Showing 164 items
matching raaf base
-
Bendigo Military Museum
Equipment - GAS MASK, Mask: 27.6.1941; Canister: 21.11.1941
Item re Frederick Gardner DAVEY DFC No 410533 RAAF. Refer Reg No 3536P for his service details.Gas mask with brown cloth covering & rubber face cover. 2 circular, clear, glass eye pieces with threaded mounts. Mask is secured to head with black elasticized straps. Metal breathing plate is attached to a red metal canister via a black ribbed rubber tube. Side port on LHS face mask. Port is covered with a black cap. Printed on head straps: No 4 MK(2) 6/41 PAT. Nos 296463 & 305080 Printed in black under chin & face mask: ? L(above)2 ? & Co. SMAL SPEC (?) T.MIC LOT No 198 ? 27/6/41 Stamped on top of canister: Z 21/11/41 AT Stamped on canister base: No 4A M 1941 U6 EVIequipment, gas, masks, military -
Bendigo Military Museum
Uniform - COAT, SERVICE DRESS, RAAF, c1944
... goldfields COAT, SERVICE DRESS, RAAF Uniform Dress Coat - navy blue ..." Garnet William Charles JACKSON' No. 50970, Enlisted 23/02/1942, Age 28 years. Discharged 18/01/1946. Rank of Flight Sgt in No.73 Operational Base Unit.Dress Coat - navy blue colour, cotton twill fabric, navy blue and beige cotton lining to shoulders and sleeves. Full belt with bakelite and metal buckle. Buttons - black colour bakelite with metal shank. Emblazoned with the Kings Crown and a wedge tailed eagle in flight. WW2. Propellor on sleeves - Leading Aircraftsman. Red stripes on sleeve - years of overseas service.Maker's label - black ink print on label " V93/Made in/ Australia/1944/ Size ".uniform, raaf, ww2, jacket -
Bendigo Military Museum
Memorabilia - PROPELLOR, 1940-45
Item belonged to Robert James Tibbett No 148003 90th Operational Base unit R.A.A.F. He enlisted on 22.3.44 in the RAAF age 22 years. At discharge he held the rank of LAC at Central Flying School on 18.3.46. Refer 489.Carved wooden propeller, stained made from 2 different woods pressed together, dark & light. Base is the same. On face of propellor is an "RAAF" badge on a round piece of stained wood,military history - souvenirs, numismatics - badges - military - raaf, metalcraft -
Bendigo Military Museum
Equipment - THEODOLITE, c.1930 - 1940
Item belonged to Maxwell Lennox MATHESON 418447 RAAF. Refer Cat No1959 for his service history. The two items were put together to make a home made Theodolite.Metal, glass construction consisting of an eye piece from a bomb sight eye piece with several adjustments fitted to an ASTRO Compass MKII and rotates on a base"AM ASTRO Compass MKII Ref 6A/1174 3.C"surveying-terrestrial, compass -
Bendigo Military Museum
Equipment - VENTURI, AIRCRAFT, c. 1939 - 45
Item belonged to Maxwell Lennox Matheson No 418447 RAAF. Refer Cat No1959 for his service record.This device was mounted outside of aircraft, in air stream, generating a vacuum. L = 27 cm. Air tube and coupling at base. Manufactures plaque states "Type B-4 plus misc numbers."venturi, equipment aircraft -
Bendigo Military Museum
Equipment - LEATHER POUCH & CONTENTS, Naval Aviation Training Division, c.WWII
Items relate to Clifford Alfred Cairncross, joined the RAAF on 4.6.1942 No 56931 age 28 years. At discharge on 16.4.1946 he held the rank of LAC in No 40 Operational Base unit..1) Map of ocean curents & surface winds west pacific area - on silk fabric (Nov - Apr). .2) Heliograph mirror & foresight, glass & metal with printed instructions on mirror back. .3) Cotton pouch to hold heliograph. .4) 1 Pair black leather large pilot's gloves .5) 1 Pair brown leather pilot's gloves .6) Aircraft recognition US Navy book .7) Brown leather document pouchdocuments - maps, costume accessories, glove accessories, communications - signals, containers, books - reference -
Bendigo Military Museum
Headwear - CAP, RAAF
See also Cat No No 2348Cap, RAAF grey/blue with gilded white metal Training Corps insignia on left side. Insignia is in form of a circle & bar with an eagle with outstretched wings perched centrally at base of circle. Label inside stamped with details of type & size & handwritten in red ink is owner's name & service no. Black petersham hat band sewn round inner bottom edge.Label: “JAMES, P A, Service No 119699”uniforms - airforce, headwear, forage -
Frankston RSL Sub Branch
Trench Art, 1940s
Miniature model of a WW2 era Lockheed P-38 Lightning twin engine aircraft mounted on a bakelite base. The aircraft is supported by a central, chromed bullet vertically mounted on the bakelite base to form a stand. The plane and central support have been made from chromed metal materials. The RAAF was equipped with a small number of these aircraft, commencing in 1942, which were used for front line photographic reconnaissance duty. The first version of the Lockheed P-38 was introduced in 1941 by the USA Lockheed aircraft company as a heavy fighter.Nilplane, trench art, p-38, lightning, lockheed, lockheed lightning, souvenir -
