Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Son of Alistair Menzies FORBES, Dyan Avenue, Mildura, Victoria.

Jack is a veteran of the Second World War. Before his war service, Jack worked as a wholesale grocer’s assistant and delivery driver. He was also a member of the Air Training Corps, the wartime precursor to the Air Force Cadets. In July 1943, aged just 18, Jack enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), applying for air crew. He underwent air gunnery training at Wireless and Air Gunnery Schools in Parkes and Ballarat but ended up retraining to be a radio telegraphist. Jack passed his telegraphy course in November 1944 and was posted to No. 56 Operational Base Unit at Gove in the Gulf of Carpentaria, Northern Territory. There Jack helped support the maritime patrol operations by No. 13 Squadron. While at Gove, he also spent time with the Aboriginal communities near the base and enjoyed learning their customs.

Jack recalls a tragic event while he was on a training flight near Ballarat. The pilot had to make a forced landing in a field, after which a Wackett training aircraft whose crew had been sent out to search for them arrived overhead ‘but horrifyingly the plane crashed in front of our eyes killing both crew’. Recently, Jack asked his daughter Alison to place flowers on the airmen’s graves next time she visits Ballarat.

In May 1946, Jack was discharged from the RAAF. He said he valued the lifelong friendships he made, especially with Harry Jurgeson from Western Australia.

After the war, Jack was awarded a soldier settlement block where he produced dried grapes and table grapes for more than 40 years. He was heavily involved in progressing both industries and is very proud of his achievements. In 1955, he married Valerie and they raised 4 children and now have 10 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

When Jack was younger, he enjoyed family holidays, sailing, and bird watching. He was also involved with Scouts. Now, Jack likes doing crosswords and loves music. He also participates in the activities at the aged care facility and is the ‘king’ of YouTube.

And the secret to Jack’s longevity? He believes he is being rewarded for his generous, giving nature. Jack has a good sense of humour and is interested in people and what’s happening around him. His daughter says, ‘He is a wonderful man, who has lived a wonderful life and is much loved by all who cross his path’.