via Pacific Victory Roll
General Information
Mentioned in Despatches
Award Citations
Bar to Distinguished Flying Cross
Squadron Leader ATHERTON has displayed outstanding courage and devotion to duty during his present operational tour with No. 78 (Fighter) Wing. During the past six months, he has led the formation on 120 fighter sorties against heavily defended targets and shipping and, by his ability and determination, has achieved excellent results.
His experience and sound knowledge of air tactics has enabled the Wing to inflict severe losses on the enemy with low cost to themselves. His aggressive leadership has proved an inspiration to all other pilots of the Wing.
Throughout his long period of operational service, Squadron Leader ATHERTON's courage, skill and keenness have been worthy of the highest praise.
He has completed 248 hours of operational flying.
Gazetted: The London Gazette, 16 October 1945
Distinguished Flying Cross
Mentioned in Despatches
Flying Officer ATHERTON enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force as an aircrew trainee on 19th July, 1940, and graduated as a Sergeant Pilot on 11th March, 1941. On 10th September, 1941, he was appointed to a commission with the rank of Pilot Officer.
As a deputy flight commander in No. 75 Squadron, this officer has been frequently engaged in the strafing of Lae Aerodrome and escorting A-24 dive bombers over Lae. He has carried out his duties as Deputy Flight Commander in a most commendable and determined manner, and led his aircraft with courage and ability. He led the aircraft which initially strafed enemy barges with complete success at Goodenough Island, and subsequently led a further flight back and attacked enemy positions.
He has also led and participated in eight other raids on enemy positions, and his flying and fighting have always been of a very high standard.
Unit: No. 75 Squadron, RAAF
Gazetted: The London Gazette, 23 March 1943
Archival Material
National Archives of Australia
| Series No. | Control Symbol | Item Title | Digitised Item | Item ID |
| A9300 | ATHERTON G C | ATHERTON GEOFFREY CHARLES : Service Number - 408030 : Date of birth - 27 Sep 1919 : Place of birth - LAUNCESTON TAS : Place of enlistment - LAUNCESTON : Next of Kin - ATHERTON TASMAN |
|
5372124 |
External Links
Record Published:
New Book Release:
8 October 2023