Frankston RSL Sub Branch
Trench Art
Made by Cpl. Charlie Dawes 116777 R.A.A.F from parts got while serving at Goodenough and Thursday Isalnds WW2Miniature model of a WW2 era Lockheed P-38 Lightning twin engine aircraft mounted on a trench art ashtray made from various used munitions. This model was made during WW2 by Corporal Cyril 'Charlie' Dawes, RAAF service number 116777, from parts found whilst serving at Goodenough and Thursday Islands in the Torres Strait. The aircraft is supported by a 0.50 inch calibre bullet fixed to the inside of a section of an artillery case which forms the base. The base has three 0.303 inch calibre bullets attached vertically around the circumference and a metal matchbox holder with a RAAF hat badge insignia attached to the front. The items have been made from chromed metal materials. The RAAF was equipped with a small number of these aircraft, commencing in 1942, which were used for front line photographic reconnaissance duty. The first version of the Lockheed P-38 was introduced in 1941 by the USA Lockheed aircraft company as a heavy fighter.RAAF chrome cap badge (WW2 era with the kings crown)plane, trench art, ashtray -
Frankston RSL Sub Branch
Souvenir Ashtray
Miniature model of a WW2 era Avro Anson twin engine aircraft mounted on an ashtray. The aircraft is supported by a curved arm attached to the circular ashtray base. The base has a small metal RAAF 'winged eagle' insignia attached to the front edge. The items have been made from chromed metal materials. The RAAF was equipped with Avro Anson aircraft in the late 1930 period prior to WW2. These aircraft were used by the RAAF for general and maritime reconnaissance and training throughout WW2 and into the early 1950s. The first version of the Avro Anson was developed in 1935 by the British Avro aircraft company.Chromed metal RAAF 'winged eagle' insignia on the front edge of the base.plane, trench art, ashtray, aircraft, souvenir, avro anson -
Frankston RSL Sub Branch
Compass, Astro
A World War 2 era W. W. Boes and Co. MKll astro compass typically used as an aviation navigation aid. It is manufactured from aluminum with black enamel finish. An astro compass is a navigational tool used to determine true north from the position of the sun or astronomical bodies. These are used in circumstances where magnetic compasses and gyrocompasses are unreliable, for example in the presence of magnetic field anomalies (such as polar regions, ships hulls, aircraft hulls, etc.). Nameplate on the base reads "ASTRO-COMPASS MK II / The W.W. BOES CO. / DAYTON, OHIO, USA"compass, astro compass, navigation, aeronautical, raaf, raf, ww2, -
Frankston RSL Sub Branch
Tablets, Atabrine, ca 1940s
Unusual World War ll souvenir consisting of a small bottle containing a number of "Atabrine" tablets which has been mounted on a wooden base. These were originally issued to RAAF Leading Aircraftman, Frederick Charles Carey, service number 116991. "Atabrine" was extensively used as a preventative measure to protect servicemen serving in tropical areas from Malarial infection. "Atabrine" is a proprietary name for "Mepacrine" which was one of the first substitutes for "Quinine" a naturally occurring Malaria preventative. Larger doses of "Quinine" and "Atabrine" is also used to treat the effects of Malaria. The wooden base of this item has a label with the following inscription: "W.W.II ATABRINE", "THE S-W PACIFIC SERVICEMAN'S ANTI-MALARIAL TREATMENT", "F. CAREY", the bottle has a label with the following handwritten note: "Attabrine? tablets Malaria F Carey"tablet, atabrine, malaria, tropics, tropical, new guinea, papua -
Greensborough Historical Society
Photograph - Digital image, Marilyn Smith et al, Janefield Precinct: Old shed base, outline, spoon drain and post holes, 27/11/2014
Janefield Precinct: Old shed base, outline, spoon drain and post holes. The remains of this site are between Greensborough and Janefield. A RAAF Hygiene Training Camp was located on the Plenty River, just south of the Janefield community. It was in use from 1944 to 1946. The Camp was constructed from salvaged materials. Instruction included building and maintenance of grease traps, latrines, elementary plumbing and carpentry.Early remains of a WW2 training camp 4 Digital colour photographs. -
Greensborough Historical Society
Photograph - Digital image, Marilyn Smith et al, Janefield Precinct: World War 2 era concrete shed base, sump and raised edge, 27/11/2014
