The Last Post Ceremony commemorating the service of (428679) Flying Officer Colin Kelvin Flockhart, No. 619 Squadron, RAF, Second World War.

The Last Post Ceremony is presented in the Commemorative area of the Australian War Memorial each day. The ceremony commemorates more than 102,000 Australians who have given their lives in war and other operations and whose names are recorded on the Roll of Honour. At each ceremony the story behind one of the names on the Roll of Honour is told. Hosted by Richard Cruise, the story for this day was on (428679) Flying Officer Colin Kelvin Flockhart, No. 619 Squadron, RAF, Second World War.

428679 Flying Officer Colin Kelvin Flockhart, No. 619 Squadron, RAF
KIA 8 January 1945
Photograph: P04048.001

Story delivered 4 June 2016

Today we remember and pay tribute to Flying Officer Colin Kelvin Flockhart.

Colin Kelvin Flockhart was born on 1 February 1924 in Ashfield, New South Wales, to John and Lillian Flockhart. The Flockharts were a close family and Colin was devoted to his parents, and siblings Alan and Allison. He attended Fort Street Boys’ School and was an excellent student. On finishing school he went to work for the Commonwealth Bank, and completed an accountancy course to further his career.

Following the outbreak of the Second World War Flockhart, who had already served for ten months with the Militia, joined the Royal Australian Air Force on 10 October 1942. He applied and was accepted for pilot training.

While training in Sydney, Flockhart joined Marrickville District Cricket Club and played seven matches in the 1942–43 season. After passing his flying course he was sent to Canada and then England as part of the Empire Air Training Scheme. In England he underwent a conversion course to fly Lancaster bombers, and was later posted to an operational training unit.

The average age of the crew was just 21 years old, and Flockhart and the others were a close-knit group. In 1944 they were posted to No. 619 Squadron in the Royal Air Force, based at Strubby in Lincolnshire.

On 1 December Flockhart wrote a letter to his family, to be sent only in the event of his death:
"First of all let me say that I have enjoyed my Air Force service as I have enjoyed no other years of my life and I have been completely happy the whole time. I have travelled, made friendships and shared experiences which will stand me in good stead all my life …

This war was inevitable and I could never have been content unless I did my share, so never regret having given me your consent to enlist. I have been very proud to wear my uniform and have always striven to bring credit to the service as a whole.

I love you all very dearly. Please don’t think I'm pessimistic but I do realise what the odds are and I have seen too many of my friends pass on without leaving any words of hope or encouragement behind. Cheerio and keep smiling though your hearts are breaking."

On 7 January 1945 No. 619 Squadron was detailed to take part in a bombing operation over Munich. Flockhart and his crew successfully completed their mission and were flying back across France when disaster struck. The weather was particularly bad and visibility was much reduced.

Details of what happened next are ambiguous, but it is believed that another Lancaster collided with Flockhart’s, causing both aircraft to crash and killing their crews. Those on board were laid to rest in Villenueve St Georges Old Communal Cemetery.

Flying Officer Flockhart was 20 years old. His death had a profound effect on his family. His father never recovered from the shock, and died suddenly at home in 1946.

Flockhart’s name is listed on the Roll of Honour on my left, among some 40,000 Australians who died while serving in the Second World War. His photograph is displayed today beside the Pool of Reflection.

This is but one of the many stories of service and sacrifice told here at the Australian War Memorial. We now remember Flying Officer Colin Kelvin Flockhart, who gave his life for us, for our freedoms, and in the hope of a better world.

Michael Kelly
Historian, Military History Section