Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Son of Robert DOW, 17 Collocott Street,Moridalloc, Victoria.

Second World War veteran, Robert ‘Chilla’ Dow, who was born in Richmond, Victoria, 100 years ago. A fond memory of Chilla’s childhood was sitting on his father's shoulders, at the age of 4, watching Phar Lap win the Melbourne Cup. 

Chilla worked as a green keeper and owned a lawn mowing and gardening service before the war. He enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) in March 1944, aged 18 years, serving as a flight mechanic. As part of his training, Chilla completed a fitter’s (mechanic’s) course at No. 4 School of Technical Training in Adelaide and completed his flight mechanic’s training at No. 1 Engineering School at Ascot Vale in Melbourne. He was then posted to No. 6 Service Flying Training School at Mallala in South Australia, working on Avro Anson and Airspeed Oxford aircraft used in the training of pilots.

Chilla was discharged from the RAAF in February 1946. He says he valued the mateship while serving and developed a couple of long-term relationships. Chilla enjoyed the experience and advises younger serving personnel to do the same.

In his spare time, Chilla played all sports and he liked fishing, swimming, and cycling – he won senior cycling events in Europe! Chilla was also a surf lifesaver and recalls saving two children from drowning on one occasion. Now, Chilla enjoys listening to the crooner music of the 50s and 60s.

Chilla credits his longevity to hard work and good living. He also recommends doing everything in moderation and loving life and people!