Janefield Precinct: World War 2 era concrete shed base, sump and raised edge. The remains of this site are between Greensborough and Janefield. A RAAF Hygiene Training Camp was located on the Plenty River, just south of the Janefield community. It was in use from 1944 to 1946. The Camp was constructed from salvaged materials. Instruction included building and maintenance of grease traps, latrines, elementary plumbing and carpentry.Early remains of a WW2 training camp Digital colour photograph.janefield -
Warrnambool RSL Sub Branch
Skirt, 1940s
This skirt belonged to Joan Elizabeth Peck who served with the Royal Australian Air Force in the Second World War. Joan was born on 27 July 1919 in Acton England and enlisted in Echuca on the 6 January 1943. At the time of her discharge from the RAAF in 1945, Joan was serving as an Aircraftwoman with the 2 Air Observers School in Mount Gambier. Throughout the war, the Mt Gambier base operated under the Empire Air Training Scheme.This skirt was donated by the owner, Joan Peck, and has significant provenance. The inscriptions throughout facilitate significant research ability, though records are not publicly accessible and digitised at this time. Joan Peck’s uniform is also significant as an item of social history, revealing the role of local women in the home front war effort. Light khaki coloured skirt in cotton fabric. A-line skirt constructed of four panels with two darts on the back and two pockets on the front (as per photograph in Supplementary File). Side fastening on the left side with a series of four steel hook and eye fasteners. Two fasteners on the back waistband which are tightened by pulling through two steel rings. Peach-cream coloured bias binding on interior of hem. Label attached to the interior waistband of the skirt back, to the left and right of which is a handwritten inscription.Waistband label reads: “V298/MADE IN/AUSTRALIA/1942/SIZE PECK” Inscription handwritten on waistband interior: “105135.” To the right of the interior label: “J. E. PECK”skirt, uniform, second world war, royal australian air force, world war ii, women -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Photograph, 14/9/1943
Crew of "M" for Mother, a Lancaster aircraft belonging to No. 467 Squadron RAAF in Bomber Command. The Squadron is based at RAF Station Waddington, and this crew is just preparing to take off on a raid over Berlin. Left to right: 417035 Flight Sergeant (Flt Sgt, later Flying Officer [FO]) John Warrington Scott of Ballarat, Victoria; 413558 Flt Sgt (later FO) George Edward Erickson of Sydney, NSW; 412890 Flt Sgt (later Flight Lieutenant [Flt Lt]) Albert Reginald Thomas Boys of Sydney, NSW; 11615 Sergeant (later Flt Sgt) Charles Edward Adair of Swan Hills, NSW (lost on operations over Germany on 23 September 1943); 414407 Flt Sgt (later Flt Lt) Bertram Raymond Jones of Wyandra, Queensland; 400444 Flt Sgt (later Flt Lt) John Hudson Wilkinson, (later Distinguished Flying Cross), (bending down) of Rutherglen, Victoria (lost on operations over Europe on 30 August 1944); Sgt E L Tull, RAF. From collection of photographs and cuttings dedicated to the memory of WILKINSON JOHN HUDSON : Service Number - 400444 : Date of birth - 18 Feb 1914 : Place of birth - RUTHERGLEN VIC : Place of enlistment - MELBOURNE : Next of Kin - WILKINSON HUDSON. The crew of “M for Mother”, a Lancaster bomber from 467 Squadron, preparing to take off on a raid over Berlin. John Wilkinson is standing at far right. Wilkinson was awarded the distinguished flying cross in March 1944 and tragically killed in action over Germany in August 1944. black and white photograph of seven airmen in front of Lancaster bomber planeRear of photograph - John Wilkinson on right standing behind man bent over pilot, kia, killed in action, dfc, distinguished flying cross, wwii, world war two, air force, lancaster, 1944 -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Souvenir - Cartridges, St Louis Ordnance Plant, 1942
The headstamp on these cartridges indicates they were manufactured in 1942 at the St Louis Ordnance Plant in Missouri USA. They were souvenired and engraved by Australian servicemen in New Guinea during WW2. All five cartridges are engraved with RAAF and Dutch New Guinea with one having additional engraving of Hollandia, Nadzab and Merauke. They belonged to 285492 Maurice Gerard HENDERSON born 21/9/1899 who enlisted at the age of 40 and served with the RAAF during WW2. He was deployed on 26/5/1944 with 113 FCU to Merauke in New Guinea.No. 13 Fighter Sector Headquarters was formed at Garbutt airfield on 16 Apr 1943. They embarked from Cairns, Queensland on 27 Jun 1943 and disembarked at Merauke on 2 Jul 1943. The Unit was renamed as No.113 Fighter Control Unit (113 FCU) on 7 Mar 1944. They moved to Townsville on 25 Feb 1945. The Unit was finally disbanded on 22 Apr 1945.Five white metal cartridges with round base tampered to a pointed top.Headstamp - SL 42 Engraved - RAAF Dutch New Guinea raaf, ww2, cartridge sl42, new guinea -
