviving Boston pilot – joined
Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Angus Houston and NSW Governor
Professor Marie Bashir at the dedication.
Professor Bashir and Mr Rowell unveiled the new plaque, and Chaplain
Mark Jenkins delivered the dedication service.
AIRMSHL Houston praised 22SQN members for their proud achievements
in World War II, naming them an inspiration to those who serve
today.
“We
salute them for the ethos and tradition they have passed on to
us,” he said.
“We
thank these brave men and women for their service and sacrifice
during the dark days of World War II in the most challenging of
circumstances.”
