Air Force Association - SA Division

17/10/2026

During his recent visit to Adelaide for the AFA-SA AGM and SAAM Air Force Memorial Commemorative Service, AIRMSHL Mel Hupfeld, former Chief of Air Force and current AFA Ltd Board Director, was given a special guided tour of the Vickers Vimy G-EAOU Exhibition at the Adelaide Airport with a lucky Australian Air Force Cadet by our AFA-SA Vice President, Greg Weller, and Mr David Byrne, Chair SAAM Foundation.

The AFA-SA was a major participant /sponsor of the Epic Flight Centenary from 2017-2019 - an initiative designed to celebrate the epic and record-breaking flight by Sir Ross and Sir Keith Smith and their two-ground crew, Wally Shiers and Jim Bennett, from England to Australia in 1919. The Epic Flight Centenary featured a rolling program of events throughout 2019 culminating in the incredible 2019 Vimy to Fifth Generation RAAF Edinburgh Airshow, a spectacular State Dinner and famous Vickers Vimy being moved to its now purpose built and wonderful display in the Adelaide Airport terminal. Greg Weller was the Deputy Chair of the Epic Flight Centenary, and David Byrne was the South Australian Museum representative on the committee and critical to the Vimy’s relocation to the Adelaide Airport terminal.

As part of the visit, we also showed Mel Hupfeld, our 100 year old Vickers Vimy flag that AFA-SA has loaned to Adelaide Airport to be part of the display.

For AIRMSHL Hupfeld, the special tour was special as he was the Chief of Air Force at the time of the centenary attending the RAAF Edinburgh airshow and the Epic Flight Centenary State Dinner in November 2019 but until this visit, had not visited the new Vimy exhibition. He greatly enjoyed the close up visit learning about the Vickers Vimy, its epic flight and the remarkable stories of courage, initiative, airmanship and survival of its intrepid crew.

For the young cadet, it was an incredible experience learning about the Vimy and its crew with a former Chief of the Air Force. For our vice-president, Greg Weller, it was an opportunity to showcase what AFA-SA has been doing in collaboration with partners like the South Australian Aviation Museum and the broader community in promoting and ensuring Air Force heritage for generations to come.

Also participating in the visit was Steve Fielder, AFA-SA Vice-President and RAAF pilot, and Dave Pyatt, AFA-SA State Councillor and former RAAF Loadmaster, who also particularly appreciated the visit from a professional aviators perspective.

AFA-SA’s significant effort in working with likeminded organisations in the Adelaide community on the Epic Flight Centenary remains one of our more successful major projects under one of the AFA-SA’s key deliverables - Air Force commemoration and heritage. In this respect, we are committed to the ongoing preservation and telling of the Air Force story and South Australia’s involvement in that story for generations to come.

Images courtesy of Mr Gary Petts (AFA-SA Photographer)

17/10/2026

Did you know that RAAF Base Edinburgh could have been called RAAF Base Mirrabooka?

Did you know that RAAF Base Edinburgh could have been called RAAF Base Mirrabooka?

Edinburgh Airfield was established in 1954 by the Department of Supply to support the Long Range Weapons Established in Salisbury and Woomera. The working name during construction was Salisbury Airfield named after the nearby town and was not a RAAF Base per se operated by the RAAF / Department of Air as it belonged to the Department of Supply.

The Department of Supply wanted to give the new airfield an Aboriginal name. Initially 'Koolimurra' was mooted — an anglicised version of an aboriginal word for 'pine tree hollow'. This was rejected due to the possible confusion with 'Koolymilka', the aboriginal name for Evetts Airfield at Woomera.

The second aboriginal name suggested was ‘Mirrabooka’ which initially seemed appropriate as it is an aboriginal word for the Southern Cross Constellation in some dialects. However, it was discovered late in the planning stages that the word could also be translated into ‘smelly swamp’ and was thus discarded at the last minute. The Department of Supply had been advised on these translations by Norman Tindale, a noted South Australian Anthropologist who was Curator of the South Australian Museum and a recognized authority on Aboriginal culture. He was also a former RAAF Intelligence Officer who had served with distinction during World War 2.

