Mr Nicholas Aitken ‘72 (aka Wilbur Wilde)
3 June 2019
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Douglas gained his pilot’s licence when he was 16 years old and joined the RAAF in 1940 as an instructor serving at various bases throughout Australia and New Guinea. He became a Squadron Commander and Chief Instructor and in 1946 received the King’s commendation for meritorious service in the air. He further served as an instructor in the RAAF during the Korean War and in 1953 formed and commanded the First Post-War Antarctic Flight, setting up Mawson Base. He was awarded the Air Force Cross in 1954 and an OBE (Military Division) in 1958 for RAAF and Antarctic Flying. Returning to Australia he became Senior Pilot with the Snowy Mountains Authority. In 1961, he received the Polar Medal in recognition of his leadership and untiring work as a pilot. Mount Leckie, located in Enderby Land, Antarctica, is named after him.
Fidelis Usque ad Mortem
