Victorian Aboriginal Remembrance Service

Warrant Officer Leonard ‘Len’ Waters (1924-1993) made history as Australia’s first and only known World War II First Nations fighter pilot. Born on Euraba Aboriginal Mission on Kamilaroi Country, as a young boy, Len dreamed of pursuing an aviation career. 

In 1942, at 18, Len enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), answering affirmatively as to whether he was of ‘pure European descent’. After completing the Flight Mechanics course, Len was posted as an aircraft mechanic in Mildura, servicing P-40 Kittyhawk single seater Fighter aircrafts. While working as a mechanic, he studied tirelessly at night to increase his education and fulfil his dreams of becoming a pilot.  

His hard work paid off; Len was transferred from Ground Staff to Aircrew. He was one of the first to do so, when he responded to a call to action. After completing the required study and operational training, Len earned his wings, and was deployed for action across the Pacific with the No. 78 Squadron.   

By the end of the war, Len had completed 95 daring missions. On one of his missions, the P-40 Kittyhawk was hit by a Japanese 37-millimetre cannon shell. The high explosive shell was wedged between the armour plating between the cockpit and the fuel tank. Len flew for another two hours before he could land safely, with the shell intact. 

In 1946, after the war, Len was discharged as a Warrant Officer by the RAAF. After resettling on Kamilaroi Country, an opportunity arose for him to operate a regional Air Taxi service. He was unable to establish this service because of a number of obstacles; including lack of government support for licensing. To provide for his wife Gladys and their children, Len returned to a life of shearing. Over his life, he had estimated to have sheared over a million sheep.  

Len passed away in 1993, at the age of 69. 

Len’s legacy serves as a timeless reminder for all generations that no matter what obstacles life throws at you, always pursue your passions and dreams. 

“The sky’s the limit. And dreams can come true. You just have to believe in yourself, be honest, have pride, have dignity, integrity and be accountable. And it’ll all pay off” - Warrant Officer Len Waters

Charles Melbourne Johnston, a distinguished Australian military officer, was no stranger to leadership. Johnston, a second lieutenant in Melbourne Grammar’s Senior Cadets, Johnston was seconded to the Australian Imperial Force on 16 April 1915 and reported for duty at Gallipoli on 2 June. He quickly emerged as a natural leader and was soon promoted to command 'C' Company as a temporary captain. His leadership skills were put to the test in the harsh conditions of the Gallipoli campaign, where he fought bravely alongside his men. It was during this trial he was bestowed the epithet of ‘Black Prince’, in recognition of his strong leadership, heroism, and dark features.

Johnston's war service as an infantry officer in regimental and staff appointments was outstanding. He rose to Brigade Major of the 4th Brigade, and despite being seriously wounded at Messines, he continued to serve his country with distinction. Johnston's finest hour came when he was transferred back to the 15th Battalion, where he held the substantive rank of lieutenant-colonel. He took command on the night of 16-17 September 1918, in time for the 15th's 'last fight, and their best' on the 18th when an outpost of the Hindenburg line was taken. Johnston's leadership and bravery inspired his men to overcome impossible odds and achieve victory.

Following the Armistice, Johnston remained in France serving with the Army of Occupation and visiting the Hall of Mirrors where the Peace Conference was being held. He returned to Australia on the Prinz Ludwig in late 1919.

After the war, Johnston returned to Melbourne and became a successful manufacturer. He lived a quiet life in Hawthorn with his wife and two sons, but his legacy as a brave and inspirational leader lived on. Johnston died in 1941, and Major General C. H. Brand, one of his wartime brigade commanders, was a pallbearer at his funeral, a testament to the respect and admiration that Johnston had earned through his leadership during the war.

However, for many years, the Aboriginal heritage of the Johnston family was known only to some family members. It is speculated that the family changed their names and adopted Spanish heritage to be accepted in business and social circles in Melbourne.

It was not until later generations that the Aboriginal heritage of the Johnston family was rediscovered. Charles Wyllie Johnston (1929-1980), the elder son of C.M. Johnston, knew of their Aboriginal heritage and for many years in the 1960s and 1970s tried to learn details of his grandmother (Bertha Selvince Taglinoi Mignonneete) and great grandmother (Maria Simmonds). It wasn’t until after the passing of C.W. Johnston that keen family historian and dedicated researcher Andy Johnston brought the story of C.M. Johnston to light, dismissing the Spanish subterfuge and engaged in the pursuit of authentic origins. Maria Simmonds (née White), C.M. Johnston’s grandmother, was the daughter of Mingboaram (Queen Caroline), the matriarch of the Booandik tribe of South Australia. Bertha Selvince Taglinoi Mignonneete (née Turner) was the daughter of Maria and the mother of C.M. Johnston.

Johnston's distinguished military service is a testament to his bravery, leadership, and heroism, and serves as an inspiration to his family to this day. In recognition for his outstanding service, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order and was mentioned in dispatches three times. Due to the tireless work of his family, his name also proudly resides on the Australian War Memorial’s First World War Indigenous service list. ished military service is a testament to his bravery, leadership, and heroism, and serves as an inspiration to his family to this day. In recognition for his outstanding service, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order and was mentioned in dispatches three times. Due to the tireless work of his family, his name also proudly resides on the Australian War Memorial’s First World War Indigenous service list.