Jet noise music to Magpie’s ears

By WGCDR Steve Roberton

World War II veteran John “Blue” Bailey, who flew with No. 75 Squadron, checks out a Hornet with 75SQN CO WGCDR Steve Roberton.

Photo by CPL Gary Dixon

THE noise of No. 75 Squadron Hornets over Perth led to a rare visit to the Squadron from a former World War II Magpie – Flying Officer John “Blue” Bailey.

The 75SQN Hornets were operating from RAAF Base Pearce to support Navy exercises in November. The sound of the aircraft prompted Mr Bailey to ring the base and wish the detachment well.

Mr Bailey joined the Air Force in 1941 and graduated with his wings a day after the 75SQN Magpies formed in March 1942. He joined 75SQN shortly after Milne Bay and flew countless missions through 1944-45. He finished his Service flying career in Western Australia after the war in 1945, but he continues to fly to this day – and he turns 82 at the end of this year!

Mr Bailey toured the base and entertained and amazed today’s aircrew with stories of war-time courage and ingenuity. He chatted with the Hornet maintenance crews and sat in an F/A-18 cockpit to get a feel for the modern fighter.

“They didn’t make them like that in my day,” he commented on the Hornets. “I wouldn’t even know how to start them. The Air Force has come a long way.”

The unique experience for 75SQN members to talk with a WWII predecessor was truly rewarding. He passed on his invaluable personal memoirs of the war years with the Magpies: anecdotes that are a cherished part of 75SQN and Air Force history.

“When I looked at those young faces, eagerly staring back at me, hanging off my every word, it made everything we did back then worth it,” he said of his visit.

The Magpies certainly found the visit worth it and plan to keep in touch with their former member for years to come.

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