Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

15SQN Beaufort A9-550 based at the Menangle Paceway airfield crashed after take-off when the port engine failed - all crew onboard were killed: Flight Sergeant Johnston 420024 (Pilot) / Flying Officer Durrant 422555 (2nd Pilot) / Flying Officer Wheller 426408 (Navigator) / Flight Sergeant Hoscher 412535 (W/T Operator) / AC Bray 141632 (ground crew)

Son of the Revd. Harold Manuel Wheller and Edith May Wheller, of Brisbane, Queensland.

The death of Flying-Officer Douglas Wheller in an aircraft accident in Australia in March last brought to an end a young life full of great promise, and touched deeply and closely by all who knew him and his parents, the Rev. H.M. and Mrs. Wheller.  Douglas was a pupil at Toowong from 1935 to 1939, passing the Junior Public in 1937, and reaching the Senior standard in 1939, in which year also he was a House Senior.  Not particularly robust during his school years, the fact that he overcame his initial handicap to qualify for air crew and later, in spite of a severe illness, elected to reamin in air crew when the opportunity for other work was offered him, in itself indicates his strength of character and high sense of duty.  Of a loveable and happy nature, he was possessed of a storng Christian faith and welcombed the challenge that came to him a supreme test of manhood and faith.  In a deeply personal and intimate letter which he left for his parents, he gave evidence of the faith that was in him in a manner which expressed what many of our gallant young lads feel, but few can express. Through it runs the high purpose and fine courage which makes our fighting men great; and which is an inspiration to those who face the probelms of the future.  We are privileged to be allowed to publish the following extracts from this letter, and extend our profound sympathy to his parents, the Rev. H.W. Wheller, PResident-General of the Mehtodist Church of Australasia and Mrs. Wheller, and to the other members of their family -

'It is only when we begin to realise that death is a possiblity that we really start to appreciate life.  I feel now as if I want to grasp all the beauty in the world, to make the most of life, to banish from myself all thoughts of sin and ugliness, to live the cleanest life I can.  It is entirely due to your influence that I can say this now.  In dying I am not alone.  I am one of that number who have given their lives that you and your way of life may be preserved.  Death in such a cause as this cannot but be a Victory..... With the knowledge that we have from Christ Himself death is not an ending but a beginning.  I am not afraid.  Perhaps what I am going to say to you now, Dad, is unnecessary - but here it is.  Throw your hardest punches at social evils.  Fight with all our might against moral sin, so that men and women, who perhaps would have been my children, will know a world that is different from the world of today.   In my somewhat immature mind it seems that these evils are the most vicious in our coporate life and are the greatest offenders against Chirst's teaching.  Be of good heart - soon this evil thing in the world will be just a poignant memory.  I shall not have died in vain.'