INFORMATION - LAC JOHN "RAY" RAYMOND

Post date: Mar 24, 2016 12:35:35 AM

Flying Officer J. Shelton, a currently serving member of 2SQN, has requested help in finding information about his Grandfather who was a member of 2 SQN during the deployment to Vietnam in April 1967.

His request is as follows:

“My Grandfather was a member of 2 Squadron during the deployment to Vietnam in April 1967. From service records, LAC John "Ray" Raymond Shearer deployed to Vietnam on the 19th of April 1967 as an engine fitter. From stories I have heard, he might also have been known as Grandpa amongst colleagues since he was 40 years old and an LAC. I am fortunate enough to now be serving with 2 Squadron as well and hope to bring this to the attention of squadron history.

As the 50th anniversary of 2 SQN's deployment to Vietnam is approaching next year I am looking to be on deployment to coincide with his deployment. I am hoping that this can become a news article in the defence papers to highlight the illustrious operational history the squadron has achieved.

Unfortunately he passed away in 2006 before I could join the RAAF, and as such I have very limited stories from his time in Vietnam. I am looking for anybody who knew him, or deployed with him that might have some personal stories or photos to share. I am also looking for any general stories regarding the initial deployment to Vietnam from a ground crew perspective (hard work, heroism, or general larrikinism) that can provide an insight into the world in which he lived and worked.

I thank you in advance for your time in helping me with this task and I look forward to hearing from you.”

If anyone can help please contact me by email 2sqnraaf@gmail.com and I will pass the info onto Flying Officer Shelton.