A DISTINGUISHED local World War II veteran celebrated his 100th birthday this week by being presented with a medal thanking him for his service.
Gawler Returned and Services League (RSL) branch member and Lyndoch resident Hugh Bower celebrated turning a century-old on Sunday.
Mr Bower is one of around 3000 living Australian World War II veterans, with the 75th anniversary of the end of the conflict commemorated early last month.
He served in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) 36 Squadron as a clerk and played a role in supporting Australian and American troops in Papua New Guinea.
Last Wednesday, he celebrated his milestone birthday with other members of the Gawler RSL, where he has been a member since 1999.
He was also presented with the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II medal last month by RAAF Squadron Leader Paul Rutherford.
Gawler RSL publicity officer and Mr Bower’s friend Wayne Clarke said the medal was deserved recognition for the centurion’s service to Australia.
“A lot of people from the RAAF were there,” he said. “It was a real Air Force day.
“He (Mr Bower) puts into perspective the period we’re going through with the coronavirus. It puts into perspective that the generations before us had to live through very tumultuous times as well.
“They managed to rise and enjoy life after it, and we all will be able to as well.”
Mr Bower was born in Largs Bay on August 30, 1920, and was the great grandson of one of South Australia’s earliest European settlers.
He enlisted in the RAAF at the onset of World War II at just 20-yearsold and was officially discharged on March 27, 1946.
Following his national service, Mr Clarke said he has lived a full life, including sailing around the world and visiting numerous cities.
“I met Hugh when he came to Gawler in 1999 and he’s always been quite a quiet chap, but when you talk to him there’s a lot of depth to him and he’s had a lot of experiences,” he said.
“Not only in wartime, but after the war he travelled around the world in a yacht and spent many years doing that.
“I think he’s an inspiration to many of the (Gawler RSL) members.”
