Captain Roby Lewis ManuelPrint Page

The plaque commemorates Captain Roby Lewis Manuel (1895 -1971) a member of the Australian Flying Corps (1917-1919) who was later to be remembered for his promotion of flying in northern Victoria.

Roby was a member of the Australian Flying Corps when it began in 1917 and he fought over German lines, shooting down fifteen aeroplanes and battling the 'Red Baron' squadron. He led the fly past in London on ANZAC Day 1919 and served again in World War Two. 

He volunteered the use of his private aeroplane to his nation, and his services as a pilot. He was not accepted for flying duty because of his age and instead was assigned to administrative duties. 

CAPTAIN ROBY LEWIS MANUEL PLAQUE UNVEILING
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On Thursday 07 December Gannawarra Shire will honour and remember local pilot, Captain Roby Lewis Manuel (1895-1975). Mayor of the Gannawarra Shire, Brian Gibson recognises the importance of such a significant local identify.

“Captain Roby Lewis Manuel was not only a well-known and respected character of our local area, he was an honourable war hero and an important member to Australian aviation, both during and after the war“.

Roby Manuel was born at Bael Bael near Kerang and was a member of the Australian Flying Corps. During the First World War he was credited with 12 official aerial victories which earned him the award of a Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) and a Bar to his DFC (BAR).

Roby led the Anzac Day flyby in London in 1919 and when World War II erupted he joined the Royal Australian Air Force and volunteered the use of his private airplane to his nation. Following the war Roby returned to farming near Kerang and continued his involvement in aviation.

The official unveiling of the plaque honouring Captain Roby Lewis Manuel will take place at 6pm Thursday 07 December at the Kerang Aerodrome. Light refreshments will be available and all are welcome to attend.

This project was made possible thanks to funding from the Victorian Government’s ANZAC Commemorative Naming Project.
Gannawarra Shire Council, 28 November 2017. 

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