Luke Gosling (Solomon, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I would like to extend my condolences to the family of Cecil Parsons, known universally as 'Boz', who has died at the age of 105. Boz was a bomber pilot in World War II. He completed 25 missions over occupied Europe before arriving in Darwin and flying raids against the Japanese in New Guinea and the Dutch East Indies. Boz was twice mentioned in dispatches and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for being 'a capable pilot who had shown ability to carry out any type of operational flying coolly and skilfully' and 'special missions by night in conjunction with the Australian Army'.

After the war, Boz joined Connellan Airways, delivering the mail to remote Territory cattle sessions before becoming a teacher in Victoria. He still had his pilot's licence when he last visited Darwin 10 years ago at the age of 95.

He is survived by Barbara, his wife of nearly 77 years, a fellow RAAF officer and World War II veteran. Vale Boz Parsons, an absolute inspiration to me and to so many other Australians both in and out of uniform. He was a truly great Australian. I know that the Deputy Prime Minister would also want to add his condolences to the family.