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum
Badge, Thomas Ltd
Formerly possession of ex-RAAF serviceman flight lieutenant Ren Smith.Silver metal badge, oblong with a semi-circular base with gold lettering on a blue background, illustration of aeroplane in centre, above shaped to represent wings, in centre. Piece, coloured, blue is the word "Fairey" in silver. Horseshoe-like pin.Fairey Sports + recreation club.raaf, ren smith -
Ballarat Base Hospital Trained Nurses League
Phyllis Marie Goodwin - Military Photo - Panarama - WW11
Hard copy - Panaramagoodwin, military, nurses, ww11, concord, repatriation, hospital, army, raaf, aamws, red cross, physiotherapists -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Plaque
Hand made plaque commemorating 22 Repair and Servicing Unit RAAF 1943-45Rectangular timber top mounted on timber base which has inscription in gold coloured paint.This silver poplar is dedicated to 22 Repair and Servicing Unit, RAAF 1943-45 The unit serviced aircraft and transport in South West Pacific area, New Guinea, Cape Gloucester, Noemfoor, Morotaia, and Labuan LEST WE FORGET 22 R.S.U. Nazab, Cape Gloucester, Noemfoor, Morotai, Brunei Bay.22 repair and servicing unit raaf 1943-45, ww2 -
Ballarat RSL Sub-Branch Inc.
Badge - RSL, Swann & Hudson
This object relates to Hugh Forrester BETHUNE. He was born on 15/11/1924 in Sydney, NSW. Hugh Forrester served in the RAAF (430155) enlisting on, 01/01/1943 in Unknown before being discharged from duties with the 9 AIRCREW HOLDING UNIT as a RAAF Non-Commissioned Warrant Officer (WOFF) on 26/02/1946. Hugh Forrester BETHUNE was not a prisoner of war. Hugh Bethune was awarded the 1939-1945 Star, Australia Service Medal 1939-1946, Defence Medal, France and Germany Star, War Medal 1939-1945. The RSL badge represents readiness to serve the crown, country and former comrades. It can be purchased however it should only be worn by returned service personnel.Metallic badge with enamel sections depicting a white shield with a red and gold coloured crown and the number "95" at the head of the shield. In the top corners of the shield are images of a leek, rose, thistle and shamrock. An image of a red ribbon with the words "Australia" is at the base of the shield. In the centre of the shield is a blue circle with the words "Returned Services League", encircling an image of three servicemen in gold coloured relief.Inscriptions on the back: "V Property of League Swann & Hudson Vic." "91382" And another inscription that is partly obscured and includes "Bad.....ns" ballarat, ballarat rsl, badge, returned services leage badge, rsl badge, uniforms -
Bendigo Military Museum
Map - MAP of PUCKAPUNYAL, RAAF et al, 1958
... to Cat 5547, Matheson. Puckapunyal Army base Military Training ...Refer to Cat 5547, Matheson.This is a large map, printed in colour on one side only. Scale 1:25,999. The grid squares are 1000 x 1000 metres. it shows the camp, ranges and bush areas used by the military.This map is covered in a large number of added colour shadings, nav lines, airstrips and circles.puckapunyal army base, military training, map -
Bendigo Military Museum
Photograph - PHOTOGRAPH, FRAMED, Vincent Kelly
IAN ALFRED (Joe) LYONS MBE Born 16.2.1915 in Bendigo enlisted in the RAAF aged 25 years on 27.5.1940, No 400095. Starting in the ranks as an LAC, he rose to Flt/Sgt pre-embarkation. He embarked for the Middle East on 2.11.1941before dis-embarking to serve with No 3 Sqd RAAF. During heavy action on 8.1.1942, his plane was forced down due to engine damage. It landed in an enemy minefield and when it came to a halt, its wheels were straddling a mine. After being rescued by a British officer, dozens of mines were located and dug up. On return, some 15 miles from base, the vehicle Lyons was travelling in hit a mine (on 9.1.1942), resulting in 5 KIA or WIA. Lyons spent 2 weeks in hospital with severe concussion and deafness. Lyons the embarked for Australia on 11.3.1942 before disembarking on 18.4.1942. He was posted to Townsville with 82nd Sqd on 27.6.1944. Subsequently he was posted to Noemfoor Island on 21.9.1944 as Operational with 82nd Sqd and promoted to Flt/Lt (Temp.) on 3.1.1945. On 6.1.1945 he was posted to 77Sqd as Operational on Morotai. This deployment ended on 9.7.1945. Records show that he flew 26 Strike/Attack missions and 13 others with both squadrons. Post WW2, Lyons remained with the RAAF with a new service number (033072). On 2.2.1948 he was posted to Japan before returning to Australia on 28.8.1948, apparently for medical reasons. He was appointed Flt/Lt on 23.9.1948 before returning to JApan and Korea on 22.8.1950. He was awarded an MBE as Operations Officer with 77Sqd for 'Outstanding enthusiasm and energy at 3 Korean bases'. A US Bronze Star was awarded to Lyons for 'Distinguished and meritorious service as Operations Officer in Korea during the period 14.10.1950 to 17.2.1951'. After Korea, Lyons received a number of posting from Victoria to Western Australia. He was awarded the Air Efficiency Medal in 1964. At his own request, Flt/Lt Ian Alfred 'Joe' Lyons MBE, retired from the RAAF HQ OP COM on 15.12.1967. The photograph is part of the Ian A. 