The advice that Mirrabooka was perhaps not the best word to be used was received only three weeks from the intended opening date of 22 March 1954. The Department of Supply quickly sought a third and final name defaulting to Edinburgh noting the planning for the future Elizabeth suburb northeast of the airfield and that the Duke of Edinburgh would be opening the airfield. Two plaques were cast for the airfield opening. One, bearing Mirrabooka and one bearing Edinburgh. Royal assent for the name change was received on the day of the official opening. The plaque bearing the name “Mirrabooka Airfield” still exists and is located on the RAAF Edinburgh Parade Ground as part of a RAAF Memorial.

Story: Greg Weller; Image: Mr Gary Petts

16/10/2026

16 October 1916: 90th Anniversary of formation of No 4 Squadron AFC at Point Cook

Did you know that 90 years ago on this day in 1916, No 4 Squadron, Australian Flying Corps, was formed at Point Cook?

Formed at Point Cook on 16 October 1916, 4 Squadron was the last of the four operational Australian Flying Corps (AFC) squadrons to be formed in World War 1. It was established largely using the pilot intake from No 6 Pilot Course conducted at Point Cook. By 10 January 1917, the squadron was fully mobilised and embarked for England on 17 January. Arriving in England in late March, the squadron underwent aircraft familiarisation and further training being equipped with Sopwith Camel fighters.

Arriving in France on 18 December 1917, the squadron saw significant action over the Western Front performing offensive patrols and close air support. During the German spring offensive, it undertook considerable bombing and strafing missions in support of the retreating allied forces. During the July and August allied offensives, it returned to offensive patrols and bombing missions in support of the allied attacks. During the last several months of the war, it was engaged in some of the largest and fiercest aerial engagements with dogfights of over eighty aircraft.

The squadron became one of the most effective allied flying squadrons of the war and was Australia’s most successful squadron claiming more aerial victories that any of the other Australian squadrons including 199 destroyed aircraft and 33 balloons. The noted Australian ace, Harry Cobby, served with 4 Squadron as well as noted South Australian aces Thomas Charles Richmond Baker, Edgar McCloughry and Leonard Taplin. The future Chief of Air Staff, George Jones, also flew with 4 Squadron.

After the armistice, No 4 Squadron became the only Australian unit of the British Army of Occupation, entering Germany on 7 December 1918.

Recognising its significant contributions to the war, squadron personnel were awarded 3 Distinguished Service Orders, 4 Military Crosses, 9 Distinguished Flying Crosses and 3 Bars and 1 Military Service Medal. Meanwhile, the squadron lost 35 aircrew killed and 16 wounded during its one year of operations during the war.

Reformed in July 2009, today No. 4 Squadron continues the units proud legacy first forged in World War1 being based at RAAF Base Williamtown operating Pilatus PC-21s, providing combat controllers and conducting the Joint Targeting Attack Controller Course.

15/10/2026

15 October 1940: RAAF Base Townsville Established

Did you know that RAAF Base Townsville was established on this day in 1940?

The site of RAAF Base Townsville at Garbutt was developed as a civil airfield in the 1930s because it was better suited to aviation than Townsville’s first airfield—an east–west strip built in the 1920s on a floodplain south of the Ross River in Thuringowa Shire. The Garbutt site offered better drainage and allowed runways to be aligned with the prevailing north-easterly and south-easterly winds. Townsville City Council built two 730-metre (800-yard) gravel runways, and the airport was licensed in January 1939. Civil operations began on 1 February 1939, when an Airlines of Australia Stinson airliner landed to a reception hosted by the mayor.

Recognising the need for air bases in northern Australia, the RAAF assessed the site in 1939. While the runways were being built, an RAAF officer visited Townsville to identify the best location for a military airfield. Initial plans were made for a base providing fighter defence for Townsville, with three hangars for three fighter squadrons. By late 1939, the plan had been reduced to one squadron supported by 140 Citizen Air Force and 132 permanent RAAF personnel.

From April 1939, the Commonwealth sought to acquire the airfield land from Townsville City Council. The land was not compulsorily acquired until December 1940, when the Commonwealth paid the Queensland Government £2,500. Under an agreement, the Council agreed to provide water, sewerage and electricity, while the Commonwealth government would permit civil aviation to continue using the site.

Construction began in early 1940, while negotiations over the land were still underway. The works included two runways, hangars, workshops, accommodation blocks and messes. The runways and essential facilities were completed before the end of the year.

