CARMODY, Lyndon Brooks
| Service Number: | 48066 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 21 April 1942 |
| Last Rank: | Leading Aircraftman |
| Last Unit: | No. 6 Service Flying Training School Mallala |
| Born: | Cowell, South Australia, 11 February 1923 |
| Home Town: | Elbow Hill, Franklin Harbour, South Australia |
| Schooling: | Cowell, South Australia |
| Occupation: | Farmer |
| Died: | Natural causes, Cowell, South Australia, 5 November 2009, aged 86 years |
| Cemetery: |
Cowell Cemetery, South Australia |
| Memorials: | Cowell Franklin Harbour WW2 Roll of Honour |
World War 2 Service
| 21 Apr 1942: | Involvement Royal Australian Air Force, Leading Aircraftman, 48066, Royal Australian Air Force | |
|---|---|---|
| 21 Apr 1942: | Enlisted Adelaide | |
| 21 Apr 1942: | Enlisted Royal Australian Air Force, Leading Aircraftman, 48066 | |
| 20 Dec 1945: | Discharged Royal Australian Air Force, Leading Aircraftman, 48066, No. 6 Service Flying Training School Mallala |
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Add my storyBiography contributed by Elizabeth Allen
Lyndon Brooks CARMODY was born in Cowell, South Australia on 11th February, 1923
His parents were James Joseph CARMODY & Alice BEINKE
Biography
Lyndon was born in Cowell SA, the son of Jim and Alice Carmody. He was the eldest of four boys and a girl. His father James was a war veteran who was badly injured at Gallipoli.
As the oldest son, responsibility, hard work and mentoring of others were qualities he gained very early in life. Before the war he worked on the family farm. Life was especially hard and money was so short during the depression years that shoes were only for wearing when going out, clothes were patched up and travel to school was by foot or pony. For entertainment there were dances, balls and visiting concerts, sports and the radio.
He enlisted in the airforce in 1942 as a fitter and spent 3 years and 8 months in the service. After training in Melbourne he was posted to 43 squadron. They flew mainly Calatinas doing aerial surveillance and mine laying at Karumba, Darwin , the Kimberley and again at Darwin. Luckily he missed the bombing of Darwin but was around for many air raid alerts. At the end of the war, Lyndon intended to join the airforce but was called home to run the farm when his father had a heart attack.
At home again, he worked on the farm, clearing land, shearing, carting wheat and the other many jobs constantly needing doing on a farm. He immersed himself in the country life again, working to support his family, playing footy, going to dances, running marathons and fishing.
He and Nancy Rehn were married in 1959 and bought their own farm at the Knob, land with plenty of challenges. Being an early environmentalist, Lyndon was aware of the limitations of farming in a low rainfall area. He was a member of the Soil Board for many years.
Lyndon is well known and respected for his community involvement. He was a driving force in establishing the Cowell Cottages for aged residents, the Aged Care Hostel, the Hospital extensions and the doctor’s residence. He served on the Hospital Board and many committees such as the Cowell Cottages, RSL, CFS, National Trust Museum and Cowell Show. In later years he spent much time and skill on the beautification and revegetation of Port Gibbon and coastline. He was awarded Citizen of the Year in 1993.
He is very much missed by Nancy and his children, Pamela, Jenny and Joanne as well as his sons in law and grandchildren. Lyndon’s was a life well lived. His life was an example to all his many friends and relatives and the community he served so well.
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