Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Peter joined RAN as a junior recruit, specialising in electrical mechanics after withdrawing from teacher's colleague. The Navy called for people to apply for pilot training in which Peter applied and became a pilot in 1967 - which he loved.

He was posted to 723, 5 Squadron RAAF and then to 9 Squadrons with the RAAF in Vietnam. He returned from Vietnam in 1969 and went to Wessex OFS to train for flying the Sea-King helicopter  in 1973. He is posted D of T in Sept 1973, 1974 posted to ANRUK (for Sea-king acceptance), 1975 to Albatross and 725 and left the Navy in 1976. After the RAN he went to fly for the Sultan of Oman’s Air Force flying AB205A’s, Bell 214B’s, Ab206A’s, Bell 212’s and Robinson 22’s from 1977 to the end of 1985. His made Squadron Leader during this posting. He then went to Trent Air Service at Cranfield Airfield in Bedfordshire to Sept 1986 when apparently he failed an eyesight evaluation.

His tours of Vietnam, as a helicopter pilot, were not something he ever spoke about. He did not attend reunions, nor did he ever claim any kind of association with Vietnam Veterans Association - not until about 3 years prior to his death. Unfortunately, his experiences of war led to him developing a drinking problem.  

He marrried Pauline in 1968 and had two daughters in this marriage Vanessa-Lee Ey 15 January 1969 and Lesley-anne Ey 27 February 1971. His marriage sadly ended in 1974. He remarried 'Sarah' while in Oman which ended in 1985. 

Four years prior to his death, (1996) he was reunited with his daughters, Lesley-anne and Vanessa-Lee, after Lesley-anne tracked him down in Port Pirie, South Australia. He was able to develop close relationships and begin a new chapter in life as a grandfather. By freak accident Peter met a fellow Vietnam Veteran who linked him in with Vietnam Vets, who arranged detoxification and Psychiatric review; something which was of huge benefit to him. It was only at this time he felt able to talk about his experiences in Vietnam, and the trauma. He said he had never felt so good in his life, and he wished he had found this support many years ago. The support provided by the Department of Vetrans affairs and his reconciliation with his family changed his life. He was able to give up drinking and he lived the last years of his life to the fullest.

Sadly, Peter passed away prematurely at the age of 54 from liver disease on the 2nd of August 2000 with his daughter Lesley-anne by his side. 

Peter will always be remembered for his cheeky personality, his quick wit, his intelligence and his drive. To me I will always remember him as a loving and supportive man who was a wonderful dad. 

Lesley-anne Ey