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25.01.2022 29 November 1942: Gallant action and sacrifice by FSGT Rawdon Middleton Did you know that on this day in 1942, FSGT Rawdon Middleton’s gallant actions in flying a stricken bomber aircraft resulted in his being awarded the RAAF’s first Victoria Cross? Rawdon Middleton, a great nephew of the great explorer Hamilton Hume, enlisted the RAAF in 1940 and was one of many to undergo pilot training through the Empire Air Training Scheme. He was a country lad having been a jackeroo p...Continue reading

24.01.2022 30 November 1941: WGCDR Peter Jeffrey earns the Distinguished Service Order rescuing a downed colleague before later serving as the first Commander RAAF Edinburgh in the 1950’s. Did you know that on this day in 1941, WGCDR Peter Jeffrey, Commanding Officer of No 3 Squadron, conducted a daring rescue of a downed colleague earning himself the Distinguished Service Order. Born in Tenterfield, New South Wales, Jeffrey joined the RAAF in1934 as a reservist and transferred to the ...Permanent Air Force in 1938. Posted to 3 Squadron as a flight commander in the Middle East, Jeffrey quickly established himself as a great pilot and leader in combat. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in May 1941. On this day in 1941, Jeffrey was part of a combined wing morning sweep flying a Tomahawk fighter in Operation Crusader when around 50 enemy aircraft were identified as they were about to attack the New Zealand Division. During the wild dogfight, SGT Cameron was shot down by a Me 109 fighter and crash landed behind enemy lines. Cameron escaped from the aircraft before it was set on fire by another ME 109. Jeffrey, noting the predicament of his fellow airmen, landed alongside and crammed SGT Cameron, a noted large person, into his single seat cockpit by ditching his own parachute, and returned to base rescuing Cameron in a daring rescue. Cameron survived the war going on to become an air ace in his own right. For this brave action, Jeffrey was awarded the Distinguished Service Order in December 1941 with the Citation noting his magnificent leadership, fearlessness and skill. Jeffrey went nto serve in the South Pacific becoming the inaugural CO of 75 SQN at Port Moresby, commanding 2 operational training units and operational service in Northern Australia. His commission was terminated in June 1946 and he took up farming before successfully reapplying for a commission in the Permanent Air Force in 1951. Serving in variety of staff and training positions, he was promoted to Group Captain in 1954 and appointed Superintendent Air in the Long Range Weapons Establishment at Salisbury, South Australia, where he coordinated weapons trials at Woomera. On 17 January 1955, he was appointed the first Officer Commanding RAAF Base Edinburgh managing the transfer of units and functions from RAAF Mallala to Edinburgh. He resigned from the RAAF in May 1956. Photos of Peter Jeffrey courtesy of Australian War Memorial Digital Online Collection (Copyright expired, public domain).

24.01.2022 At the 11 hour of the 11th day of the 11th month we shall remember them. Today we have been at various ceremonies honouring those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the Great War and in the many conflicts since. It was wonderful to see Norm Ginn at the West Terrace Cemetery (where there are over 4,000) war graves located). Norm Ginn is one of our few remaining Bomber Command veterans having served with 460SQN as a wireless operator during World War 2. He survived 13 mission...s before being shot down and captured spending the rest of the war as a POW in Germany. FLTLT Steve Warrior provided the main address speaking about the largely unknown indigenous veterans contribution to our nation. It was a moving speech. Craig Keane (AFA SA State Councillor) represented Air Force Association SA at the ceremony. GPCAPT Greg Weller was the Air Force Representative.

23.01.2022 24 November 1943: South Australian airmen killed in 460SQN training accident Did you know that on this day in 1943, a RAAF 460SQN Lancaster crashed on a routine training mission resulting in the loss of three lives including a young South Australian airmen? On this day in 1943, a RAAF 460 SQN Lancaster (JB647) was one of three aircraft tasked with a routine cross country training sortie in the afternoon. During the sortie the aircraft struck high ground in rain about 20km s...outh of Grimsby and crashed near Kelstern at 1630hrs. The crew comprised: FSGT Trevor Newstead (RAAF) Pilot FSGT Keith Bradbury (RAAF) Navigator SGT Eric Bailey (RAVR) - Flight Engineer SGT Espley (RAF) Air Gunner FSGT William Lawrence (RAAF) Wireless operator/Air Gunner SGT Stevenson (RAF) Air gunner FSGT James Stuart (RAAF) Bomb aimer Of the seven man crew, FSGT Newstead was killed in the crash and SGT Bailey and FSGT Stuart receiving fatal injuries passing away the next day. FSGT Newstead was a 21 year old South Australian. Born in October 1922 in Renmark to parents Horace and Edith Newstead of Renmark, Newstead was a vineyard work who enlisted in Adelaide in September 1941 at only 18 years old. He followed his brothers, SQNLDR Geoff Newstead who survived the initial air war in Malaya serving as a Hudson bomber pilot with No 2 Squadron, and SGT Ross Newstead, an air gunner who served in the Mediterranean. Both brothers survived the war with Geoff Newstead rising to the rank of Air Vice Marshal serving in Malta and Vietnam reiting from the RAAF in 1977. Trevor Newstead completed initial training at 4 Initial Training School, Victor Harbour, from September to December 1941, before completing basic flying training at No 9 Elementary Flying Training School, Cunderdin, WA, from January to March 1942 and then No 4 Service Flying Training School, Geraldton, WA, from March to July 1942. Receiving his Wings on 10 July 1942, Newstead departed Sydney for the UK on 24 August 1942 destined to take up pilot duties in Bomber Command. He was posted to No 27 Operational Training Unit to undergo large bomber conversion and on 7 October 1943, was taken on strength at No 460 Squadron the famous RAAF bomber squadron of World War 2. Tragically, only six weeks later, FSGT Newstead perished at only 21 years old becoming one of over 1,000 fatalities, of which 589 were Australian, the squadron suffered during World War 2. FSGT Newstead was buried at Nottingham Church Cemetery, Nottinghamshire, in a funeral with full military honours. Lest we forget. Portrait image of FSGT Newstead courtesy of National Australian Archives. Images of 460 SQN Lancasters courtesy of Australian War Memorial Digital Online Collection (copyright expired, public domain).

23.01.2022 The 2021 Edition of the Welcome to Edinburgh Defence Precinct Handbook is available online. Intended to introduce the base to Defence members and families newly posted to Edinburgh, the handbook also provides a great way for the base and its broader community to connect. The handbook is packed full of information on Edinburgh and the broader community it interacts with. There is a great six page article on key veterans organisations that work with the Edinburgh community. ... For those who have not been to RAAF Edinburgh for some time, you will quickly see how much the base and the wider Edinburgh Defence Precinct has changed and continues to change as the Air Force evolves. The Handbook is avail online: https://wte.partica.online//welcome-to-edinburg/responsive

22.01.2022 In accordance with the South Australian COVID Lockdown, the Air Force Association (SA) Office at Torrens Parade Ground will not be open until further notice. However, although the office will be closed, our staff will be working from home during our normal office business hours on Friday 20 Nov and Monday 23 Nov. If you need to contact us about anything please email us at [email protected] rather than call as the phones in the office will not be answered. ... Meanwhile, for our South Australian veterans, friends and colleagues, please stay safe and well. Collectively, we will work through this health pandemic and lockdown as a community. And we thank all those workers, particularly those providing essential services, in the hospitals, the emergency services and our Defence Force, who are on duty at the moment protecting and helping our community.

22.01.2022 17 November 1943: Loss of 10 SQN Sunderland aircraft with all 11 aircrew including its South Australian Captain, FLTLT Ray Behrnt Did you know that on this day in 1943, a 10 Squadron aircraft was shot down over the Bay of Biscay with all 11 aircrew? Initially formed at Point Cook in July 1939, No 10 Squadron became the only RAAF squadron to see continuous active service throughout the war when it was sent to England in late 1939 to ferry Sunderland aircraft back to Australi...Continue reading

22.01.2022 The Summer Edition of WINGS - the Air Force Association Magazine is out and available online. This is a feature packed edition with great articles throughout and an article on our own Division's Battle of Britain Ceremony in September with RAAF Edinburgh on pages 14-15. Great reading! Check it out!

