As we commemorate Anzac Day – I’m sharing some local stories to recognise and remember those who sacrificed so much, so we can enjoy what we have today.
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Narromine’s Victor Douglas Guthrie was an 18-year-old railway porter when he enlisted in the RAAF at Cobar in 1941.
He became a career airman and served in the Second World War, afterwards with the Occupational Forces in Japan and in the Vietnam War where he met then Prime Minister, Harold Holt.
He qualified as a pilot and was promoted to Warrant Officer, Pilot Officer and Wing Commander in 1967.
Victor was known for his enthusiastic approach to his duties. He was awarded an Air Force Cross (AFC) in 1952.
From November 1965 to July 1966, he was in command of RAAF Transport Flight Vietnam and took part in many operational missions.
A dangerous low-altitude mission under fire in foggy, mountainous terrain to drop ammunition to desperate soldiers earned him a Distinguished Flying Cross.
Wing Commander Guthrie, one of the Royal Australian Air Force’s highest ranking officers, served until 1 May 1970.
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Commemorating those who served, and remembering those who died … Lest we forget.