Vale Don Charlwood
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Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Australia
Age: 87
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Vale Don Charlwood
Don Charlwood RAAF passed away on Monday. Navigator on 103 Squadron in 1943 on the fiirst crew to complete a tour of Ops in 7 months.
Best selling author of "No Moon Tonight" and "Journeys into Night": both being autobiographical. He had just returned from UK from the commemoration of the Bomber Command memorial. At the age of 96 it must have been a pretty hard task - but one he would not shirk.
A Historian and a foundation member of Australian Post-War Air Traffic Control. He recruited almost all Controllers from the aircrew ranks over 15 years. He will be sorely missed by many.
A gentleman and above all; a mate.
John Botwood
Best selling author of "No Moon Tonight" and "Journeys into Night": both being autobiographical. He had just returned from UK from the commemoration of the Bomber Command memorial. At the age of 96 it must have been a pretty hard task - but one he would not shirk.
A Historian and a foundation member of Australian Post-War Air Traffic Control. He recruited almost all Controllers from the aircrew ranks over 15 years. He will be sorely missed by many.
A gentleman and above all; a mate.
John Botwood
Last edited by John Botwood; 19th Jun 2012 at 09:11.
Very sorry to hear the news. No Moon Tonight was one of the very first books I read about Bomber Command, shortly after its first printing - particularly relevant to me as I lived fairly close to Elsham. I also had the pleasure during Shackleton days of meeting him - as you say, a gentleman and a friend to all.
Farewell
Farewell
Thank you for that sad news. Don was a real gent and I found both books absolutely fascinating to read. I was always surprised that he did not get a DFM for his operational tour.
He will be remembered by many people with affection and respect.
Old Duffer
He will be remembered by many people with affection and respect.
Old Duffer
Very sad to hear and I am also sorry that I missed him when he was over here.
Don very kindly signed my copy of 'Journeys into Night' and answered some queries I had re W/C David Holford.
I was only reading a chapter (again) from 'Journeys into Night' on Sunday. It is a wonderful read and gives a great insight into the thoughts and fears of the young men who flew for Bomber Command.
I salute you Don.
Don very kindly signed my copy of 'Journeys into Night' and answered some queries I had re W/C David Holford.
I was only reading a chapter (again) from 'Journeys into Night' on Sunday. It is a wonderful read and gives a great insight into the thoughts and fears of the young men who flew for Bomber Command.
I salute you Don.
His
is very well written and he takes you with him. Highly recommended if you haven't read it. I was in touch with him a few years ago through a 3rd party.
What a character.
RIP Don.
What a character.
RIP Don.
Last edited by PPRuNeUser0139; 20th Jun 2012 at 15:00.
