Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Vernon John Robley DFC - BY James Innes

Vernon John Robley was Born on the 24 th of May1923 in McBrides Hospital at Medindie South Australia, he was the youngest child of Vernon and Irene Robley he lived in Gilberton with his parents and older sister Claire. Vernon preferred to be called John his second name ,in this brief history I have used Vernon to match the War Memorials official documents

Vernon John and Claire his older sister started school at Wilderness Primary School. Vernon then went to Prospect Public School.

The Family moved houses and Vernon John Robley attended the North Adelaide Public School as the family lived nearby in O'Connell street North Adelaide. Vernon in a family history compiled by his Grand Daughter Andrea Seaman /Shimizu in 2015, recalled staying with his Grandfather during the school holidays ,and would accompany his Grandfather to the markets by horse and cart where his grandfather would sell his market garden produce. After the business was done grandfather would treat young Vernon to a Raspberry and Lemonade at a nearby watering hole.

Vernon attended Pulteney Grammer in the mid to late 1930s. In those tumultuous pre war days with his father’s connections Vernon took a job at W. Menz and Co; after the Depression Vernon’s father wanted his son to be in the workforce and with thousands of young men out of work ,Vernon took to the work as a junior clerk and bookkeeper responsible for raw material purchases,he worked there from 1938-1951 apart from his service years. But with his personality and friendly smile Sales was his preference.

Vernon John Robley joined the Air Force cadets 10th Batallion a part of the CMF, he balanced life with his cadet service.

Before his 18 th Birthday he had his application to join the Services already filled in but a bout of Pneumonia slowed this process for a few months. Finally an X Ray cleared him medically he then applied to join the Air Force, 18 was the minimum age and he was there ready and waiting.

Initially on Reserve at Keswick Barracks utilising his clerical skills , but he was soon called up, starting his initial training at Victor Harbour. RAAF categorized him as a Wireless Operator /Gunner and he was sent to Ballarat for 5 months of training. Vernon didn’t fancy being a Radio Operator and may have made sure he became a gunner and was sent to East Sale airfield for 2 months. To qualify as an Air Gunner 10 months of training was required and after that time had ensued in October 1942, they embarked for England with some months at sea following time in Sydney, Melbourne and finally to the Port of Freemantle W.A.

En route to South Africa after some good times and "a few frothies"on shore in Capetown South Africa it was time to move on.

Once a convoy of 30 or so ships had formed they commenced Northward up the west African Coast, following an attack from the Air and from German Submarines that Vernon said was horrific, they docked in Liverpool in mid April on a wet night, the men were put on a train to London and then to Bournemouth to begin training. Vernon was given 10 days leave and was billeted with Mr and Mrs Hull who had lost their son a member of the RAF earlier in the conflict.

Vernon was then sent to Bournemouth to commence Operational training: the crew was put together from operational and reserve personnel.

After the war Vernon returned home but with the war with Japan still going he was required to check in each day, Vernon went back to W.Menz and Co but applied for and won several other jobs Sales was his forte.

Vernon met his wife Veronica at the Commercial travellers Club, that was a popular place for reps and they would meet up Friday and Saturday, and then go off to watch his beloved North Adelaide Roosters play. Vernon John and Veronica lived in Flinders park S.A where Christine their first child was born.

Vernon had some interesting positions in this time, while working at Berger Paints in 1957 Helen and Freddy were born. Sales Rep work took Vernon all over the state and hardware for construction was his field . Vernon applied for a war service Loan and bought a house in Para Hills in 1961. Janet was then born in 1962. Vernon was active as a bookmakers clerk at several Race tracks and until it took up too much family time then he moved on.

1972 Vernon was the Property manager at the North Adelaide Football club at Prospect, responsible for the players uniforms, footballs and boots. He was also part of the management team of the Bar and dining committee. Vernon was a big part of the Club in those days and even Janet and Davids engagement party was held at the Clubrooms. After many years at the Club where he made many friends he moved on .

Fulfilling a lifelong ambition Vernon qualified as a Pilot after training at Gawler airfield, he loved flying, he kept flying until the late 1980s, a bit safer in the Pilots seat than where Vernon John Robley earnt a Distinguished Flying Cross, as a rear gunner in multiple missions over Europe during WW2.

In 1989 Vernon travelled to England and Canada where he went to see his crewmates Fred Russell in Vancouver staying a week or so and then on to France to see more old mates and then to England to see his sister Claire.

A truly brave man Vernon John Robley always kept a low profile as many war heroes do. A distinguished Flying Cross is evidence of his Skill, Bravery and Courage. The citaiton for this high honour reads of a young man who from the Tail gunners bubble always supplied accurate and calm information to the cockpit for the Navigational element to fulfill their duties. While operating the weaponry to protect the rear of the aircraft

I was very fortunate a few years ago to spend an Anzac Day afternoon at his Daughter and Son in Law, Janet and Davids house with Flying Officer Vernon John Robley DFC, who was able to talk to me at length about his service. It was a great Honour to talk to this man a true hero of WW2 and a true blue Australian who risked all to serve his country and oppose tyranny.

James Innes