Mementos celebrate passion for flying

Former chief flying instructor Kerry Schiemer, RWFC President Flight Lieutenant David Jackson and Catriona Moir, the sister of the late Flight Lieutenant Euan Duncan, with the mementos presented to the RWFC. Photo by LAC Steve Duncan

In a separate ceremony to the RWFC event, CAF Air Marshal Angus Houston presented the commissioning certificates of Flight Lieutenant Euan Duncan and Flying Officer Luke Morrall to Michael and Catriona Moir and Rosemary and Philip Morrall. Photo by LACW Simone Liebelt

By FLTLT Gavin Barnett

THE RAAF Williamtown Flying Club (RWFC) has played host to a special guest on an occasion tinged with sadness.

Catriona and Michael Moir, who had travelled from England, paid a visit to meet club members on April 7.

Catriona is the sister of the late Flight Lieutenant Euan Duncan who, along with mate Flying Officer Luke Morrall, died in a Tiger Moth accident at RAAF Base Williamtown on February 16, 2002.

In a touching gesture, Catriona presented the club with personal mementos to celebrate Euan’s love of flying. Emotions in the room ran high as Catriona related a short story regarding one of the items.

A wooden Tiger Moth, complete with electrically operated propeller, was hand made by Euan’s 12-year old niece a year before the accident. It was meant as a gift for Euan, to take with him to Australia. He had no room in his luggage, and was going to pick it up when he was next at home. He never returned.

A photo frame arrangement, set with pictures of Euan and Luke, along with a brief tribute to the pair, completed the items to be displayed in the club rooms. Former chief flying instructor Kerry Schiemer accepted the mementos on behalf of the club.

Catriona also presented RWFC President Flight Lieutenant David Jackson with a cheque for $1000, part of Euan’s funeral donations. The money will be used to introduce some well-deserving people to the joys of flight, something Euan would have approved.

The event brought a sense of closure to many of those present, allowing Catriona and Michael to share memories of Euan as he was in happier times. No. 81 Wing photographer and RWFC member Leading Aircraftman Steve Duncan was particularly cognisant of the depth of emotion in the air: he was the duty photographer on call at the time to record the accident scene.

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