RAAF Base Townsville (Garbutt) was formally established on 15 October 1940. The name Garbutt came from the Garbutt brothers, whose butcher’s business and local slaughteryards were served by a railway stop known as Garbutt Siding.

An advance party of RAAF personnel arrived by train on 14 October and marched along Flinders Street behind the municipal brass band. Within days, No. 24 Squadron relocated from RAAF Amberley, flying its Wirraway aircraft into the airfield; the squadron’s Hudson aircraft arrived soon afterwards.

In 1941, three sealed 5,000-foot runways were constructed. The first of many US military aircraft arrived in February 1942, and satellite airfields were established around Townsville, creating one of Australia’s largest concentrations of military aviation during the war.

A wide range of RAAF and American units—from the US Army Air Corps and, later, the US Army Air Force—operated bombers, maritime patrol aircraft, fighters and transports from Townsville. The base also supported aircraft depots, air support groups, radar sites, repair and salvage teams, wireless units and amphibious aircraft. At its peak, Townsville hosted one of the largest US air force presences outside the United States. In 1942, RAAF Base Townsville played a critical role in the Battle of the Coral Sea.

Over the years, RAAF Base Townsville has remained strategically important, serving as a mounting base for military operations, humanitarian and peacekeeping missions, and major exercises. Today, it also supports the Army’s Townsville-based 3rd Brigade and is home to the 5th Aviation Regiment.

Generations of RAAF personnel have called RAAF Base Townsville home. Have you served at RAAF Base Townsville?

Images courtesy of Australian War Memorial Digital Online Collection (Copyright expired, public domain)

14/10/2026

14 October 1942: Avro Anson crashes west of Mt Gambier with loss of its junior pilot

Did you know that on this day in 1942, an Avro Anson crashed 20 miles west of Mt Gambier killing the pilot?

On the evening of the 14 October 1942, Avro Anson AW-849 of No 2 Air Observers School, RAAF Station Mt Gambier, was being flown by Pilot Officer Baxter Watson with SGT John Carroll (Observer) and SGT Richard Ayers (Wireless Operator/Air Gunner) who were attached to 2AOS for duties and were on an operational sortie to locate an enemy submarine believed to be operating off the Victorian / South Australian coast.

At about 9pm the aircraft was returning to Mt Gambier when it crashed near Tantanoola about 20 miles west of Mt Gambier. RAAF reports suggested the cause of the crash was that the aircraft had run out of fuel due to errors in navigation. While PLTOFF Watson ordered SGT Carroll and SGT Ayres to successfully bale out, he attempted to crash land the aircraft in a field. The aircraft burst into flames and PLTOFF Watson’s body was found about 15 feet from the aircraft.

Born in June 1915 in Sydney, Baxter Watson was married in October 1940 and lived with his wife in Manly. He identified his employment as a clerk when he enlisted in Sydney on 28 April 1941. After completing initial training in Sydney in May 1941, he passed basic flying training at No 10 Elementary Flying Training School at Temora and then No 1 Service Flying Training School at Point Cook obtaining his Wings in October 1941. On 23 December 1941, he was posted to No 6 Service Flying Training School at RAAF Mallala as his first unit as a flying instructor.

Tragically, Pilot Officer Baxter Watson would perish less than 10 months later in the 14 October 1942 crash near Tantanoola. The accident was the fourth of seven fatal accidents experienced by 2AOS and Watson was one of 23 airmen killed in accidents between July 1941 and late 1944 near Mt Gambier. While the majority of the accidents were related to training, the 14 October crash was somewhat unique as the crew were flying an operational mission to locate a possible enemy submarine as distinct to a training sortie.

The two surviving crew remained in the RAAF until the end of World War 2. Sgt Ayres later returned to active service, was commissioned and promoted to Flying Officer. Sgt Carroll was also later commissioned, promoted to Flying Officer and awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross serving with 166 Squadron (RAF), a heavy bomber unit in Europe.

A memorial was unveiled at Tantanoola in May 2009 to commemorate the crash.

Lest we forget.

Image of Baxter Watson on enlistment courtesy of NAA. Images of Avron Ansons at Mt Gambier courtesy of Australian War Memorial Digital Online Collection (Copyright expired, public domain).

