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

Service Profile: Fred Barnes

Frederick William Barnes OA DFC AFC Air Medal (USA) (ACA 17334) joined the Royal Australian Air Force on 25 May 1943 and served until 13 November 1981.

Fred trained as a pilot at No. 8 Elementary Flying Training School (EFTS) Narrandera, No. 5 Service Flying Training School (SFTS) Uranquinty, and No. 2 Operational Training Unit (OTU) Mildura. He served during World War 2 with No. 77 Squadron in the South-West Pacific - Morotai and Labuan Island. He also saw active service in Korea during 1950–51, again with No. 77 Squadron.

His flying postings included Nos. 3, 75, 77 and 82 Squadrons, in addition to 434th US Air Force Squadron (which was part of the 479th Tactical Fighter Group), Operational Training Unit, and Trials Flight Woomera.

During his long aircrew service, Fred was extensively associated with fighter squadrons and test flying, and he was involved in flying the following types of aircraft:

Tiger Moth
Wirraway
Kittyhawk
Mustang
Auster
Dakota
Vampire
Lincoln
Pika
Canberra
Python Lincoln
Meteor (VII, VIII, NF11)
Harvard
Wackett Trainer
Avro Anson
Washington (B-29)
Bristol Freighter
Percival Prince
T-33 (USAF)
F-86 (USAF)
F-100 (A & C) (USAF)
L20 Beaver (USAF)
Fouga Magister (French)
Mirage (French)
Mirage III (O & B)
Sycamore helicopter
Winjeel
F-15 Eagle (USAF)
CT 4
Mosquito
Mystere 20
HS-748
Caribou.

As an officer in the Permanent Air Force, Fred rose to the rank of Air Vice Marsal, and his appointment on retirement in November 1981 was Deputy Chief of Air Staff.

In recognition of his service to his country, and to his prowess, Fred has been awarded the decorations Order of Australia, Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Force Cross.

The United States of America has also recognised his service to military flying by awarding him the United States Air Medal.

As It Happened: Aircrew Experiences (124K PDF)