Historical information

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.

Significance

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.

Physical description

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.

Inscriptions & markings

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 Officer