'Joe' Lyons MBE Collection.Framed hand tinted colour head and shoulders photograph of a man in an RAAF uniform. The photograph is bordered with a light brown matt. THe wooden frome is painted white and gold. A white printed label bearing the name of the man is located below the photograph. Clear perspex covers the photograph. The photographer's name also appears below the photograph. The rear of the frame is covered in brown paper secured with masking tape. Two eyes and white cord are attached for hanging purposes.Handwritten in black below the photograph: 'VINCENT KELLY, Bendigo'.raaf uniform, photograph, flight lieutenant ian a. lyons -
Bendigo Military Museum
Equipment - AIR CAMERA ACCESSORY, Williamson Mfg. Co. Ltd
This Gear box universal, with its Cone assembly ( inc lens) in conjunction with Magazine 500 exposures unit ( see CAT 5561) is part of the F22 aerial camera assembly. As an assembly, the type F22 aerial camera came into RAF and RAAF service c1942. It was used by the RAF over Europe and by the RAAF extensively through the Sth. West Pacific area of operations, during WW2. This type of camera was used through the Vietnam war up to the early 1980's. The F22 camera assembly when mounted in the reliable Canberra aircraft, did aerial survey work in PNG, Indonesia, Malaysia and Sumatra and the Australian mainland. This type of camera was used in Spitfires, Mosquitos, Avro Lincolns and Canberra aircraft.Heavy, metal construction. The base is a rectangular box shape and mounted to that is a funnel shaped tube. Inside the tube are numerous small baffles around the sides painted matte black. The box has a 7 pin electrical connector. The box section can be opened by releasing catches. It has a timber base. Near the mouth of the tube, outside, is a panel with a slot and indentations F5.6 F8 F11 F16.There is a tape label near mouth if tube with writing embossed "LENS S/NO 2767849" The box has a label "GEARBOX/UNIVERSAL. MODEL 14A/4249 SERIAL No. 1685"aviation, reconnaisance, camera, photography -
Waverley RSL Sub Branch
Plaque H.M.A.S. Nirimba, H.M.A.S. Nirimba
HMAS Nirimba was a Royal Australian Navy (RAN) training base located at the former RAAF Station Schofields at Schofields, New South Wales, Australia. The University of Western Sydney, Nirimba Campus now occupy the site, which was also the scene of dress rehearsals for the 2000 Olympic Games opening ceremonyWooden Plaque 15cm x 13cm with insignia ofH.M.A.S. NirimbaH.M.A.S. Nirimba -
Waverley RSL Sub Branch
R.A.A.F. Long Service Medal
Awarded to Alan Bowers (A236814) who was a R.A.A.F. dental mechanic who serverd during WWII including service in Darwin, and then continued in the R.A.A.F. for some years after the end of WWII The Royal Australian Air Force (and all Commonwealth Air Forces) Long Service and Good Conduct Medal: Awarded to NCOs and ORs of the RAAF (RAF, RCAF etc) for 15 years service. A cupro-nickel plated medal, the obverse features the sovereign's head, the reverse features the crown and eagle emblem of the RAAF (and RAF). Officers are eligible for the award provided they have served a minimum 12 years in the ranks. The riband is dark blue and maroon with white edges. This medal ceased to be awarded in Australia in 1975 when it was replaced by the National Medal (and sbsequently the DFSM and DLSM) in the Australian system of honours and awards. http://www.heritagemedals.com.au/medals-1/service-long-service/air-force-long-service-and-good-conduct-medal.html History of the RAAF Dental Branch It took six years following the formation of the RAAF in 1921 for the first Dental Clinic to be established at Point Cook, Victoria. On 10th June 1927 Flying Officer James Carl Rosenbrock commenced work as an RAAF Dental Officer for the FlyingTraining School at Point Cook. As personnel numbers were still relatively small, Rosenbrock was also responsible for the dental care of all Victorian RAAF units, which involved treating members at 1AD Laverton, as well as Air Force Headquarters at Victoria Barracks in Melbourne. As Army Dental Officers were currently caring for RAAF personnel at Richmond, NSW, the Senior Dental Officer of the 3rd Military District in