22.01.2022 14 November 1944: SGT Len Waters, Australia’s first indigenous fighter pilot, is posted to 78SQN for operational flying. Did you know that on this day in 1944, SGT Leonard Waters was posted to No 78 Squadron becoming Australia’s first indigenous fighter pilot? As we come to the end of a postponed NAIDOC Week 2020, it is appropriate to acknowledge that 76 years ago today, the RAAF's first indigenous fighter pilot, SGT Len Waters, was posted to 78 SQN to fly Kittyhawk aircraft ...Continue reading

21.01.2022 On this day in 1952, SGT John Beverley Halley, arrived in Korea to commence a tour of duty with 77 SQN (RAAF) flying Meteors. Born in Perth, John Beverley Halley first enlisted in the RAAF in 1945 as an airmen and served postwar in the Citizen Air Force as an LAC. He was accepted into pilot training and completed flying training at No 1 Flying Training School during 1950 graduating as a SGT Pilot in February 1951. Despite being a new pilot, Halley quickly gained flying exp...erience on multiple aircraft serving with 87 Squadron in 1951 flying Mosquito’s for six months before completing a tour with 38 Squadron as a transport pilot in Malaya from September 1951 to May 1952. He then attended No 2 Operational Training Unit from June to October 1952 before deploying to Korea on 13 Oct 1952. Over the next four months, he flew 77 missions, mostly armed reconnaissance. On 11 February 1953, he was flying 77SQN Meteor A77-46 as number 3 in a four ship armed reconnaissance mission in the Sinmak area of North Korea. The four aircraft split into pairs to locate, identify and strike vehicle traffic along a route. Halley and his other wingman identified enemy trucks travelling along a road and proceeded to engage. Halley was the second of two aircraft to attack the trucks. The pilot of the second meteor reported seeing his aircraft in a dive preparing to strike and then the site of a fiery crash. He tried to radio Halley but received no response. Despite remaining over the crash site for as long as fuel would allow, he reported no further evidence of Halley’s whereabouts or status. Halley was listed as missing in action, presumed killed, as a result of incurring enemy ground fire crashing into the ground while attacking the enemy forces. Halley was subsequently posthumously promoted to Pilot Officer and Mentioned in Dispatches the citation reading Flight Sergeant Halley participated in many successful attacks against heavily defended targets in North Korea and showed skill, aggressiveness and determination in pressing home his attacks. Halley is one of 35 77 SQN pilots to perish in the Korean War and one of 18 RAAF pilots to remain missing in action with no known grave from the war. Lest we forget. Images courtesy of Australian War Memorial Digital Online Collection (Copyright expired, public domain).

20.01.2022 15 November 1941: 460 Squadron formed in England Did you know that on this day in 1941, No 460 Squadron (RAAF), one of the most famous RAAF squadrons of World War 2, was formed at Molesworth, England, as an Article XV squadron? The squadron was formed from 'C' Flight of No. 458 Squadron RAAF and flew in the Royal Air Force’s Bomber Command in the strategic bombing of Germany. No 460 Squadron was one of seven...Continue reading

20.01.2022 13 November 1915: Captain Thomas White, AFC, captured by Turkish forces Did you know that on this day in 1915, Captain Thomas White, of the Australian Flying Corps Mesopotamian Half-Flight, was captured behind enemy lines after a risky raid near Baghdad? Born in 1888 in North Melbourne, Thomas White joined the Citizen Forces in 1902 and served in artillery and engineering units. Commissioned in 1911, he served in the 5th Australian Regiment until early 1914. In 1914, White w...Continue reading

19.01.2022 16 November 1963: Maiden test flight of Australian assembled Mirage aircraft Did you know that on this day in 1963, the first fully assembled RAAF Mirage in Australia had its maiden test fight? Built by the French firm Generale Aeronautice Narecl Dassault (GAMD) the first Mirage I flew in 1955 and the first Mirage III prototype flew in 1956. An initial RAAF Mirage III with a Avon engine flew in 1961 but did not enter production due to the prohibitive cost of the engine modif...ications. Accordingly, in 1963 the first RAAF Mirage (A3-1), built in France flew in 1963 and was then transported to Australian by Hercules aircraft. A second Mirage (A3-2) was then assembled in France and remained there until 1965 to test RAAF modifications. Two unassembled aircraft were then shipped to Australia and assembled by Government Aircraft Factories. On this day in 1963, the first of these initial Australian assembled Mirage aircraft (A3-3) was flown by SQNLDR Bill Collins (later Air Vice Marshal Collins) at Avalon. It was then delivered to the RAAF in December 1963. A3-3 would go onto serve with ARDU, 76 Squadron, 2 Operational Conversion Unit, and 77 Squadron. Having logged 3,580 hours of service, the aircraft was retired in 1987 and now takes pride of place on display at Fighter World, RAAF Williamtown. Following the two French built aircraft, the first 48 Australian-assembled aircraft (A3-3 to A3-50) were built as Mirage IIIO(F) interceptors and began being delivered to No 2 Operational Conversion Unit (2OCU) at Williamtown in 1964. No 75 Squadron became the first operational unit to equip in the Mirage in 1965 followed by No 76 Squadron in 1966. The next 50 aircraft (A3-51 to A3-100) were built as IIIO(A) ground attack variants with slightly different radar and the addition of doppler navigation and radar altimeters for low-level operation. Increasingly, the Mirage aircraft incorporated Australian manufactured parts particularly with wings and the tails. Earning the nickname ‘Miracle’ or ‘French Lady’, the Mirage saw extensive service in the RAAF for over twenty years becoming a favourite of aircrew and ground crews alike. During its service, over 40 aircraft (more than one-third of the fleet) were lost and 14 aircrew perished in accidents. Lest we forget. Photo of RAAF Mirage A3-3 and RAAF Mirage aircraft at RAAF Darwin and in formation courtesy of Defence Image Gallery (Commonwealth of Australia).

19.01.2022 26 November 1942: RAAF 22 SQN Boston lost in action with three aircrew onboard Did you know that on this day in 1942, a RAAF 22 SQN Boston aircraft was lost in action with its three aircrew in New Guinea? Formed in 1936 as a Citizen Air Force Squadron, 22 SQN was mobilised at the start of World War 2 operating dated Hawker Demon and then Wirraway aircraft. Based at RAAF Station Richmond, the squadron flew anti-submarine and convoy escort missions. In April 1942, the squadron... was equipped with Boston aircraft that had originally been destined for service with Netherlands East Indies Air Force in the Dutch East Indies. With the new aircraft, the squadron attacked several Japanese submarines after the Japanese midget submarine on Sydney. In October 1942, 22SQN deployed with its Boston aircraft to Port Moresby where they were called in to support operations against the Japanese around Buna and Gona. On this day in 1942, five 22SQN Boston aircraft took off at 0840hrs from Ward’s airstrip at Port Moresby to attack Japanese forces at Buna Airfield. At 0910hrs, one of the Boston aircraft (A28-22) made its attack run across the airfield at about 350 feet when the aircraft suddenly burst into flames crashing onto the ground near the airfield. The aircraft A28-22 was nicknamed ‘Retribution’ and had the noseart of a white eagle dropping a bomb. The crew of the aircraft, SQNLDR Kenneth Roy McDonald (pilot), SGT Charles Roland Napier and FLGOFF Thomas Edward O’Neill, were declared Missing in Action. In 1946, the burnt out wreckage of the aircraft was found but no human remains were found. Tragically, it is believed the aircraft blew up when one of its light fragmentation bombs struck the aircrafts fuselage after being dropped and hitting the slipstream and bouncing back on to the aircraft. A Boston aircraft was destroyed in similar circumstances three days later on 29 November causing the squadron to cease using the light fragmentation bombs. SQNLDR McDonald, SGT Napier and FLGOFF O’Neill are three of the almost 3,500 Australian airmen still missing in action who have been lost in air operations and their bodies never found over the last 100 years. Today, their names are commemorated on the Port Moresby Memorial at the Bomana War Cemetery. FLGOFF O’Neill was a South Australian born at Port Pirie. Lest we forget. Images of A28-22 Boston nicknamed Retribution and crew lost on 26 November 1942 courtesy of Australian War Memorial Digital Online Collection (Copyright expired, public domain).

