Son pushes for memorial to RAF fighter ace at Somerton Park – despite a horrific act of violence after the war

One of Australia’s greatest fighter pilots committed a terrible act of violence against his baby son. But a council has supported the son’s wish for a memorial.

Squadron Leader Robert Bungey flew Spitfires during the Battle of Britain – but succumbed to PTSD and despair on his return to Australia.

One of Australia’s most successful World War II fighter aces will be honoured with a beachside memorial, as opponents question his history of domestic violence.

Holdfast Bay Council on Wednesday night voted 10 to 2 in support of spending $2000 on a bronze plaque memorialising RAF Squadron Leader Robert Wilton Bungey.

Bungey, of Somerton Park, was one of Australia’s most successful fighter pilots, chalking up more than 1000 flying hours.

However, in 1943, after returning home from the Battle of Britain, he shot his 13-month-old son, Richard, in the head before fatally turning the gun on himself.

Richard Bungey survived the horrific incident at Brighton Beach – and the plaque honouring his father was his vision.

Mr Bungey described Wednesday night’s vote as fantastic and the end of a long campaign.

“It’s great for Rob, but dad would have hated it of course because he shunned the limelight and attention,” he said.

Holdfast Bay councillor Rosemary Clancy – a friend of Bungey’s late brother David, who went on to help care for young Richard after the shooting – opposed the plan.

She said the council must carry out consultation with domestic violence groups before committing funds to the project.

There was no mention of the shooting incident in the council agenda.

Council staff had recommended support for the memorial, but only after consultation with the family and the RSL.

“I … cannot support council providing a memorial,’’ Cr Clancy said ahead of the meeting. “I believe we cannot support domestic violence in any form.”

The plaque would be erected near the family home, on the Esplanade coast path to the south of Phillipps Street, Somerton Park.

Bungey was one of the few Australian pilots to fight in the Battle of Britain because service with the British RAF was required.

He rose to command the RAF 452 Squadron of Spitfires, which became Fighter Command’s most successful squadron under his leadership.

In 1943, severely affected by post-traumatic stress disorder and suffering from the loss of his wife, Sybil, to meningitis, he took his son to Brighton Beach and never returned.

His wartime heroics were largely ignored, overshadowed by his violent end, until Mr Bungey began researching his father’s life for a biography.

In describing his father, Mr Bungey’s 2019 book Spitfire Leader stated: “Nobody realised the depths of Bob Bungey’s grief and stress until too late. He snapped.”