Wikipedia:Today's featured article/January 21, 2011

John Lerew (1912–1996) was an officer and pilot in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) during World War II, and later a senior manager in the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). As commander of No. 24 Squadron, he became famous in Air Force history for his irreverent response to orders by RAAF Headquarters during the 1942 Battle of Rabaul. After being directed to assist in repelling the invading Japanese fleet with his one serviceable bomber, and to keep his bombed airfield open, Lerew signalled headquarters with the ancient Latin phrase used by gladiators honouring their Emperor: "Morituri vos salutamus" ("We who are about to die salute you"). He also defied an order to abandon his staff in Rabaul. In February 1942, Lerew led a raid on enemy shipping in New Guinea; he was shot down but evaded capture, returning to safety nine days after being reported missing. Awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, he later commanded the RAAF's first flying safety directorate. After leaving the Air Force in 1946 as a Group Captain, he joined the newly formed ICAO in Canada. He was responsible for administrative and technical reforms, and rose to Chief of Flight Branch. Retiring in 1972, he travelled extensively before settling in Vancouver. (more...)

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