Job a privilege, says top airman

Corporal Mike McKerrow receives the Beaufort Squadrons Association award and Pewter mug from Mr Leo Plumridge as CAF Air Marshal Angus Houston looks on. Photo by POPH Tracy Castelijn

Mr Laurie Martin and Leading Aircraftman Michael Fuller admire a restored Beaufort bomber in Canberra. Photo by LACW Simone Liebelt

By LACW Simone Liebelt

DESCRIBING his job as “trying to keep the HS748 flying”, Corporal Mike McKerrow couldn’t believe it when his efforts were rewarded with the presentation of the RAAF Beaufort Squadrons Association’s Most Proficient Airman of the Year award at No. 32 Squadron.

Describing his eight years as an aircraft technician at 32SQN as a privilege, CPL McKerrow said he was surprised but honoured to receive the award for just doing his job to the best of his ability.

He joined two navigators in receiving proficiency awards from the Victorian division of the Beaufort Association during the veteran squadron’s annual visit to 32SQN and the School of Air Navigation on November 20-21.

Flight Lieutenant Martyn Silver received the 32SQN Junior Aircrew Officer award and Flight Lieutenant Matt Willis, an instructor from the New Zealand Air Force, received the SAN Junior Officer award.

Both agreed it was a busy and challenging year with the introduction of the new navigator-training platform and attributed the unexpected honour to teamwork, determination and a positive attitude.

As part of the annual Beaufort Squadron Association visit, the veterans – who were aircrew in World War II – made a special trip to Canberra on a HS748 to tour the Australian War Memorial and view a restored Beaufort aircraft at the Treloar Technical Centre.

Association Secretary Mr Laurie Martin said the old bomber brought back memories of his time as a wireless air gunner with Nos. 32 and 100 Squadrons during WWII. “Seeing any Air Force aircraft, especially the Beaufort, years just drop away and the emotion starts to creep in,” he said. “It was a good aircraft ... after all, most of us are still here.”

The following day, the Squadron members joined CAF Air Marshal Angus Houston at a special presentation at 32SQN where Association President Mr Leo Plumridge made the award presentations. AIRMSHL Houston said it was a great occasion, linking the present with the illustrious past. He congratulated the award recipients on their professionalism, enthusiasm and personal integrity.

The veterans enjoyed a Roulette solo flying display and a barbecue before returning to Melbourne.

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