General News
18 April, 2026
Veterans' Voices: Herbert George Milgate
Herbert George Milgate was born in Minyip Victoria on 27 December 1920, son of Herbert Milgate and Janet Margaret (Chatfield) Milgate.
Herbert George Milgate was born in Minyip Victoria on 27 December 1920, son of Herbert Milgate and Janet Margaret (Chatfield) Milgate.
He was brother of Ellen (Milgate) Kelm (half-sister), Olive May Milgate, Leslie David Milgate and Alexander William Milgate.
Herbert obtained a Merit as his educational qualification.
Prior to enlistment Herbert worker as farmer labourer.
His occupation included overhauling and repairing tractor motor engines, driving tractor and a motor car to enable him to work as an apprentice.
Wire drawer and Robot Leveling.
His next of kin was his wife Neta (another record has Meta) Ivy Milgate nee Reichelt.
Herbert George Milgate enlisted in No 1 Recruitment Centre (RC) at Laverton on 10 February 1941 Melbourne, Victoria.
His service number was 12988.
Herbert was classified an Aircraftman (AC1) on enlistment.
He was posted to 1 Recruitment Depot (1RD) where he attended a 389 Recruitment Drill Course on 10 February 1941 to 28 February 1941 passed.
Herbert served at No 4 School of Technical Training (No 4 STT) Adelaide on 9 March 1941.
Here he completed a trainee rigger course from 10 February 1941 to 30 May 1945.
Herbert was posted to No 1 Recruitment Depot (1 RD) Laverton to complete a Night Rigger Course, passing this course.
On 30 August 1941 he was re-mustered as night rigger 2.
In the context of the Air Force, "night rigger" likely refers to a parachute rigger specializing in night operations or military free-fall tactical infiltrations.
These riggers work with specialized equipment and techniques to prepare parachutes and equipment for night jumps and other tactical operations.
The tasks of a “night rigger” include Parachute Rigging where they are responsible for inspecting, repairing, and preparing parachutes and related equipment for jumps, including assembling and maintaining the structural components and rigging systems of the parachutes.
During Night Operations some parachute riggers may specialize in night operations, which involve working with night vision devices, specialized equipment for night jumps, and tactical infiltration techniques.
Military Free-Fall (MFF) involves jumping from aircraft at high altitudes, often in the darkness or in hazardous conditions.
Night riggers are likely to be involved in the preparation of parachutes and equipment for MFF missions.
In Special Operations Night riggers may work with special operations forces, such as the 24th Special Tactics Squadron, which provides airmen for joint special operations command.
Night riggers play a crucial role in planning and conducting night military free-fall tactical infiltrations, ensuring that personnel and equipment can be safely and effectively deployed into unknown or unmarked drop zones.
Riggers are also involved in training programs, like the Military Free-Fall Advanced Tactical Infiltration Course (MFFATIC), which focuses on night tactical infiltrations.
Herbert George Milgate served at 7 Service Flying Training School (SFTS) Deniliquin on 11 September 1941 before transferring to 1 Engineering School (ES) Ascot Vale on 19 May 1942 and then 1 Engineering School (ES) Staff on 11 or 13 July 1942 to 5 September 1942.
Herbert completed and passed a 27 Fitter 2 A Conversion Course and was re-mustered as Aircraftman (AC1) Fitter 2A on 12 July 1942.
Herbert was promoted to Acting Corporal on 13 July 1942 on re-muster.
On 1 August 1942 Herbert was classified as Leading Aircraftsman (LAC) and was promoted to a Temporary Corporal on 1 April 1944 while posted to 1 Engineering School (ES - Staff).
He was posted back to 1 Engineering School (ES-Course) classification on 1 August 7 May 1945 then returned to 1 Engineering School (ES-Staff) where he was promoted to Acting Sergeant on 29 August 1944.
Herbert was posted to 5 Operational Training Unit (OTU) from 1ES (Staff) on 7 May 1945.
He was issued with a war Service Chevron on 11 September 1944.
His rank reverted back to Corporal on his posting with 94 Squadron on 7 May 1945 or 10 July 1945.
A further posting saw Herbert posted to 36 Squadron on 3 or 6 October 1945
Hebert had applied for a discharge on compassionate grounds as his wife was ill.
On 2 October Herbert was posted to Townsville. He arrived in Townsville on 6 October 2025
From 36 Squadron Herbert was posted to 1 PD on 13 November 1945 where on 29 November 1945 he was discharged on demobilisation
Herbert George Milgate’s last unit was 36 Squadron RAAF.
On his passing this notice appeared in the Herald Sun
MILGATE. Herbert `Bert' George 27.12.1920 - 01.10.2015 94 years Loving and adored husband to Moira. Cherished father and father-in- law to Cheryl, Geoffrey and Elizabeth, Lorraine and Chris, David and Leanne, Graham and Andea. Loved by all his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
