BATTLE OF BRITAIN ‘LACE’
John Wilson, a former Warrant Officer in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), has been featured in Bundaberg Today for his service and commitment, particularly commemorated on ANZAC Day.
Reflecting on his early entry into the military, John stated, “I joined in 1952 at age 16 as a junior equipment or administrative trainee and served 28 years,” highlighting a rich family tradition of service.
Throughout his career, John experienced numerous postings across the globe, which he recalls with pride. “My favourite parts of service were my overseas postings,” Wilson shared, detailing his assignments in Thailand, Vietnam, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia and Singapore.
Anzac Day holds significant personal importance for John.
“Anzac Day is an opportunity to recognise more than 1.5 million service personnel who served our country in all conflicts, wars and peace keeping/peacemaking operations, also the over 103,000 who sacrificed their lives for this country,” he said.
His personal story is intertwined deeply with the military, as it was in the RAAF where he met his future wife, SGT Leone Golding WRAAF. He fondly noted, “We were married in January 1973 and because it was then allowed, she remained in the RAAF as SGT Leone Wilson.”
In their post-service life, John and his wife have been stalwarts of the Bundaberg Branch of the RAAF Association.
“Leone and I were instrumental in forming the branch in February 1987. I was the founding secretary, and still hold that position, and Leone was vice president from 1989 to 1995.”
Leone continues her commitment as the treasurer, a position she has held since 1997. Their enduring involvement shows their dedication to supporting fellow veterans and commemorating the legacy of military service.
John’s extensive career and ongoing contributions to the RAAF and the veterans’ community exemplify a lifetime dedicated to service, marking his story as a testament to the profound impact of military service on both personal and community levels.