At 22, many young men are planning their future but in 1941, these young Australians were leaving their family and loved ones to fight in the inhumane conditions of World War II.

Dan Cullen holds a well-earned reputation as a respected Club Professional and capable golfer, but he is also a decorated war hero with a remarkable story.

Cullen joined the PGA in 1932 and won consecutive WA Open titles in 1937 and 1938 before enlisting in the Royal Australian Air Force in 1941 when Australia was in the midst of World War II.

Cullen was one of six brothers who joined the Australian Fighting Services and who together served in Australia and overseas.

With Australia committed to the war effort, Cullen learned to fly a warplane before he could even drive a car and was one of over 200,000 men and women who served in World War II between 1939 and 1945.

Cullen undertook his training at Bradfield Park RAAF base and also spent time at Temora Elementary Flying Training School before joining the 460 Squadron piloting Lancaster bombers over Europe – a job that held less than a one in four chance of surviving 30 missions.

Incredibly, Cullen piloted 32 operational flights over Germany, France and Holland and survived.

Over 9,000 RAAF personnel lost their lives in World War II with the majority occurring in the air war against Germany.

Cullen was one of the lucky ones.

On a routine bombing run over Friedrichshafen in April 1944, Cullen had a narrow escape when a shell attack by the enemy crippled his plane and injured his crew.

Wanting to live and get his crew of six safely home, Cullen, who was also known for being calm under pressure, continued the mission despite the situation.

100 miles short of the target and flying in the most hostile conditions imaginable, Cullen successfully completed the mission; eventually landing his Lancaster safely with only one engine in operation and 32 holes in his plane.

These remarkable heroics earned Cullen a Distinguished Flying Cross medal.

The majority of Australians who have received a DFC served in World War II and were given for exceptional valour, courage or devotion to duty whilst flying in active operations against the enemy.

Unfortunately not all of Cullen’s brothers were so lucky with his brother James, who piloted Spitfires, killed in action one week before the end of World War II.

The PGA of Australia has had a number of its Members serve in various world wars, including Norman Von Nida who served in the Australian Armed Forces during World War II.

More recently, Damien Jordan served in two tours of Iraq with the Australian Armed Forces. Based out of Townsville when not deployed, Jordan was involved in infantry (machine gun operations) and scout reconnaissance.

Other notable PGA Members who served, include:

• Les Chaplain
• Keith Clarke
• Al Howard
• JJ O’Conner
• Harry Sinclair
• Colin de Groot

The PGA acknowledges the loyal service and sacrifice our Members, both returned and fallen, made for their country during world conflicts.

Lest we forget.

Related Links

News / Dan Cullen: Golf’s century man 15.11.14
News / Al Howard Celebrates 100 years 08.05.13
News / Cullen’s ANZAC Spirit 24.04.13