Aussie veteran’s family accept US architecture award

The daughter of World War II Bomber Command veteran Colin Dudley has received the prestigious Henry Hering Art and Architecture Award on her father’s behalf during a heartfelt ceremony at RAAF Base Edinburgh on October 1.

CAPTION: The family of the late Colin Dudley, a World War II Bomber Command veteran, receive the Henry Hering Art and Architecture Award on his behalf during a ceremony at RAAF Base Edinburgh, South Australia. Story by Flying Officer Shanea Zeegers. Photos by Aircraftwoman Halley Van Essen.

This honour, bestowed by the National Sculpture Society in New York, recognised Mr Dudley’s vital contributions to the design and construction of the Bomber Command Memorial in London.

Having completed 39 missions with 578 Squadron (Royal Air Force) flying Halifax bombers, Mr Dudley studied art in the UK and pursued a career in education and the arts, including painting and sculpture.

He moved to South Australia in 1983.

Inspired by the belated development of the Royal Air Force (RAF) Bomber Command Memorial, 70 years after the end of WWII, Mr Dudley worked with the architect of the memorial to design and produce a bronze wreath sculpture.

In 2012, Mr Dudley presented the sculpture to the Royal Australian Air Force in Adelaide.

The RAAF and RAF then transported it to England for final emplacement and unveiling.

Mr Dudley was unable to travel from Australia to the opening of the memorial in 2012, but said at the time, “I just hope that the arms of the wreath will be seen by those on earth, and those above, as reaching out in an embrace of eternal devotion. It is a wreath of grief and a wreath of honour”.

The National Sculpture Society recognised the Bomber Command Memorial, presenting the Henry Hering Medal in 2023 to five people instrumental in its design and construction, including Mr Dudley.

As Mr Dudley died in 2014 and his family could not be contacted, the award was presented to a Royal Australian Air Force officer at the June 2023 ceremony in New York.

However, due to significant work by RAAF, Bomber Command Association in Australia and the Air Force Association (South Australia), the Royal Australian Air Force was able to contact the family and advise them of the award earlier this year.

The award was presented to Celia Murray, Mr Dudley’s daughter, in the presence of family members, RAAF Base Edinburgh aviators and soldiers, along with representatives from the Air Force Association and the Bomber Command Association in Australia.

The inclusion of aviators from 462 Squadron, a Bomber Command Squadron based at RAAF Edinburgh, provided a fitting and enduring ADF connection to the presentation.

During the ceremony, Ms Murray expressed her heartfelt gratitude in front of her family and Defence personnel.

“I feel deeply honoured and humbled to accept this remarkable Henry Hering Award on behalf of my late father,” she said.

“The wreath is not just a symbol, it’s a message to future generations about the importance of striving for peace.”

The ceremony fostered a strong sense of community, bringing together family, veterans and current ADF members to honour the legacy of those who have served.

“I hope that the wreath continues to inspire future leaders, especially cadets who represent the next generation of service,” Ms Murray said.

While the event was a moving reminder of the sacrifices made by the brave men and women of Bomber Command and their lasting impact on Australian history, it also provided a strong message to current ADF members.

In presenting the award, deputy senior RAAF resentative (South Australia) Group Captain Greg Weller acknowledged the importance of Bomber Command aviators’ service and sacrifice for today’s generation.

He noted that of the 120,000 aviators who served with Bomber Command, more than 5500 – including more than 3000 Australians – perished in action, representing loss rates that are an anathema to Australia today.

“The service and sacrifice of Bomber Command aviators like Colin Dudley in World War II provide an enduring legacy that can be a powerful guide for today’s ADF personnel as we prepare to confront the various global security challenges and demanding national security tasks our nation will increasingly require of us in the future,” Group Captain Weller said.

CAPTION: The Henry Hering Art and Architecture Award, and the associated medal, presented to the family of the late Colin Dudley DFC.

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