Vale Graham Dyke

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Graham joined the Air Force in 1954 initially flying with No 1 Squadron, Tengah, Singapore. This was followed by flying postings on Dakotas, Winjeels and Canberra Bombers. He completed a tour in Vietnam with 2SQN after which he was awarded the DFC. He was Commanding Officer No 2SQN, Defence Adviser New Zealand, and Officer Commanding RAAF Base East Sale. His final posting before his retirement in January 1986 was Director General Manpower, Canberra.

The contribution that Graham has made to The Australian Aviation Club over many years cannot be overstated. Having run the Club single-handedly over the past few years his passing has left an enormous gap that will take many to fill, albeit none can replace him.

Our thoughts are with Graham’s family and his close friends who mourn the loss of a much-loved father, family man, decorated Air Force officer and highly respected member of our community. Messages of condolence can be sent to Air Commodore Dyke’s daughter and son, Robyn and Craig via email address: craig@coen.com.au.

The recorded web stream of Graham’s funeral can be viewed at: https://www.norwoodpark.com.au/service-streaming/client/?nid=c095753a-1b12-4bd8-935a-3ab26b275c0d

WGDCR John Whitehead (CO 2SQN), and Graham (OpsO 2SQN) hosing down Brian Hammond after his last operational sortie from Phan Rang.

L-R: Al Pearson, Neil Pollock, Nev Duus (navs) – Graham, Brian Hammond and Bob Howard (pilots), The ‘Canberra Black’ RAAF Jubilee Canberra display team for the RAAF’s Golden Jubileee in 1971.

Message from The Australian Aviation Club President
Dear Friends,
I was deeply saddened to hear of the death of of our much loved Secretary, Graham Dyke. Through this awful virus time Graham had been steadfast in holding our Club together & we are deeply in his debt.

Most sadly we have watched as Graham became ill. He last joined us at the June meeting I recall, where his ill heath was apparent.

I was extremely fond of Graham & his cheery disposition will be much missed by me & by us all.

To add to this sadness I am presently stranded in northern NSW by the lockdowns: consequently I will be unable to be present to farewell Graham at his funeral.

I hope some of you might be permitted to farewell Graham.

Graham was a most lovely man liked by all who knew him.

God Bless his Soul.

Lorraine Litster
President

Messages from Australian Aviation Club members
Graham and I started to fly at Archerfield back in the 50ties when as Air Training Cadets we were awarded flying scholarships. (Mike Matters)

We joined the RAAF on the same day – 18^th January 1954. Graham was on our course but transferred to the direct entry course after some time. (Stew Back)

Vale Greg Madden

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