Warbirds Down Under, Australia

WARBIRDS DOWN UNDER

Royal Australian Air Force 100 Squadron to be re-formed as Royal Australian Air Force Heritage Squadron

Ahead of the centenary commemorations of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), 100 Squadron will be re-formed as the Royal Australian Air Force Heritage Squadron, operating from RAAF Base Point Cook, Victoria and Temora (Temora Aviation Museum,) New South Wales. First established during World War II, in February 1942 at RAAF Base Richmond, 100 Squadron was an Air Force bomber and maritime patrol squadron. It trained on Australian-built Bristol Beauforts and conducted several successful missions throughout the war, taking part in the famous Battle of the Bismarck Sea in March 1943. It eventually disbanded in New Guinea on 19 August 1946. The new Air Force Heritage Squadron headquarters

WARBIRDS DOWN UNDER

REPORT BY JEROEN OUDE WOLBERS

at RAAF Base Point Cook would provide a historical connection to the community. The reestablishment of 100 Squadron coincides with the centenary of the RAAF, which was formed on March 31, 1921.

This Gloster Meteor F.8 was built in 1949 and operated by the RAF until 1982, carrying the serial number VZ467. Todays markings are of RAAF 77 Squadron. This is the only F.8 flying in the world.

Main image: This Supermarine Spitfire Mk.XVI was built in late 1944. Above: Supermarine Spitfire Mk VIII, built in 1944 and shipped to Australia. It entered service with the RAAF and was placed into storage without ever been in active service. Below: Commonwealth CA-18 Mustang 23 (P-51D), built in 1950 and delivered to the RAAF. In 1959, it was withdrawn from service.

Main image: Lockheed Hudson, built in 1939. Above: This New Zealand Aerospace Airtrainer CT-4A was built in 1982. Below: The Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation C-13A Boomerang was built in 1943 and spent its entire life with the RAAF 83 Squadron.

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