Subject

S.W. Pacific

Text

Tranquillity: They will hunger no more, neither thirst any more, neither shall the sun light on them nor any heat.

Inscription

Killed on active service Arafura Sea. 29th May 1944 Flight Lieut. Nigel Russell Pugh No. 83 Squadron R.A.A.F.

Description & History

Following a similar format to all other windows in the aisle series, the badge of the Royal Australian Air Force was placed in the upper section of the light, below the theatre of war, 'S.W. Pacific'. An emblem of 'Tranquillity' (a unicorn couchant) was placed under Pugh's name. The RAAF 'Wings' were placed centrally in the lower border amidst the floral border of poppies.

Nigel Russell Pugh, only son of Mr and Mrs Richard R Pugh of Hopetoun Road, Toorak, attended Trinity College at the University of Melbourne where he studied Law for two years prior to enlisting in the RAAF in December 1941. He gained his Wings as a fighter pilot and after further training was posted to 83 Squadron where he soon attained the rank of Flight Lieutenant. On 29 May 1944, while giving air support to the Navy escorting a convoy in the Arafura Sea, Flight Lieutenant Pugh's plane crashed into the sea, apparently after making a very tight turn, or possibly clipping the Beaufort that he was relieving. Initially reported missing, an extensive search and official enquiry found a presumption of death as a result of air operations. His name is recorded on the Northern Territory Memorial in the Adelaide River War Cemetery.

References & Acknowledgements

AWM Roll of Honour: NAA: A705, 166/33/173; James Affleck, Geelong Grammarians at World War Two, The Old Geelong Grammarians Incorporated, Corio, 2002, p.68; The Corian, August 1944.