HAPPY 90TH BIRTHDAY TO A MODEST WW11 VETERAN OF THE RAAF
30 Jun 2015
The Combined Probus Club of Mosman Park celebrated Colin Chapman’s 90th Birthday in June.
Colin’s wife Bettine, seated with him, informed us of his colourful life in the air.
He enlisted in WW11 when still a teenager, ending up in Bomber Command in the UK as a Rear Upper Turret Gunner in a Lancaster with an all-Australian crew of 7. Many terrifying night raids over Germany followed.
These experiences increased his own desire to fly. After demobilisation in 1946 Colin gained his wings and reenlisted in the RAAF as a young Flying Officer in City of Perth No 25 Squadron, where he flew Wirraways, Mustangs and Vampires in readiness for the Korean War conflict; exhilarating stuff for a young Fighter Pilot.
After his RAAF career he flew for Macrobertson Miller Airlines in WA and latterly with Ansett, getting his hands on the controls of the big commercial airliners such as Viscounts and Fokker Friendships. Colin finally took off his ‘Wings’ in 1983.
A lusty rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’ was provided for our modest Hero. Well done Colin!
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