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During the war years, Robert Stehbens from Imbil, Queensland, enlisted through the Empire Air Training Scheme in 1941 and by the end of the war was a Warrant Officer serving as aircrew in 460 Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force at Binbrook, England. Trained in Australia as an observer for Wirraways, he later flew in Wellington and Lancaster bombers as a navigator and bomb aimer. Fortunately, he never had to drop bombs in combat. His Imbil mate, Charles Wesley Lutton also served in 460 Squadron as a pilot and was awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC). Rob is pictured after an ANZAC Day march and memorial service, wearing his service medals. He was a member of the Mary Valley Branch of the Returned Services League. During both world wars, many of the family in US, Australia and Germany enlisted to serve their various home nations. Most served in the army, a few in the navy, but Rob Stehbens (RAAF), Walter Nielsen (RAAF) and Ray Reusche (USAF) served in the air force. Lest we forget, a number of family, civilians as well as servicemen, lost their lives. At Rob Stehbens’ funeral service held in Imbil in 2005, both the Mary Valley Sub-Branch of the Returned Services League (RSL) and the Imbil Scouts and Cubs formed a guard of honour. Among the official tributes that were given, one was from the RSL, and another from Pacific PeaceBuilding Initiatives Ltd. [His life story is a Related File on this website.]
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