The Air Force Association NSW Division proudly presents a new addition to its acclaimed podcast series, featuring the captivating journey of Vern Roberts, a distinguished veteran who recently celebrated his 99th birthday.
Born on October 25, 1924, in Footscray, Melbourne, Vern’s journey with the Royal Australian Air Force began when he was just 18. His initial steps into the military world at the Royal Exhibition Buildings in Melbourne marked the start of a remarkable chapter in his life, intertwined with pivotal moments in history.
Vern served in the RAAF during World War II, being a part of the B-24 Liberator Squadron within the 82 Wing, which encompassed 21, 23 and 24 squadrons. His service took him from the newly established East Sale air base to various locations such as Tocumwal, NSW and Darwin.
A significant highlight of Vern’s military career was witnessing the historic signing of the Instrument of Surrender on Morotai on 9 September 1945. This event, overseen by General Sir Thomas Blamey, with Japanese Generals surrendering, marked a turning point in the war. Vern’s presence at this momentous event makes him one of the few living witnesses to this crucial point in history.
Post-war, Vern continued to honour his service, participating in the ANZAC Day Parade until the age of 94, marching to the Shrine of Remembrance with his fellow squadron members. His commitment to preserving history is also evident in his involvement since 1994 in the restoration of a B24 Liberator in Werribee, Victoria, a project recognised by the National Trust.
In this podcast episode, listeners are treated to a detailed account of Vern Roberts’ life and experiences. It’s a unique opportunity to hear first-hand about significant historical events and the personal journey of a man who lived through them.
We encourage our readers to listen to this special episode and explore the other fascinating episodes in the entire series, produced by the Air Force Association NSW Division. Each episode delves into different aspects of aviation history and the experiences of those who have served in the Air Force, offering a rich and diverse exploration of our shared heritage.
To listen, visit – https://raafa.org.au/media/#videos