The FAAAA is sad to learn of the sudden passing of Wally Gascoigne. A talented fixed wing pilot who flew the Dakota, Tracker and HS748, Wal served with distinction until his retirement from the RAN in the mid ’80s at the rank of CMDR (seniority Dec82). After a brief sojourn in business in Tasmania, he returned to his first love – flying. Initially employed in various instructing jobs in General Aviation, he then joined the Frank Lowy Group to fly their Bombardier Global Express G4 and G5 Executive jets all over the world until his retirement at the age of 68.
Wal was unexpectedly diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer and less than a week later passed away in Newcastle, NSW on 3 September 2015.
Wal leaves behind his wife and son who remember him as a loving husband and a wonderful father. The Fleet Air Arm will remember him as a highly professional officer and all round good bloke. May he Rest in Peace.
His funeral was held on Tuesday 8 September 2015 in Swansea.
(Click on image to enlarge).
Those circled are:
- Mick Lynch, who died in a Vampire crash during take off at Laverton on 11 October 1967
- Bob Giffen (DFC), known as ‘zipper’ for the many scars he bore from Vietnam.
- Bob Waldron
- Ralph McMillian who lost his life in a TA4G crash into the sea in 19 May 1974, and
- Wally Gascoigne
