This folder of text and photographic memorabilia relating to Robert Wilson Baxter (1935py) is a fascinating record of this former student's service and ultimate sacrifice for his country. Robert Baxter was awarded the George Medal on the 28th July 1942 for heroism in rescuing a fellow crewman from the burning wreck of their aircraft. The Medal was received by his family after Robert's death on 7th August 1942 as a result of an accident while taking off on operations. Robert Baxter's father, also Robert Wilson Baxter, was a Ballarat businessman who purchased the Ballarat Star Newspaper in 1897, selling it to the Courier in 1924. He was also part of Baxter and Stubbs Pty. Ltd. (Printers). Robert's mother attended Mrs Kennedy's School for Girls. Items in the folder have historical significance as they document the service and sacrifice of a RAAF sergeant during World War Two. Archival folder relating to Robert Wilson Baxter (05/03/1918 - 07/08/1942), including photographs of RWB in squadron uniform and receiving wings, visit of Robert Menzies to Squadron, gravestone at Selby, England; telegrams to parents re war injury and discharge from hospital; letters, newspaper clippings and extract from the London Gazette relating to his posthumous receipt of the George Medal; letters of condolence from his Wing Commander and His Majesty George VI; Obituaries and in memoriams; letter from his sister, Margaret Jamieson, re donation of items to BCC. raaf, royal australian air force, george medal, second world war, robert wilson baxter, world war two honour roll, margaret jamieson, robert menzies, 1935py

Created during WW2 for the RAAFUnique magazine issued by the RAAF during World War Two6 Issues of Wings - September 28 1943 - 1944On Cover is Wings - Official Magazine of the RAAFwings, raaf, royal australian air force, the speciality press, 174 little collins street, melbourne, 1943, 1944, ww2, world war two

Royal Australian Air Force officer’s cap.Navy cotton drill peaked cap with black crossgrain band around exterior. Two black eyelets sit above band on either side. Black patent leather chin strap attached by two gold buttons on brim, slightly misshapen. Embroidered patch carrying a red velvet and metal crown (Queen Elizabeth II era) with blue, green and red embroidered knots mimicing jewels, sits above a gold eagle above now tarnished gold leaves. Interior sweatband in patent leather with plastic layer on top interior, underneath which is a manufacturer’s label with red ink. Strip of folded newspaper (H06.2) inserted inside interior sweatband.Label reads “M.TX/SIZE 6 7/8/A [broad arrow] F/MADE IN AUSTRALIA”. Black ink stamp on inside of sweatband reads “M. TX” inside a circle and “S19/[broad arrow]”raaf, royal australian air force, officer

This is a Royal Australian Air Force hat badge which has been modified to form a brooch. The badge has a clasp with pin attached to the back side and a safety chain. This is possibly an example of trench art to make a 'sweetheart' brooch.raaf, royal australian air force, badge, brooch, trench art

The story of the Royal Australian Air Force during World War II200p., hard cover, col plates.world war ii, raaf, royal australian air force

200p., hard cover, col plates.world war ii, raaf, royal australian air force

RAAF, World War IIOfficial Military Manual62p., hard cover, loose leaf pages, bound with shoe lace. Inscribed s/l Poulton. Contains hand drawn cartoon on Officers' Mess stationery (RAAF Forest Hill)world war ii, raaf, royal australian air force, military manuals

Issued in February 1939. A RAAF instruction manual on aircraft attack using guns and bombs. raaf, royal australian air force, attacking, air firing, air bombing, air force head-quarters

This item commemorates the service of Royal Australian Air Force No.37 Squadron, who flew Lockheed C-130 Hercules transport aircraft during the conflict in Vietnam.A wooden shield with a cloth insignia badge on it. The insignia reads 'Squadron 37 37 Royal Australian Air Force' with the word 'FOREMOST' on the bottom in black. In the middle there is a round blue and red circle with a set of wings.Squadron 37 royal Australian Air Force37 sqn raaf, royal australian air force, plaque, shield, vietnam, 37 squadron

This photograph is part of a collection of World War II returned soldiers from Sunbury. The collection was collated by Jeff Cossum, curator of the George Evans Museum from 1989-1995.A photograph of the bust of airman Max Davis.world war 2, raaf, royal australian air force, portraits, davis, max, george evans collection

