1922 - 2007

Class of 1938

Eric’s parents were both well-known in their fields. His father Berel, better known as “Barney” Silbert ran Fremantle’s most famous shoe store. His mother Minnie Masel, also worked in the family business and was one of WA’s earliest and best known violinists. Eric was born in the front room of 55 Ellen Street, Fremantle and so first went to CBC, a few doors down and later, Aquinas College as a boarder. Times were very hard. Eric remembers the Great Depression of 1932 and people knocking on the door asking for a meal. He enjoyed his education but was aware having parents in the retail footwear business meant he was not expected to excel academically as it was usual to join the family firm. Although not a scholar he was a strong sportsman and an outstanding ballroom dancer.

As a young Jewish boy Eric followed the unfolding of tragic events in Europe throughout his adolescence. After a trip to Singapore with the YAL, he worked with his parents in the family business until he signed up for the war at the tender age of 18. He departed on board a ship as one of 50 bound to train for Pathfinders, the target-marking squadrons in RAF Bomber Command during World War 2. Their task was to mark the targets for the RAF Bombers to help increase their accuracy. Eric was the only one onboard the departing ship to return alive.

It was a brutal war for such a young person. He remembers “You always knew when you’d lost a plane full of mates, their names were wiped off the board. But you kept flying.” He said of his missions in a recorded interview: “I was petrified. You know, anyone who tells you they weren’t frightened on operations where people were firing at you and flak was exploding around you and searchlights were on, they’re a moron not to be scared”.

Eric changed his middle name to Adrian four years before being commissioned as he thought going into the field with the middle name Abraham wasn’t such a good idea. He also changed the religion on his ID card from Jewish to Anglican, but changed it back on his return at the young age of 23.

Eric was an outstanding airman and much loved by his peers. He flew a total of 50 operations (two tours) with 622 Squadron and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. More than half those who flew in the Second World War were killed in action. Less than a quarter survived. Eric was one.

Having been chosen to live, he decided he would serve the community. On his return as well as working in the family business he became Deputy Lord Mayor of the City of Perth, and was the Founder and President of Temple David, the family synagogue; a member of the Fremantle Rotary Club, and awarded the Order of Australia.

His daughter Hilary, herself a hugely active member of the Jewish Perth community remembers:

“I heard an interview by Dad on his time as a Pathfinder in WWII, which suddenly enlightened me on why he was in so many organisations as a volunteer. He said that there was such a high chance of being killed that if he was saved, he would serve the community. And he did. All his life.”