WWII Veteran Centenarian Honoured
WWII RAAF veteran, Clifford ‘Cliff’ Dunstone has been presented with a Chief of Air Force certificate and RAAF commemorative coin in honour and recognition of his service after celebrating his milestone 100th birthday.
Born in Shepparton, Victoria, in 1925, Cliff enlisted in September 1943 just after he turned 18. He had been working as a telegraph messenger at the Fitzroy Post Office. Cliff was accepted into the Empire Air Training Scheme and undertook recruit training at Somers, Victoria, where he was selected to train as a pilot.
He was sent to No. 7 Elementary Flying Training School at Western Junction, Tasmania, to learn to fly in Tiger Moths. In July 1944, Cliff travelled to Canada to continue training as a bomber pilot, stationed firstly at Dafoe in Saskatchewan and then Claresholm in Alberta. He was awarded his Wings and promoted to Sergeant in March 1945.
Five weeks later, the war was over in Europe. Cliff’s view was ‘as soon as Hitler learnt that I had gained my Wings, he called the whole bloody thing off!’ Cliff was returned to Australia where he was transferred to the Air Force Reserve because the war in the Pacific was ending. He was rated “Very Good” as a pilot and had the highest standard of proficiency.
Cliff loved that he was able to fly a plane. He chose the RAAF as he had a keen interest in flying from a young age. He also enjoyed using Morse code, a skill he learnt at the Post Office. Cliff said he relished the many friendships he made during his service, particularly with ‘Snowy’ Hyde, Bob Eastoe, Peter Hayes, Jack Edwards and Max Crawford.
In March 1947, Cliff was discharged from the RAAF. He then requested to start a building apprenticeship but was told by the discharge board that, at age 20, he was too old. He instead returned to the Post Office.
Cliff married Carmel in 1959, and the couple has four daughters and 10 grandchildren. In his spare time, Cliff played football, cricket and golf. Now, Cliff is a keen supporter of AFL team Richmond and enjoys visits from his family.
Cliff credits his long life to good genes. His mother lived to 98 years of age.
Above: A young Cliff Dunstone with his wings.
Above (left): Cliff Dunstone with SQNLDR Phil Martin presenting the CAF letter and coin on behalf of the Chief of the Air Force.
Above (right): Cliff Dunstone (with his certificate) with L to R: WOFF Neil Crawley (Base WOFF Point Cook), John Price (President Geelong Branch - AFA Victoria), Cliff’s wife Carmel, Daryll Topp (Vice President, AFA Victoria), SQNLDR Phil Martin and John Delia (AFA Victoria Board Member).