18.01.2022 2 October 1967: First Aermaachi MB-326H ‘Macchi’ handed over to the RAAF Did you know that on this day in 1967, the first Aermacchi MB 326H jet trainer aircraft was handed over to the RAAF? The RAAF ordered the Aermacchi MB-326H aircraft in August 1965 to replace the aging Vampire jet. A new lead in jet trainer was important given the need for high performance jet training to prepare new pilots for the Mirage fighter aircraft that was entering the RAAF. First flown in Italy ...in April 1967, the first RAAF Macchi (A7-001) was shipped to Melbourne and handed over to the RAAF on this day in 1967. It was initially allocated to Central Flying School for flight instructor training. A7-001 also flew with the Telstars aerobatic Team from 1967 to 1970, 2 Flying Training School and 76 Squadron. It was retired from service in 1999 and today, is proudly on display at the RAAF Museum, Point Cook. The Macchi fleet was assembled in Australia initially with Italian components but over 75 comprised much Australian produced components. As with many aircraft at the time, the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation was used as the primary contractor for the production of the aircraft in Australia. It also produced the Macchi’s Rolls Royce Viper engine. The RAAF operated 97 Macchi's from 1967 to 2001. The main operator was 2 FTS operating the aircraft from 1970 until the last Macchi course in 1991 at RAAF Base Pearce. The aircraft was also operated by the Central Flying School (CFS) to train RAAF flying instructors and also in the lead-in fighter role by 2 Operational Conversion Unit, 5 Operational Training Unit, and 25, 76, 77 and 79 Squadrons. The aircraft was replaced in this role by the British Aerospace Hawk from 2001. The Macchi was a particular favourite of the Australian public being flown by the RAAF's aerobatic team, the Roulettes from 1970 to 1989. The aircraft was well liked for its maneuverability and application as a jet trainer. However, the fleet did suffer structural fatigue problems. Image of Macchi A7-001 and aircraft at RAAF Williamtown courtesy of Australian War Memorial Digital Online Collection (Commonwealth of Australia Copyright).

18.01.2022 Today, our State Secretary Dr Warwick Raymont, and President Elizabeth/Salisbury Branch, Mr Doug Waters, were honoured to be at the RAAF Edinburgh Airmen’s Club for the unveiling of a LAC George Tongerie Display a special tribute to inspire the next generation of indigenous airmen, soldiers and sailors that will serve at RAAF Edinburgh. We joined Kaurna Elders and other indigenous representatives from the Adelaide community including serving Defence Indigenous members, Defe...Continue reading

18.01.2022 Check out this great video telling the story of the loss of Magpie 91 - a RAAF Canberra bomber that was lost on 3 Nov 1970 50 years ago during the Vietnam War. Lost in the crash was South Australian airmen Australian FLGOFF Michael Herbert and PLTOFF Robert Carver. This is a wonderful tribute to them and their aircraft for commemorating the 50th anniversary of their loss. In particular, it brings out the significant work by many parties in the repatriation of Herbert's and ...Carever's remains 39 years after the aircraft was lost.. Well done To our colleagues at Air Force Association Victoria! See he video at this link: https://youtu.be/6EWbru14I3A

18.01.2022 25 June 1944: RAAF Mosquito returns to base flying over 1,000 miles on one engine. Did you know that on this day in 1944, a RAAF Mosquito aircraft flown by FLTLT Kenneth Boss-Walker on a long range reconnaissance sortie over the Dutch East Indies suffered an engine failure requiring it to fly over 1,000 miles back to Northern Australia on a single engine? FLTLT Boss-Walker enlisted in the RAAF on 27 May 1940 in Hobart, Tasmania. Receiving his Wings in November 1940, he speci...alised in photographic reconnaissance flying Wirraway, Buffalo and P-38 Lockheed Lightning aircraft with No 1 Photographic Reconnaissance Unit (later 87 Squadron) on two operational tours with the squadron.. In 1944 he converted to the Mosquito aircraft, testing and flying the first Mosquito assigned to No 1 Photographic Reconnaissance Unit, A52-2, at Coomalie Airfield in the Northern Territory. He was the first pilot to complete a Mosquito conversion course in Australia and conducted the first operational RAAF Mosquito flight in the Southwest Pacific on 1 June 1944 a seven hour journey to Ambon Island and back. Previous B-24 Liberator missions by the 380th Bombardment Group USAAF had failed to return from their reconnaissance missions encountering significant air defence. On 25 June 1944, Flight Lieutenant Kenneth Boss-Walker and his navigator, Pilot Officer Jeffrey Love, were conducting a second long range reconnaissance sortie over the Dutch East Indies in the same RAAF Mosquito A52-2 when the aircraft suffered an engine failure over Surabaya. Demonstrating immense airmanship, Boss-Walker flew the aircraft over 1,000 miles back to Broome on one engine. The mission took over ten hours. For this action, Boss-Walker was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. The Citation read "By extreme courage and expert airmanship in a most desperate situation, and although his oil and fuel for his remaining engine were running low and the wireless had failed, he managed to return to his base, a distance of over 1000 statute miles and landed safely." Flight Lieutenant Boss-Walker was discharged from service on 27 July 1945 havng completed two operational postings with 1PRU/87SQN. His brother, FLTLT Hubert Boss-Walker, was a test pilot who had flown the first Wirraway test flight in 1939 when he was the Chief Test Pilot of Commonwealth Aircraft Compnay. Hubert was tragically killed at Bankstown, NSW, in a Mosquito crash during a test flight on 10 June 1944 only 15 days before Kenneth Boss-Walker flew the amazing recce flight also in a Mosquito over the Dutch East Indies. Photo of FLTLT Kenneth Boss-Walker and the Mosquito he was in when it returned from Ambon on one engine courtesy of Australian War Memorial Digital Collection (Public Domain / Copyright Expired).

18.01.2022 8 December 1941: 1 Squadron is first Australian unit in combat against Japanese forces Did you know that on this day in 1941, No 1 Squadron (RAAF) was the first Australian unit to be engaged in combat with Japanese forces in the landings at Kota Bharu (Malaya)? On Saturday 6 December, a RAAF Hudson from 1 Squadron operating from the RAF airbase at Kota Bharu in northern Malaya identified a large Japanese naval force comprising large warships and at least 25 transport vessel...Continue reading

17.01.2022 11 October 1989: 460SQN air gunner amputee who survived World War 2 passed away after a remarkable life Did you know that an Australian amputee survived an operational tour with 460 Squadron? Roberts Christian Dunstan was born in Bendigo in November 1922 and attended Geelong Grammar School from 1934 to 1939. On 3 June 1940, five months before his 18th birthday, he enlisted in the AIF lying about his age. He served with the 2/8th Field Company in the North African Campaign til...Continue reading

17.01.2022 7 October 1945: RAAF FLTLT who had been awarded the DFC dies from jeep accident two months after the end of the war Did you know that 75 years ago on this day in 1945, FLTLT Jock Swain, DFC, was killed when his Jeep rolled at RAAF Darwin when he was trying to urgently get to the control tower for an aircraft emergency? John Fraser Swain was born in 1921 in Melbourne. He enlisted into the RAAF in 1940 at only 19 years old. Completing basic training in New South Wales, he proce...eded through the Empire Air Training Scheme and underwent further training in Canada before proceeding to England for an operational tour. Posted to 200 Squadron RAF, he flew Hudson and then Liberator aircraft as part of Coastal Command on anti-submarine reconnaissance and strike missions from bases in West Africa. He was awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross for repeated successful strikes against German submarines in the North Atlantic off West Africa. Posted to 23 Squadron in Australia, FLTLT Swain flew Liberators in the latter stages of the war during late 1944 and 1945. On the evening of 6 October 1945, he was acting commander of a Detachment at RAAF Darwin. On being notified of a 23 Squadron Liberator with a load of former Australian Prisoners of War experiencing landing gear problems as it was returning to RAAF Darwin, Swain urgently rushed to the bases control tower in a jeep to communicate with the pilot. While doing so, his jeep crashed severely injuring FLTLT Jock Swain and injuring his passenger. Swain died the next day from his injuries. The Liberator subsequently landed without incident. Having survived flying maritime strike missions for the RAF and Liberator missions in southeast Asia and been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Swain was tragically killed in a ground accident several months after the end of the war in an incident where he was simply trying to come to the aid of another aircraft/aircrew. Lest we forget. Photo of FLGOFF John (Jock) Fraser Swain courtesy of Australian War Memorial Digital Online Collection (Copyright expired, Public domain).

