Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1931 - 1954), Thursday 24 April 1947, page 14

HEROES OF THE EMPIRE
"At the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember them."
DUNNING.—In loving memory of our dear son and brother, Sgt. Pilot Colin William Dunning, R.A.A.F., who lost his life, Darwin area, April 24, 1944. His re-mains found by native "George," January 28, 1947, and buried Adelaide River Cemetery January 14, 1947.—Inserted by his loving father, mother, sister, brother, sister-in-law and brother-in-law.
DUNNING.—Sacred to the memory of our young friend Sgt-Pilot Colin Dunning lost his life Darwin area, April 24, 1944. Until the dawn breaks. —Inserted by Mrs. Sanger, Nell and Alan.
DUNNING. —In memory of our friend Sgt.-Pilot Colin Dunning, lost his life, Darwin, April 24, 1944.—Ever remembered by Mr. and Mrs. Salter and family. DUNNING. Sgt.-Pilot C. W. —In loving memory of our dear brother Colin, killed Fog Bay, April 24, 1944. No one will ever know how much we miss a brother so dearly beloved as this. —Sister and brother-in-law.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article30524589

Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Thursday 9 January 1947, page 7
Remains of Airman Found
Mr. and Mrs. Ron Dunning of Port Lincoln, have been advised by the military authorities of the death of Sgt-Pilot Colin William Dunning who was the pilot of a crashed Spitfire which was located near Darwin. The Spitfire, which was a total wreck, was lost when Sgt. Dunning was on an altitude test and training exercises on April 24, 1944. His remains, which were found near the cockpit of the plane, were interred in a military cemetery at Darwin. He joined the R.A.A.F. at the age of 18, and his body was found on his 22nd birthday. He was a brother of Mr. Ron Dunning.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article96768855

Southern Cross (Adelaide, SA : 1889 - 1954), Friday 31 January 1947, page 12

R.A.A.F. FUNERAL OF ADELAIDE SPITFIRE PILOT

FOUND NEARLY THREE YEARS AFTER CRASH

"REQUIEM Mass was celebrated by the Most Rev. Bishop Gsell on Tuesday, January 14, at St. Mary's. Darwin, for Sergeant-Pilot Colin William Dunning, whose remains were found at Fog Bay, 40 miles south west of Darwin, nearly three years after the Spitfire he was flying crashed there.
Colin Dunning was the younger son of Mr. and Mrs. S. L. Dunning, of Restormel Avenue, Fullarton Estate, who were brought to Darwin by R.A.A.F. service plane for the funeral.
Bishop Gsell Officiating at the Funeral of Sgt.-Pilot Dunning.
In April, 1944, Sgt.-Pilot Dunning, in company with other aircraft of No 452 Spitfire Squadron, was on an altitude test, when he reported by radio that his engine was cutting out. He lost height, but when the engine seemed to return to normal, again climbed. At 25,000 ft. the engine cut out altogether, and he crash-dived into the scrub. One or two of the accompanying planes turned back to take bearings of the spot where he crashed, but no sign of it was visible.
Other aircraft later took up the search, but no trace of wreckage could be found.

Comfort to Parents

It was while George, an aboriginal, was on a walkabout a few weeks ago that he discovered the plane, and immediately it was reported a search party, including Sgt. E. A. McNab, of Darwin Police, and Fl.-Lt. Mooney. of the R.A.A.F., set out in Mr. Leo Hickey's lugger. They located the scene of the crash, and brought the remains of the pilot back to Darwin.
The markings of the plane were clearly discernible under the camouflage paint, and checked with records at R.A.A.F., Darwin, revealed the pilot's identity. Considerable denture treatment also helped verify identity.
Sgt. Dunning had been posted missing, presumed dead, for nearly three years, and his parents were greatly relieved to know exactly what had happened, and that death was obviously instantaneous, as they feared he might have landed in crocodile or buffalo country.
The native George has been re-warded by the R.A.A.F., and it is understood that when he returned to Adelaide, Mr. Dunning intended having made a suitably inscribed medallion and chain, for presentation through the police.

The Funeral

After Requiem Mass, the funeral left for the Adelaide River Cemetery, some miles south of Darwin. Rev. Fr. Frank Flynn officiated, and R.A.A.F. personnel acted as bearers. The funeral was carried out with full military honors.
Sgt.-Pilot Dunning was found on what would have been his twenty second birthday.
It is to commemorate the memory of such lads as Colin Dunning that Rev. Fr. Flynn is planning a War Memorial Church and Shrine of Thanksgiving in Darwin. Mr. and Mrs. Dunning have asked to be allowed donate the baptismal font in the new church, in memory of their son.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article167713945