Portrait of O33153 Wing Commander Jack Darby Espie, Commanding Officer, 35 Squadron RAAF (known ...

Accession Number P04905.008
Collection type Photograph
Object type Transparency
Maker Unknown
Place made Vietnam
Date made 1968
Conflict Vietnam, 1962-1975
Copyright

Item copyright: Unlicensed copyright

Description

Portrait of O33153 Wing Commander Jack Darby Espie, Commanding Officer, 35 Squadron RAAF (known as Wallaby Airlines) at the controls of a Caribou aircraft. Espie was posted to Vietnam between 2 February and 2 December 1968 during which time he flew 1363 transport support sorties totalling 835 hours flying time. He originally enlisted in 1942, graduating as a pilot in June 1943. He flew 34 operations with No 76 Squadron RAF, receiving the Belgian Croix de Guerre with Palme d'Or. He also flew with No. 187 Squadron RAF, No. 246 Squadron RAF and No 466 Squadron RAAF. In 1955 he was awarded the Queen' s Commendation for Valuable Service in the Air (QCBA) and in 1969 he received a Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC). On return to Australia he remained with the RAAF and was discharged in 1974 after 32 years service.

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