17.01.2022 16 October 1916: No 4 Squadron, Australian Flying Corps, is formed at Point Cook Did you know that on this day in 1916, No 4 Squadron, Australian Flying Corps, was formed at Point Cook? Formed at Point Cook on 16 October 1916, 4 SQN was the last of the four operational Australian Flying Corps (AFC) squadrons to be formed in World War 1. It was established largely using the pilot intake from No 6 Pilot Course conducted at Point Cook. By 10 January 1917, the squadron was fully... mobilised and embarked for England on 17 January. Arriving in England in late March, the squadron underwent aircraft familiarisation and further training being equipped with Sopwith Camel fighters. In England, the squadron was designated 71 (Australian) Squadron, Royal Flying Corps (RFC), to prevent conflict with the 4 Squadron (RFC/RAF) and would retain the designation until it reverted to its original title on 19 January 1918. Arriving in France on 18 December 1917, the squadron saw significant action over the Western Front performing offensive patrols and close air support. The unit's first patrol over German lines took place on 9 January 1918 and its first air combat action occurred on 13 January 1918. During the German spring offensive, it undertook considerable bombing and strafing missions in support of the retreating allied forces. During the July and August allied offensives, it returned to offensive patrols and bombing missions in support of the allied attacks. During the last several months of the war, it was engaged in some of the largest and fiercest aerial engagements with dogfights of over eighty aircraft. In early October 1918, the unit was equipped with the Sopwith Snipe; it was the second allied unit to employ the new agile fighter. The squadron became one of the most effective allied flying squadrons of the war and was Australia’s most successful squadron claiming more aerial victories that any of the other Australian squadrons including 199 destroyed aircraft and 33 balloons. The noted Australian ace, Harry Cobby, served with 4 SQN as well as noted South Australian aces Thomas Charles Richmond Baker, Edgar McCloughry and Leonard Taplin. The future Chief of Air Staff, George Jones, flew with 4 SQN recording seven aerial victories. After the armistice, 4 SQN became the only Australian unit of the British Army of Occupation, entering Germany on 7 December 1918. The unit returned to Australia in March 1919 and was disbanded in Melbourne in June 1919. Recognising its significant contributions to the war, squadron personnel were awarded 3 Distinguished Service Orders, 4 Military Crosses, 9 Distinguished Flying Crosses and 3 Bars and 1 Military Service Medal. Meanwhile, the squadron lost 35 aircrew killed and 16 wounded during its one year of operations during the war. Photos of 4SQN aircraft and personnel courtesy of Australian War Memorial Digital Online Collection (Copyright expired, public domain).

17.01.2022 12 November 1943: Two Japanese aircraft destroyed in the 64th and last recorded air raid on Darwin. Did you know that on this day in 1943, Japan conducted its 64th and last air raid against Darwin? Between 19 February 1942 and 12 November 1943, Japanese aircraft attacked Darwin 64 times. The first raid comprising 242 aircraft was the most devastating resulting in over 235 deaths, significant damage and greatly impacting morale in northern Australia. In subsequent months air ...attacks were made on many towns in northern Australia including Wyndham, Port Hedland and Derby in Western Australia; Darwin and Katherine in the Northern Territory; Townsville and Mossman in Queensland; and Horn Island in the Torres Strait. However, Australian and allied air defence gradually gained prominence over northern Australia with the build up of better air defence capability in the north and Japanese forces having to withdraw air capability to other areas to cover losses elsewhere in the southwest pacific theatre. Most of the raids were daylight but the Japanese increasingly turned to night raids as the allies gained superiority in the air over northern Australia. In January 1943, No 1 Fighter Wing, comprising 54 SQN (RAF), 452 SQN (RAAF) and 457 SQN (RAAF) was moved to the Darwin area flying spitfire aircraft representing a significant capability increase. The Wing was commanded by WGCDR Clive ‘Killer’ Caldwell, the noted RAAF air ace. On this day in 1943, three 457 SQN spitfires and eight 54 SQN spitfires were scrambled in the early hours of the morning in the dark to intercept a Japanese air raid. Over Cox Peninsula, FLGOFF J. Smithson of Oakleigh of 457 SQN successfully destroyed two Japanese Betty Bombers. It was the only time a RAAF pilot shot down two enemy aircraft at night in the one engagement over Northern Australia. For the action, Smithson was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. It would be the last time Japanese aircraft raided northern Australia during the war although the Japanese did continue aerial reconnaissance missions over the region. Photos courtesy of Australian War Memorial Digital Online Collection (Copyright expired, Public domain).

15.01.2022 14 October 1942: Avro Anson crashes west of Mt Gambier with loss of its junior pilot Did you know that on this day in 1942, an Avro Anson of No 2 Air Observers School, Mt Gambier, crashed 20 miles west of Mt Gambier killing the pilot? On the evening of the 14 October 1942, Avro Anson AW-849 of No 2 Air Observers School, RAAF Station Mt Gambier, was being flown by Pilot Officer Baxter Watson with SGT Carroll (Observer) and SGT Ayers (Wireless Operator/Air Gunner) on an operati...onal sortie to locate an enemy submarine believed to be operating off the Victorian / South Australian coast. At about 9pm the aircraft was returning to Mt Gambier when it crashed near Tantanoola about 20 miles west of Mt Gambier. RAAF reports suggested the cause of the crash was that the aircraft had run out of fuel due to errors in navigation. While SGT Carroll and SGT Ayres were able to successfully bale out, PLTOFF Watson’s body was found about 15 feet from the aircraft. A memorial was unveiled at Tantanoola in May 2009 to commemorate the crash. Born in June 1915 in Sydney, Baxter Watson was married in October 1940 and lived with his wife in Manly. He identified his employment as a clerk when he enlisted in Sydney on 28 April 1941. After completing initial training in Sydney in May 1941, he passed basic flying training at No 10 Elementary Flying Training School at Temora and then No 1 Service Flying Training School at Point Cook obtaining his Wings in October 1941. On 23 December 1941, he was posted to his first unit as a junior pilot. Tragically, Pilot Officer Baxter Watson would perish less than 10 months later in the 14 October 1942 crash near Tantanoola. The accident was the fourth of seven fatal accidents suffered by 2AOS and Watson was one of 23 airmen from the unit killed in accidents between July 1941 and late 1944. Such were the risks of aircrew training during World War 2 in the Empire Air Training Scheme, Lest we forget. Image of Baxter Watson on enlistment courtesy of NAA. Images of Avron Ansons at Mt Gambier courtesy of Australian War Memorial Digital Online Collection (Copyright expired, public domain).

14.01.2022 27 November 2009: The last flight of a RAAF DHC4 Caribou aircraft Did you know that on this day in 2009, the RAAF farewelled the DHC4 Caribou aircraft after 45 years of distinguished service in the RAAF? The Australian Government originally ordered 18 DHC4 Caribou aircraft in May 1963 to replace C-47/DC-3 Dakota aircraft. The first RAAF Caribou flew on 22 April 1964. Eventually a total of 29 airframes of this type joined the RAAF serving in distinction across Australia, the ...South Pacific, Vietnam and in support of the United Nations in Timor and more broadly such as the Kashmir. On this day in 2009, the RAAF flew its last Caribou sortie 45 years after the type first entered service in Australia. The final flight was carried out by Caribou A4-140 from Richmond to Canberra, where the aircraft was handed over to the Australian War Memorial for preservation. The previous day, another Caribou, A4-152, was similarly handed over to the RAAF Museum at Point Cook, Victoria. A4-140 had quite a history. A4-140 was the oldest surviving RAAF Caribou airframe operated by the RAAF, having been one of the first three to arrive in Australia in 1964. It had served in Vietnam, and seen extensive service in South East Asia and across the South Pacific, logging a total of 20,040 flying hours. It was also the aircraft hijacked in East Timor by armed soldiers fleeing that country’s civil war in 1975. The Caribou aircraft, despite its slow speed and noise, was a well loved platform able to land with cargo in mountainous terrain that no other fixed wing aircraft could. Photos of RAAF Caribou aircraft in their final years of service in the RAAF courtesy of the Department of Defence Image Gallery (Copyright Commonwealth of Australia)

13.01.2022 4 October 1943: 21 year old SQNLDR Arthur Cook DFC DFM perishes on his 2nd operational tour in Bomber Command. Did you know that on this day in 1943, a 21 year old SQNLDR Arthur Cook DFC DFM perished while on his 2nd operational tour in Bomber Command? Born on 24 October 1921 in Perth, Arthur Sydney Cook grew up in Claremont and enlisted in the RAAF in Perth in February 1941 aged only 19. ...Continue reading

