Eulogy |
Air Chief Marshal Sir Neville Patrick ('Nev') McNamara KBE, AO, AFC, AE, RAAF, Ret was born in Toogoolawah, Queensland on 17 April, 1923 and died 7 May, 2014. Former sergeant Kittyhawk pilot pilot who served in the South West Pacific Area in WWII, was commissioned in 1944. Served in Korea with 77 squadron, including a brief period as CO. Commanded RAAF base Ubon Thailand in mid-sixties. Commanded RAAF forces in South Vietnam 1971 and was deputy commander Australian Force Vietnam as an Air Commodore. Had key staff postings in London and Washington. Former Chief of Air Staff and Chief of Defence Force Staff. A good man. Sir Neville was a member of an Australian War Memorial battlefield tour group which visited Turkey and the Western Front in 2002. He was an agreeable travel companion and low-key throughout earning the respect of all. He had to abandon the France and Belgium leg of the tour as his wife took ill and he returned home promptly. In his memoirs, he felt self-conscious that he did not enter through the traditional service academy and that he had not gained a higher education as he progressed his career, things we take for granted now as the educational opportunities are available to all. A quiet and undemonstrative man who got things done efficiently and effectively. He earned his stripes in several wars and mahogany row would not have been a challenge. He has to be admired for his strength of character and ability to rise above his peers from an airman to the top job. He was a very decent human being (Sydney Morning Herald.) Vietnam Service Record. |
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