Peter Fletcher’s Journey through WWII and Beyond

Peter Fletcher was born on March 18, 1924, in Brisbane, Queensland. At the age of 18, in 1942, he joined the Royal Australian Air Force during World War II. Serving as a Radio Operator, Peter flew missions in Catalina Flying Boats, engaging in vital air-sea rescue and mine-laying operations. His service took him across Australia, Papua New Guinea, New Britain, and the Pacific and Indian Oceans, where he formed enduring bonds with his fellow crew members.

Amidst the challenges of wartime, Peter found solace in the camaraderie of his comrades, forging friendships that lasted a lifetime. After the war, he cherished the opportunity to reunite with his fellow servicemen, reliving the memories of their shared experiences. Despite being the sole survivor of his crew today, Peter holds dear the memories of their reunions and the annual Christmas cards he receives from a crew member’s wife. 

Following his military service, Peter pursued diverse interests, from selling and repairing electrical appliances to designing and building boats. His adventurous spirit and unwavering determination defined his post-war endeavours, reflecting a lifelong commitment to exploration and innovation.   

In addition to his varied pursuits, Peter has always had a passion for collecting stamps. From his childhood days to his 100th birthday, he has been an avid stamp collector, fascinated by the stories and histories encapsulated within each postage stamp. His first stamp album has pages of stamps from countries that these days do not exist or have a new name for example Rhodesia. 

In 2018, Peter joined RSL LifeCare as a Home Care client, receiving exceptional care and support from our amazing RSL LifeCare team members, including Leanne, Amanda, Karen, and Di. Their dedication and kindness made a world of difference in Peter’s life, showing the true meaning of community and support.

Just a few days back, Peter had his big 100th birthday bash with his family up in Brisbane. Here’s to many more happy and healthy years ahead for Peter!