Scherger
Air Chief Marshal Sir Frederick Rudolph William Scherger, KBE 1958, (CBE 1950), CB 1954, DSO 1944, AFC 1940 was born at Ararat, Victoria in 1904.
He entered the Royal Military College, Duntroon in 1921 and following graduation in 1924 was commissioned in the Royal Australian Air Force.
‘Scherg’ as he was known, became what many consider as the RAAF's outstanding pilot between wars. He was highly regarded as a test pilot and flying instructor for which he was awarded the Air Force Cross in 1940. During World War II he held a number of commands including the RAAFs’ premier operational force in South West Pacific Area being command of the First Tactical Air Force after which he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order.
He emerged from the war as one of the RAAF’s most experienced and successful senior commanders and in 1950 was promoted to air vice marshal and appointed Commander of the British Empire. Following a term as Air Member for Personnel, Sir Frederick was later promoted to air marshal when he assumed command of the RAAF and Chief of the Air Staff in 1957. The following year he was appointed a Knight of the British Empire.
In 1961, he became Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee and the first RAAF officer to hold this appointment which he held until 1966 and during which he was promoted to air chief marshal, again the first RAAF officer to hold this rank.
Following his military career, Sir Frederick held appointments as chairman of Australian National Airlines (1966-75) and Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation (1968-75). He passed away in January 1984.
GPCAPT Carl Schiller