Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Son of Berthold Paul PREUSS, Gum Swamp, Forbes, New South Wales.

Phillip is known as Monro and is a veteran of the Second World War. Monro joined the Air Training Corps (the wartime equivalent of the Air Force Cadets) in April 1943 while working in a tobacco factory. Monro then enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force in November 1943. After his recruit training, Monro completed wireless technician courses at Nos. 2 and 3 Schools of Technical Training and was made a wireless assistant. Monro was then posted to No. 2 Flying Boat Repair Depot at Rathmines, on the shore of Lake Macquarie, NSW, working on the wireless sets of Catalina flying boats.

In February 1945, Monro was posted to No. 200 (Special Duties) Flight as a radio technician. Based at Leyburn Airfield, Queensland, the flight supported Z Special Unit by dropping personnel and supplies over enemy-occupied territory. Monro recalled the unit’s Liberator bombers leaving the base on secret missions and stated that ‘By the grace of God, I did not leave Australia.’

Monro had the rank of leading aircraftman when he was discharged on 1 March 1946. His advice to younger serving members is ‘stay safe and be proud to serve your country.’
After the war, Monro worked as a farmer with his father and eventually secured a soldier’s settlement block at Old Junee. He married Shirley in 1956 and they have 3 children, 7 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Shirley sadly passed away in mid-2024.

Monro was too busy on the farm for hobbies, although later he enjoyed travelling overseas and around Australia with Shirley. He now likes to read the daily newspaper and exercises every morning. He plays darts and games on his computer, and enjoys the sing-alongs and activities with the other residents at his aged care facility.

The secret to Monro’s long life is keeping active.