What gift do you get a World War II pilot when he turns 100 years old?
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A visit from a new generation of fighter pilot to swap stories with.
To celebrate Don Howard's 100th birthday on May 15, Nelson Bay RSL Sub-Branch organised for 78 Wing Squadron Commander Chris Rogers from Williamtown RAAF Base to join the celebration.
The pair were engrossed in conversation about planes, the differences and similarities in their training, and flying throughout the morning.
"This is the best birthday present he could have gotten," Mr Howard's daughter, Margot, said. "Someone on his own wavelength to talk to."
Mr Howard, a Port Stephens resident of 30-plus years, said he "didn't know the first thing about flying" until he joined the Air Force as a 20-year old in 1939. He learnt to fly in Tiger Moths in Narrandera in 1941.
Mr Howard was posted to the 70th Squadron at Rathmines on July 6, 1942 where he converted from fighters to sea planes such as the Catalinas.
"Looking back, it makes me proud to be one of the first to fly the Catalinas in Australia," Mr Howard said.
Having started the war with six Catalinas he said Australia had received 180 of them by the end. On one mission he and his crew flew a new Catalina from the United States back to Australia.
After three tours he transferred to 113 Air-Sea Rescue, based at Morotai, and was very nearly killed at sea. He was dragged from the wreck with broken ribs.
Nelson Bay RSL Sub-Branch welfare officer Mark Balsarini regularly visits Mr Howard at Harbourside Haven. When it was coming up to his 100th birthday, Mr Balsarini said he wanted to do something special.
"He's a great bloke," Mr Balsarini said. "I thought it was a great idea to get a younger bloke from Williamtown to come out and talk to him. It's great that they were able to send someone out."
During his visit, Squadron Commander Rogers, who was representing Williamtown RAAF Base's Commander for Air Combat Group, presented Mr Howard with a shield and a medallion.
Mr Howard showed the Squadron Commander a photo of him flying in a Catalina during his war days.
In return, Mr Howard presented the Squadron Commander a book he owned - Lake Boga at War by Brett Freeman.
The book, signed by Mr Freeman, details some of the missions Mr Howard, when he was a Flight Officer and Flight Lieutenant in the Air Force, flew.
Mr Howard also signed the book, which Squadron Commander Rogers said would have "pride of place" back at the Williamtown base.
ALSO READ: Cyril Blowes celebrates 106th birthday
Ellie-Marie Watts
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
