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Australia

John Campbell "Jack" Hunter

28 July 1909 – 30 December 1995

Service No. 48635 | Royal Australian Air Force

John Campbell Hunter, known as "Jack," was born on 28 July 1909 in Snowtown, South Australia, the son of John Campbell Hunter and Johanna Louise Marie (née Mattner). Raised in South Australia's rural districts, Jack grew up in a hardworking environment that shaped his practical skills and strong work ethic.

Before the war, he worked as both a farmer and truck driver, occupations that would later prove valuable during his military service. He married Hilda Myrtle Schiller, and together they built their life in South Australia.

At the age of 32, Jack enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force on 12 June 1942 at Adelaide, during a critical period of the Second World War. Recruiting officers described him as:

"Of average height and build, dark hair, blue eyes, neatly dressed, good appearance, and answered questions smartly."

He was medically classified as Class 1, indicating full fitness for active service.

Following assessment, Jack qualified as a Driver Motor Transport (D.M.T.), demonstrating solid driving experience and mechanical knowledge. He served with No. 1 Airfield Construction Squadron and later No. 5 Airfield Construction Squadron, units responsible for building and maintaining vital airstrips in challenging and often dangerous environments.

His service took him to key operational areas including Darwin, Morotai, and Tarakan, supporting Allied operations across the Pacific. These forward locations were crucial to the campaign against Japanese forces, and the work of airfield construction units ensured that aircraft could operate effectively in remote and newly secured territories.

Throughout his wartime service, Jack maintained an excellent record. His character was officially rated as "Very Good," with satisfactory trade proficiency, and he was recommended for advancement. His conduct sheet records no disciplinary offences, reflecting a man of reliability, discipline, and steady commitment.

He was awarded entitlement to the 1939–1945 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal 1939–1945, and the Australia Service Medal, recognising his contribution both in Australia and overseas.

Jack was honourably discharged on 2 January 1946, concluding over three years of dedicated wartime service.

In later life, he resided at Coromandel Parade, Blackwood, in the Adelaide Hills. He passed away on 30 December 1995, aged 86, at the Repatriation General Hospital, Daw Park, a place closely associated with the care of Australian veterans.

Legacy

John Campbell "Jack" Hunter represents the backbone of Australia's wartime effort—men whose work, often away from direct combat, was essential to victory. As part of the Airfield Construction Squadrons, his role ensured that Allied aircraft could operate across the vast distances of the Pacific.

He is remembered as a dependable and capable serviceman, a devoted husband, and one of the many Australians whose quiet contribution helped secure the freedoms enjoyed today.

Summary

Born: 28 July 1909, Snowtown, South Australia
Parents: John Campbell Hunter & Johanna Louise Marie Mattner
Occupation: Farmer & Truck Driver
Spouse: Hilda Myrtle Schiller
Enlisted: 12 June 1942, Adelaide
Service No.: 48635
Rank: Leading Aircraftman (LAC)
Unit: No. 1 & No. 5 Airfield Construction Squadrons
Role: Driver Motor Transport
Theatres: Darwin, Morotai, Tarakan (Pacific)
Medals: 1939–45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal, Australia Service Medal
Discharged: 2 January 1946
Died: 30 December 1995, Daw Park, South Australia
Age: 86 years

Biography by Trevor Pyatt 24/04/2026