VALE: Recognition for CPL Bertie Whicker
A group known as the Brighton (Vic) Cemeterians has instituted a program to recognise the service of deceased Australian veterans by placing national flags at their graves for the weeks preceding ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day.
In keeping with this tradition, Air Force Association - Victoria President, John Clarkson, placed an Australian flag on the grave of Cpl Herbert Walter (Bertie) Whicker at the cemetery on 19th April 2024.
Who is Bertie Whicker? Tragically, Bertie was the first fatality for the newly formed Australian Air Force. He died in an aircraft accident at Point Cook on 6th April 1921, just six days after the Air Force was formed. Bertie was just 22 years old. The aircraft was an Avro 504k which was on a training mission and the pilot fortunately survived the accident.
Bertie had joined the first AIF in October 1917 and served in the Australian Flying Corps as an engine fitter on No 5 (Training) Squadron in England. He returned to Australia in April 1919 and discharged in August that year. He subsequently re-joined the, by then, Australian Air Corps in July 1920.
Above: AFA Victoria President, John Clarkson (centre) with Vice President Waverley RSL Sub-Branch, Geoff Dare (right) and Chair of the Brighton Cemetarians (left), placed an Australian flag on the grave of Cpl Herbert Walter (Bertie) Whicker (right) at the Brighton cemetery.
If you have a relative who is a veteran buried in Brighton Cemetery and you would like them to be honoured as part of the Brighton Cemeterians program, please contact the AFA Victoria office on (03) 9813 4600.