Source : Perth Now news
South Australia has farewelled one of its most celebrated war heroes, Angas “Gus” Hughes, following his death at 102.
Mourners turned out in force to pay their respects to Adelaide-born Mr Hughes, celebrating his extraordinary life and service.
Mr Hughes would have turned 103 in October and was the state’s last-surviving Bomber Command veteran until his death, following the death of Raymond “Ray” Merrill earlier this year.
Known to his loved ones as “Gus, a state funeral honouring his life was held in the Drill Hall in Adelaide’s Torrens Parade Ground.
Across the state, Australian flags flew at half mast in his memory at all government buildings.
The service, which was also broadcast online, was attended by roughly 150 mourners, including military personnel, dignitaries and members of the veteran’s nearest and dearest.
Ahead of the ceremony, the hall was decorated with flags, medals and mementos from his esteemed military career.
Premier Peter Malinauskas was among the speakers during the 90 minute state funeral, who described being in awe of Mr Hughes when the pair met at a recent remembrance event.
“It is impossible to comprehend getting into a plane in the knowledge that there is a 45 per cent chance that it will result in the end of his life,” Mr Malinauskas said.
“We have grown up knowing peace and prosperity … the sacrifices cannot be fathomed.
“His was a life well lived and a story well told.”
A military eulogy was delivered by Group Captain Greg Weller of the Royal Australian Air Force, who said it had been an honour to know Mr Hughes for a decade.
“His story reflects the courage, mateship and airmanship which has become synonymous with the Bomber Command,” he said.
“His story and legacy will help and inspire future generations.”
While the service largely focused on Mr Hughes’ military career, memories were also shared of the man behind the medals, with his grandson Angas Quantrill and granddaughter’s husband James Collison providing emotional family tributes.
Mr Collison told of a landmark trip Mr Hughes made as a 97-year-old to Normandy, and visits to London where he climbed into the very Lancaster he once flew in service.
The service concluded with a move rendition of The Last Post, before military personnel were given the opportunity to place a poppy on his coffin.
Bombed down
Mr Hughes enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force on his 18th birthday, completing 31 operations as a bomb aimer and navigator with Bomber Command. He serviced with the No. 467 Squadron during the Second World War.
In September 1944, just days before his 21st birthday, his Lancaster aircraft was shot down over Germany, but he was able to parachute to safety.
Evading capture for three days, he was then imprisoned and spent seven agonising months in a German prisoner of war camp.
During this stay, he faced extraordinary hardship, including a 200km forced march through Europe in the depths of winter.
He kept agonising record of his POW camp experiences, describing being fed a single piece of bread a day and spending 21 days marching through the frozen countryside in the same clothes ha handed in.
After returning to Australia, he stayed and active and well-respected member of the veteran community, sharing his wartime experiences earlier this year.
He would go on to train as an accountant, a job he held until his retirement.
He was a devoted husband to his late wife Elaine and is survived by daughter, Sharyn, son Wally, five grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.
