BATTLE OF BRITAIN ‘LACE’
Air Force Association National President Air Vice-Marshal Joe Iervasi (Retd) has acknowledged the sad passing of AFA Life Member GPCAPT (Retd) Dr Robert Black AM RFD MD, a respected figure in the South Australian veteran community who made an impact at the local, State and National level.
Rob served as a specialist surgeon in the RAAF Reserves for over 35 years, with deployments to Malaysia, Rwanda, East Timor and Bougainville. He began his service in 1957 as an Air Cadet while studying medicine. Commissioned in 1959, he was promoted to Flight Lieutenant upon completion of his degree but was not called up for service until 1980.
In 1980, he was appointed a Specialist Reservist in the new Air Force Reserve and completed three rotations to RAAF Butterworth. In the late 1990’s and early 2000’s, Rob participated in multiple United Nations peacekeeping missions, notably as a surgeon on the second United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNAMIR II) and in Bougainville and Timor. He also served as Principal Reserve Medical Officer for SA and NT.
After retiring from the Air Force in 2003, Rob remained dedicated to veterans’ welfare, taking on significant roles with the RSL, Legacy, the AFA, the Veterans’ Review Board, and multiple advisory councils. Within the AFA, he served with distinction in leadership positions at the Branch, Division and National level. He also contributed to surgical education, served in leadership positions with medical organisations, and published extensively in his field.
For his military service, Robert Black was awarded the Australian Active Service Medal (Rwanda and East Timor), Australian Service Medal (clasps SE Asia, Bougainville), Reserve Force Decoration with four clasps, the National Medal and the Australian Defence Medal. He was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (Military Division) in 1996.
His commitment to service, both in and out of uniform, left a lasting impact on the Air Force, the AFA, and the wider community. His steadfast advocacy for Air Force and veterans over many years reflects an extraordinary and selfless commitment to service.
I had the honour and privilege to work with and see the impact of Rob when I was posted to RAAF Edinburgh as the Commander Air Warfare Centre and Senior Air Force Officer South Australia and later as President Air Force Association Ltd.
On behalf of the AFA, I extend our heartfelt condolences and support to his family knowing that the Air Force Family will appropriately honour his passing.
Farewell Rob and thank you for your service.