Ex Airmen enjoy RNZAF Graduation Ceremony

Bridgie Wilton, Group Captain Shaun Clarke, Eric Middleton, Bob Thomas, and Squadron Leader Graeme Todd at Ohakea.

This article was provided by Presbyterian Support Central.

24 December 2007

An invitation to attend the 06/2 Wings Course Graduation Ceremony last week was one three Presbyterian Support Central Residents couldn’t refuse.

Group Captain Shaun Clarke extended the invitation to Bridgie Wilton (Reevedon Home), Eric Middleton (Levin Home for War Veterans) and Bob Thomas (Independent Living Unit Reevedon).

Acknowledging the significance of their attendance, Group Captain Shaun Clarke said “The three gentlemen added dignity to our ceremony.  It was terrific that they honoured us with their visit”.

Seven graduates were presented with their ‘Wings’ at the Ceremony. The award of the pilot’s brevet or “Wings” represents a milestone in every military pilot’s career  - and is the culmination of a demanding but rewarding period of training.     

Eric Middleton had been based at Ohakea during his time in the Air Force and was keen to see how things had changed.  “The style of marching was different and in my day with it being wartime there were planes all over the place”, he said.

Bridgie Wilton had worked on a farm that bordered Ohakea base and can clearly remember the Bombing Range on the Coast. 

“The boys used to line up the Range by tipping the plane on its side and firing a rocket.  You could see the flashes so we kept out of the road”, he recalled.

An RAF man from England, Bob Thomas, remarked that “visiting Ohakea made me feel proud that I had served in the Air Force.  The VIP treatment we received was lovely.  Everyone was very kind”.  

Following the Ceremony the three former servicemen had afternoon tea with the graduates and their families. They enjoyed conversation with Air Commodore Richard Newlands, Deputy Chief of the Air Force, Group Captain Clarke and Escort Officer Squadron Leader Graeme Todd who took the trio to view the Harvard plane in No. 1 Hanger.

Ends

Return to the Feature Summary