3 Squadron LIFETIMES

Coll McDonald CALLANDER

4 April 1920 – 24 May 2010

Iesi, Italy. c. November 1944.  Fitters of No. 3 Squadron RAAF at work on Curtiss P40 Kittyhawk fighter-bomber aircraft.

Coll Callander was a Kittyhawk pilot who flew with No.3 Squadron in Central and Northern Italy in 1944.  He joined the RAAF in February 1941, at the age of 20, and did his flight training in Rhodesia.  He was hospitalised in South Africa after an accident in May 1942.  Coll arrived on 3 Squadron as a Warrant Officer on the 21st of March 1944 on the east coast of Italy at Cutella.  He flew a long and intensive combat tour, covering the Cassino battlefield and the Gustav Line, the Anzio beach-head, the fall of Rome, and the action over the Gothic Line.  Coll was commissioned from the 28th of August 1944, but didn't find out about this until 30 November 1944, around the same time that he finished his operational flying with the Squadron at Fano.

The following tribute was submitted by his daughter Elise:

Coll died peacefully in his sleep, at dawn, with his wife at his side.

He was the only child of Coll McDonald Callander and Isabella Sophia Callander (nee Farkens - both deceased).  Beloved husband for 67 years to Elise Eleanor Callander (nee Hitge).

Much loved father to Elise, Heather (James), Bruce (deceased), Coll and Ian and father-in-law to Daphna.  Oupa/in-law to Kadi and Travis Brown-Hovelt and William and Nikola James.  Great Grandfather to William, Oliver, Jonah and Finn.

Beloved by all his family.  A gentle and generous man of strength and integrity, who gave unconditional love and support to his family, and was respected by all who knew him.  Forever remembered and always in our hearts.

Sincere thanks to all the caring staff of Ardmillan Place, Moonee Ponds.

As he wished, he was privately cremated on 26 May, 2010.

 

3 Squadron LIFETIMES