Ron was another true pioneer in aviation. I was proud to have worked with him and to have called him my good friend.
Ron Gillies was born in Victoria, Australia on December 25, 1919.
In 1940, at the age of 20 he enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force as an Air Cadet. Upon completion of the standard flight training, followed by a seaplane conversion course he commenced operational duties with the #10 Squadron RAAF in the U.K. In August of 1943, Ron was appointed Commanding Officer of #10 Squadron with the rank of Wing Commander. He remained with the unit until November 1944.
1919 - 1996
Noreen Wilson joined the WAAF (Women's Australian Air Force) in 1940 were she became a aircraft coarse plotter. She met Ron while working with the aircrew.
1920 - 1982
Graeme Gillies
Capt. Ron Gillies in the left, Capt. Blair in the right - Southern Cross - United Kingdom
Southern Cross's Last Atlantic Crossing JIm Flanagan's Journal transcript Sept-Oct 1980
Southern Cross in San Juan before its final flight.
Ron Gillies in Ireland after making another North Atlantic crossing on his final flight in the four engine Sandringham.
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Ron and Noreen with AAB staff at the Goose Grill in St. Thomas.
Capt. Ron Gillies
in "Southern Cross" September 1977 at Southampton, UK
photo credit Barry Friend
Ron Gillies and the last Atlantic crossing of Southern Cross
1981
