Ipswich war veteran to pay tribute on ANZAC Day

ANZAC Day is a special time of reflection for Ipswich man and Carinity resident, Doug Young; a chance to honour defence service veterans including his brother. Doug and his identical twin brother, Allan, enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force in 1953, when they were teenagers.

They joined the air force as apprentice engine fitters, to specialise in plane mechanics, completing six-year apprenticeships in Wagga.

During his 50-year career in the air force, Doug served around Australia and in countries such as Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Hong Kong, Pakistan, India and Thailand. For the 88-year-old, the air force was the love of his life.

He “loved the challenge” of working on the engines of fighter jets and helicopters. Doug served in the Vietnam War as a “jack-of-all-trades” specialising in transport operations for the Australian armed services.

His roles ranged from servicing and refuelling planes, to transporting diplomats and dignitaries who were travelling in the region.

“When we arrived at a place and the V.I.P.s shot through for their meetings we used to stand guard with the aircraft,” Doug said.

“We loaded freight, we loaded munitions, we loaded money, we loaded people. We loaded all sorts of things.

“I became a tradesman one day and a flight attendant the next.”

There were numerous close calls for Doug in Vietnam. In one incident he was almost hit by shrapnel when his plane came under fire from enemy troops, blowing a hole in the side of the aircraft near where he was sitting.

Doug, who now lives at the Carinity Colthup Manor aged care community in Ipswich, enjoyed marching and catching up with defence force mates on ANZAC Day.

It instilled in his children, Brian and Janette, and his grandson Ryan, an immense sense of pride and gratitude for the family’s contributions to Australia’s armed services.

“The nursing home used to have some of his ex-colleagues living here. There’s a whole community pride about it,” Janette said.

“I love going to ANZAC Day events with dad because I saw that brotherhood.”

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