Wings from Wyalong

19 February 24

By RW Bro John Scascighini

Gordon Frederick Ernest Grellman was born on 9 February 1920 in West Wyalong, the second of six children to Frederick and Elsie Grellman.

Gordon attended West Wyalong Intermediate High School with his brothers and sisters, completing his education as a boarder at Hurlstone Agricultural College. He finished school at the end of 1937 and worked at the Commonwealth Bank in West Wyalong. He was socially active with his interests in the Anglican Church and the Scouting movement, attending the 1938 Jamboree in Sydney as a Rover Scout. Baron Baden-Powell called Rovering a ‘brotherhood of open air and service’. It certainly helped enrich Gordon’s life by developing his skills and character.

On 31 January 1942 Gordon Grellman enlisted in the RAAF. His basic training was at Narrandera, and his advanced training was in Canada and The Bahamas. He received his wings on 21 January 1943. In November of that year he went to England, where he flew mainly B25 Mitchell Medium Bombers with No 98 Squadron RAF of the Second Tactical Air Force. A photo of Gordon wearing his battered cap (regarded as a lucky charm by his all-Australian crew) forms part of the Australian War Memorial Collection and may be viewed at: www.awm.gov.au/ collection/C263122 He also flew Oxfords, B24 Liberators, Hurricanes and Spitfires. Gordon spoke little of his war experiences. At his funeral, it was recounted that Gordon had only recently reminisced about dealing with a German V1 rocket known as a ‘doodlebug’. With utmost precision flying, he used the wing of his Spitfire to tip the V1 off-course and away from causing harm. His service included operations over Europe including D-Day. He was demobilized as a Flight Lieutenant on 31 January 1946, exactly 4 years after his enlistment. His flying hours totalled 833.

Whilst in England, Gordon met Edith Southon, whom he married at Portsmouth in February 1945. Gordon returned to Australia for his discharge, but they were reunited in 1946 when Edith arrived from England aboard the ‘Bride Ship’ HMS Indefatigable.

On 18 April 1946, Gordon joined his father as a member of Lodge Bland 337. Gordon was one of five young men who enlisted in the RAAF. His basic training was at Narrandera, and his advanced training was in Canada and The Bahamas. He received his wings on 21 January 1943. In November of that year, he went to England, where he flew mainly B25 Mitchell Medium Bombers with No 98 Squadron RAF of the Second Tactical Air Force. A photo of Gordon wearing his battered cap (regarded as a lucky charm by his all-Australian crew) forms part of the Australian War Memorial Collection and may be viewed at: www.awm.gov.au/ collection/C263122

Left - Flying Officer G F Grellman – featuring his lucky cap!

He also flew Oxfords, B24 Liberators, Hurricanes and Spitfires. Gordon spoke little of his war experiences. At his funeral, it was recounted that Gordon had only recently reminisced about dealing with a German V1 rocket known as a ‘doodlebug’. With utmost precision flying, he used the wing of his Spitfire to tip the V1 off-course and away from causing harm. His service included operations over Europe including D-Day. He was demobilized as a Flight Lieutenant on 31 January 1946, exactly 4 years after his enlistment. His flying hours totalled 833.

Whilst in England, Gordon met Edith Southon, whom he married at Portsmouth in February 1945. Gordon returned to Australia for his discharge, but they were reunited in 1946 when Edith arrived from England aboard the ‘Bride Ship’ HMS Indefatigable.

On 18 April 1946 Gordon joined his father as a member of Lodge Bland 337. Gordon was one of five young men who joined that night including three other returned servicemen. He was raised in Lodge Double Bay 331 and affiliated with them. The Masonic precepts fitted Gordon perfectly, and his active involvement in Freemasonry continued for the rest of his life.

Thousands of men returning from the conflict were seeking meaning in their lives. Many found these things in Freemasonry.

Left - Gordon Grellman (far right) with the crew of their Mitchell Bomber nicknamed ‘Way Down Under’.

Gordon and Edith settled in North Bondi, where he resumed his banking career. Daughter Wendy was born in 1947, and son Roger followed a year later. Edith’s parents emigrated to Australia in 1948 and her father Bill helped Gordon build their house in Wahrooonga.

In 1958 Gordon joined the family’s motor vehicle agency, but in 1963 the family relocated to Greenwell Point where they ran a newsagency. After managing a hardware store in Parramatta they moved to Minnamurra where Gordon became Post Master.

In 1977, Gordon lost his beloved Edith. Gordon became widely known for his volunteer activities in the community, particularly in regard to Legacy, the RSL and Veterans’ Affairs, as well as his many roles for his church, Rotary and his lodge. Gordon’s service has been rewarded with many formal awards including an RSL Service Award, RSL Life Membership, and Life Membership of Lodge Bland to name but a few.

Throughout his life, Gordon Grellman was steadfast to his high principles. He served his country and community well.

Gordon died on 5 January 2009, and his passing left a great void in his community and his lodge.