Historical information
No 4 Squadron, Australian Flying Corps, formed at Point Cook, Victoria, in October 1916. After embarking for England to complete its training, the squadron deployed to France in December 1917. From the outset, No 4 Squadron aircraft regularly engaged the Red Baron's elite 'Flying Circus' and, in spite of their lack of experience, quickly gained the ascendancy over the German squadron. During its brief war service, No 4 Squadron destroyed some 128 enemy aircraft and spawned a total of eleven aces. The squadron's highest scoring airman was Captain Cobby who, in addition to shooting down 29 aircraft, also destroyed 13 observation balloons.
World War II saw No 4 Squadron Wirraways deployed to Port Moresby in support of Australian troops fighting in the New Guinea jungles. In their slow and vulnerable aircraft, losses from anti-aircraft fire were high, however, this never deterred the Wirraway crews from completing their assigned tasks. This aggressive spirit was exemplified by Pilot Officer Archer and his crewman, Sergeant Coulston, who, while on a reconnaissance mission, found themselves above a Japanese Zero fighter. Despite operating a vastly inferior aircraft, Pilot Officer Archer dived to the attack and shot down the enemy aircraft.
In June 1943, No 4 Squadron received its first Boomerang fighters and continued to support Allied troops during the Cape Gloucester landings before moving to Morotai. No 4 Squadron ended the war in Borneo and returned to Australia in November 1945, where it was renamed No 3 Squadron - thus closing the chapter on a very distinguished and proud unit.
Summary of Unit Name(s) Start Date End Date
No. 4 RAAF Hospital, Butterworth 06/06/1966 06/06/1966
No. 4 RAAF Hospital, Butterworth 03/07/1966
No. 4 RAAF Hospital, Butterworth 01/08/1966 01/08/1966
No. 4 RAAF Hospital, Butterworth 05/09/1966
No. 4 RAAF Hospital, Butterworth 29/09/1966
No. 4 RAAF Hospital, Butterworth 29/10/1966 29/10/1966
http://www.airforce.gov.au/raafmuseum/research/units/4sqn.htm
Physical description
Wooden Plaque 15cm x 13cm with insignia of 4 Sqn.R.A.A.F. Hospital
Inscriptions & markings
4 Sqn R.A.A.F. Hospital