Victoria (SDO 3MD) requested through the military board that a similar arrangement be established, where that the newly appointed RAAF Dentist provide part time dental services to the Army units stationed at Queenscliff. This was seen as an effective reciprocal arrangement, with both units having a Dental Officer in attendance for, in total, around 3-4 weeks a year. Rosenbrock continued to serve as the sole RAAF Dental Officer until the middle of 1933, when the Air Board asked for his service to be terminated following ‘behaviour unbecoming of a RAAF officer'. He had borrowed several sums of money, of around 40 Pounds or so, from junior ranks on base (as well as from the Regimental Sergeant Major) and had failed to pay the money back. He was replaced by a fellow Victorian, FLGOFF Norman Henry Andrews, on the 18th Sep 1933, who went on to become our first Director of Dental Services, and was instrumental in establishing the organisations and conditions of the Branch that are still present today. Through a fair amount of persistence and hard work on the part of Norman Andrews, the RAAF Dental Branch began to expand from 1937, with the introduction of 2 additional positions, at RAAF station Richmond, and at the FlyingTraining School at Point Cook. This gave the RAAF 3 uniformed Dental Officers, which was expanded to 5 in the months leading up to WW2. 4 of these Dental Officers were based in Victoria and 1 at Richmond, with the other two RAAF units being cared for by the Army (as in the case of Pearce in WA) or by civilians (as in Darwin). With the sudden increase in RAAF personnel required at the outbreak of WW2, the number of RAAF Dental Officers increased dramatically, from 5 in 1939, 28 in 1940, 64 in 1941, 147 in 1942, 193 in 1943, 219 in 1944, and peaking at 227 in 1945. RAAF Dental Officers were required to work in a variety of locations, both in and out of Australia. Between 1940 and 1942 a massive construction programme occurred, with new dental clinics being established around Australia. Priority was given to aircrew training units in order to get these personnel dentally fit for operational deployment, but Dental Officers could equally find themselves posted to recruit depots, fixed stations, medical clearance stations, mobile dental sections, and RAAF and civilian hospitals. RAAF Dental Officers were posted to the large dental centres at Ascot Vale (Vic) and Bradfield Park (NSW) when first appointed, where they received military and clinical training, before being deployed to their needed location. Mobile Dental Units When Japan entered the war in 1941, the rapid deployment of troops to northern operational areas with less than ideal dental fitness was extremely high. As a result, the RAAF deployed a range of mobile dental units, either alone or with medical sections, to support the increasing number of isolated deployed personnel within Australia and overseas. There were three types of mobile unit used: a. Mobile Dental Unit – relied on using either a semi-trailer to get around or by building a surgery directly on to the truck chassis, and installing hydraulic chairs, units, x-rays, and laboratory equipment. They were able to move around between small units, such as RAAF radar stations, where they could plug into the local power supply and work immediately. b. Transportable Dental Units – used for stops of longer duration, where field equipment was carried in panniers from one unit to another by road or rail and housed in whatever accommodation was available at the destination. They were often carried within Australia on Tiger Moths and Dakota aircraft. c. Itinerant Dental Units – in some areas, the dental equipment was installed at the RAAF unit and the Dental Officer and their staff would travel from unit to unit, using the equipment available at each location. RAAF Dental BadgeAs the war developed in Europe, it soon became obvious that the RAF Dental support was not capable of supporting the increasing numbers of RAAF aircrew that were being sent for service with the RAF, with only enough Dental Officers available to provide one to every 2000 men ( instead of the preferred 1 to 600). As a result, the RAAF provided a mobile dental unit, fitted out in a caravan and pulled by a Ford V8 Coupe, to travel around England in support of RAAF personnel at various squadrons. Some degree of tact was needed to ensure that the RAF did not take this as a comment on the treatment they were providing, but it proved successful in maintaining a satisfactory state of dental fitness in RAAF personnel, and a second mobile unit was soon dispatched. They were also set up with a laboratory on board as well as the surgery, which was a major difference between the RAF and RAAF, as the RAF did