VALE A.J (Tony) Fookes
CDR AMG, OC 84 WG, CO 35 SQN, Serving and Retired RAAF Colleagues,
The family of WGDCR A.J. [Tony] Fookes MVO DFC have asked me to inform you of the death of their father on Monday, 10 January 2022, at Legacy House, Coffs Harbour, NSW. His funeral is planned for Tuesday 25 January 2022, to be held at St John’s Anglican Church, Coffs Harbour, NSW at 1400 hours.
Tony was born in Camberwell, VIC and joined the RAAF in 1944. He graduated from Pilot Training in Canada as part of the Empire Air Training Scheme in 1945 before returning to Australia. Post WWII, he undertook ATC duties initially, including command of a radar installation in SW Honshu as part of the RAAF element within the British Commonwealth Occupation Force, Japan. Subsequently he flew the Dakota aircraft in RAAF service, including operating the world’s longest two engine courier service from Schofields, NSW to Iwakuni Air Base in Japan and Dakota transport operations in the Korean Peninsula during the Korean War. Following the Korean War, he was a QFI on the CAC Wirraway aircraft at RAAF Base Urinquinty, NSW.
WGCDR Fookes served as CO 35 SQN in Vietnam between February 1967 and February 1968 and was awarded the DFC. He was created a Member of the Royal Victorian Order [MVO] following duties associated with the Royal Tour of Australia between 30 March and 3 May 1970. Tony served as CO Base Squadron, RAAF Base Point Cook, VIC and in Air Force Headquarters, planning the introduction of the Boeing 707 VIP and AAR aircraft to RAAF service before retiring to Coffs Harbour, NSW, where he was very active in Legacy and other community activities. He is survived by his three children, Andrew, Jo-Ann and John and numerous grand-children and great grand-children. WGCDR Andrew Fookes [Ret’d] is the point of contact within the family on his email “andrew@jillaby.com.au” or via his mobile 0419 – 514876.
WGCDR A.J. Fookes MVO DFC had a Service career that spanned and included some of the momentous events that have shaped the RAAF. Tony was admired and respected and he will be missed. Per Ardua Ad Astra.
Yours sincerely,
Stephen Longbottom
GPCAPT [Ret’d]
0400 – 747130