CONSTITUENCY STATEMENTS
Mr PASIN (Barker) (10:00): I rise today to pay tribute to one of the finest Australians I've had the privilege to know: Flying Officer Howard Hendrick DFC, OAM. Howard passed away recently at the age of 102. He was a decorated war hero, but to the people of Loxton he was so, so much more—a cherished member of the community, a true gentleman and a friend to all.
He was universally respected, deeply loved and quite rightly revered. Born and raised in South Australia's Riverland, Howard enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force on Anzac Day 1942 at the age of 18. After completing pilot training, he was posted to No. 460 Squadron and flew Lancaster bombers with the RAF Bomber Command over occupied Europe.
The dangers Howard and his crew faced are almost impossible for us to comprehend. Of the 110,000 aircrew who served in Bomber Command, more than 55,000 lost their lives. Yet Howard completed 31 operational missions, including 30 as pilot in command with the same crew, most often flying the Lancaster bomber known as B for Baker.
His courage was matched by his extraordinary skill. When caught by fighters and searchlights over Frankfurt, Howard threw his Lancaster into a violent corkscrew dive from 22,000 feet to 6,000 feet, saving his crew. On another mission, flak set one engine alight and damaged a second.
Flying on only two engines, Howard nursed the stricken aircraft home and landed it safely nine hours later. For his service, Howard was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. His citation recognised the fortitude, courage and devotion to duty.
In 2017 French authorities appointed him as a Knight of the Legion of Honour for his contribution to its liberation. But for all he achieved, Howard never regarded himself as a hero. He simply said that he'd done what he was told.
That was Howard—remarkable deeds carried out with profound humility. After the war and following a career as a commercial pilot, Howard returned to the Riverland and devoted himself to his family and his community. He shared his experiences with generations of students, supported veterans and their families, visited veterans in hospital and remained an active member of the Loxton RSL subbranch.
In 2016, Howard was named Loxton Citizen of the Year. In 2019, he received the medal of the Order of Australia for services to Loxton in the community. In 2025, he was awarded life membership of the RSL subbranch.
To Howard's daughters, Margaret and Jane, and their families: I extend my deepest condolences. Howard Hendrick was a war hero, a community hero and a great Australian. We mourn his passing, but we give thanks for his extraordinary life and service.
Vale, Howard. May you rest in peace united with your beloved Win. Lest we forget.
The DEPUTY SPEAKER ( Ms Lawrence ): A remarkable man. Vale, Howard Hendrick.