15 April 1923 - 12 January
2020.
Aged 97 years
In WW2, Keith commenced RAAF flight training aged 19, (on Tiger Moths at Temora and Wirraways at Uranquinty) and earned his Wings in January 1943. He was posted to 75 Squadron in 1943, flying Kittyhawks and seeing action in New Guinea, Noemfoor, Morotai and Borneo.
After WW2 Keith re-enlisted as a member of the Interim Air Force. He spent two years in Japan, then a year in Korea with 77 SQN, flying Meteors. He was awarded the DFC and the American Air Medal during this period.
After Korea, he became a Flight Commander at 25 SQN in Perth, flying Mustang and Vampire aircraft. One year later, he became 25 SQN Commanding Officer.
In 1955 Keith was sent to the UK to attend the Day Fighter Leader's Course, on Hunter aircraft, as a pre-qualification to be Chief Instructor for the planned 2 OTU FCI course back in Australia, where he took the reins in 1956. He continued leading courses over 1956-57.
From 1958-60, Keith did Exchange Duty with the USAF Air Force Academy.
In 1960-62 he was posted to No.1 CRU (a Radar unit) in Brookvale NSW. Owing to his air experience he eventually took over as Chief Controller.
After that, Keith’s previous USAF Academy role placed him in good stead for the post of Officer Commanding the Cadet Squadron at the RAAF Academy, 1963-64.
Keith then attended RAAF Staff College at Canberra for a year, before being posted to Butterworth as CO No.3 Squadron in 1966, flying Sabres, for six months.
He later served as CO 77 SQN, then CO Officers Training School, Point Cook; and CO Base Squadron, Point Cook.
In 1971 he did Exchange Duty with the Singapore Air Defence Command and in 1972 became Staff Officer Planning at RAAF Operational Command, Glenbrook.
Keith retired on 17 Nov 1973, after 33 years of service.
Research by the Fighter Squadrons' Branch of the RAAF Association.