13.01.2022 18 November 1940: RAAF Flying Instructor perishes after falling out of a Tiger Moth training aircraft Did you know that on this day in 1940, a young RAAF Flying Instructor perished after accidentally falling out of a Tiger Moth training aircraft? Lenn Bayliss was born in Cairns on 5 March 1921. He was educated at the Church of England Grammar School and after leaving school, gained a civilian pilots licence and was instructing at Kingsford-Smith Flying School at Mascot for ...18 months prior to enlistment. He was appointed a Pilot Officer on 19 August 1940 and posted as a flying instructor to No 4 Elementary Flying Training School (4EFTS) at Mascot, Sydney. Only three months later on 18 November 1940, PLTOFF Bayliss was flying in Tiger Moth A17-29 on a routine training sortie. Shortly after directing his pupil to roll the aircraft into an inverted position, Bayliss fell out of the aircraft’s forward position as the aircraft entered a slow roll at 3,200ft over Randwick. Bayliss fell to his death as he was not wearing a parachute and his safety harness became detached. The severely shaken student, who was also not wearing a parachute, returned the aircraft safely to the airfield. An inquiry established that the clip holding Bayliss’ harness was attached to a lap strap by a length of chord to prevent loss while not in use, and when the slack was taken up, as occurred during aerobatics, the clip could release. The enquiry also found that considerable slackness existed at 4EFTS regarding parachutes and their wearing; an aspect brought out by the finding that only four parachutes were at the training unit in September 1940. The enquiry ordered that where parachutes were not being worn, aerobatics could not be undertaken. Unfortunately, for Bayliss, the findings were too late in addressing procedures at 4EFTS in preventing the flying accident that led to his tragic death only three months after joining the RAAF. Training proved to be a risky business for the growing RAAF in World War 2 where new schools were being rapidly created to push through trainee aircrew for the expanding RAAF and the Empire Air Training Scheme causing many young airmen to perish during training. Lest we forget Imagery of RAAF Tiger Moth training aircraft courtesy of Australian War Memorial Digital Online Collection (Copyright expired, public domain).

12.01.2022 27 June 1944: No 1 Air Ambulance Air Unit Disbands Did you know that on this day in 1944, No 1 Air Ambulance Unit disbanded in Australia after three years of distinguished service in North Africa? No 1 Air Ambulance Unit was formed on 15 February 1941 at RAAF Base Laverton equipped with three modified de Havilland DH-86 aircraft. FLTLT George Simpson, a former doctor with the Royal Flying Doctor Service, fitted the aircraft for aerial ambulance work. The aircraft configuratio...n allowed one doctor and eight patients to be transported. The unit left Australia for the Middle East in April 1941 and began flying from Gaza in August 1941 conducting its first medivac mission in the Middle East on 3 August 1941. The unit supported Commonwealth forces during the North African and Tunisian campaigns from December 1941 until the end of the Tunisia campaign in May 1943. On 8 December, while enroute to a forward landing ground to evacuate wounded from fighting at Sidi Rezegh, all three DH-86’s were attacked by German fighters. Two of the aircraft escaped with minor damage. The third aircraft was shot down but miraculously no lives were lost. August 1941 and January 1943, the unit evacuated 2,003 injured personnel. No 1 Air Ambulance Unit was expanded and re-equipped with eleven Bristol Bombay aircraft in February 1943 and then supported the Allied invasion of Sicily from July 1943 and then the Italian campaign from September 1943. Due to the availability of larger and faster medical evacuation aircraft operated by the RAF and the USAAF and limitations of the Bombay aircraft, No 1 Air Ambulance Unit was withdrawn from service and flew its last evacuation mission in November 1943. The unit embarked for Australia in late February 1944 and was disbanded in Australia on this day. During its service in the Middle East and Italian Theatres, a total of 8,252 patients were airlifted and many hundreds of pounds of medical and comfort supplies carried to forward units. Today, the Royal Australian Air Force continues the aeromedical evacuation capabilities first developed in the RAAF by No 1 Air Ambulance Unit in World War 2. Photos of No 1 Air Ambulance Unit DH86 and Bristol Bombay aircraft in North Africa courtesy of Australian War Memorial Digital Online Collection (Public Domain, Copyright expired).

12.01.2022 3 October 1967: 9SQN crewman, CPL John Coughlan, rescues personnel from crashed Iroquois in Vietnam. Did you know that on this day in 1967, 9 SQN crewman, CPL John ‘Snowy’ Coughlan, rescued personnel from a crashed Iroquois helicopter in Jungle at great personal risk, leading to him being awarded the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal (CGM)? Joining the RAAF as a Trainee Instrument Mechanic in 1960, John Desmond Coughlan was selected to undertake the RAAF’s first Iroquois helicopte...r crewman’s course in 1965. In April 1967 he deployed to Vietnam with 9 SQN for a 12 month tour in the Vietnam War. On 3 October 1967, CPL Coughlan was the crewman of a 9 SQN Iroquois that was tasked to assist a US helicopter which had crashed in enemy controlled territory. Upon reaching the site, they found the crashed helicopter in flames with ammunition exploding. Disregarding the danger, Coughlan volunteered to be winched down to the crash site and rescue the badly hurt US personnel. He immediately secured three badly injured personnel lying around the crash site and then searched and found others who had wandered off into the jungle in shock. Coughlan performed the task despite frequently being forced to take cover from exploding ammunition and the burning helicopter. Three months later in January 1968, Coughlan performed a similar rescue mission for another downed US helicopter. In the January rescue, he was the winch operator of an Iroquois involved in a night rescue of a crashed American medical evacuation helicopter. While the his helicopter hovered at tree-top with landing lights on, Coughlan continued to lean outside the helicopter working the winch and communicating with the pilot despite enemy fire in the area. For his actions on 3 October 1967, Coughlan was awarded the CGM. The Citation stated he demonstrated resolution and courage of the highest order. His gallantry was in the highest traditions of the Royal Australian Air Force. The CGM is the second highest decoration for gallantry in action being second to the Victoria Cross. Coughlan completed his tour in Vietnam in April 1968 flying more than 650 hours in the 9SQN Iroquois helicopters over Vietnam. He remained in the RAAF until 1989 and retired as a WOFF highly respected for his professionalism yet modesty. He was the first RAAF member to be awarded the CGM since the end of World War 2 and only the tenth RAAF member to receive the award since it was instituted in 1943. He passed away in April 2013. Photos of Coughlan courtesy of Australian War Memorial Digital Online Collection. AWM Licensed Copyright (Free to distribute with acknowledgement).

11.01.2022 12 October 1964: GPCAPT William Brill DSO DFC and Bar, one of the RAAFs most distinguished bomber pilots of World War 2, passes away aged only 48. Did you know that on this day in 1964 GPCAPT William Brill, one of Australia’s most distiguished WW2 bomber pilots and commanders, suddenly died from a heart attack aged only 48 while still in the Air Force? Born in Grong Grong east of Narrandera in southern NSW in 1916, Brill was educated at Yanco Agricultural High School and bec...Continue reading

11.01.2022 30 June 1925: RAAF establishes first air force base outside of Victoria at RAAF Richmond, NSW. Did you know on this day in 1925, the RAAF established RAAF Richmond as its second base in Ausralia and first air force base outside of Victoria? As early as 1916, a school for aviation was established at Ham Common, the original name of the site where RAAF Richmond is now located. Richmond Aerodrome, as it was known in the early 1920’s was taken over by the Federal Government in 19...23 in readiness for it becoming a RAAF base. It was established as RAAF Station Richmond on 30 June 1925 and was initially home to No 3 Squadron commanded by Squadron Leader Frank Lukis. One DH9 and two SE5A aircraft were the first RAAF aircraft to be based with 3 SQN at Richmond when they arrived after flying from Point Cook over several days. The three aircraft were the only ones out of ten aircraft to successfully make the transit with others crashing or breaking down. Between 1923 to 1936, the base was also used as a supplementary airport for Sydney. Sir Charles Kingsford-Smith landed the Southern Cross at Richmond after his epic trans-Pacific flight in 1928. Likewise, Miss Jean Batten landed at Richmond after her solo flight from England in 1935. Other Commanders to command the base between the wars included Harry Cobby (19310-31) and Bill Bostock (1931-33). The base saw the formation of new units like 22SQN, 4 SQN, 6 SQN, 5SQN, 9 SQN and 23 SQN between the wars. At the outbreak of World War II, 3 SQN (Hawker Demons), 6 SQN (Ansons), 9 SQN (Seagulls) and 22 Squadron (Ansons) and 2 Aircraft Depot were operating at Richmond. Shortly after, 8 SQN was formed at Richmond on 11 September 1939, and 11 SQN two weeks later. Many other units were subsequently established at Richmond during the war years as the base became more important. It was only after World War 2, that RAAF Richmond became known as the home of the air force’s air transport capability as it is now known. Photos courtesy of Australian War Memorial Digital Online Collection (Public Domain, Copyright Expired).

