Murray Adams: Australian WWII Pilot

Murray Adams was an Australian World War II fighter pilot remembered for his courage, remarkable survival stories and long association with aviation. Born in Victoria, he served with the Royal Australian Air Force and RAF squadrons during major campaigns in North Africa and Europe.

During the war, Adams flew several famous fighter aircraft, including the Tomahawk, Spitfire and Tempest. His career included being shot down behind enemy lines, flying dangerous combat missions and operating at extreme altitudes.

Who was Murray Adams?

Murray Adams was born on 15 July 1919 in Hawthorn, Victoria. He grew up around Mansfield and attended school there before receiving a scholarship to Trinity Grammar School in Melbourne. He later studied electrical engineering at Swinburne Technical College.

Before joining the military, Adams had no experience as a pilot. However, his decision to enter the Royal Australian Air Force in 1940 changed the direction of his life and eventually took him far beyond Australia.

Murray Adams and the RAAF

Adams enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force on 18 September 1940 in Melbourne. After completing his flying training in Australia, he was sent overseas and became involved in active operations during World War II.

He served with RAF fighter units, including No. 250 Squadron and No. 80 Squadron. His wartime service took him through North Africa, Italy, Britain and continental Europe.

Surviving a crash in North Africa

One of the most dramatic events in Murray Adams’ career happened while he was flying a Tomahawk over North Africa. His aircraft was badly damaged during combat with German fighters and went into an inverted spin.

Adams managed to regain enough control to make a belly landing. He found himself behind enemy lines without food or water but successfully avoided enemy forces before reaching Allied troops. Remarkably, he returned to flying only days later.

Murray Adams and the Spitfire

The Spitfire became one of the most memorable aircraft Adams flew. He also gained experience with Hurricanes, Kittyhawks, Tomahawks and Tempests during his military career.

Adams once flew a specially modified Spitfire to around 45,000 feet while attempting to intercept German reconnaissance aircraft. The mission was particularly challenging because the aircraft did not have the modern pressurised cockpit technology pilots rely on today.

Service across Europe

Murray Adams joined No. 80 Squadron RAF in 1943 and initially flew Spitfire VCs. His service later took him to Italy before the squadron returned to Britain and eventually operated from continental Europe.

The squadron later converted to Tempest fighters and moved to the Netherlands. Adams completed his operational tour in January 1945. His wartime contribution was recognised when he was Mentioned in Despatches.

Murray Adams’ wife and family

After returning to Australia, Adams married Ethne “Margot” Maplesden in September 1946. The couple built their post-war life in Australia, including spending time around Mansfield in Victoria.

His daughter Rosemary later spoke publicly about her father’s interest in history, writing and storytelling. His wartime experiences and passion for aircraft remained an important part of his life for decades.

Life after the war

Following World War II, Murray Adams returned to farming and became involved in the Mansfield community. He served as a Mansfield Shire councillor and held roles with local agricultural and rural fire organisations.

His connection with aviation also continued. During the Korean War period, Adams completed flight instructor training as part of the RAAF Reserve. He remained associated with the Reserve until 1967.

Later years

Even in later life, Adams maintained his adventurous spirit. On his 89th birthday, he completed a tandem parachute jump, showing that his enthusiasm for aviation had never disappeared.

In 2014, aged 94, Adams was reunited at Moorabbin with a CAC Wirraway he had flown during his training in 1941. The reunion connected him with an aircraft from the earliest stage of his remarkable flying career.

When did Murray Adams die?

Murray Adams died on 5 October 2015 at the age of 96. He was buried at Mansfield Public Cemetery in Victoria, bringing his story back to the region where he had spent an important part of his early and post-war life.

By the end of his World War II service, Adams had reached the rank of Flight Lieutenant. His record reflected years of demanding flying and service far from Australia.

Murray Adams’ legacy

Murray Adams remains an important figure in Australian military aviation history. His experiences provide a personal picture of the risks faced by Australian pilots serving overseas during World War II.

From surviving a crash behind enemy lines to flying legendary fighter aircraft across several theatres of war, Murray Adams lived an extraordinary life. His story continues to preserve an important piece of Australia’s wartime and aviation heritage.