This photograph is part of a collection of World War II returned soldiers from Sunbury. The collection was collated by Jeff Cossum, curator of the George Evans Museum from 1989-1995.A head and shoulders photograph of RAAF aircrew trainee Forbes. There is a white band around the top of his hat band.world war 2, raaf, royal australian air force, armed forces, uniforms, clothing and dress, hats, forbes, john, cossum, jeff, george evans collection

This vehicle is a Chevrolet but was fitted out as an ambulance at Fisherman's Bend, near Melbourne, Victoria by General Motors Holden. It was used by the Royal Australian Air Force during the Second World War. Purchased by Metropolitan Ambulance Service in 1989 from a Military Museum. This vehicle appeared in the filming of the movie "The White Mouse" (the story of Nancy Wake, French Resistance worker in the second World War). It also appeared in the film "Blonde" (the life of Marilyn Monroe). Four-wheeled vehicle used as ambulance. Body painted grey and cream, chrome radiator and bumpers.Vehicle registration number 15170-Hchevrolet, general motors holden, fisherman's bend, ambulance, motor vehicle, raaf (royal australian air force), second world war

This menu would have been printed to distribute to guests attending dinner on the Orient Line, which embarked for the Middle East in 1940. The dinner was held on Thursday 18th July of the same year. Signatures on the reverse of this document were signed by Ken Williams, RW Sterrett, MR Campbell, J.H. Christie, JH McKinnon and F Finch. This item relates closely to a photograph of the 3rd Squadron, in RAAF uniform, boarding the Orient Line.This menu is an item of ephemera dating to the World War Two era. Items such as this are ordinarily lost over the passage of time. As the item contains signatures it is possible that further research and interpretation could be done regarding the men it relates to. The item is therefore of historic and social significance and has good interpretive capacity.Card with printed lettering centrally spaced and folded along horizontal centreline. There are hand written inscription on the front and reverse in pen ink.On the front, top: 3 Sqn RAAF boarding for the Middle East. On the front, lower left there are markings under and to the right of the printed word 'tourist'. The is a thick line under the word, two arrows pointing to it from beneath and a question mark to the right. On the reverse, upper left corner: Ken Williams, RW Sterrett MR Campbell JH Christie JH McKinnon F Finchdinner menu, orient line, raaf, royal australian air force, ken williams, r w sterrett, m r campbell, j h mckinnon, f finch, j h christie, 3 squadron

Royal Australian Air Force maintenance technical plan issued April 1990raaf, royal australian air force, technical maintenance plan, defence instruction

This coat was issued to Airman Bernard Farley in 1976 as an initial issue of uniform. Bernard was enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force in Warrnambool on 26th January 1976. This item is a Royal Australian Air Force uniform that was issued for the airman Bernard Farley. It has historic and social significance as an item of local military history. It is also in near perfect condition.RAAF Blue Gaberdine Greatcoat/Overcoat. Double Breasted. Belted at waist. Partly lined inside body; sleeves fully lined. Two vertical pocket openings at belt height give access to large inner pocket and to separate inner clothing. Double line of 5 Gold coloured plastic(?) buttons with Crown and Wingson on left and right front of coat. Single black plastic button on inside of coat immediately behind top left gold button. Epaulettes on shoulders are attached at outer end and have a small gold coloured button and button hole attachment at inner end; 'RAAF' sewn in lighter blue thread on outer end of each epaulette. Sleeves have 3 small gold buttons on cuffs.Attachment inside collar reads; A.G.C.F. (Australian Government Clothing Factory) Vic 1976. Broad Arrow Symbol. 8405.66.013.6603. Size 3L. No. NAME. Attachment inside lower left reads; handwritten, 17481, E746813, 3L,30560. 27.Blue Stamp - S broad arrow Nraaf, great coat, royal australian air force, r.a.a.f., air force, uniform, coat, bernard farley, farley, airman, warrnambool, warrnambool rsl

This photo is part of a collection of World War II and returned soldiers held in the George Evans Museum and collected by Jeff Cossum, previous curator (1989-1995)A black and white photograph of Owen Edwards wearing a RAAF uniform. (Bust only)on back: Owen Edwards / 119995 LAC RATworld war 2, raaf, uniforms, portraits, royal australian air force, clothing and dress, exservicemen, cossum, jeff, george evans collection