13/10/2026

It was wonderful having so many people attend and lay tributes at our recent SAAM Air Force Memorial Commemorative Service honouring those aviators lost in military aviation accidents in South Australia since World War 2. Over 30 tributes were laid by representatives from across the community including Defence staff, all levels of government, veterans community, Defence support, aerospace, heritage and the broader community. Each tribute is prepared with meaning and laid with sombre, poignancy and honour.

The tradition of laying wreaths has deep historical roots dating back to ancient Rome and Greece. Wreaths were used in various cultures for ceremonial purposes, including honouring the dead and celebrating victories. In modern times, wreath laying has become a formalized practice to honour those who paid the ultimate sacrifice during commemorations. They are particularly laid on key commemorations like Anzac Day, Remembrance Day and other commemorative services like our annual SAAM Air Force Memorial Commemorative Service.

The traditional wreath contains laurel to represent glory and victory, rosemary for remembrance, and poppies for the sacrifice of shedding blood. While many were the traditional laurel, poppy, Australian bush and floral wreaths to book tributes that we then present to local schools, there were also many notable wreaths.

There was a wide array of troibutes ranging from traditional laurel wreaths, floral displays to books. There was a notable home made tribute detailing the service with poppies. There was spectacular foral wreaths laid by several families of those aviators listed on the memorial. Thnere was a spectacular wreath made of yellow and red flowers arranged in the flag of the former South Vietnamese people which was laid by representatives of the South Vietnamese veterans community. There was a specacular wreath of poppies laid by SGT Jack Harris on behalf of the Royal Air Force which was significant given that the many of the fatal accidents commemorated were at the Weapons Research Establishment at Woomera, which was conducting joint Anglo-Australian weapons trials.

It was wonderful to see such a diverse and colourful array of tributes laid in honour of the military aviators who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the service of our nation during peacetime in South Australia. We would like to acknowledge and thank those people who attended our service, contributed to its success and more importantly, came together and paused to remember and honour those aviators.

Imagery courtesy of Mr Gary Petts (AFA-SA Photographer)

13/10/2026

Did you know there is a wonderful sculpture of AIRMSHL Sir Richard Williams in Moonta, South Australia?

During 2021, AFA-SA was proud to join with RAAF Edinburgh and the Moonta community in celebrating the achievements of Air Marshal Sir Richard Williams KBE CB DSO as part of the Air Force Centenary. These culminated in November 2021 with a Sir Richard Williams Celebration Day featuring the unveiling of a wonderful Sir Richard Williams Sculpture in Queen Square, Moonta, a street parade, flypast and a moving Thanksgiving Service at the Moonta Mines Uniting Church.

Born at Moonta Mines in 1890, Sir Richard Williams graduated from the first pilot’s course at Central Flying School, Point Cook, becoming Australia’s first trained military pilot. During the First World War, he commanded No 1 Squadron (AFC) and the 40th (Army) Wing (RFC), comprising one Australian and three British squadrons. He received the Distinguished Service Order for actions that included rescuing a downed pilot behind enemy lines and attacking Turkish cavalry under intense anti-aircraft fire.

Returning to Australia, Williams helped establish the Royal Australian Air Force as an independent service in 1921. As its first Chief of Air Staff, he used considerable political skill to preserve and expand the fledgling service over the next two decades. He also completed a long-range flight to the South Pacific and became the RAAF’s first Group Captain, Air Commodore, Air Vice-Marshal and Air Marshal. After serving in Britain and the United States during the Second World War, he retired in 1946 as one of the RAAF’s most significant figures—the “Father of the RAAF”.

The sculpture is spectacular and features an older Sir Richard Williams in uniform pointing to the sky with his right hand and holding the RAAF Roundel in his left hand as if he is cradling the infant RAAF that he formed and developed between the wars.

Since 2021, many visitors have sat down with Sir Richard, including air force veterans, Australian Air Force Cadets serving members, and members of the public taking a moment to reflect on Sir Richard's achievements in establishing the Royal Australian Air Force and be inspired to achieve as he did.

Recognising its importance in promoting Air Force heritage and inspiring future generations of Air Force aviators, Air Force Association was a major sponsor of the project contributing significantly to its funding with the SA Government and the Moonta community.

