Col wasn't a WW2 vet but he did a helluva lot to keep the warbirds flying and show us the types of planes we'd only have otherwise read about. He was a cropduster pilot from Scone NSW and died doing what he loved, pioneering new techniques for water scooping to use against bushfires when something went wrong and he crashed into Lake Liddell, between Singleton NSW and Muswellbrook NSW. His plane and body were recovered by emergency services watching him show the tecnique. Ambulance swam out to try and save him but to no avail.
He restored and flew P51D, Spitfire MkIX and a P40E and thrilled and delighted crowds at air shows as he put them through their paces and flew them as they should be flown. I had the honour to have met him on a few occasions as a past Hon Sec of local Aero Club when we asked him to bring his Mustang which he was too happy to do and also socially through other ag pilot friends.
Col was 75y.o with over 50 years flying experience.
He'll be sorely missed for his experience, dedication and sense of humour. Vale Col Pay
