30/07/2026
Today we remember Ray Merrill, Geoff's father, who has passed away at the age of 103.
Born in Port Augusta in 1922, Ray enlisted on Anzac Day at just 19 and became a tail gunner with Bomber Command's 218 Squadron. He flew 36 missions, six more than a full tour, including the D-Day deception flight off the French coast. On one raid, with incendiary bombs alight inside his aircraft, he threw them out by hand and saved his crew. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, and later the Légion d'Honneur.
He was courageous, modest and quietly funny to the very end.
Ray had a favourite drop our Henley Shiraz. So today we'll be raising a glass of Henley in his memory, and we'd love you to join us. Wherever you are, pour a glass of something you love and think of Ray.
Vale Ray Merrill. Thank you for your service, and for everything. 🕊️