Flying doctor farewelled
Andrew Stackpool reflects on the life of Dr Ron Wambeek, fighter and test pilot, who lived life to the full in every endeavour

Only days before his passing, Dr Ron Wambeek received a Director General Health Services Commendation at RAAF Base Pearce for his 17 years of service to Health Services Flight. He is pictured above after the ceremony, flanked by senior medical clerk Michelle Hull, left, and registered nurse Sandra Sutton.

A sketch of Ron Wambeek in RAF uniform, drawn in 1956.

Dr Wambeek takes the basic prone position in a Meteor cockpit during a test flight.

Dr Wambeek flies a RAF Meteor

AIR Force recently lost a unique flying doctor and hero.

Dr Ron Wambeek, a former civilian health practitioner with the Health Service Flight at RAAF Base Pearce, passed away on May 22, aged 83.

Dr Wambeek served with the Flight since 1987 and retired because of ill health in December 2004. He may also be the oldest member to successfully complete the PFT, including the 5km walk and arm hang elements, at the age of 80.

Passionate about all things aviation (he had flown 37 different types of aircraft) and medicine, during his 17 years with the Flight, Dr Wambeek formed a strong bond with junior aircrew starting out their flying careers. He was a renowned mentor to medical staff and imparted much care and wisdom to all who came into contact with him.

His service was recognised on May 16 when CO Combat Support Unit Wing Commander Stephen Bonney presented him a Director General Health Service Commendation for his “tireless and exemplary performance during his time at HSF Pearce”.

Dr Wambeek was born at an Army base at Quetta, Pakistan, in 1922. His father was a British medical officer who had served at Gallipoli and went on to develop aviation medicine in the Royal Air Force.

After completing school Dr Wambeek enrolled in medical college in 1939, but joined the RAF as a pilot in 1940. After graduating he was posted to fly Beaufighters as night fighters with No. 219 Squadron.

In 1942 he was posted to North Africa where he participated in the battle of El Alamein before being posted to India and then Burma for action against the Japanese. During his time there he flew Beaufighters, Hurricanes and Mosquitoes.

He repeatedly demonstrated exemplary courage, including a single-handed attack on five enemy Zeroes.

Between 1940 and June 1945 he flew 198 combat sorties and his courage and leadership qualities were recognised when he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.

In 1946 he left the RAF and completed his medical studies. However, the lure of the air was irresistible and he re-enlisted as a research medical officer and test pilot at the RAF’s Institute of Aviation Medicine. There he was involved in research and development of flight equipment such as improved oxygen systems, G-force protection equipment and pressure suits.

Highlights of his service were trials to see if pilots could fly aircraft better by lying on their stomachs, and testing the crew protection systems fitted to aircraft used to collect air samples during the atomic bomb tests at Christmas Island.

In 1973 Dr Wambeek migrated to Western Australia and set up as a private GP, before joining the Pearce HSF.

Shortly before he left the UK, he was awarded the Queen’s Commendation for Valuable Service in the Air.

In his eulogy, long-time friend Robert Liddell said Dr Wambeek led an exciting and varied life.

“He was a very, very good doctor whose contribution in the field of aviation medicine was significant, but aviation was his passion,” he said.

“Ron was lucky to be around and to have participated in the halcyon days of aviation. He was one of that rare breed of intelligent, courageous contributors to our society and his friendship will be sadly missed by many.

“Time catches all of us ultimately and Ron was comfortable with his mortality. He took solace in Kahlil Gibran’s words in The Prophet:

“For what is it to die but to stand naked in the wind and to melt into the sun?

“And what is it to cease breathing, but to free the breath from its restless tides?

“Only when you drink from the river of silence shall you indeed sing.

“And when you have reached the mountain top, then shall you begin to climb.

“And when the earth has claimed your wings, then shall you truly fly.”

Lest we forget.

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