One of Australia’s oldest remaining World War II veterans has passed away aged 105.
Bruce Robertson, a World War II veteran who served in the Royal Australian Air Force, passed away on Tuesday after an extraordinary life of service.
Robertson, who enlisted in 1941 and served as a wireless radio operator with 30 Squadron Beaufighters, was the first person who detected the Japanese mini submarines off Sydney Harbour in 1942.
He saw action at Milne Bay and in the Battle of the Bismarck Sea, and provided ground support during the Kokoda Campaign.
The veteran, who celebrated his 105th birthday at the Castle Hill & District RSL Sub-Branch surrounded by friends and loved ones, has been remembered by the RSL club’s president, Cheryl Hill.
“Bruce, who was the radio operator who first detected the Japanese mini submarines off Sydney Harbour was larger than life, always loved telling his stories and loved marching on ANZAC Day,” she said.
“Bruce was a member of Castle Hill & District RSL sub-branch for many years and will be sorely missed.
“Bruce recently reached 60 years of membership with RSL NSW, which was a remarkable milestone.”
The veteran was an active participant at commemorative services, including the August VP Day service at the Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway.
Castle Hill and District RSL sub-branch member Don Tait also paid tribute to Robertson, who was the last surviving member of 30 Squadron in the RAAF.
“He was an Australian through and through. With a smile on his face, he always had time to talk and listen to you and his conversation and stories were phenomenal,” he said.
“Bruce loved singing and playing bowls. He was a member of the Wirreanda Village choir and come rain, hail or snow he played bowls on Fridays.
“In his younger days he was a good cricketer.”
He added that senior officer and former Governor-General of Australia Sir Peter Cosgrove even called Robertson on his 105th birthday.
“With Bruce’s passing, Australia has lost a great Australian. He will not be forgotten. Bruce Rest in Peace,” Tait said.
A Department of Veterans’ Affairs spokesperson said that as of October, there are around 900 living WWII veterans in their records, with Robertson being the eldest.
“The current age of the youngest living WWII veteran is 95 years and the current age of the oldest living WWII veteran is 108 years. The average age of living WWII veterans is 100 years,” the spokesperson said.
Image: Castle Hill and District RSL sub-branch