11.01.2022 23 November 1942: SQNLDR Dickie Cresswell achieves first aerial victory at night over Australian soil Did you know that on this day, SQNLDR Dickie Cresswell shot down a Japanese Betty Bomber at night recording the first aerial victory for a RAAF Squadron over Australian soil and the first time an enemy aircraft had been shot down over Australia at night? At the tender age of only 21, SQNLDR Dickie Cresswell took command of the newly formed 77 Squadron at RAAF Pearce in April ...1942. In August, he moved the unit to the Northern Territory where it became the first RAAF fighter squadron operating in the Darwin area. Initially deployed to Batchelor, the unit then moved to Livingstone in September. On 23 November 1942, Dickie Cresswell was scrambled at 0300 am to intercept a Japanese night raid over Darwin. Shortly after 0500 near the end of his patrol, Cresswell identified silhouetted against the moon three Mitsubishi G4M ‘Betty’ bombers in formation heading south at 23,500 feet, and moved to engage them. On his first attacking pass he raked all three aircraft with a four-second burst from his P40E Kittyhawk’s six guns. The enemy aircraft immediately turned to port, except the outside Betty which fell behind. Singling out this aircraft, Cresswell made two more passes which left it blazing fiercely and losing height. Shortly afterwards the Betty exploded and fell to earth. Cresswell’s ‘victory was the first time that an enemy aircraft had been shot down over Australian soil at night and the first aerial victory for a RAAF squadron over Australian soil. When he returned to base, he was asked what he felt like, Cresswell replied, "Breakfast" He absconded the radio operator's seat from the bomber's wreckage as a souvenir. Cresswell would go on to lead 77SQN with distinction in Milne Bay and New Britain and later in the Korean War becoming one of the RAAF's most noted wartime commanding officers. Photos of Cresswell with 77SQN and the destroyed Betty Bomber courtesy of Australian War Memorial Digital Online Collection (Copyright expired, Public domain).

10.01.2022 9 October 1947: The RAAF’s first helicopter, the S-51 Dragonfly, is test flown at Laverton Air Base. Did you know that on this day in 1947, the first helicopter to see operational service in the RAAF, a Sikorsky S-51 Dragonfly, had its first test flight at Laverton Air Base? The RAAF’s first experience with helicopters was actually in World War 2 when it evaluated a Cierva C.30A Autogyro at Laverton. The Autogyro had mixed results and for various reasons the RAAF did not acqu...ire it during the war. However, in 1946, the RAAF again became interested in newer helicopters and acquired a Sikorsky S-51 Dragonfly for evaluation purposes. The S-51 earned its name, Dragonfly, because of its hovering ability and the buzzing noise from its rotors. The four-seat helicopter was ordered in November 1946 and arrived in Australia via ship in August 1947. It was received by the RAAF on 3 October 1947 by No 1 Aircraft Depot at RAAF Laverton and given Serial No. A80-1. Six days later, on this day in 1947, Sikorsky S-51 (A80-1) had its first test flight at Laverton Air Base. After test flights by pilot Squadron Leader Ken Robertson from the RAAF’s Aircraft Research and Development Unit endorsed the helicopter, the RAAF ordered four more. While A80-1 was used for a variety of public relations purposes, two more S-51s were received in May 1951 and were allocated to Citizen Air Force squadrons in Sydney and Brisbane, to ensure that the eastern capitals each had one for emergency purposes. Serving with ARDU and then 21 Squadron A80-1 crashed into the Murray River on 4 December 1951 near Tocumwal and was converted into components. The helicopter suffered engine failure at about 200ft altitude and after descending to about 40 feet struck high tension wires as the pilot attempted to crash land in shallow water. The pilot, FLGOFF Ray Scott, and a civilian passenger were injured but walked away from the accident. A second S-51 (A80-636) crashed a year later near Penrith, NSW, in December 1952 and was also written off. On this occasion, the helicopter was piloted by WGCDR D.L. Wilson DFC and carrying AVM J McCauley (the Air Officer Commanding Eastern Command) and two staff officers. A third S-51 Dragonfly remained in service until the mid 1960’s. It is now part of the RAAF Museum collection. Photos courtesy of Australian War Memorial Digital Online Collection (Copyright expired, Public domain).

10.01.2022 28 June 1918: Capt Harry Cobby downs three enemy aircraft in one day. Did you know that on this day in 1918, Captain Harry Cobby recorded three aerial victories in a single day? Born and schooled in Melbourne, Cobby worked in a bank and could not enlist until 1916. He enlisted in the Australian Flying Corps in December 1916 and was a foundational member of 4 SQN arriving in England in March 1917. He completed flying training in December 1917 and arrived on the Western Front i...n early 1918 with only 12 hours solo flying time. On 21 March 1918, he recorded his first aerial victories downing two German Albatross DV aircraft in one day. A feat he would achieve a remarkable six other occasions including on 28 June when he downed three German aircraft including an LVG C, a Pfalz DIII and a Halberstadt C over the Western Front. He became the Australian Flying Corps highest scoring ace in World War I downing 29 German aircraft while flying Sopwith Camels in less than a year of active service. Cobby was known as an aggressive and cunning pilot who, by end of the war, would lead aircraft formations of up to 80 aircraft. He was recognised for his courage and airmanship receiving the Distinguished Service Order, the Distinguished Flying Cross and two Bars and Mentioned in Despatches making him one of the Australian Flying Corps most decorated airmen. He was the first of only six Australian airmen to be awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross three times Ross Macpherson Smith being the only other from World War 1. Apart from being a brilliant fighter pilot, Cobby was also a bit of a larrikin. He reportedly saw Australian troops engaging in horse races behind Australian lines while he was on a patrol. He duly landed his aircraft, found a horse and joined and won a horse race. He led the Australian Flying Corps fly-past over London on ANZAC Day 1919 only to lead the formation in a series of startling aerial stunts over the Prince of Wales and proceeded to then fly low level below electricity wires and the height of buildings along The Strand up to Trafalgar Square where he finally got an opportunity to climb above the London business district. Discharging from the peacetime Air Force after the war, Cobby would again serve in World War 2 as a senior officer but that is another story. Photos of Captain Harry Cobby and his aircraft and squadron courtesy of Australian War Memorial Digital Online Collection (Copyright expired, Public Domain).

09.01.2022 7 December 1943: RAAF receives its final and 365th Fairey Battle aircraft Did you know that on this day, the RAAF received its last and 365th Fairey Battle aircraft. Although making its first flight in 1936, the Fairey Battle was virtually obsolescent as an effective combat aircraft at the start of World War 2 as demonstrated by its poor performance particularly during the Battle of France. The aircraft was quickly relegated to training roles across the Commonwealth. ... The RAAF received its first Fairey Battle aircraft in April 1943 and by 7 December 1943, 365 Battles were transferred to the RAAF. Although allocated to the prefix A22 on the RAAF Register, the RAAF aircraft actually retained their RAF Serial numbers; the last Fairey Battle (V1202) was received at No 2 Aircraft Park in Victoria on this day in 1943. Fairey Battles were widely used by the various Bombing and Gunnery Schools and Aerial Observers Schools. In South Australia, the aircraft was used at all of the major South Australian RAAF Bases including Port Pirie, Mallala, and Mount Gambier. Over 100 Fairey battle aircraft were used at Port Pirie while less than a dozen flew at Mount Gambier. The aircraft was reasonably reliable and in South Australia, there were only several crashes during World War 2. The worst occurred on 27 August 1943 when two Battles collided mid air during an afternoon training sortie. Killed in the accident were SGT Johns (pilot) and three trainees in Aircraft K9380 and SGT Ninness and an drogue operator, LAC Venables in aicraft L5654. It was the worst Battle accident at any of the bombing and gunnery schools in Australia during the war. All five aircrew were buried at the Port Pirie War Cemetery - they are five of 22 RAAF airmen buried at the war cemetery. By 1945, the Fairey Battle was being withdrawn from RAAF training with the last aircraft written off in 1949. The South Australian Aviation Museum is restoring one of only four Fairey Battles in the world. The aircraft (N2188) was used by No 2 Bombing and Air Gunnery School at Port Pirie where it was used for aircrew training. Crashing in 1943, the aircraft was rediscovered in the 1970’s and recovered over a number of years. It’s long term restoration, commenced in 1999, was supported by the Air Force Association (South Australia) with an initial grant that covered machinery, tools and materials for the Museum, given the heritage value of the Fairey Battle in South Australia. Lest we forget. Photos of RAAF Fairey Battles courtesy of Australian War Memorial Digital Online Collection (Copyright expired, public domain).

