Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Bert was born in Melbourne, Victoria, in 1925. Son of Leopold J EDWARDS and Margaret EDWARDS nee FRAUENFELDER, 27 Ganion Street, Seddon, Victoria.

Bert was a student before he enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) in February 1944 at the age of 18. He applied under the Empire Air Training Scheme and was selected for flying training. After recruit training, Bert was posted to No. 7 Elementary Flying Training School at Western Junction, Tasmania, where he learned to fly on Tiger Moth biplanes. He flew solo in July 1944 and was promoted to Leading Aircraftman. Bert recalls, ‘We got to train in Tiger Moths, where we did aerobatics. We developed quite a proficiency, because our training was extended as there was an oversupply of pilots in the last years of the war. The open cockpit made flying at altitude in the icy Tasmanian weather quite exhilarating’.

By December 1944, the RAAF already had too many pilots and switched many trainees to other roles. Bert was one of several men from his course who were posted to Air Force Headquarters in Melbourne to assist with record-keeping. He was later selected for a hygiene inspectors’ course at the Medical Training Unit, but this was cut short by the war ending in August 1945. Bert was discharged in October the same year. He made some great friends while serving and advises younger serving personnel to ‘really value the friendships that you develop with other personnel, as these can last for life’.

After the war, Bert studied Commerce at the University of Melbourne and then joined the Australian Taxation Office. He married June in 1951 and they went on to have 5 children and now have 4 grandchildren.

Bert was a professional runner until the age of 40. He still enjoys playing golf twice a week and has a long-term interest in horse racing. He also likes watching TV.

And the secret to Bert’s longevity? He enjoys life and has always been active and kept fit.