458 Squadron Association

The Eric J. Jewell Award:

The descendants of Flying Officer Eric John Jewell, a pilot with No. 458 Squadron RAAF, have graciously nominated the Air Force Cadets as the beneficiaries of financial support as a Memorial Award.

Each year our Air Force Cadets experiencing financial hardship will have the opportunity and eligibility to apply for the “FLGOFF Eric John Jewell Award” to further their participation, talent, or leadership in the Air Force Cadets.

Submissions for Funding:

Each year, Air Force Cadet Squadron representatives are invited to submit an application for funding for new/current Cadets, or Cadet programs. Application will be accepted until 25 April each year. Successful recipients will be notified in June/July.

For more information, to view past award recipients, and to find out how to apply for the memorial award, please visit: Eric J. Jewell Award

Background:

No. 458 Squadron RAAF was formed in Australia at Williamtown, NSW, on 10 July 1941, under the Empire Air Training Scheme during WWII. Flying variants of the Vickers Wellington bomber, operations took place from locations in the UK, Europe, North Africa, the Mediterranean (including Malta), the Middle East, Italy and Gibraltar.

Flying Officer (FLGOFF) Eric John Jewell was second pilot in the Vickers Wellington aircraft with No. 458 Squadron. His life story is outlined on the Servicemen’s Stories page. Eric took part in a number of operations, and perhaps most notable is his and 458 Squadron’s involvements in Operation Dragoon, starting the 15th of August, 1944. This Operation came to be known as the “second D-Day landings”.

Eric Jewell’s family and No. 458 Squadron RAAF are proud to support the Air Force Cadets through the Eric J. Jewell Award.