These profiles and stories were donated to the RAAF Museum by the Gold Coast Branch of the Air Crew Association.

Service Profile: Charles Fry

Flight Lieutenant Charles Fry DFC (Brit) DFC (Greek) enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force in June 1936 and served continuously until January 1946.

During that period he piloted all pre-WW2 Hawkers and Glosters, Glaunters, Gladiators, DH-60s and Miles Majesters. He was also a pre-war Hurricane pilot, gaining his experience in the UK, prior to his posting to Egypt in May 1939.

Charles' pilot training and conversion locations embraced Point Cook, then in 1937, Leuches, UK, for Fleet Air Arm Training before posting to RAF 32 Squadron at Biggin Hill, UK, then on to 112 Squadron at Helwan, Egypt.

In September 1939, a Hurricane, shipped in a crate from UK, was assembled at Helwan, and Charles flew it into history as the first person to take-off and land a Hurricane on Egyptian soil (sand).

Charles flew Gloster Gladiators on active service in Egypt, Libya, Greece and Crete. On Crete, once again flying his beloved Hurricanes, in May 1941, he was shot down and taken prisoner, and languished for four long years in German prison camps. Starting at Lubeck, he was moved with his peers to a number of different camps, finishing up at Stalag Luft 3, south- east of Berlin.

Charles' noteworthy flying service in war was recognised through the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross by both the UK and Greece.

On return to Australia, Charles was discharged in January 1946.

As it Happened: From Biggin Hill to North Africa and the Med' (74K PDF)