On 4 October 2026, AFA-SA Vice President Greg Weller accompanied AIRMSHL (retd) Mel Hupfeld—former Chief of Air Force and now Air Force Association Ltd Board Director—and four No 83 Squadron aviators to the Sir Richard Williams sculpture in Moonta. The visit was especially significant because AIRMSHL Hupfeld, Chief of Air Force during the 2021 Centenary, was unable to attend the sculpture’s unveiling. The participation of No 83 Squadron’s young aviators was also important noting the squadron’s growing relationship with Moonta in recent years.

At the sculpture, the group was welcomed by Chair Robyn Knight and other members of the Moonta community committee that led the Sir Richard Williams statue initiative. It was particularly special for the group to meet and connect with a relative of Sir Richard Williams in the group. Robyn and Greg outlined Sir Richard’s career and the sculpture’s purpose of inspiring future generations.

AIRMSHL Hupfeld acknowledged the Moonta community and AFA for creating a significant monument for the Air Force community. The visit concluded with a light lunch and shared stories at the Moonta RSL.

It was a great day bringing together RAAF serving members, AFA and the Moonta community again to showcase the wonderful Sir Richard Williams Sculpture developed during the Air Force Centenary as a collaborative project.

Imagery courtesy of AFA-SA Photographer, Mr Gary Petts

12/10/2026

At the recent AFA-SA AGM on Saturday 3 October, the 2025–2026 Air Force Association – South Australia (AFA-SA) Annual Report, was released.

The report is available from our website at: https://afasa.org.au/images/annual-reports/2025-26/afa-sa-annual-report-2025-2026.pdf

In recent years, AFA-SA has adopted a broader approach in preparing our Annual Report to provide a more complete account of the Association’s work better mapped to our role and achievements.

The 2025–2026 Annual Report continues that approach by more clearly articulating and reinforcing the intent and purpose behind our activities, with a continued focus on our key deliverables / outputs: Camaraderie, Commemoration and Heritage, Advocacy, and Assistance.

It expands on recent Annual Reports by including volunteer hours, one-page organisational snapshot and achievements, website analysis, social media growth insights, and a more detailed account of advocacy support, alongside improved quantification of financial expenditure and volunteer contribution mapped across our core deliverables.

For the first time, Branch Reports have been incorporated, and following feedback from last year, the reporting period has been aligned with Financial Year 2025–2026.

As per recent years, we have made the 2025-2026 AFA-SA Annual Report available to the public and in particular, share it on our Facebook site to let people know what we have been doing, what our achievements have been and what we would like to do in the future..

We hope this report provides a clear and meaningful overview of AFA-SA’s work and impact in supporting Air Force veterans and the broader community through our four key deliverables / outputs.

Greg Weller
Vice-President
AFA-SA

12/10/2026

12 October 1964: GPCAPT William Brill DSO DFC and Bar, one of the RAAFs most distinguished bomber pilots of World War 2, passes away aged only 48.

Did you know that on this day in 1964 GPCAPT William Brill, one of Australia’s most distinguished WW2 bomber pilots and commanders, suddenly died from a heart attack aged only 48 while still in the Air Force?

Born in Grong Grong east of Narrandera in southern NSW in 1916, Brill was educated at Yanco Agricultural High School and became a farmer in the local area after completing school. In January 1939, he enlisted in the 21st Light Horse Regiment – a militia unit. He then transferred to the Citizen Air Force in November 1940.

Brill completed initial training in Sydney before undertaking basic flying training at No 8 Elementary Flying Training School at RAAF Station Narrandera. He was sent to Canada through the Empire Air Training Scheme completing No 3 Service Flying Training School graduating as a Pilot Officer in July 1941 with his Wings. Posted to England he attended 27 Operational Training Unit in late 1941 converting onto the Wellington bomber aircraft.

In December 1941, he was posted to 460 SQN (RAAF) as a foundational member. He completed an operational tour of 31 missions flying Wellington heavy bombers operating from RAF Molesworth and then RAF Breighton. He quickly earned a reputation for pressing on the attack despite damage to his aircraft.

