These profiles and stories were donated to the RAAF Museum by the Gold Coast Branch of the Air Crew Association.

Service Profile: Kev Harnetty

Kevin Harnetty AFC (ACA 19161) was a pilot in the Royal Australian Air Force on two separate occasions. The first period of his service was during World War 2, from January 1943 to October 1945. He was demobilised as the RAAF was being scaled down after hostilities had ceased.

In January 1948 Kev rejoined the RAAF, serving until May 1966. He resigned to take up an appointment as Examiner of Airmen with the (then) Department of Civil Aviation, currently known as the Civil Aviation Authority.

During his military aircrew service, Kev piloted Tiger Moths, Airspeed Oxfords, Avro Ansons, Wirraways, Mustangs, Dakotas, Lincolns, Vampires Marks 30 and 31, 32 and 35, and Meteors Mks 7 and 8.

Apart from flying training schools, Kev served as a Central Flying School (CFS) instructor, and flew as a member of No. 23 Squadron, No. 36 Squadron, No. 37 Squadron, No. 38 Squadron and No. 2 Squadron.

Before Kev ceased his flying activities in 1988, he had captained 110 different types of aircraft.

In recognition of his valued RAAF aircrew service, Kev was decorated with the Air Force Cross.

As it Happened: Supporting RAAF Butterworth (76K PDF)