not provide dentures for their troops (the RAAF would, providing they had served for 6 years). In 1943 the RAF was no longer able to provide Dental support to Australian troops in the Middle East, which resulted in the need for a transportable dental unit to be deployed from Australia. It functioned in a similar manner to the RAF, by moving from one squadron to another. It served in the Middle East and Africa, from Cairo across North Africa, to Italy, and eventually back to England to treat returned prisoners of war. GPCAPT Norman Andrews The growth and development of the RAAF Dental Branch owes a debt to one man in particular, GPCAPT Norman Andrews. As the second RAAF Dental Officer to enlist on 18 Sep 1933, Andrews became the principal architect of the structure and organisation of the RAAF Dental Branch leading up to and during WW2. Until early 1940, the RAAF Dental Branch was administered by the Director of Medical Services (Air), which placed it under the control of the Army Medical staff. The Army would provide their Inspector of Dental Services for advice whenever needed. In April 1940, the RAAF Medical service separated from the Army, resulting in the control of the RAAF Dental Branch shifting back to the RAAF. Andrews became the first Director of Dental Services, when the position was created in 1943 as recognition of the higher profile the Dental Branch was now playing in the RAAF Medical service. Until this time, Andrews's title had been as the Dental Staff Officer to the RAAF Medical Service. Andrews was responsible for the establishment of the war-time structure of the Dental service, establishing new dental centres at all major bases, creating mobile and transportable dental units, ensuring the continual growth of the Branch, maintaining professional development of staff through the establishment of a professional journal, and by organising renowned lecturers to speak at RAAF bases. He also believed in visiting as many dental units as possible to see for himself what conditions were like and to talk first-hand to staff in remote units. His itinerary during the war years, both in and out of Australia, shows a large number of trips in a variety of modes of transport in order to reach remote areas where units were serving. He was promoted to GPCAPT in July 1944, as the numbers of Dental Officers soon peaked at 227 towards the end of the war (1 GPCAPT, 9 WGCDRs, 60 SQNLDRs, and 157 FLTLTs). After the war, with the reduction in RAAF personnel required in uniform, the Dental Branch also reduced its numbers significantly. By 1947 there were only 18 Dental Officers serving (many part-time), with 1 GPCAPT, 1 WGCDR, 10 SQNLDRs, and 6 FLTLTs, and only 13 by 1950. With the decrease in Branch personnel numbers, the ‘powers to be' saw fit to reduce the Director of Dental Service rank to WGCDR, and as a result Norman Andrews found that in order to continue serving in the RAAF he would have to wear a reduced rank. This appears to have been a contributing factor in his decision to discharge at the relatively early age of 43 and accept an administrative job as Director of the Victorian Government's School Dental Service. Norman Andrews holds the proud honour of being the founder of the RAAF Dental Branch, which during the war was instrumental in educating servicemen of the importance of dental health and maintaining the dental fitness of troops in a variety of areas. Dental Orderlies (Assistants) The dental orderly mustering was first introduced in 1937. Until that time, medical orderlies were assigned to assist the Dental officer with their duties. As early as 1931 it had been noted by both RAAF and Army Dental Officers working in Victoria and Richmond that a lot of the troubles they were having would be solved by appointing a permanent Dental Orderly. Often they would find that the medical orderly they were assigned was a different one each day, and as a result the administration and work in general was very inefficient. By 1937, with the increase in Dental Officers to 3, it was realised that a Dental Orderly mustering needed to be created. Dental Mechanics/Technicians Before WW2, dental laboratory work was provided by civilian laboratories, as most RAAF units were stationed around metropolitan areas. At this time, service personnel were still required to pay for their own dentures, unless they had served for six years or had their dentures damaged during performance of their duties. In July 1940, mainly in response to the development of more remote RAAF dental units and the increasing demand for dental prostheses, the Dental Mechanic mustering was established. Unfortunately there was a very limited pool of civilian dental mechanics to recruit from, and as a result the RAAF