25 November 2024
On November 16, several RAAF Base Edinburgh aviators, including an airfield engineer, shared in the 100th birthday celebrations of a RAAF veteran who served with 3 Airfield Construction Squadron in World War 2.
Born in Adelaide on November 16, 1924, Cyril Rothall enlisted as a general hand in October 1943.
He completed basic training at 1 Recruit Depot and was then posted to 1 Aircraft Depot at RAAF Base Laverton, where he served from November 1943 to March 1944.
He then re-mustered to plant operator and completed the Plant Operator Course at Works Training Unit from March to June 1944.
In June 1944, he was posted to 3 Airfield Construction Squadron and deployed through RAAF Base Townsville to New Guinea before proceeding to Morotai and then the Philippines. He completed 18 months deployed at forward bases repairing and constructing airfields as the allies advanced through New Guinea and Southeast Asia.
He returned to Australia in December 1945 before discharging in February 1946 where he took up employment as a bricklayer for the next 30 years.
Known affectionately as ‘Flying Shovels’, members of the RAAF Airfield Construction Squadrons were often among the first arriving in forward operating areas in the south-west Pacific Area to construct and repair airfields in trying conditions, and often withstanding enemy raids.
Flying Officer Matthew Adi, a modern day ‘Flying Shovel’ who recently served with 65 Air Base Recovery Squadron – today’s equivalent of the WW2 Airfield Construction Squadrons – and is now with Air Force Test Ranges Squadron, was honoured to share in Cyril’s 100th birthday celebrations.
Having recently conducted airfield remediation works himself, Flying Officer Adi connected with Cyril straight away and was able to share stories and discover similarities in service, despite serving in the Air Force 80 years apart.
Flying Officer Adi presented Cyril with a ‘Tonka’ playset and drove him to his 100th birthday party from his nursing home in an Air Force vehicle.
“Meeting Cyril and swapping stories was incredible and was an experience I will always remember,” Flying Officer Adi said.
“Listening to his stories was inspiring.”
Group Captain Gregory Weller acknowledged Cyril’s service and his 100th birthday, presenting him with a letter of congratulations from the Chief of Air Force and a Chief of Air Force coin.
“Cyril was one of a special generation who gave so much for our country and thus, our nation will forever be indebted to you and his generation for their service in World War 2,” Group Captain Weller said.
