MILNE, Albert Grant
Born at Manangatang on 2 November 1947, the elder son of G D Milne, he was enrolled at Geelong College from 15 February 1962 to December 1964 after attending Manangatang Consolidated Higher Elementary School. At College, he played in the 1st Football XVIII and the 2ndXI Cricket Team in 1964. He was also a Sergeant of the College Cadet Corps.
During the Vietnam War, he served (No. 0317844) as a Pilot Officer in No. 35 Squadron in Vietnam, embarking for that country on 6 August 1969 and returning to Australia on 30 July 1970. He received the Queen's Commendation 'for valuable service in the air'.
Ad Astra in December 1984 detailed his service, and that of his brother ‘Lachie’ (Lachlan George Milne):
‘The Milne brothers, ‘Bert’ (1960) and ‘Lachie’ (1965) continue to live life almost in tandem. Both are RAAF squadron-Ieaders, both served in Vietnam, both are married with three children, had exchange postings overseas as flying instructors, and are now chief flying instructors. ‘Bert’ is CFI at East Sale, home of the ‘Roulettes’, and ‘Lachie’ is CFI at Pearce in WA. They have flown a variety of aircraft including Iroquois, DC3, CT4, Caribou, C130 and Macchis. ‘Bert’ also flew Cessna 402s and Bulldogs as an exchange instructor with the Malaysian Air Force and ‘Lachie’ flew Strikemasters as an exchange instructor with the New Zealand Air Force. Between them they have more than 10,000 hours flying time.’
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs lists him with Vietnam Service as a Pilot Officer with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).
Sources: Ad Astra December 1984; Department of Veterans’ Affairs (Nominal Roll); ‘Geelong Collegians at the Second World War and Subsequent Conflicts’ compiled by J. Affleck pp569-570 (citing The Pegasus; Australian War Memorial). OGC 1960.