set up a training school at Laverton (which was later moved to Ascot Vale) in June 1941 which conducted an intensive 6 month course in Dental mechanics. Dental mechanics were quickly in demand. In all fixed and mobile dental units at least 1 Mechanic was supplied for each Dental Officer, and indeed the RAAF supplied Dental Mechanics throughout all its deployments, something the RAF were unwilling, or unable, to do. Two grades of dental mechanic existed: the Senior Mechanic (with the rank of NCO), who was competent in all phases of laboratory work; and the Junior Mechanic, who could only handle routine work and not more advanced denture work. The progression to Senior required a further trade test in techniques including setting up, clasp-forming, casting and backing teeth. During the course of the War, two special courses were held for Mechanics. The first, directed at senior mechanics so that they could instruct others, was in 1942 when Acrylic Resin was first introduced as a denture base material, as an alternative to the current option of vulcanite. Later, towards the end of the War, a ‘refresher' course was provided for those that had served for the greatest period of time in order to allow them retraining in techniques that they had not practised during their service and which were common in civilian life. This included cast base dentures, crowns and bridges, partial dentures, and retainers. Towards the end of the War, a course was held with WAAAF trainees to train them as Mechanics. However, as the War was soon to end they never had the opportunity to progress within the mustering to become Senior Mechanics. The RAAF Dental Branch has survived 75 years of turbulence, with reviews of its viability occurring regularly every few years from as early as 1937. The Branch continues to provide excellent service to the ADF community and, despite reduced manpower, will continue to play an important role in Air Force Health operations. http://www.defence.gov.au/health/about/docs/RAAFDental.pdf40cm cupro-nickel plated medal, the obverse features the sovereign's head, the reverse features the crown and eagle emblem of the RAAF (and RAF). A23814 BOWERS.A. A. F.r.a.a.f long service medal, r.a.a.f good conduct, r.a.a.f. dental service medal -
Running Rabbits Military Museum operated by the Upwey Belgrave RSL Sub Branch
Propeller for a DHC-4 Caribou light transport
... operated by No 38 Squadron from RAAF Base Townsville in December ...DHC-4 Caribou light transport The Royal Australian Air Force DHC-4 Caribou was a versatile tactical light transport aircraft . Its main operational role was tactical air transport in support of the Australian Army. The Caribou was last operated by No 38 Squadron from RAAF Base Townsville in December 2009. The Caribou is a twin-engined high-wing monoplane with full-span double-slotted Fowler flaps and fully-reversible propellers, which allow it to achieve its trademark steep approach with very short take-offs and landings on unprepared runways. The high wing and distinctive high placement of the tail provide easy access to a large cargo compartment, while the low-pressure tyres permit operation on unprepared runways. It was the last piston-engined aircraft in the Air Force and was our only aircraft to employ the Low Altitude Parachute Extraction System (LAPES), where up to 2000kg of sled-mounted cargo is extracted from the aircraft by a parachute from a metre above the ground. The Caribou is equipped with GPS satellite navigation and night-vision equipment, giving it the capability to operate in any weather, day or night, to either land or drop soldiers and equipment by parachute with pinpoint accuracy. The Caribou is not pressurised and is not fitted with auto-pilot or weather radar. The first Caribou arrived in Australia in April 1964 and they were deployed to Vietnam from July 1964 to February 1972 and carried over 600,000 passengers and a huge quantity of cargo while they were there. Since 1997 the Caribou participated in famine-relief operations in Papua New Guinea and Irian Jaya during Operations SIERRA, PLES DRAI and AUSINDO JAYA, as well as the tsunami-relief operation in PNG in 1999 and operations in East Timor and the Solomon Islands since 1999. Their service life was over 40 years. raaf caribou aircraft -
Running Rabbits Military Museum operated by the Upwey Belgrave RSL Sub Branch
Plaque
... Base Squadron Laverton Plaque RAAF ...Base Squadron Lavertonplaque, raaf -
Running Rabbits Military Museum operated by the Upwey Belgrave RSL Sub Branch
PL161
Base Squadron Lavertonplaque, 1984, raaf -
Moorabbin Air Museum
Manual (Item) - "Flight Nursing" RAAF - from School of Aviation Nursing - USAF Aerospace Medical Centre, Brookes Air Force Base, Texas