Vale Charles Clem Jones, RAAF

Ms JENNY AITCHISON (Maitland—Minister for Regional Transport and Roads)—Vale Charles "Clem" Jones, of Rutherford. Clem held the honour of being the oldest surviving World War II Spitfire pilot in Australia. In 2021 not only did the RAAF turn 100, but the RAAF itself did also. For the occasion Clem was presented with the Centenarian Veteran Certificate of Recognition. Clem sadly passed away, at the age of 103, on September 11 this year. Clem enlisted in the RAAF in January 1942 and was a warrant officer with 1435 Squadron and 185 Fighter Squadron. He had known he wanted to be a pilot since he was 12-years-old and that dream became reality when he became a Spitfire pilot. He served through the Suez Canal, Egypt, Malta, Italy and up to the Austrian border during his time with the RAAF. As a Spitfire pilot he fought enemy fighter aircraft as part of invasions or supported bombing raids into Germany and across Europe. His passing was honoured by a flypast by the PC-21 at his funeral on September 24. Clem is survived by his wife, Freda, who turns 100 in November and his son, Christopher. His dedicated service to his country will never be forgotten.