Air Chief Marshal Sir Frederick Rudolph William Scherger, KBE, CB, DSO, AFC (18 May 1904 – 16 January 1984) was a senior commander in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). He served as Chief of the Air Staff, the RAAF's highest-ranking position, from 1957 until 1961, and as Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee, forerunner of the role of Australia's Chief of the Defence Force, from 1961 until 1966. He was the first RAAF officer to hold the rank of air chief marshal.
Born in Victoria of German origins, Scherger graduated from the Royal Military College, Duntroon, before transferring to the Air Force in 1925. He was considered one of the top aviators between the wars, serving as a fighter pilot, test pilot, and flying instructor. He held senior training posts in the late 1930s and the early years of World War II, earning the Air Force Cross in June 1940. Promoted to group captain, Scherger was acting commander of North Western Area when Darwin suffered its first air raid in February 1942. Praised for his actions in the aftermath of the attack, he went on to lead the RAAF's major mobile strike force in the South West Pacific, No. 10 Operational Group (later the Australian First Tactical Air Force), and was awarded the Distinguished Service Order in September 1944 for his actions during the assaults on Aitape and Noemfoor in Western New Guinea.
For more information please see:
href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frederick_Scherger">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frederick_Scherger</a></p>
Cache:
This cache is a mint-tin. BYO pen.
Access /Parking:
Plenty of partking available near GZ at the Rest Stop (way point) or you can drize straight to GZ. This cache is located off Ararat- Pomonal Road towards Cathcart Cemmetary. The waypoint (turn-off) is on a bendy part of the road, care must be taken when approaching the turn. This cache can also be accessed from Cathcarrt Cemetary
Muggles:
Traffic on Ararat- Pomonal Rd consists of locals and tourists heading towards the Grampians. Vehicles include cars, utes, farm machinary, V-Line busses and heavier trucks. Closer to GZ, its local traffic only.
The way point includes tennis courts, picnic facilities, toilets and a playground, which can attract muggles. Campervans have been known to pull up and spend the night here. Locals are known to pull up and use the facilties.
Farmers use this road to access their properties, they seem helpful enough, and may offer to change your tyres.
Hazards:
- The road from the Waypoint to GZ is unsealed, but well maintained. Do not exceed 40kph, look out for local traffic. They wont expect cachers.
- The most obvious hazard is Pomonal- Ararat road, slippery when wet, esp the hill climb between this cache and Ararat. The waypoint is located between bends in a 100kph zone- watch for traffic and be prepared for all conditions.
- Watch out for snakes in summer, use a walking stick.
- if you are unsure about reaching into dark confined spaces, use a grabber, gloves or a torch.