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

Service Profile: Gerry Gunton

Gerry Gunton, Queen's Commendation (ACA 18397), served in the Royal Australian Air Force from May 1954 to July 1986.

Training as a pilot, Gerry flew Tiger Moths, Wirraways, Lincolns (Mks 30 and 31), Vampires (Mks 31 and 35), Shackeltons (Mks 1 and 3), SP-2H Neptune, Dakotas, P-3B Orions and Winjeels.

During his service, he was a member of RAAF No. 10 Maritime Squadron, then spent a period as an instructor at Advanced Flying Training School (AFTS). After an exchange posting to RAF No. 201 Squadron, Gerry was again posted to RAAF No. 10 Squadron.

In his specialist role as a maritime pilot, Gerry was appointed Commanding Officer of RAAF No. 11 Squadron.

A variety of Staff Appointments followed as he continued his career as an aircrew officer of the Permanent Air Force, including a period as Defence Advisor in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 1978 to 1981.

In recognition of his valued service, Gerry was awarded the Queen's Commendation, retiring from the RAAF in 1986 with the rank of Air Commodore.

As it Happened: An Incident Waiting to Happen (78K PDF)