GORDON GOODWIN, 1917-2012Gordon Goodwin served during World War II in probably the most dangerous occupation of all - with the Pathfinders, the aircraft that spotted the targets and marked them with flares for the following bombers to hit.
Goodwin survived 23 Pathfinder missions, including nine over Berlin, part of the total of 65 missions over enemy territory, at the sharp end of operations of Bomber Command, which had a casualty rate of 50 per cent. His skill, courage and commitment were recognised with a Distinguished Service Order and a Distinguished Flying Medal. After the war, he transferred his skills to Qantas and did 26 years of excellent service.
Ralph Gordon Goodwin was born in Brisbane on September 27, 1917, son of a horticulturist, Ralph Goodwin, and his wife, Beatrice (nee North). He grew up on his parents' orchard, at Montville, north of Brisbane, and in 1931 went to Brisbane Boys' College. But the Depression had set in and in June the following year, Ralph pulled him out to work on the farm, despite an offer by the school to discount his fees for the rest of the year.
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