FLTLT Edward Smith Hall 403013

Ted joined the R.A.A.F. In 1940, began pilot training at the Nerrandera EFTS before graduating at Yorktown, Canada, was commissioned off course and posted to the U.K., arriving there in the winter of 1941. Following Spitfire out training, Ted was posted to No. 129 Squadron R.A.F. And within a matter of months was made a Flight Lieutenant and Flight Commander of 'B' Flight.

Ted had a successful fighter-pilot career with 129 Squadron, chalking up several victories against the Luftwaffe, but not without cost. In April, 1942 he was shot down by a ME109, piloted by the German ace Josef Priller, indeed Priller's 77th victory. Then, a month later he was brought down again by German A.A. Fire. On the first occasion, he made it back to the English coast for a belly-landing, but on the second he had to be rescued from the Channel after bailing out near the coast.

In all, Ted flew 50 offensive missions from the U.K. Before being returned to Australia to join No. 1 Fighter Wing's 452 Squadron R.A.A.F. for the defence of North West Australia out of Darwin. Ted flew 25 operations against the Japanese and in the course of his long service, was credited with five and a half air victories and one damaged.

He was discharged from the RAAF on the 3/11/1944.

Edward 'Ted' HALL of 'Tangmere' Junee N.S.W., died suddenly at his home on 24th May 2000, aged 82 years. Ted Hall's funeral took place at Wagga Wagga and was attended by our President Ray Bowes and his old friend, life Vice-President Bruce Wilson. Bruce made the eulogy to 'Ted' in the course of the service.

Me 109, Messerschmitt, similar to the aircraft that brought Ted's Spitfire down

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