Sgt George Raffen (416364) was born in Hilton SA on July 8, 1922 and enlisted in the RAAF at 5RC Adelaide as Aircrew 2 on May 24, 1941. After completing his training at 1ITS, 1EFTS, 1SFTS and 2BAGS, was posted to Mildura 2OTU on January 3, 1943 to engage in No.16 Fighter Operational Training Course.

On January 24, Sgt George Raffen was flying Wirraway, A20-373 partaking in night flying exercises, this particular evening he was involved circuits and landings when trouble developed in the engine upon a take-off and was necessitating an immediate landing. Unfortunately, Sgt Raffen didn’t succeed in bringing the Aircraft down safely crashing beyond the boundary fence of 2OTU’s aerodrome. Sgt Raffen survived the crash however he passed away about 2 hours later from his injuries

Sgt G.F Raffen aged 20 was buried at the Mildura War Cemetery on January 26, 1943.

Biography – Mildura 2OTU Heritage Inc