Glendinning, Alfred

Alfred Glendinning

Flight Lieutenant, RAAF

404337,   457 Squadron

Alf was grazier at Longreach, Qld, before the War and joined the RAAF. After training he was posted from No 61 OTU. Native of Victoria. Posted to No 5 PDD pending posting overseas in April 1942. No 3 Sqn RAAF July to September 1942.

He was part of No 92 Sqadron in September to December 1942 and was eventually posted to No 450 (RAAF) Sqn until the end of his tour in March 1943.

He was also a n original member of 457 Squadron under Squadron Leader Peter Brothers. Owing to his age, being considered to old by the powers that be, it was decided he should be moved to the Middle East. Upon arrival in the Middle East he found himself pitted against the Luftwaffe and some Italian forces. He won his DFC here by knocking out an ME 109.

Alfred was later sent back to Australia in June 1943 and served as a flying instructor. His second tour of operations as Flight Lieutenant began in January 1944 with No 457 Squadron B Flight Leadership between 31/1/44 and 22/11/44, succeeding J.H. Smithson and after his stint he was replaced By E.L. (Ted) Sly. Posted from No 2 (F) OTU.

Tour expired in November 1944. No more operational postings until the end of the war.

Four confirmed victories and two being shared with Nos 92 and 345 (RAAF) Sqns, ME 1942-1943, DFC (No 450 RAAF Sqn).

After the War took up a Soldiers Settlement at Longreach and amalgamated it with his own property. Although popular with the ladies and reciprocated in kind, Alf never married.

By Phil Listemann and Lysle Roberts