Burnside’s Ronald McGrath has lived much of his 88 years by the motto “never disappoint”.
Mr McGrath, pictured, was acknowledged for upholding this ideal – the motto of his beloved Royal Australian Air Force Association 7 squadron – on Australia Day, when he was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for his service to veterans.
Mr McGrath, who lives at Burnside Retirement Village with wife Betty, was recognised for his 66 years of service as a key office bearer in ‘‘one of Australia’s most active and enduring RAAF World War II associations”.
Also an accomplished piano and theatre organ player, Mr McGrath filled a variety of executive roles with the association, including founding secretary in 1945, treasurer and vice president.
Born in Kensington in 1925, Mr McGrath followed two close friends in joining the RAAF at age 18, serving in north Queensland and New Guinea as a transport driver.
Landing in Tadji, New Guinea, some 30 kilometres from the frontline, Mr McGrath was not in any immediate danger armed with a 303 rifle, albeit with no bullets, but the “hot and steamy” conditions were a major affront to the senses.
“I distinctly remember thinking ‘what the hell am I doing here?’ ’’ he said.
‘‘Resources were very short, no fresh food most of the time, no replacement uniforms. I got back to Melbourne in the winter in a pair of shorts and shirt a Yank mate gave me. The Yanks had everything they needed and were very generous with their Aussie friends.”
As founding secretary of the association, Mr McGrath strived to keep in contact with his comrades.
He also encouraged the wives, widows and families of veterans to become involved. His last official act was in 2012.
Mr McGrath was also a volunteer driver for the Red Cross blood bank for a decade, for which he received a commendation.
Still, he was surprised to receive the medal.
“I didn’t expect it at all.
‘‘My role in the association has been an important part of my life for nearly 70 years.
‘‘While I was the official office bearer for all those years, I could not have served my fellow veterans without Betty at my side.”
