War service earned OBE

By AIRCDRE Mark Lax

Air Commodore “Pete” Henderson

Air Commodore Andrew Dill ‘Pete’ Henderson (ret’d), OBE March 2, 1915 - November 26, 2003

ONE of the Air Force’s wartime leaders and post-war personalities, Air Commodore “Pete” Henderson (ret’d) has died aged 88.

Born in Randwick in 1915, he joined the Air Force in July 1937. After graduating as a pilot a year later, he was posted to several operational squadrons before joining No. 8 Squadron flying Hudsons.

He went with the unit to Malaya where he took part in action against the Japanese, before escaping back to Australia in 1942. In 1943, he was posted to the Middle East to No. 459 Squadron flying Aegean reconnaissance sorties, eventually becoming the unit’s CO.

In 1944, he moved to command No. 454 Squadron in Italy conducting bombing missions as far north as the Swiss border. Being a wartime CO for two squadrons is still considered a rare honour. In 1946, he was awarded the OBE for his war service. After the war AIRCDRE Henderson transferred to a transport role with No. 86 Wing.

In the mid-1950s he was extensively involved in supporting the atomic testing at Maralinga. In 1954 when the head of the Russian KGB in Australia, Vladimir Petrov, defected, it was RAAF guards under Henderson’s command that prevented Petrov’s wife, Eva, from being kidnapped and forcibly taken out of the country.

In his later service life, AIRCDRE Henderson was Director of Air Force Intelligence where he represented Australia at numerous South East Asian Treaty Organisation conferences and, in his own way, contributed to the security of the region.

While in command of East Sale in 1961, he oversaw the formation of the aerobatic team the Red Sales, the forerunners to the Roulettes.

He enjoyed a career that spanned more than 30 years and retired from Operational Command in 1968. Before finally putting up his feet, he did various jobs in farm machinery sales and real estate. AIRCDRE Henderson is survived by three children, John, Sally and Bruce.

Inspiring leader, mentor

By Andrew Stackpool

Wing Commander John Woodman

Wing Commander John Robert Woodman (ret’d) August 21, 1947 - January 27, 2004

AN F-111 and a former Army UH-1H Iroquois helicopter joined four civil aircraft in a flypast over Coolangatta airport as a sombre but fitting farewell to former Wing Commander John Woodman on February 5.

The aircraft conducted flypasts of the airport as part of a memorial service to WGCDR Woodman, the instructor pilot of an Aerostar that crashed into the sea off Byron Bay on January 27.

Two Cessna 172s, a Stinson and a Waco biplane joined the F-111 from No. 6 Squadron and the former No. 9 Squadron Iroquois.

WGCDR Woodman was born in Subiaco, WA, and educated at Geraldton High and Christchurch Grammar before attending the University of Western Australia.

His Air Force career began at No.1 Flying Training School on March 30, 1971.

He also underwent training at No. 2 Flying Training School. He was posted to No. 5 Squadron in 1972 after graduating from No. 81 Pilots Course.

Much of his early flying career was spent on missions in the Top End and in Papua New Guinea.

Another professional challenge came in 1974 when he contributed to the Defence Force’s aid to civil community relief operations during severe floods on the east coast.

In 1981 he was posted as Training Flight and Gunship Flight Commander to 9SQN at RAAF Base Amberley.

The rapport he developed with the support personnel ensured they became a highly effective team.

Other postings included Brigade Liaison Officer with 6 Brigade in Brisbane, the Canadian Staff College, and the Australian Contingent Multi National Force and Observers in Sinai in 1982.

Several policy positions in Canberra followed before he served as CO of 2FTS at RAAF Base Pearce between December 1991 and January 1995.

More than 120 pilots from courses 158 to 165 graduated during his tenure.

Posted to No. 306 Air Base Wing in January 1995, after 24 years in the full-time Air Force he transferred to the Reserves in July that year and continued to provide specialist and project support until 1998.

He then continued his love for flying as an instructor at Coolangatta Airport.

WGCDR Woodman has been described as an inspiring leader and mentor, a consummate team player and a person who could be relied on for frank and fearless advice.

He was also noted for his sociable but humble nature, integrity and loyalty to friend and workmate alike, and deep love of the Australian bush.

On social occasions he was renowned for reciting Banjo Paterson’s The Man From Snowy River.

He is survived by his wife, Jenny, and son Alan. CAF Air Marshal Angus Houston, a former 9SQN CO and long-time friend of WGCDR Woodman, gave a eulogy at the memorial service.

.