09.01.2022 22 November 1942: RAAF Fairey Battle crashes near Port Pirie with loss of two aircrew Did you know that on this day in 1942, a RAAF Fairey Battle of No 2 Bombing and Gunnery School crashed near Port Pirie with the loss of two aircrew? On this day in 1942 SGT a RAAF Fairey Battle (L5760) of No 2 Bombing and Gunnery School was on an afternoon sortie towing a target for a gunnery training mission. Flying at only 300ft, the aircraft entered a turn when it suddenly stalled and div...ed into the ground about 3 miles west of the airfield killing its two aircrew, SGT Stanley Scholz and Aircraftman Douglas Thomson. SGT Scholz, the son of Charles William Albert and Elsie Scholz, was born in Angaston in September 1917. Studying chemistry, he enlisted in the RAAF as an airmen pilot in Adelaide in July 1941 and after completing pilot training was posted to No 2 Bombing and Gunnery School, Port Pirie. Aircraftman Thomson was born in Broken Hill in 1919 and had enlisted in Perth in May 1942 as an aircraft hand. At the time of the accident, his mother, Mrs Ruby Thompson lived in Kilkenny, South Australia. Both SGT Scholz and AC1 Thomson were buried in Commonwealth War Graves at the Port Pirie Cemetery. They are two of 22 RAAF airmen buried in war graves in the Port Pirie Cemetery. Established in mid 1941, RAAF Station Port Pirie hosted several training units including No 2 Bombing and Gunnery School and No 3 Air Observer School (3AOS). The fatal accident on 22 November was the third of nine fatal accidents at Port Pirie and the second in three months involving No 2 Bombing and Gunnery School. From 1941 to 1945, there were nine fatal accidents resulting in the deaths of 22 airmen from aircraft operating from the airfield. Tragically, 13 of the 22 airmen were aged 18 or 19 years old with the remainder being in the 20’s. Such was the risks young airmen endured under training during World War 2. Lest we forget. Image of RAAF Fairy Battle aircraft courtesy of Nigel Daw. Image of Port Pirie War Cemetery and plaque from Air Force Association (South Australia) collection.

09.01.2022 Our friends at the Sir Richard Williams RAAF Centenary Celebrations in Moonta are attempting to raise funds to have a Sir Richard Williams Park Sculpture erected at Moonta, South Australia, the birth place of Air Marshal Sir Richard Williams. Williams was the first military trained pilot in Australia, commanded 1 Squadron AFC in World War 1 and was instrumental in the establishment and development of the RAAF between the wars. He is often referred to as the Father of the RAAF. If you would like to help this good cause to honour one of the most significant figures in the history of the RAAF, please contact the Sir Rchard Williams Celebration Team at Moonta through their below facebook page.

08.01.2022 19 November 1941: Six 9 Squadron members, including the South Australian pilot/Det CDR, perish in the sinking of HMAS Sydney Did you know that on this day in 1941, six RAAF members of No 9 Squadron perished in the sinking of the HMAS Sydney when the ship engaged the German raider Komoran off Western Australia? No. 9 Fleet Co-operation Squadron was formed in January 1939 operating mainly Seagull and Walrus aircraft from Commonwealth warships operating in the Mediterranean Sea,... the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. 9 Squadron detachments were involved in many historic naval battles during WW2 losing aircraft and personnel in actions including the sinkings of HMAS Sydney, Perth and Canberra. When HMAS Sydney, a light cruiser, joined a Royal Navy cruiser squadron in the Mediterranean Sea, a 9SQN Seagull and then Walrus was used to spot for HMAS Sydney naval bombardment. HMAS Sydney then returned to Australia with the 9 SQN Detachment to protect Australia’s maritime sea lanes from German commerce raiders. Late in the afternoon of 19 November 1941, the HMAS Sydney clashed with the German commerce raider Kormoran 250 kilometres off Geraldton, WA, resulting in the sinking of both vessels. After sighting and giving chase to the unidentified ship (the German was disguised as a Dutch freighter), the captain of Sydney apparently prepared to launch his Walrus amphibian aircraft (A2-L2177) in anticipation of possible combat. The aircraft, operated by a six-man detachment drawn from No 9 Squadron of the RAAF, was observed to be still sitting on its catapult platform with its engine running as the distance between the ships closed to barely 1500 metres. As soon as the two ships engaged each other at 1730 hours, the aircraft was quickly destroyed by the fifth salvo from the German raider in a direct hit. The RAAF personnel were among the 645 personnel lost when Sydney sank early on 20 November. The RAAF personnel lost included FLGOFF Raymond Barrey (pilot), a South Australian from Grange who enlisted in the RAAF in Adelaide, SA, in April 1940. He attended No 1 Elementary Flying Training School at Parafield, South Australia, before completing No 1 Service flying Training School at Point Cook. He completed seaplane conversion from Dec 40 to Feb 41 before being married in Feb 41 and then posted to 9 SQN for duties flying the Walrus seaplane with the Royal Australian Navy. The other 9SQN personnel lost in the sinking were: - SGT Sidney Marley (aircrew) - CPL Arthur Clark (groundstaff) - CPL Roy Foster (Mechanic) - LAC Richard Dodds (fitter and turner) - LAC Keith Homard (ground staff) A LCDR Jack Bacon (observer of the Royal Navy) was also attached to the HMAS Sydney 9SQN detachment and also perished in the sinking. Lest we forget Photos of 9SQN Walrus operating from HMAS Sydney courtesy of Australian War Memorial Digital Online Collection (Copyright expired, public domain).

06.01.2022 26 June 1943: All South Australian Beaufort Crew of No 7 Squadron shoot down Japanese Jake aircraft Did you know that on this day in 1943, an all South Australian crew of a No 7 Squadron RAAF Beaufort aircraft achieved the rare instance of shooting down a Japanese Jake Float plane? The aircraft was conducting a routine reconnaissance patrol over the Torres Straits when the radar operator reported a contact. After several minutes of searching, the crew identified a Japanese Ja...ke floatplane 4nm to their port. The pilot, FLGOFF Peter Hopton, turned towards the Jake and climbed from 1,500ft to the Jakes altitude of 4,000ft carefully positioning the Beaufort in behind the Jake. At about 200 yards, the pilot opened fire resulting in the Jake diving into the sea and exploding on impact. The Japanese aircraft was successfully engaged and destroyed with complete surprise. It was the first successful aerial victory for 7 SQN, a general reconnaissance / bomber / anti-submarine squadron equipped with the Beaufort, a medium range bomber. FLGOFF Hopton was later awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for this and other actions including flying over 70 sorties with 7 SQN. The Citation read "As captain and pilot of a Beaufort aircraft he has participated in 71 sorties and has at all times displayed outstanding skill, initiative and resourcefulness in performing these hazardous and continuous patrols under very trying conditions of restricted visibility, low ceilings, and tropical storms." Born in Burra, South Australia, in 1920, he enlisted in the RAAF in March 1941. Surviving service in WW2, he passed away in 1997. The three other South Australians in the crew were FLGOFF Walters (Navigator, Victor Harbour, SA), FLGOFF Salter (Wireless Operator/Gunner, Blanchetown, SA) and FSGT Stoner (Wireless operator/gunner, Wayville, SA). Like Hopton, all three member survived the war. Image of the successful all South Australian aircrew (Left to right: Flying Officer Basil Waters, 416024 Flying Officer Peter Phillip Adrian Hopton, captain, Flying Officer Burk Salter and Ron Stoner) who short down a Jake floatplane courtesy of Australian War Memorial Digital Online Collection (Copyright Expired, Public Domain).

