23 September 2020
Air Force members from No. 24 Squadron remembered the sacrifices of World War II veterans at a commemorative unveiling of two memorials in Loxton, South Australia.
On September 24, 1943, four crew members lost their lives when their aircraft crashed during a night navigational training flight.
Commanding Officer No. 24 Squadron Wing Commander Glenn Orton led a catafalque party for the event.
He said he was delighted to represent Air Force and honour those who died.
“Flying Officer Lawrence Flynn, Pilot Officer Albert Rapp, Sergeant Ronald Obst and Sergeant John Bowman were members of No. 2 Air Navigation School,” Wing Commander Orton said.
“They were everyday Australians serving their country.
“As we head towards our Air Force Centenary year in 2021, it has never been more important to recognise the sacrifices of those who made this possible and connecting with local communities through our many community engagement initiatives."
He said the newly unveiled Avro Anson and the G for George Lancaster Bomber memorials served as a permanent reminder of their sacrifice.
“I congratulate the organisers for constructing these fine memorials so that the legacy of Flying Officer Flynn, Pilot Officer Rapp, Sergeant Obst and Sergeant Bowman will never be forgotten and serve to inspire future generations of Australians,” Wing Commander Orton said.
A model of an Avro Anson has been mounted in a doomed dive about five metres above ground with a brass plaque mounted on a ground rock plinth.
The model, which was fabricated from steel by the local community, has a four-metre wingspan, making it one quarter the actual size of the aircraft.
The G for George Lancaster Bomber memorial comprises a brass plaque mounted on an in-ground rock plinth.