A yellow plastic cover with a clear window near the middle. In black is the insignia of the RAAF and royal Australian Air Force is under this. just aove the window reads Engineering Publication. Through the window on yellow cardboard reads AAP 7531.089-3M Altimeter Sensitive etc.royal australian airforce - manuals, royal australian air force, altimeter sensitive, engineering publication

R.A.A.F. Diamond Jubilee 5/04/1981 Pictures of RAAF history produced framed series of prints of aircraft 1921 to 1981, of which these prints are a example.Pictures (two off ) RAAF Aircraft part of RAAF history from 1921 - 1981.992.1 R.A.A.F. picture of Avro Ab'Intio (AKA Avro 504K) Aircraft Trainer in 1921 - Picture released for R.A.A.F Diamond Jubilee. 992.2 R.A.A.F. picture of CAC Wackett Aircraft Trainer in 1939 - Picture released for R.A.A.F Diamond Jubilee.992.1 Avro Ab'Intio Aircraft Trainer On front of picture lower right corner is details of Avro Ab'Intio in 1921 The R.A.A.F.'s first training Aircraft were the rotary engined Avro 504Ks. Royal Australian Air Force No.2. Picture Title of " RAAF AIRCRAFT 1921 - 1981". 992.2 Naive Native CAC Wackett Trainer. On front of picture lower right corner is details of Naive Native CAC Wackett Trainer of 1939 introduced Monoplane to the RAAF. Royal Australian Air Force No.6. Picture Title of " RAAF AIRCRAFT 1921 - 1981".framed picture r.a.a.f. avro ab'intio aircraft trainer., framed picture naive native cac wackett trainer., pictures of raaf diamond jubilee frames pictures.

The Volunteer Air Observers Corps was an Australian air defence organisation of World War II.It was formed on 31 December 1941 to support the Royal Australian Air Force by sighting and observing aircraft over Australia.It swiftly established observation posts across Australia and provided information to the RAAF's regional air control posts. As the threat to Australia declined its role was expanded to include coast watching, assisting air traffic control and weather reporting. The corps was staffed by civilian volunteers and reached a peak strength of 24,000 personnel and 2,656 observation posts in 1944. After the end of the war the VAOC was reduced to a cadre in December 1945 and was disbanded on 10 April 1946. The Volunteer Air Observers Corps was an Australian air defence organisation of World War II. This certificate is a record of the participation of members of the Orbost district. Anita Armistead, wife of Francis Armistead had a son, Sydney, who served as a gunner in Malaysia during WW11.A certificate of service awarded to Mrs F. Armistead for being a volunteer in the Air Observers Corps. It was awarded on 20 Sept, 1945 for one year's service.For King and Empire Presented to Mrs F. Armistead by the ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE As a record and in appreciation of patriotic response to the call of country by serving in the VOLUNTEER AIR OBSERVERS CORPS This 20th day of September 1945 signed G. Jones Air Vice Marshall Chief of Air Staff signed ? Unit Commanding Officercertificate ww11 air-observers-corps

This type of head dress was very commonly worn by British Commonwealth Forces in the Sub Continent and other tropical areas. This particular example would have been a common sight in Northern Australia during the time frame, as well as Africa, Middle East and the Pacific. It is a light weight ventilated helmet offering good air circulation via the vent in the top of the crown, and shade to the back of the neck. As well as protection by the peaked front for the eyes reducing glare, preventing sun and heat stroke. It also created an image of gentlemanly dress and pride in appearance. It conformed to an ideal and was considered quite fashionable and a little dashing, often worn at a jaunty angle, creating a rakish air, far from today's simplistic view of pure functionality and at as low as possible cost. Whether worn with a tropical uniform with jacket and trousers, or open necked shirt and shorts, the wearer was easily identifiable as British or one of the Commonwealth countries.WW2 RAAF Wolsley cork helmet. Helmet Khaki cotton six (6) panel outer, with three (3) fold pugaree. Colour patch on left side approximately 6cm X 5.5cm, Dark blue,2.5cm, Light blue, 0.5cm and Maroon 2.5cm. Tan leather trim around brim, tan leather chin strap. Traditional pith helmet four (4) hole domed type vent on top of crown. Beige leather sweat band pierced around the top and with a cotton cord adjustment threaded around. Fixed to shell in four points diagonally. Interior is also covered in Khaki cotton. Hand written in brown ink. A1917 F/Lt C KERR GRANTworld war two, head dress, helmet, pith, cork, cloth covered, leather trimmed, royal australian air force, officer, flight lieutenant, khaki, pith helmet, air force, tropical, hat

