The origins of the Royal Australian Air Force extend back to the early days of aviation, and we have made important contributions to defence and peacekeeping initiatives across the globe ever since.
1930-1939
Formation of the Wireless section
Proclamation of Cape Bruce, Antarctica
Introduction of the Wirraway aircraft
PM announces expeditionary forces to assist RAF
10 Squadron first British Dominion Squadron on active service
No 10 Squadron undertakes active service.
10 Squadron first British Dominion Squadron on active service
A detachment of two officers and 183 airmen sailed from Australia, bound for England. On arrival the detachment joined a group from No 10 Squadron, RAAF, comprising eight officers and 13 airmen, which had earlier been sent to take delivery of new Sunderland flying boats and fly them out to Australia. The two groups now formed a complete squadron and thus became the first air force unit of any British Dominion to be on active service.
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1940-1949
Air Force Nursing service established
Formation of the Women's Auxiliary Australian Air Force
Bombing of Darwin
Australia's first Indigenous fighter pilot
Introduction of helicopters to Air Force
No 10 Squadron first definite attack against a German submarine
The RAAF's only unit in wartime England, No 10 Squadron, made its first definite attack against a German submarine.
No 10 Squadron first definite attack against a German submarine
Shortly before 8.30 am, a Sunderland flying boat captained by Squadron Leader Charles Pearce surprised a surfaced U-boat off the coast of Portugal. Pearce immediately attacked, but the enemy boat began to dive and was already at periscope depth before the Sunderland delivered six 250-pound bombs––one of which landed 20 feet (6 metres) ahead of the U-boat’s track. A large patch of oil was sighted soon afterwards, accompanied by a steady stream of bubbles, but although the aircraft stayed over the area for more than three hours it became apparent that the enemy boat had escaped with only superficial damage. The Distinguished Flying Cross which Pearce received in late July was the first awarded to a RAAF member since the Service was formed.
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