14 Facts About Norman Walsh

Norman Walsh was born on 22 May 1933 and attended Queen's College in South Africa, where he completed his education in 1949.

Norman Walsh flew Hawker Hunters during his earlier air force years.

Norman Walsh took up command of No 7 Squadron in 1968, flying the Alouette III helicopter.

Norman Walsh was carried out forward air control duties, directing air strikes from Rhodesian Percival Provosts.

Norman Walsh was awarded the Bronze Cross for conspicuous gallantry shown at this time.

Norman Walsh finished the 1960s as Officer Commanding the Flying Wing at New Sarum Air Force Station.

Norman Walsh was the Station Commander at New Sarum from 1975 to 1976.

Norman Walsh was Director of Operations at Air Force headquarters from August 1976 to 1977, during which he was the senior air force officer directly involved in the execution of Operation Dingo.

From 1978 to 1980, Norman Walsh was Director General Operations and during this time the Rhodesian Air Force was renamed the Zimbabwe-Rhodesia Air Force.

Norman Walsh was appointed Chief of Staff in 1980, taking over from Air Marshal Frank Mussell.

Norman Walsh's priorities were the recruiting of new personnel from the former guerrilla fighters and replacing outdated aircraft with up-to-date types.

In 1982, Norman Walsh personally led the British Aerospace ferry team that flew the new aircraft from Britain to Zimbabwe.

Norman Walsh was replaced by Air Marshal Azim Daudpota, who commanded the air force on loan service from Pakistan.

Norman Walsh died at his home in Queensland on 3 August 2010 at the age of 77.