Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

⋐ Colin Charles Taplin ⋑

Colin Charles Taplin was born on the 23rd Of January 1920. The area he was born in was Peterborough, South Australia. Taplin was a flight lieutenant, he served his time in the Korean War from 1950 to 1953. He served a total of 266 in service in the “Royal Australian Air Force” from the 27th of June to the 19th of March 1951. Some History of the service he provided in the war were a fighter squadron from the 27th of June 1950 to the 20th of October 1950 and the second was on the 20th of October to the 19th of March 1951.

❰ Awards ❱
He had received some awards and insignias, an award he received was the United States Air Award and the insignia he received was presented by the “Commanding General Fifth Air Force".

Exemplary Attention to Duty - Colin Charles Taplin (Charles)

Colin was the second son born to Evelyn and Lansley (Lance) Taplin on January 23rd, 1920 after the end of World War II. His parents had married during the War in London on the 18th September, 1916 where Lance Snr had been serving. Colin’s older brother, James Lance (also called Lance) was born on the 18th June, 1918 at Sister Whitford's Private Hospital at Hamley Bridge as was Colin.

Post war, Colin’s father, Lance Snr returned to his work, initially with Bagot, Shakes & Lewis Ltd based at Peterborough, the large mid-north Railway hub. He then transferred to Goldsborough Mort and company Ltd as Manager. Lance travelled extensively with his work, including to the North-Eastern Pastoral country and Far North, 90 miles beyond Copley. He and Evelyn were heavily involved in the community; Lance as an energetic and popular President of the Peterborough Racing Club and Judge in these events and also as a golfer. Evelyn was active on the local Red Cross executive. Lance was also chairman of the Dawson School, arranging a popular dance, queen and euchre competition in his woolshed to raise funds to provide accessories for the school, including swings, see-saws and bars, for the children’s playground.

As did his older brother Lance, Colin performed creditably at his School Picnic in 1927 being held in local farmer, Mr Renton’s paddock. Colin came second in the 6 – 9-year sprint group with Lance also winning the 9 – 11-year-old run and three-legged race. Colin typically enjoyed golf, tennis and shooting rabbits on the family farm. With Lance and Bryan Holmes, the trio would go shooting, but were reprimanded by Lance Snr for shooting and spoiling the meat and skins of rabbits by using heart shots. Subsequent eye shots resulted in increased skin money for the boys to purchase more ammunition.   

The local Peterborough Show involved the wider community where Colin won diverse awards; for his woodwork and also for having the prize-winning cat! His skills in the former also enabled him to gain his Grade 1 Certificate from the Peterborough Woodwork Centre in 1934. From Peterborough, Colin then attended St Peter’s College in Adelaide to continue his education to Intermediate standard before leaving school aged 16 with a Trade school Certificate. He gained a five-year apprenticeship as a Motor Mechanic with J.W. Stevens, completing four years before being released to serve in WWII.

Both brothers enlisted to serve; Lance on August 2nd 1940 and Colin the following month on September 12th. He had joined the RAAF in 1939 aged 19 but became Number 27709 enlisting as a fitter IIA in September 1940 before beginning Technical Training in the RAAF. While attending camp, Colin spent the preceding weekend at South Terrace with his father, before returning. His older brother, Lance was about to leave for overseas at the same time.

While serving, Colin completed a Fitter Course in 1941 with the Air Board. Colin had precious leave in December 1942 at Peterborough. In the following year, Lance (Snr) decided to retire as manager of Goldsborough Mort in November, purchasing the well-known sheep stud property, ‘Roachdale’ near Terowie.  In October 1943 he completing a Pilot training course, flying solo and being known for ‘using his head’ and of being a hard worker and a reliable pilot. He was described as a “very good officer with sound service outlook” by his group captain and a ‘reliable, conscientious and enthusiastic flight commander, he possesses a pleasing manner and is well liked by his fellow officers” in August 1944, the year he completed his Beaufort conversion, then Beaufighter course in December 1944.

