Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Peter Robert Dalgleish was born on the 6 December 1943 in Coffs Harbour NSW to Parents Bob & Madge, only brother of Stuart and brother-in-law of Jenny. Loving father of Susan & Megan and stepfather of David & Peter Gower. Much loved grandfather to 8 and great grandfather of 6.
Pete was educated in Coffs Harbour before attending boarding school in Tamworth NSW. Age 16 on 18 January 1960, Pete decided to enlist in the RAAF as an Aircraft Engineer, he was the 14th intake of Apprentices in Wagga NSW (known as the Tulips). In 1965 he deployed to Vietnam with the RAAF Transport Flight Vietnam (RTFV) with the Caribous, an aircraft Pete always held dear to his heart. On his return he was posted to Richmond before being posted to 11 squadron Edinburgh South Australia. In 1967- 1968 he was attached to the American Navy (VP-31) at Moffett Field, California USA to train on the newly purchased Orion’s for the RAAF returning with 11 Squadron Edinburgh South Australia where he remained until 1972 when he posted to Amberley QLD as an Instructor for the FI11’S. He opted to take his discharge in Darwin in 1974 and because of Cyclone Tracy couldn’t get his discharge until 1975.

He initially went to work for Parks and Wildlife in Darwin, until the smell of Avgas got the better of him so in 1982 went back to aviation, freelancing as an engineer with Aerial Medical Works NT, Hawker Pacific, Air North, Skywest and many other companies. In 1994 he joined CASA as their Senior Airworthiness Inspector responsible for the Top End and the Northern Part of Western Australia, where he continued to work until he retired in 2004.
Marrying Joy on the 22 May 1982, both heavily involved in Family History would see them both travels overseas on leave many times. It was a standing joke that all they saw in Scotland, Cornwall and Wales were cemeteries looking for that long-lost ancestor. When they weren’t doing this, they would hook up their caravan and chuff off to all parts of Australia. Because Joys Asthma was worsening in the Darwin humidity, on medical advice they decided they would leave their beloved Darwin. In 2002 they spent 3months travelling looking for somewhere to retire and Busselton won the race. Purchasing a home there, they rented it out until they returned from Darwin permanently in 2004. They continued to caravan as often as they could until Pete’s ill health forced them to stop.
But the smell of engine grease still played a big part in Pete’s life joining the Veteran Car Club in Busselton would see Pete restore his beloved 1962 Morris Major Elite and purchase a few others to add to the multitude of parts and other “junk” taking over, much to Joy’s disgust. When Joy complained his comment would be “Settle Petal”. They enjoyed getting out and about in their “old cars” and his favourite, which he used on a daily was a 1967 Chrysler Galant, it became quite a hit around Busselton as people would often stop and ask what it was.
They were both heavily involved in the RSL Busselton. Pete was a Warden and Flag bearer for ANZAC Day, Remembrance & Vietnams Veterans Day Services and was extremely proud to do this until he was no longer capable much to his disgust, unable to march on ANZAC for the last 3 years, he still participated by riding in a jeep. Along with Jack Evans they represented the Busselton RSL at the Sandakan Service in Boyup Brook every year. These achievements were recognized when Pete was awarded Life Membership of the RSL WA – Busselton Branch on 13 March 2023. Followed by Joy who was award an Honoury Life Membership on the 7th July 2023.

Pete fought a 6-year long battle with cancer, but it didn’t stop him from still being involved as much as was possible.


At the end of his service his medals were officially handed to his grandson Mitchell by Mick Ryan who joined the RAAF with Peter in 1960 and remained friends for 63 years. The following dedication speech was made

MITCHELL DALGLEISH

In accordance with Poppy Pete’s wishes I charge you with the responsibility of these emblems of Royal Australian Air Force Corporal Peter Dalgleish’s service to his country. You should display them in a place of honour in your home and wear them on your right breast on occasions of Remembrance and Commemoration.

Are you prepared to accept this responsibility?

Response from Mitchell.

Thank you.