Sharman Stone (Murray, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

In March 2017, I will have the great privilege of unveiling a new memorial at Rushworth honouring two local World War I heroes. Funding to help with the construction was provided by the Commonwealth. I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to these extraordinary men a year in advance. The first is Lieutenant Frank McNamara, Victoria Cross winner. While serving with No. 1 Squadron—the forerunner to our Australian Air Force—Frank McNamara, then 23 and a teacher in civilian life, landed his aircraft behind Turkish lines to rescue Captain DW Rutherford, who had been forced to land following engine failure. Under heavy fire and himself severely wounded, McNamara assisted in holding off Turkish cavalry and managed to save his comrade by taking off, once more, and flying back to the aerodrome. For his heroic efforts, he was awarded a Victoria Cross, the only one awarded to the Australian Flying Corps in World War I.

The second individual is Sir George Jones. He was drafted as a military cadet at the age of 17. He first went to Gallipoli with the 9th Light Horse before transferring to the Camel Corps and, finally, to the Australian Flying Corps. In April 1919, Jones was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, having been credited with bringing down seven enemy aircraft on the Western Front. Regarded as 'a most daring and gallant leader in aerial fighting', Jones rose from trooper to captain in just three years. I pay my respects to these men who were pioneers of the great Australian Air Force, showing enormous courage and selflessness. (Time expired)