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Jack's Portraits

Portraits by John Black

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    • 2014
      • Mr Eric Geddes
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  • Private

Mr Eric Geddes

Flight Lieutenant Geddes was a crew member of a surveillance aircraft in the Second World War. In one significant incident, the crew were unfairly accused of failing to report a sighting of enemy battleships. Tragically, the ensuing battle cost a thousand lives. Eric Geddes spent a lifetime to put the record straight. His story is told on a DVD available from dgeddes1@bigpond.net.au.

During our conversations Eric once asked me “John, why do you want to draw me?” I was caught off guard and began to acknowledge his contribution and sacrifice to our country. Then I added “And you have an interesting face for drawing.” Eric’s face responded with a huge smile. Then he shared something with me: “Well, it wasn’t all a one way street.” He explained how the flying missions had been the thrill of his life: “Like shots of adrenalin. We would return and it would take hours before our feet were back on the ground.” They were young men, running off the field, victorious, home again.

Eric passed away on the 9th December, 2016, aged 98 years.

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