Bill Newton

Flight Lieutenant William Ellis Newton, VC was an Australian recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest decoration for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to a member of the British and Commonwealth armed forces. Serving as a bomber pilot with the Royal Australian Air Force, Newton was recognized for his extraordinary heroism during operations in Papua New Guinea in March 1943.

Newton pressed home a series of devastating attacks on the Japanese-held Salamaua Isthmus, braving intense anti-aircraft fire to ensure his bombs hit their targets. During his final mission, his aircraft was severely damaged, forcing him to ditch the bomber into the sea. Although initially reported as missing in action, it was later revealed that Newton had survived the crash, only to be captured and subsequently executed by his captors on March 29, 1943.

His Victoria Cross was officially gazetted in October 1943 while his fate was still publicly unconfirmed. His sacrifice and conspicuous bravery remain a prominent symbol of the Royal Australian Air Force's campaign in the Pacific theater of World War II.