This was typified by his courage and airmanship on the night of 29/30 May 1942 where his aircraft was one of 27 tasked to strike factories around Paris. Due to bad weather over the English Channel, Brill flew at an altitude of less than 200 feet until crossing the French coast. Over Paris, the bombers met heavy anti-aircraft fire, and while most aircraft released their loads from between 4,000 and 8,000 feet (1,200 and 2,400 m), Brill lined up to attack at only 1,500 feet (460 m). With the bomb bay doors open, his Wellington was struck by flak, damaging the hydraulics and rear gun turret, and leaving one of the 1,000 lb (450 kg) bombs hanging after the others dropped on target. Returning to England through more bad weather, he landed his crippled Wellington on an emergency landing ground with the bomb doors still open and one tyre flat; the aircraft was later scrapped. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his action on that night; he was the first pilot in 460 SQN to be so decorated.

From November 1942 to late 1943, Brill was posted to an instructor position at 27 Operational Training Unit (RAF); the unit where he himself had learnt to fly heavy bombers. He was then posted to a second operational tour on heavy bombers serving with 463 SQN (RAAF) as a Flight Commander. On an early mission to Berlin in late January 1944, his aircraft was struck by incendiaries from a Lancaster flying above his resulting in severe damage to his aircraft's nose, rudder controls, and electricals and the port wing on fire. Having warned his crew to prepare to bail out, Brill placed the Lancaster in a dive and succeeded in putting out the flames.

The crew was able to remain on board and, after a nine-hour flight, the plane landed back at Waddington. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Order in May for "leadership, skill and gallantry of the highest order" and "his determination to make every sortie a success" in spite of frequent damage to his aircraft.

In May and on promotion to Acting Wing Commander, he was posted to command 467 SQN (RAAF) to replace the previous incumbent who had been killed in action. His unit was involved in the D-Day Landings flying extensive bombing missions across northern France. On a mission targeting V-2 supply facilities on 4 July, his Lancaster was peppered with 140 holes from flak while also successfully evading three German night fighters in an aerial dogfight. He was awarded a Bar to his Distinguished Flying Cross for his leadership and airmanship on the mission.

In October 1944, he completed his second operational tour but elected to stay on to mentor the young squadron. He became the first 467 SQN CO to survive his tour as its leader. He returned to Australia in early 1945 having survived 58 Bomber Command missions and been awarded the Distinguished Service Order and the Distinguished Flying Cross and Bar becoming one of Australia’s most distinguished Bomber Command pilots and commanders.

Post war, Brill remained in the service as a senior officer. He served as the first CO of 10 SQN flying Avro Lincolns based at Townsville, the Director of the RAAF Staff College, Staff Officer to the Chief of Air Staff, Commanding Officer of Officer Training School (RAAF Rathmines), Commanding Officer of RAAF Canberra/Fairbairn, and twice as the Director of Personnel. Tragically, still serving in the RAAF in a staff position in the Department of Air in Canberra, he died suddenly of a heart attack at the age of only 48 at his home in Canberra in 1964.

Lest we forget.

Image of WGCDR Brill DSO DFC and Bar, CO 467 SQN, courtesy of Australian War Memorial Digital Online Collection (Copyright expired, public domain)

11/10/2026

An initiative in recent years at our annual commemorative services, has been the addition of a Commemorative Wreath where attendees can emplace a piece of rosemary or a poppy on the wreath providing a personal moment to remember and reflect.

Guarded by two Australian Air Force Cadets, the wreath is then laid as the last tribuite in the wreath laying.

For the 2026 SAAM Air Force Memorial Commemorative Service on Friday 2 October, the wreath had images of PLTOFF Murray Henzell and FLTLT Neil Chisholm, the two aviators lost in the crash of Air Trials Unit A77-2 Meteor 70 years ago on 28 September 1956 on a routine sortie at Woomera. Beneath image of the two aviators was an image of their Meteor at Woomera.

At the base of the wreath was a model of RAAF Meteor with rosemary and poppies.

It was wonderful seeing so many people come forward to emplace a piece of rosemary on the wreath paying their respects to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice serving our nation such as PLTOFF Henzell and FLTLT Chisholm. It was particularly poignant when members of the Henzell and Chisholm famiy came forward to emplace rosemary on the wreath.

Lest we Forget

Imagery courtesy of Mr Gary Petts (AFA-SA Photographer)