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SQNLDR
Ross Magno, CO of No. 25 (City of Perth) Squadron, receives
a rare graviscope from WOFF Keith Weston (ret’d). SQNLDR
Paul Falconer- West holds the graviscope cover.
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Photo
by CPL Gary Dixon
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A
RARE graviscope used on Liberator models B23J, L and M was among
memorabilia an inaugural member of No. 25 (City of Perth) Squadron
has handed over to current personnel.
Warrant Officer Keith Weston (ret’d) was posted to the Squadron
when he was 19. Now 86, he recently returned to RAAF Base Pearce
with a collection of photos of the base’s early days, aircraft
operating out of the base and some novel visiting RAF aircraft.
He acquired the graviscope during WWII. Liberator crews used the
instrument to calculate gross weight and centre of gravity, as
well as to examine the effect of the centre of gravity of crew
movement, fuel consumption and release of bomb loads.
On May 3, 1937, WOFF Weston and 56 other airmen began the first
day at the Squadron – then named No. 23 (City of Perth) Squadron
– in an empty hangar.
By March 6, 1938, the Squadron was ready for its move to occupy
RAAF Base Pearce. WOFF Weston and the majority of the Squadron
travelled across Australia by train to arrive at the Bullsbrook
train station, to the west of the base, on March 10.
The aircraft arrived shortly afterwards to begin operating from
a base which was still under construction. The Squadron was renamed
25SQN on January 1, 1939.
WOFF Weston spent time in many States and Territories, including
Western Australia, Victoria, Queensland and the Northern Territory.
He served 21 years and one week in the Permanent Air Force.
For his service to the Air Force and the Air Training Corps, he
was awarded the War Medal 1939-1945, Australian Service Medal,
Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, Cadet Forces Medal (13 years
long service) and the General Services Badge.
Don't
I know you? Beavers reunited
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Warrant
Officers Brian Camp and Gavan Greaves renew their ties after
40 years.
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TWO
of the few remaining members from the No. 15 Intake Engineering
Apprentices (Beavers) met up for the first time since graduating
almost 40 years ago.
Warrant Officers Brian Camp and Gavan Greaves were reunited at
RAAFSTT when both were panelled to attend No. 13/03 WOFF Promotion
Course.
Both members have held acting WOFF rank since accepting extensions
beyond the compulsory retirement age (CRA). Changes to the CRA,
made on December 1, 2002, allowed them both to be promoted to
Provisional Rank.
WOFF Greaves has been awarded the Federation Star for more than
40 years of service. WOFF Camp has elected to remain with the
old medals, gaining the DFSM and clasp and RFM and clasp.
WOFF Camp will retire in July, having reached CRA after 43½ years
continuous service.
Only one other member of No. 15 intake still has active contacts
with the Air Force – WOFF Bob Greenacre, a flight engineer and
a Reservist.
New
Reserve chief
A
SOUTH Australian man who began his military career almost 40 years
ago at Adelaide University has been appointed the ADF’s new Reserves
chief. Major-General Neil Wilson has taken over the dual roles
of Head of Reserve Policy and Assistant Chief of the Defence Force
(Reserves) from Major-General Greg Garde.
MAJGEN Wilson said he looked forward to continuing to improve
the availability and readiness of the Reserve forces. “Reservists
make up more than 42 per cent of the ADF and play a critical role
in safeguarding Australia’s security,” he said.
Enhancements over recent years had made the Reserves an even more
important resource.
Adelaide
celebrates OTS graduation
NO.
24 (City of Adelaide) Squadron has celebrated the graduation of
10 officers completing OTS training with a dining-in night.
The occasion also provided the opportunity for the Squadron’s
inaugural parading in the Naval, Military and Air Force Club.
Commanding Officer Squadron Leader Bryan Blacka addressed the
graduates and congratulated them on their achievement, which took
two-and-a-half years.
Graduates are FLTLT Dave Bowden, FLGOFF Terry Atkins, FLGOFF Philip
Charlton, FLGOFF Kent Cook, FLGOFF Rob Gill, FLGOFF Dave Russell,
FLGOFF Aaron Witthoeft, FLTLT Bronte Douglas, FLTLT John Kokkotos
and PLTOFF Brendon Lovett.
