Sgt David Stokes (437015) was born in Waikerie SA on September 2, 1924 and enlisted in the RAAF on October 10, 1942, after his EFTS and SFTS training he arrived at 2OTU Mildura on July 9, 1943 for fighter Training.

On August 16, 1943 Sgt Stokes was flying Spitfire A58-160 engaged in Shadow Shooting exercises over Lake Victoria, as part of No.22 Fighter Operational Conversion Course to Spitfires. On one of his dive runs at the shadow he dived into the lake, to be located and recovered from the lake 9 days later.

Sgt David Stokes was to become the youngest fatality at Mildura 2OTU at the age of 18; he was buried at the Mildura War Cemetery on August 26, 1943 with both his parents attended the service.

Acknowledgement – David Stokes (Nephew), Biography – Mildura 2OTU Heritage Inc