Dave joined the RAAF in 1940 and began pilot training on No 3 course of the Empire Aviation Training Scheme. He received his "Wings" in Canada and finished with an Operation Training Unit in England. A Group Captain Victor Beamish then allocated incoming pilots to their squadrons. He suggested to Dave and some mates that they might like to go to four cannon Hurricane squadrons, which were being formed to deal with German Flak ships in the English Channel. They turned down the idea and Dave was sent to No 452 squadron, RAAF, under the command of Squadron Leader Bungey. He served two years with them in the UK and later in the North West area, Northern Territory.
After the war he established a farm machinery business in Boonah, Queensland, which he expanded to cover other country towns. In 2000 he was awarded the Order of Australia medal for service to his community and lifelong support of the Salvation Army. He died on the 19th May 2001 aged 83.
One confirmed victory with No 452 (RAAF) Squadron, Australia, 1943.
Dave was considered, by his senior officers to be a very experienced and above-average fighter pilot.
