JOHN GRIFFITHS MBE
John Griffiths, MBE
John came to CHS in 1962 to complete his final two years of High School, having previously been one of the founding students of Newlands High. He came to the school, already with the flying bug, contracted while parading with the Air Training Corps. John was fortunate in gaining a Flying Scholarship from the RAAF while in Year 11 and he was then licenced to fly before he could drive to the airport. Some great friendships were forged in those two years and remain to this day. Naturally John was somewhat distracted during his final year at Coburg High, thinking more about his next flying opportunity and his application to join the RAAF as a pilot.
After completing four years as an Air Training Corps Cadet, John joined the RAAF in 1965 as a pilot, retiring in 1987, reaching the rank of WGCDR. John served in operational tours flying Caribou and C130 aircraft in Australia, Papua New Guinea and Vietnam. He instructed new recruits on the Winjeel Basic Trainer aircraft and later on the Caribou. He served in the USA on exchange with the USAF flying the T-39 Sabreliner and as a Flying Safety Staff Officer. John served as the Commanding Officer of the Air Transport Squadron Papua New Guinea Defence Force flying the DC3, Nomad and Arava aircraft. He was awarded the MBE for services in Papua New Guinea and quelling a mutinee. John was QLD Manager Airclaims Australia Pty Ltd, investigating aircraft accidents in Australia, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands.
John served as a member of the RAAF Active Reserve (RAAFAR) until December 2013, working to develop and further enhance the functioning and performance of the Australian Air Force Cadets. The wheel, therefore, turned a full circle for John. John is the Director of the Air Cadet Alumni.
John came to CHS in 1962 to complete his final two years of High School, having previously been one of the founding students of Newlands High. He came to the school, already with the flying bug, contracted while parading with the Air Training Corps. John was fortunate in gaining a Flying Scholarship from the RAAF while in Year 11 and he was then licenced to fly before he could drive to the airport. Some great friendships were forged in those two years and remain to this day. Naturally John was somewhat distracted during his final year at Coburg High, thinking more about his next flying opportunity and his application to join the RAAF as a pilot.
After completing four years as an Air Training Corps Cadet, John joined the RAAF in 1965 as a pilot, retiring in 1987, reaching the rank of WGCDR. John served in operational tours flying Caribou and C130 aircraft in Australia, Papua New Guinea and Vietnam. He instructed new recruits on the Winjeel Basic Trainer aircraft and later on the Caribou. He served in the USA on exchange with the USAF flying the T-39 Sabreliner and as a Flying Safety Staff Officer. John served as the Commanding Officer of the Air Transport Squadron Papua New Guinea Defence Force flying the DC3, Nomad and Arava aircraft. He was awarded the MBE for services in Papua New Guinea and quelling a mutinee. John was QLD Manager Airclaims Australia Pty Ltd, investigating aircraft accidents in Australia, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands.
John served as a member of the RAAF Active Reserve (RAAFAR) until December 2013, working to develop and further enhance the functioning and performance of the Australian Air Force Cadets. The wheel, therefore, turned a full circle for John. John is the Director of the Air Cadet Alumni.
