Vale John "Birdy" STRIKE

John served in the RAAF for 23 years, from 1967 to 1990. He was mustered as an Airframe Fitter, later earning the civil certificate of Ground Engineer Airframe.

In 1967 John did his recruit training at Edinburgh SA. In September ’67 he was posted to the RAAF School of Technical Training [Wagga]. He finished his Airframe Mechanics Training Course in May ‘68.

In September 1969 John was promoted to Leading Aircraftsman and was posted to 3SQN at Butterworth Malaysia, where he worked on the Squadron’s new “Lizard” Mirage ground-attack aircraft until April 1972.

**John would have used this amazing backpack-blower on occasion, to help start the Mirage’s engine under adverse wind conditions.**

From April to October ‘77 he was attached to the United Nations Emergency Force (UNEFII) in Ismailia Egypt in support of the Australian Rotary Wing Element in the Sinai desert.

In Apr ‘78 John was promoted to Sergeant and in the following July posted back onto fast jets at 77SQN (Mirages) in Williamtown NSW.

He was posted to 75 SQN in Northern Australia in May ‘83 and through to August ‘83 assisted with the relocation of 75 SQN from Butterworth to their new base at Tindal. Promoted to Flight Sergeant in July ’83, John then experienced the big changes that engulfed RAAF Maintenance: January ‘85 posted to 481 SQN Williamtown; Nov ‘87 posted to RAAF Support Unit Canberra for duty at RAAF Williamtown as TWLOC2; April ‘89 posted to RAAF Support Unit Melbourne (Headquarters Support Command) with the Capital Projects Division. On 29 Jun 1990 John was posted for discharge to Base Squadron RAAF Williams (Laverton VIC).

1. Australian Service Medal 1945–1975. Established in 1995 to recognise service in non-warlike or peacekeeping operations during the 30-year period following World War II. The clasp on John’s ribbon reads "SE ASIA," indicates service in Southeast Asia.

2. Australian Service Medal. Awarded to Australian Defence Force members and others for service in specified peacekeeping and non-warlike military operations. John’s one is for service in the Middle East.

3. Defence Force Service Medal. Recognised 15 years of service by members of the Australian Regular and Reserve Forces. The clasp on John’s ribbon indicates additional service for when he reached the 20.

4. Australian Defence Medal. Recognises the service of Australian Defence Force personnel who have completed an initial enlistment period or served for a minimum of four years since September 3, 1945.

5. United Nations (UN) medal. Awarded to military personnel and civilian police who have served in UN roles or peacekeeping missions.

FLTSGT John ‘Birdy’ STRIKE. Service Number A224274.

22 September 1946 to 14 October 2025. Aged 79.

[3SQN Airframe Fitter, Butterworth, 1969-72.]

**John would have used this amazing backpack-blower on occasion, to help start the Mirage’s engine under adverse wind conditions.**