6 (Training) Squadron AFC

By 1917 the Australian Flying Corps (AFC) consisted of four operational squadrons which outstripped the ability of the Army’s Central Flying School at Point Cook to supply sufficient trained airmen. It was decided, therefore, to establish training squadrons within the AFC. Four such squadrons were established in the United Kingdom during 1917.

6 Squadron AFC was formed at Parkhouse on 15 June 1917. It was originally identified as 30 (Australian Training) Squadron, Royal Flying Corps, but was renamed, along with all of the Australian squadrons, in January 1918. The squadron relocated to Shawbury on 16 June 1917, and then to Tern Hill on 29 June. On 26 February 1918 the squadron relocated to Minchinhampton where it remained until disbanded in March 1919.

The squadron’s principal role was to prepare personnel for service with what was at first 68 (Australian) Squadron, RFC, and subsequently 2 Squadron, AFC, which was operating with British forces over the Western Front. The squadron operated a variety of aircraft types throughout its history and these are listed below.

Colour Patch

Glossary

• Point Cook
• Australian Flying Corps
• Central flying schools
• Royal Flying Corps
• Western Front

Equipment

• SE5A aircraft
• Bristol Scout
• Sopwith Camel
• Sopwith Strutter
• Sopwith Pup
• Avro 504
• Airco DH-5

Casualties

• Individual casualty figures for the AFC training squadrons are not available. In total, 51 AFC personnel died in accidents, and 20 as a result of disease, in the United Kingdom.

For more information please see the Roll of Honour, Wounded and Missing, First World War Nominal Roll and Embarkation Roll databases.

Commanding Officers

• Broun, Alexander Arthur Johnstone
• Cowper, Gerald Audrey Cadogan
• Holden, Leslie Hubert
• Phillips, Roy Cecil

Decorations

• Nil

For more information please see Honours and Awards database

Collection Items

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References

• AWM4/8/9/1-8/9/22: War diary of 6 Training Squadron, AFC