St George Pilots Memorial

This fighter pilot memorial pays tribute to two brave men hailing from St George. Squadron Leader John Jackson bravely served in World War II in some of its most dangerous battles and was awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) medal for his work in the Middle East after destroying seven aircraft. Less than six months later, Jackson led his squadron of Kittyhawks in the Battle of Port Moresby , preventing the Japanese advancement into Papua New Guinea. Jackson’s International Airport at Port Moresby is named in his honour.

Warrant Officer Leonard Waters, was the first Aboriginal fighter pilot to serve in the Royal Australian Air Force. The legacy of these two locals will forever be remembered on the sandstone monument overlooking the Balonne River.