‘From Southern Cross to Concorde’, a veteran’s journal
On 3 August 1930, Mr Neil Player Pearson was born in Pinnaroo, South Australia, spending much of his life serving in the Royal Australian Air Force.
Mr Pearson’s daughter, Dian Naraniecki, shares his story with us on Anzac Day, through adapted notes from her father’s journal, reflecting on his time in service.
‘He typed it all up on his computer upon retiring, with the title, ‘From Southern Cross to Concorde’.’
‘His experience with planes started early,’ explains Dian.
‘In 1930, Sir Charles Kingsford Smith, MC, AFC, the great aviator who had previously flown from America to Australia, took up delivering Air Mail, and relatively short distance passenger flights during the Great Depression.’
‘It was decided that Neil’s mother would fly with ‘Smithy’ for her birthday, from Pinnaroo to Balaklava, in South Australia, and that baby Neil would also travel with her. Some sixty years later, Dad would fly in an equally significant plane, the Concorde, from New York to London, inspiring him to write his journal.’
‘In 1948, when Dad turned 18, he joined the Royal Australian Air Force at Keswick Barracks in Adelaide, as Ground Crew, due to his colour blindness. This was the beginning of the Permanent Air Force.’
‘He was sent to Laverton in Victoria for training, where he gained the Air Force nickname, “Curley” – this name stuck with him all 29 years of his time in the RAAF.’
‘After training, he was posted to Wagga Wagga, Foresthill, to complete a Supply Course. On the completion of this course, he was posted to the RAAF Base at Point Cook.’
‘He was soon posted to Woomera, where his squadron, No. 2 Airfield Construction Squadron, formed up to go to the Cocos Islands to build an airfield.’
‘Early the following year, in 1952, he was posted back to Laverton, to lecture National Service Trainees.’
‘One day, he received a call, asking if he would accept a posting to the Mediterranean. They sailed on 4 July 1952, on the Asturias.’
‘During leave, Dad travelled to London for the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth. Afterwards, he drove up to Scotland.’
‘A young lady, Avril Murray, was the receptionist where he stayed in Inverness; she had turned 18 the month before. They were engaged four and a half days later, marrying in St. Andrew’s Church in Valetta, Malta, on 14 November 1953.’
Mr Pearson continued to be posted around the world for the next two decades, including in Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam.
Dian recalls, ‘While in Malaysia, he was transferred to 2 Squadron, and was posted up to Vietnam. He flew up by Hercules and landed at Phan Rang. He went to Cam Rahn Bay, to supervise the unloading of explosives from two ships, the Japarit and the Booneroo. At that stage, he was the only explosives qualified person in Vietnam.’
After serving in the RAAF for 29 years, Mr Pearson found employment with the South Australian Police Force, serving for 25 years before retiring.
Now, Mr and Mrs Pearson reside together at Resthaven Mitcham, soon to celebrate their 69th wedding anniversary.
Thank you for sharing your Dad’s story with us, Dian.