Letters of Sympathy from RAAF Units for Dental Surgeon "Mervyn Clive Townsend" lost on HMAS SYDNEY on 15/11/41. Refer Cat No. 2313P for Townsends service.1. Handwritten letter on white paper. Paper headed with RAAF stamp and name of Military Base. 2. Handwritten letter on cream white paper. Royal Australian Air Force stamp in top left corner and name of RAAF Unit in right corner. 3. Handwritten letter of cream white paper. Stamp at top of bird with outstretched wings with crown at top.1. Listed from RAAF Station, Nhill, Victoria and dated 3/12/41, signed by “Edward Campbell”. 2. Listed No. 1 School of Technical Training, Radio Mechanics Course, Dated 1st December and signed “Allan Davis”. 3. Listed No. 2 METO Course, School of Technical Training and dated 3/12/41.hmas sydney, kia, ww2, mervyn clive townsend

Battle uniform jacket is for less formal circumstance. Belonging to "Peter Stoklahsa" enlisted 1966. Refer Cat 7674P.RAAF blue uniform jacket size 10 OR. Royal Australian Air Force shoulder patches.. Commonwealth emblem patch sewn onto lower arms. Two breast pockets with service ribbon attached above left pocket. Material epaulettes on each shoulder with a black button and gold RAAF Eagle and Crown Emblem. Zipped front with stretch bands on bottom sides. Inside cotton lining. Inside pocket - label of maker on inside.Label - "A.G.C.F. VIC. 1981. 8405.66.103.8063 Size 10 OR. Service No. Cleaning instructions. raaf, uniform, peter stoklahsa

From booklet front cover "ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE - THE AIR FORCE LIST - JUNE 1961 Issued for the information and guidance of all concerned By Command of the Air Board, Secretary. DEPARTMENT OF AIR, CANBERRA, A.C.T. AAP 598" Item in the collection re R.W McGilvery RAAF, refer Cat No 2787P for his service details.SOFT COVER BOOKLET. Cover - lightweight cardboard, pale blue colour with black print on front. 108 pages, cut, plain, off-white paper. Information manual for RAAF. Front cover - handwritten black ink - top left - "ORFS". top right - "Camp Commandant O..." Back cover - stamp - purple ink HEADQUARTERS SUPPORT COMMAND UNIT RAAF/ VICTORIA BARRACKS/ MELLBOURNE S.C.I. VIC.history, booklet, raaf

These badges are hat or cap badges used by the Royal Australian Air Force . These badges may date from before World War Two but the ones used today are of similar design. The basic design mirrors the equivalent design of the badges of the Royal Air Force of Britain. The Royal Australian Air Force was established in 1921 and is the second oldest Air Force in the world, being formed from the Australian Flying Corps which was established in 1912.These cap badges are of interest as early examples of those worn by members of the Royal Australian Air Force..1Bronze badge featuring a crown, a wreath of leaves and berries enclosing stylised RAAF. There are two small rings on the reverse each with a two pronged brass pin inserted in the rings. .2 Identical to .1 except the brass pins are missing. RAAF

Leslie Ernest Shillinglaw was born at Dalmore, Victoria in 1925, the son of Samuel Ernest Shillinglaw and Anna Lucy (Barlow). He was Phillip and Sarah Shillinglaw's grandson. Following his service in the RAAF during World War Two, Leslie married Alva Elizabeth Thomas in 1949. He died in 2007. World War Two Service Veteran Details Name SHILLINGLAW, LESLIE ERNEST Service Royal Australian Air Force Service Number 144902 Date of Birth 03 Aug 1925 Place of Birth DALMORE, VIC Date of Enlistment 30 Sep 1943 Locality on Enlistment HEALESVILLE, VIC Place of Enlistment MELBOURNE, VIC Next of Kin SHILLINGLAW, ERNEST Date of Discharge 01 Apr 1946 Rank Leading Aircraftman Posting at Discharge 36 SQUADRON Prisoner of War No Honours None for displaymarg ball collection, 1943, leslie ernest shillinglaw, second word war, r.a.a.f.

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

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