Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Son of George Septimus MERCHANT and Eleanor Daphne Alice MERCHANT nee MORGAN, 23 Redan Street, Mosman, New South Wales.

John was born in Mosman, NSW, and enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) in July 1943, just after his 18th birthday. After his basic training, John trained as a flight rigger in Canberra and Melbourne.

In April 1944, John was posted to Richmond, NSW, and worked on aircraft so they could be distributed to units or put into storage. In December 1944, John was posted to No. 5 Repair and Salvage Unit, serving at the Bohle River and Stuart airbases near Townsville. In March 1945, he sailed with his unit to Morotai in the Netherlands East Indies (Indonesia).

John recalled the excitement and sense of adventure, because ‘for most of us, this would be the first time we left Australia. I was proud to be in the RAAF, to wear my uniform and serve my country’. John’s unit repaired aircraft damaged in action and accidents. He was part of a detachment sent to the island of Tawi Tawi in the Philippines, supporting air operations in the Philippines and Borneo.

After the war ended, John was posted to No. 24 Squadron, servicing Liberator bombers used to evacuate ex-prisoners of war. In February 1946, he returned to Australia and was discharged from the RAAF.

After the war, John worked for the whiskey company Johnnie Walker as an accounts clerk. He married Elaine in 1963 and they raised 2 children. They now have 4 grandchildren.
When younger, John played tennis and competed in high jump. He took up golf when he retired and played until 93 years of age. John now walks every day and participates in the activities at the aged care facility.

John credits his longevity to always playing sport, walking regularly and staying very active.