Airman’s devotion to crew earned him Victoria Cross

Address given at the Mapleton Service by Wing Commander Peter De Waard.

We are gathered here to honour the memory of gallant men and women who sacrificed their lives in service to their country. By your presence here I know there is no doubt in your hearts and your minds that today is significant.

I am sure that you are all aware that the term Anzac comes from words Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. Most of us were taught this from the earliest days of primary school.

However, I feel the term Anzac has transcended the physical meaning to become something else. It is not a specific place, nor is it a campaign or even a war. It is not a ceremony, nor is it a parade. Anzac is an inspiration — it embodies the qualities of courage, discipline, sacrifice, self-reliance and in Australian terms, that of mateship and a fair go. That, to me, is what ‘Anzac’ really means.

We do not commemorate Anzac Day to glorify war. War is not a thing to be celebrated. Anzac Day is the simple recognition of the sacrifice, commitment and unselfish devotion by young men and women of the Defence Forces in times of conflict.

The spirit of Anzac, forged on the beaches of Gallipoli in 1915, has been passed from generation to generation of Defence Force personnel. Our history is filled with amazing stories of courage and devotion to duty.

On Anzac Day, we often hear the Gallipoli story recounted. However, as a member of the Air Force, and given that this year marks the 100th birthday of the Royal Australian Airforce, I would like to instead tell you the story of a fellow airman.

This particular airman was Flight Sergeant Ron Middleton, a jackaroo who found himself piloting a bomber aircraft during World War 2. It was a cold November evening over Italy. Despite running low on fuel, he skilfully piloted his bomber through heavy flak to successfully attack an enemy factory. It was not an easy task. One shell exploded in the cockpit and he suffered atrocious injuries, including having his right eye shot out of its socket.

The aircraft was severely damaged and icy wind lashed his face through the damaged windscreen. They could have baled out, but Middleton was determined to get his crew safely back to England. He knew what fate awaited them if they were captured over enemy territory.

Against all odds and under heavy fire, Middleton and his crew finally made it to the English Channel. Then their fuel ran out.

As they limped over the English coastline, Middleton ordered his crew to bail out. Five bailed out and were rescued. Two refused to leave their captain and friend. Middleton then piloted the aircraft away from the populated villages and attempted to ditch in the English Channel. The aircraft crashed into the sea, killing all three men.

Middleton’s devotion to duty and his crew saw him posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross and promoted to pilot officer.

He was 26.

Middleton, and so many like him, fought valiantly for our country and for what they believed in. And like him, many knowingly went to their deaths. For they knew that happiness comes from freedom and freedom comes from courage and sacrifice.

We should be eternally grateful to those of the past who have helped preserve our nation and our way of life. We should also be thankful that today, members of the Australian Defence Force are deployed around the world, maintaining the security of our nation. We pause to remember them, as they commemorate this day with their mates, but away from their families. We think of those who have returned from past and present conflicts, broken in body or mind. And we remember their families who make just as many sacrifices as those who deploy, and do so without recognition.

Keep bright their memory. On a beach at Gallipoli, in the skies over Europe, on the waves of the Pacific, in the jungles of Vietnam, and in the desert of the Middle East, the men and women of Australia have set a standard that endures today. Let us never forget their courage, devotion and sacrifice. For in remembering them, we keep the spirit of Anzac alive.

And keeping the spirit of Anzac alive, is the payment we make on a debt we can never repay. Lest We Forget.

— Wing Commander Peter De Waard is an Air Force Reserve Legal Officer. He is currently the Deputy Leader of Air Force Reserve Legal Officers nationwide.

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