WORLD War II pilot John Shoesmith notched up another milestone recently when he celebrated his 100th birthday.
RAAF Base Amberley Group Captain Dennis Tan was on hand for the birthday celebration at Mr Shoesmith’s home, presenting him with some Air Force mementos.
These included a framed image of one of 100 Squadron’s flying Spitfires, signed by Commanding Officer Jason Easthope – 100 Squadron is a historical squadron re-formed in 2021 and maintains and operates heritage aircraft.
Mr Shoesmith flew a clutch of classic warbirds, including the CAC Boomerang and Supermarine Spitfire for the RAAF during the war.
Enlisting during 1942, Mr Shoesmith was selected for pilot training – and what followed was intensive training, progressing from the classroom to cockpit.
Upon receiving his Wings, Warrant Officer Shoesmith moved through several flying Squadrons, culminating in active service flying Spitfires in 452 and 79 Squadrons.
“I received no instruction before my first flight in a Spitfire – but there was a training manual on the cockpit seat,” he said.
What followed was active service in what is now Indonesia, as the Allied forces pushed the enemy back.
A key role of the Spitfire – and one that it was not initially designed for – was ground attack.
“It took great skill to dive bomb a bridge and drop 250-pound bombs whilst under fire,” Mr Shoesmith said.
Himself a pilot, Group Captain Tan considered it a special honour to be able to present the mementos to Mr Shoesmith, and “talk flying” with a fellow aviator.
“All the aircraft that Warrant Officer Shoesmith flew would be considered classic warbirds these days and what an amazing collection of aircraft to have in a pilot’s logbook,” Group Captain Tan said.
“It is a very special honour for me to spend some time with one of our veterans who has flown them.”
Mr Shoesmith holds strong memories of flying the Spitfire – undoubtedly one of the most well-loved aircraft in aviation history.
“It was the best plane I flew – and it had such a surge of power at maximum throttle,” he said with a twinkle in his eye.
In later years, he maintained his passion for the aircraft – and “kept his eye in” – tackling missions on a Spitfire computer game.
The current Commanding Officer of Mr Shoesmith’s old unit, 79 Squadron, Wing Commander Grant Taylor said it was important to remember those who had gone before in his unit.
“The Squadron has been formed for times of conflict and those who served in the unit during these times did so with courage and resilience,” he said.
“It is a joyous occasion for the current members of 79 Squadron to wish John a happy 100th birthday as one of the men who faced the enemy at a time when Australia needed it the most.”
