Tasmanian WWII hero Brian Winspear recognised for his service with commemorative medal

A service medal awarded to Tasmanian WWII veteran Roger “Brian” Winspear has fulfilled a 75-year wait for the 99-year-old war hero. Read his amazing reaction to the news >>

Commemorative medallion presentation to Brian Winspear (WWII RAAF veteran)/75th anniversary of Victory in the Pacific Day at the RAAF Association Building, Hobart. Picture Chris Kidd

A COMMEMORATIVE service medal awarded to Tasmanian WWII veteran Roger “Brian” Winspear has fulfilled a 75-year wait for the 99-year-old war hero.

A COMMEMORATIVE service medal awarded to Tasmanian WWII veteran Roger “Brian” Winspear has fulfilled a 75-year wait for the 99-year-old war hero.

Mr Winspear, who turns 100 next month, was awarded with a Commemorative Medallion and Certificate of Commemoration to mark the 75th anniversary of Victory in the Pacific Day.

Commemorative medallion presentation to Brian Winspear (WW2 RAAF veteran)/75th anniversary of Victory in the Pacific Day with Guy Barnett MP and Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein at the RAAF Association Building, Hobart. Picture Chris Kidd

Every living Australian WWII veteran will receive the medal.

Mr Winspear, who signed up as an air force pilot in 1939 and later became a wireless air gunner, was deployed to Darwin from Victoria on December 7, 1941 – the same day Pearl Harbour was bombed by the Japanese.

Commemorative medallion presentation to Brian Winspear (WW2 RAAF veteran)/75th anniversary of Victory in the Pacific Day with Guy Barnett MP and Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein at the RAAF Association Building, Hobart. Picture Chris Kidd

He said his new medal would be treasured.

“It means that all my efforts for five years in the air force have finally been recognised,” he said.

“I was very crabby because I received another medal by the president of the United States for what the 2 and 13 squadrons did in Darwin and the Australian Government did nothing.”

Veterans’ Affairs Minister Guy Barnett said the medallion and certificate were a small but meaningful way to thank living veterans of the largest global conflict of the 20th century.

“Congratulations to Mr Winspear on his service to Australia and receiving his medal, which is one way to acknowledge the service and sacrifice of our WWII veterans,” he said.

Brian Winspear (WW2 RAAF veteran) and RAAF Association State President Alan Robertson at the RAAF Association Building, Hobart. Picture Chris Kidd

Minister Barnett said that Tasmania was not immune from the effects of the War.

``Enemy mines were found near the entrance to the Derwent River and a ship was sunk in Bass Strait, temporarily closing this important sea link to shipping,’’ he said.

The 75th anniversary of Victory in the Pacific Day and the end of WWII will be marked this Saturday.