The exhibition will span the century using personal stories of individuals to reveal the broader lived experience of RAAF personnel.
Two years before the outbreak of the Great War Australia began to train military aviators at the Central Flying School.
Military aviation proved its worth during that war and, from the lessons learned, Australian veterans recommended the creation of an air force. In 1921 Australia was among the first nations to create an independent branch of its defence forces dedicated to military aviation.
Over the past century Australian aviators, have proved themselves in the air in war and peace. On the ground Royal Australian Air Force personnel have been innovators in surveillance and detection as well as the logistics and technical support to keep ‘planes in the air.
At its height, during the Second World War, the RAAF became the fourth largest air force of any combatant nation.
In the 21st century the RAAF is a state-of-the-art force and a vital part of the tri-service defence of Australia.
The Royal Australian Air Force Association have captured the recollections and experiences of retired and serving Air Force personnel in a series of Ad Astra Aviator Podcasts. Listen now at raafansw.org.au/resources.php.
