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Operation Wettenhall Phase 2
The first phase of Operation Wettenhall saw Disaster Relief Australia (DRA) volunteers deploy to the communities of Pomonal and Beaufort from 8 April to 23 May 2024 to assist with bushfire recovery.
The operation was in response to out-of-control bushfire activity which occurred in February 2024, affecting large areas of the Grampians National Park and surrounding communities. The fires led to an emergency evacuation warning and more than 55 properties damaged or destroyed.
During November 2024, Emergency Recovery Victoria requested assistance from DRA volunteers a second time, to support long term recovery efforts and preparation ahead of higher-risk weather season.
The works focused on chainsaw operations and the removal of green waste to reduce fire hazard risk.
In response to
February bushfires
Location
Pomonal and Beaufort
View map
Status
Complete
Dates
2 Dec 2024 - 12 Dec 2024
The story behind the name
Pilot Officer Marcus Cedric Wettenhall (known as Cedric) was born in Pomonal, Victoria 5th March 1911, the son of Marcus Edwy and Leila Wettenhall of Rosedale, Victoria.
He attended Melbourne Grammar School and subsequently became a barrister and solicitor. Pilot Officer Wettenhall served as an engineer 1928-29 before enlisting in the RAAF 23 May 1941 where he trained as a navigator. On 8 September 1943, whilst engaged in attacking an armed Japanese Merchant vessel, the Hudson aircraft of 2 Squadron was shot down into the Timor Sea near Tanimbar Island. PLTOFFR Wettenhall and two other crew were killed whilst two others bailed out, were captured and subsequently executed.
PLTOFFR Wettenhall is commemorated on the Northern Territory Memorial to the Missing located at Adelaide River War Cemetery, NT.
PLTOFFR Wettenhall is survived by his two sons.
Get involved
Planning for upcoming operational deployments is now underway. If you are keen to participate or find out more, express your interest today.