During the air war in Europe the one constant that held Air Crew together was their bond of comradeship and their belief and trust in one another. 

 

After the war the surviving Pathfinders felt they needed to rekindle those bonds of comradeship, and in 1952 they formed the Pathfinder Force Association in Australia (NSW), becoming a branch of the RAAF Association. Once again they enjoyed the mateship of men who understood exactly what they had been through.

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Derryck Giblin DFC was the first President.  

 

The Association prospered with regular functions and marching on Anzac Day. But they missed their days in the messes of the RAF bases in England and all the banter and good times with mates that went with it. In the early 1980’s, through then President Alby Mather, a strong bond was formed with No 37 Squadron at RAAF Base Richmond and serving members began joining the Association Dining in Nights at the Royal Automobile Club in Sydney. What played on the men’s mind though was perpetuating their name and all that they stood for in ensuring that the same traditions of bravery, selfless devotion to duty and honour of service to their country would not be forgotten. 

 

As a result, the idea of awarding a trophy within No 37 Squadron for the most outstanding airman of the year in the name of the Pathfinders was formulated. The Pathfinder Awards have now expanded to take in all aviators in Air Mobility Group, and six trophies recognising standards of excellence are presented each year at an Awards Dinner at RAAF Richmond in the name of the Pathfinder Force. Ensuring that their legacy will not be forgotten. 

 

Due to dwindling numbers of veterans, the regrettable decision to disband the Association was made in September 2017 and announced by then President Eric Barton, DFC, Ld’H. The committee agreed unanimously that it was not viable to continue. At a function held at Cronulla RSL in December 2017, the Pathfinder Force Association banner was handed over to the Cronulla RSL sub-Branch for their custodianship and is on permanent display in the Club’s memorabilia cabinet in the foyer.

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The legacy and memory of the Australian Pathfinder veterans is carried on by family members through an informal Pathfinders Family and Friends Group.

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Email: pffnsw@hotmail.com