Scherf was working on his father's grazing property when he enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force in 1941. On graduating as a pilot, he was sent to the United Kingdom for service in the European theatre. Flying de Havilland Mosquitos with No. 418 Squadron RCAF, Scherf was credited with the destruction of 7½ aircraft in the air and on the ground, and awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. Afterward, he was posted for duties with Headquarters Air Defence of Great Britain. He nevertheless returned occasionally to No. 418 Squadron and flew operational sorties with the unit, destroying a further 16 aircraft and earning two more decorations. By the end of the war, Scherf had achieved 14½ aerial victories in 38 operational sorties. He was also credited with destroying nine aircraft on the ground, and with damaging seven others.
The citation for the award of the Bar to his Distinguished Flying Cross was published in a supplement to the London Gazette on 12 May 1944, reading:
Air Ministry, 12th May, 1944
The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the following awards in recognition of gallantry displayed in flying operations against the enemy —
Bar to Distinguished Flying Cross
Acting Flight Lieutenant Charles Curnow SCHERF, DFC (Aus 413671), Royal Australian Air Force, No 418 (RCAF) Squadron.
Since being awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, this officer has taken part in numerous sorties and has continued to display the highest qualities of gallantry and skill. Towards the end of February, 1944, he flew the leading aircraft of two detailed for a sortie far in enemy occupied territory. During the operation three enemy aircraft were shot down, and three others damaged on the ground. During another sortie over Northern France in April, 1944, Flight Lieutenant Scherf destroyed two enemy aircraft in the air and damaged three others on the ground at an airfield. These 2 sorties were a fitting climax to an outstanding tour. This officer has destroyed at least 9 enemy aircraft, successes which pay an excellent tribute to his great fighting qualities and resolution.
Later Life
On 16 February 1946, Scherf attended an investiture ceremony at Government House, Sydney, where he was presented with his decorations by the Governor-General of Australia, Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester. Scherf was discharged from the Royal Australian Air Force Reserve on 1 July 1947.
Scherf found it difficult to re-adjust to civilian life, and began to have nightmares about the Germans he had shot down and killed during the war. This led him to drink heavily. On 13 July 1949, Scherf was driving his car along the Inverell road approximately 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) from Emmaville when he struck a tree and the vehicle overturned. He died from his injuries later that day.
Survived by his wife, their three daughters and son, Scherf was buried in the local cemetery. Two RAAF P-51 Mustang fighters flew in formation over the cemetery as the funeral party arrived, followed by a Mosquito as Scherf's casket was lowered into the grave.
Source: Wikipedia (
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I found this blog (
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His headstone outlines his service & a mosquito aircraft has been etched onto his grave.