Up to four Royal Australian Air Force Pilatus PC-21 aircraft will fly a “missing man” formation over the memorial service in honour of Warrant Officer James “Jim” Mitchell (retired), World War Two Kitty Hawk pilot.
DATE: Wednesday, 16 December
TIME: Approximately 1:30pm
VENUE: Sorrento, Victoria
Warrant Officer Mitchell enlisted on 26 June 1942 at the age of 18, and by September 1943 was training to become a fighter pilot.
In June 1944 he joined No. 77 Squadron on Los Negros Island, where the unit was one of the first fighter squadrons to participate in the allied landings that followed the taking of the Admiralty Islands.
He went on to become an Air Force flying instructor, and at war’s end volunteered to fly C475 aircraft returning Australian prisoners of war.
Warrant Officer Mitchell passed away on the 27 June 2020, aged 96.
All flying is subject to change due to air traffic control requirements, weather, and other aviation requirements.
Noise reduction and the environment are vital considerations in the planning and conduct of military flying.
