Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Son of Paul Jerome TIMMINS, Flat 5/70 Fletcher Stree, Bondi, New South Wales.

Gordon was working as a bank clerk at the Bank of New South Wales (now Westpac) when he enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) in July 1943, aged just 18. Gordon had joined the Air Training Corps (the precursor to the Air Force Cadets) in 1942 so the RAAF was a logical fit for him.

Gordon enlisted as aircrew and underwent his basic training in Sandgate, Queensland. In October 1943, he commenced his pilot training in Narromine, NSW. In early 1944, Gordon was sent overseas to complete his pilot training at No. 36 Service Flying Training School in Alberta, Canada. He spent 7 months in Canada, completing his course in October 1944. Gordon was awarded his wings (flying badge) in November but with the war in Europe nearing its end, trained aircrews were no longer being sent to Britain. Gordon returned to Australia in January 1945 and served at a number of the RAAF’s No. 1 Training Group units in Victoria, NSW, and South Australia.

In April 1946, Gordon discharged from the RAAF. He says it was a wonderful experience, and he was able to see some of the world. He made several friends and reconnected with them through reunions, which Gordon enjoyed immensely.

After the war, Gordon returned to his job at the bank. He retired in 1985 as the manager of the Westpac Surry Hills branch in Sydney.

Gordon is married to Jan and they have two daughters. In his spare time Gordon loved flying and fishing. He built a single seat plane and enjoyed flying until his early 80s. Gordon also liked carpentry and travelling with Jan.

And the secret to Gordon’s longevity? He says he has enjoyed good health and has been well looked after.