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John Lerew

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Senior Royal Australian Air Force officer

AustraliaLived 1912 to 1996 · aged 83
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John Margrave Lerew, DFC was an officer and pilot in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) during World War II, and later a senior manager in the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). As commander of No.

Photos 5

Wirraway similar to those in No. 24 SquadronWirraway similar to those in No. 24 SquadronJapanese fleet to be employed in the invasion of Rabaul, photographed by an RAAF Hudson over Truk on 9 January 1942Japanese fleet to be employed in the invasion of Rabaul, photographed by an RAAF Hudson over Truk on 9 January 1942Hudson similar to those in Nos. 24 and 32 SquadronsHudson similar to those in Nos. 24 and 32 SquadronsLerew c. 1945-46Lerew c. 1945-46

Awards 1

Distinguished Flying Cross

About this person

John Margrave Lerew, DFC was an officer and pilot in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) during World War II, and later a senior manager in the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). As commander of No. 24 Squadron, based in New Britain, he became famous in the annals of Air Force history for his irreverent response to orders by headquarters in Australia during the Battle of Rabaul in January 1942. After his squadron was directed to assist in repelling the invading Japanese fleet with its one serviceable bomber, and to keep its damaged airfield open, Lerew signalled headquarters with the ancient Latin phrase supposedly used by gladiators honouring their Emperor: "Morituri vos salutamus". He also defied an order to abandon his staff, and organised their escape from Rabaul.

Country
Australia
Status
deceased
Dates
Lived 1912 to 1996 · aged 83
Written about in
5 languages

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