The following year tragedy struck when, within 18 months of moving, Lance (Snr) died suddenly at a private hospital in May of 1945 following an operation. He was just 51 years of age. Both sons, Lance (Second A.l.F.), and Colin (R.A.A.F.), were serving overseas at the time. Their father’s remains were privately and peacefully laid to rest in the Centennial Park Cemetery.

Colin was involved in a tropical tour with 22 Attack Squadron at Noomfoor and Morotai on Beaufighter aircraft. He then flew with the 93 squadron on the 81 wing move from Labuan to Japan in an escort Beaufighter. He became a staff pilot; his record paying testament to the constant assessment of personnel. Of interest is his consistency in rating for his determination, persistence, responsibility and ability to act decisively. While of a quieter nature, Colin was regarded as very reliable and mature for his age.

On August 1st 1947 Brigadier General USA Robert C Oliver, formally sent a missive to Flight Lieutenant Charles C. Taplin, Commanding Officer at Clark Field in appreciation of the splendid service Colin had provided in May and June. He added “The exemplary manner in which you performed your duties is worthy of the highest praise. Your attention to duty, willingness to accept responsibility, and whole hearted cooperation, reflects great credit upon yourself and the RAAF. The diplomatic way you handled your operations has made many life time friends for yourself among our personnel and has strengthened the mutual friendship of our Air Forces.” Colin had served in New Guinea. Celebes, and the Philippines during World War II flying Beaufighters.

Praise did not go to Colin’s head as in July 1949 an official report commented that he is ‘quite prepared to put on a pair of overalls and lend assistance when it is required by the ground staff. He is generally popular and is a good mess member.’ While in Japan in November of 1949, Colin met and married a Scottish girl, Mary Sybil Garden, who was working with the British Legation in Tokio at the time.

He was involved in the Korean War from June to October of 1950. That year, the then 30-year-old Colin’s performance was recognised by the American Airforce with The Commander of the US 5th Air Force (Major-General Earle E. Partridge) awarding the American Air Medal to four Australian Mustang pilots at an advanced Japanese base. This was extensively reported in the South Australian newspapers including the Advertiser of September 1950: ‘The medal was awarded posthumously to Wg.-Cmdr L. T Spence. the Australian's leader who was killed in action over Korea on September 9. Those decorated were Flt.-Lts. Colin C. Taplin, John L Adams, Stuart Bradford and Carlyle R. Noble. Maj.-Gen. Partridge said: 'Your performance in the present conflict has been magnificent I have watched you from the air I have observed from the ground at Taegu and everywhere you go you do a fine job. Keep up the splendid work.' Generous praise indeed. The Times and Northern Advertiser added ‘Colin has been a member of the RAAF since 1939 and has been in Japan for 2½ years.’ The Mail also added ‘In awarding the medal at an advanced base, Gen Partridge said Flight Lieutenant Taplin an operation officer for the squadron, had conducted base operations for the Australian and Americans since the war began, often working 28-hour shifts.’

On the first of October, 1951 Sybil and Colin (more commonly then called Charles) welcomed their daughter, Jennifer Anne.

Several time his records mention that he appears much older in both appearance and for his age, with a comment that shyness tended to ‘hide his light under a bushell’. Differences of opinion now make for interesting reading with such expressions as Colin being described as a ‘likable old reprobate (literally) who lives his subject every minute of the day. Lectures extremely well’ written in January 1958, the ‘reprobate’ comment that was then professionally considered unwarranted and untrue. A smattering of personal comments about his physical appearance as being stooped and round shouldered but highly respected, undervalued appeared in his record as well as fulsome praise for his diligence and loyalty. By June of 1961 Colin was part of the AH Clark Adelaide Uni Squadron.

Just 42 years old and after 21 years of service Colin died of illness on the 5th June 1962. He was buried at the Centennial Park Cemetery in the Derrick Gardens. Colin had not had the opportunity to enjoy his hard-earned long service leave with Sybil. She lived until 86 years old and died on the 13th October 1997, being buried at Enfield Memorial Park.

Researched and written by Kaye Lee, daughter of Bryan Holmes SX8133 2/48th