Many of the older pilots here will fondly remember doing their licence tests with Cec Sly..... Examiner of Airmen with the DCA/CASA. A bloody good bloke and a real ‘Aviator’ when that meant someone who had done it all the hard way. R.I.P. Cec.
FLYING OFFICER CECIL SLY DFM
12 Dec 1926 - 16 Apr 2019
Aged 92 years
Sadly we regret to advise the passing of a great colleague and loyal friend Cecil Sly.
Cec went into care recently, however his health deteriorated and he passed away Tuesday last.
An interesting career is highlighted in the following material.
1947: Joined the airforce No. 1 Flying Training School Point Cook.
1950: Graduated from No.2 Course, No. 1 FTS
1950: Joined 76th Squadron in Williamtown.
October 8 1950: Joined 77 Squadron, Initially in Japan.
October 12 1950: 77 Squadron based in Korea (Initially Pohang Base) Flying Mustangs
March 20 1951: Shot down by ground fire and rescued by American 3rd Air Rescue Squadron from behind enemy lines.
April 26: Transferred to Meteors while still in Korea
Nov 1951: Returned to Australia
July 1952: Left for Malta. Joined 78 Wing/76 Squadron. Flew Meteors and Vampires
July 1955: Completed Flight Instructors Course at East Sale.
1956 - 57: Instructed at Uranquinty.
Feb 19 1957: Completed his last flight in the Air Force in a Winjeel.
Medals
Distinguished Flying Medal
Australian Active Service Medal With Korean Clasp 1945 - 1975
British Korean Medal
United Nations Medal Korea
Australian Service Medal with Japan and Middle East Clasp 1945 - 1975
Australian Defence Medal
American Air Medal
Korean Ambassador For Peace Medal
Cecil's post-service was mainly a long duration with DCA as Examiner, then various General Aviation jobs including tourist tours and flying DC3 (with colleague Jack Curtiss)
The funeral for Cecil will be conducted
Wednesday 24April at 12 noon
Wilson Funerals,
Cnr Barrenjoey Road and Darley Street,
Mona Vale NSW