06.01.2022 6 October 1966: Six RAAF Iroquois participate in OP CANBERRA Did you know that between 6 and 10 October in 1966, six 9 Squadron Iroquois helicopters participated in OP CANBERRA flying mission critical resupply and dust-off sorties in Vietnam? OP CANBERRA was a 5th Battalion, Royal Australian Regimen (5RAR), search and destroy operation intended to secure a route in the Nui Dinh Mountains north of Vung Tau in South Vietnam. During the operation, six 9 Squadron Iroquois’s inser...ted and extracted Australian Special Air Service Regiment and 5RAR elements and provided near continuous critical resupply of ammunition, food and water to the them while they were fighting in rugged terrain where helicopters proved to be the only means of access. The Iroquois also provided vital dust-off missions (aeromedical evacuation) for the 5RAR elements. The sorties were short range missions flying into mountainous terrain unloading ammunition and supplies on to tiny LZ's just created by 5RAR elements. In two days alone, the RAAF Iroquois flew more than 400 sorties and over 2,000 mortar rounds for use by a Mortar Platoon that had an enemy force pinned down along a ridge line. In his 2019 released book released Answering the Call, a personal account of his experience as a 9 Squadron pilot in Vietnam, Bob Grandin recalls how he conducted 40 missions alone on 6 October inserting Army elements and equipment. Imagery of 9 Squadron Iroquois loading and unloading during OP CANBERRA courtesy of Australian War Memorial Digital Online Collection (Copyright expired, Public domain).

04.01.2022 6 December 1942: 464 Squadron conducts its first operational mission in Operation OYSTER Did you know that the first ever 464 Squadron (RAAF) operational mission was a strike against the Phillips radio factory in the Netherlands as part of Operation OYSTER? No 464 Squadron (RAAF) was formed at RAF Feltwell on 1 September 1942 as an Article XV Squadron under the Empire Air Training Scheme. Although a RAAF squadron, it comprised members from many other Commonwealth nations i...ts first CO, WGCDR Ronald Young, was from South Africa. The squadron was initially equipped with the Lockheed Ventura a medium bomber. On this day in 1942, only three months after it was established, 464 Squadron conducted its first ever operational mission participating in a mass daylight raid against the Phillips radio factory at Eindoven, Netherlands. The factory produced electronics equipment for radio communications but was also involved in research for radar and infrared technology. Called Operation OYSTER, the ambitious raid required almost all of the operational day bombers of RAF No 2 Group to participate. 14 crews / Ventura aircraft of 464 Squadron participated in the raid. Eindhoven was beyond the range of any available fighter escort so the raid was flown at low level and in clear weather conditions. Bombing was accurate and severe damage was caused to two factories in the complex which was situated in the middle of the town. As the raid was deliberately carried out on a Sunday, there were few casualties in the factory but several bombs fell in nearby streets resulting in the death of almost 150 Dutch civilians and German soldiers. The strike was a major success with high accuracy bombing destroying key parts of the factory bringing production to a standstill. WGCDR Young was awarded a Distinguished Service order for his role in planning and leading the operation. Unfortunately, for 464 squadron, three aircraft were shot down by flak after they flew over a nearby airfield on the ingress resulting in the deaths of two four man crews and the capture of another crew. Photos of 464 SQN Ventura’s and the strike on the Phillips factory courtesy of Australian War Memorial Digital Online Collection (Copyright expired, public domain).

04.01.2022 29 June 1944: First pilot of 460 SQN G for George Lancaster killed in action flying his 73rd mission in a Mosquito aircraft Did you know that on this day in 1944, the pilot who flew the first 13 missions with the famous No 460 Squadron G for George Lancaster aircraft was killed in combat on another tour in a Bomber Command squadron? FLGOFF James Saint-Smith, DFM DFC, was born on 29th December 1917 in Singleton, New South Wales. He enlisted in the RAAF in January 1941 in Sydne...Continue reading

03.01.2022 28 November 1914: The first pilot course conducted at Point Cook graduates including South Australian CAPT Richard Williams Did you know that on this day in 1914, the first pilot course conducted at Point Cook graduated? On 17 August 1914, the first pilot course conducted at Central Flying School, Point Cook commenced. Comprising four students, the course comprised Captain Thomas White, Captain (later Air Marshal Sir Richard) Williams, Lieutenant George Merz and Lieutenant D...Continue reading

02.01.2022 10 October 1944: 31 Squadron Beaufighter pilot awarded a DFC for leading an attack against Japanese forces on this day Did you know that on this day in 1944, SQNLDR Reg Gordon led a formation of six Beaufighters in an attack on Japanese forces that earned him the Distinguished Flying Cross? SQNLDR Reginald Lloyd Gordon was one of the leading Beaufighter aces in the southwest pacific campaign. He was born in July 1917 and grew up in Sydney before enlisting in the RAAF in Janua...Continue reading

02.01.2022 20 November 1917: 2 Squadron (AFC) distinguishes itself in the Battle of Cambrai Did you know that 2 Squadron (AFC) distinguished itself in the Battle of Cambrai on the Western Front in World War 1? Noting that no Australian ground troops fought in the Battle of Cambrai and that today, the battle is more remembered for the use of tanks, the distinguished performance of No 2 Squadron (AFC) in the battle is all too much overlooked. ...Continue reading

01.01.2022 5 October 1930: SQNLDR William Palstra MC, a WW1 veteran and RAAF Officer destined for bright future, perishes in British airship disaster Did you know that on this day in 1930, SQNLDR William Palstra MC, a WW1 veteran and RAAF Officer destined for a bright future, perished in a British airship disaster? William Palstra was born in Holland in October 1891 and after living both in Belgium and the Transvaal, immigrated with his family to Australia becoming a Salvation Army Off...Continue reading

01.01.2022 25 November 1953: 34SQN Bristol Freighter crashes at Mallala with loss of three crew including one South Australian Did you know that on this day in 1953, a 34SQN Bristol Freighter crashed at Mallala with the loss of its three crew? The Bristol Freighter was the first British transport aircraft of the post World War 2 era. Its versatility was significant with the front clam door design which allowed large freight including vehicles to enter the aircraft from its front under ...the cockpit. The RAAF acquired four aircraft for general transport duties in the post war period. No 34 Squadron, a World War 2 squadron that was re-established at Mallala in South Australia in 1948, was the only RAAF flying squadron to operate the aircraft; the RAAF Air Trials Unit being the other. On this day in 1953, 34 SQN Bristol Freighter A81-2 took off from RAAF Mallala at 1300hrs on an Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) training flight. Near the end of the flight as the aircraft was entering the airfield’s pattern, the port mainplane suddenly separated from the fuselage inducing the aircraft into a catastrophic spin. The aircraft spiraled out of control into a wheat field 2 miles from the Base killing all three crew. The crash set the wheat field ablaze and the RAAF Mallala fire crews had to extinguish the field fire to reach the crash site. The port wing was subsequently found 1.5 miles from the crash site. The RAAF grounded the remaining three Bristol Freighters which returned to service in early 1954 following wing structure inspections and limitations placed on maneuvers during training flights. Subsequent investigations traced the problem to fatigue failure in the wing root ends and main spar structure; Bristol Aviation Services at Bankstown, NSW, removed the wings of the RAAF Bristol aircraft and modifications made. Perishing in the accident were: FLTLT John Drew Entwistle, pilot, FLGOFF Leonard Murphy, pilot (who had served in World War 2), and FLGOFF Donald Shillinglaw, navigator. The three members were buried with a service funeral at Adelaide’s Centennial Park Cemetery on 27 Nov 1953. FLTLT Entwistle was a South Australian born in Adelaide in 1919 growing up in the Mitcham area and educated at St Peters College. Enlisting on 8 March 1940, he served with 22 SQN and 31 SQN during World War 2. With 31 SQN, he flew Beaufighters on low level attack missions against Japanese forces north of Australia and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in 1944. He discharged from the RAAF in 1946 only to rejoin in 1950. After the war, he joined the Air Force Association (South Australia) and was its Vice-President for two years prior to the accident. Tragically, Entwistle and Murphy survived operational service during World War 2 only to perish in a peacetime flying accident caused by structural fatigue failure in an aircraft. Lest we forget. Images courtesy of AWM and Nigel Daw Collection.

01.01.2022 In mid December, our Air Force Association (South Australia) State Council reviewed and updated our Strategic Plan on a Page for the coming new year.