Explore the Collection
To mark the centenary of the Royal Australian Air Force the Memorial will be sharing stories, photos and information about Australian service in the sky. These collection items highlight the contributions and experiences of our RAAF members, past and present.
The RAAF in Art
To commemorate the centenary of the establishment of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), we are showcasing some of the highlights of the Memorial’s art collection. Thousands of RAAF-related artworks trace the history of Australian military aviation.
This online exhibition, presented gradually throughout March, will illustrate the history of the RAAF, starting with Australian Flying Corps (AFC).
Capturing the RAAF through time
IMAGES FROM THE COLLECTION
Bomb armourers of the Royal Australian Air Force serving with No.450 Squadron, Royal Air Force, riding on the "Bomb Train" being drawn to the places for loading. 1 August 1942
Women's Auxiliary Australian Air Force (WAAAF) trainee telegraphists practise morse code at a RAAF radio school at Toorak, Melbourne, VIC. 25 September 1942.
A CA27 Sabre Mk.32 A96-994 aircraft of the Royal Australian Air Force flying over Melbourne Cricket Ground. 1959.
Flying Officer Les Reading, RAAF Pilot with No. 77 Squadron climbs from his aircraft after returning from a mission over North Korea. Kimpo, South Korea. 1951
A staff member plotting aircraft positions on a map in the Operations Room of a RAAF base in the North-West Area. Darwin, NT. March 1945.
Portrait of Air Vice Marshal H. N. Wrigley, Air Officer Commanding, RAAF Overseas Headquarters. Agnone, Sicily, Italy. c. September 1943.
A formation of de Havilland DH9 RAAF aircraft. Serial A6-21 on the aircraft in the foreground. c 1921-1929
A Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) C-130 Hercules lands at Tarin Kowt Airfield. 26 March 2007
Sergeant D. G. Highman, a member of the RAAF on his way to air-firing practice. England. C. 1942
Two members of the Women's Auxiliary Australian Air Force (WAAAF) putting an Aileron control rod to a Gipsy Moth aircraft at a RAAF station. Melbourne, VIC. May 1943
A RAAF Boomerang fighter aircraft which landed with its wheels up at No. 59 Operation Base Unit, RAAF. Millungimbi, NT. November 1943
The S-70B Seahawk helicopter 874 (N24-005) from HMAS Adelaide approaching stores which had been delivered to Diego Garcia by RAAF C130. 31 August 1990.
In the tape-recording centre at Phan Rang Air Base, Vietnam is (left to right) RAAF men Leading Aircraftman (LAC) Peter Herbert and LAC Kevin Conner. The No 2 (Canberra) Squadron airmen are clerks in the Operations Room. 1967
RAAF supplying water to diggers in the field. c 1967
Corporal K Sumner, RAAF Engine Fitter, works on the starboard engine of a Douglas C47 Dakota aircraft of No. 30 Communications Unit. Iwakuni, Japan. 1952
RAAF members of No. 3 (Kittyhawk) Squadron RAAF, examine a (red) parachute the Germans used to drop supplies to ground forces in isolated areas. Italy. 1943.
Warrant Officer Douglas Short, No. 3 (Kittyhawk) Squadron RAAF, of Barmera, SA (left), shows the fitter of his aircraft the damage caused by German anti-aircraft guns to the leading edge of his aircraft. This damage was received during a strafing raid with No. 3 Squadron RAAF over the Catania area. Sicily, Italy. 1943
RAAF Nursing Sister Helen Blair tends to a group of prisoners of war during a flight from Korea to Japan. Iwakuni, Japan. 6 August 1953.
A Beaufighter Mark II aircraft of No 456 Squadron RAAF at Valley airfield. Left to right; Leading Aircraftman (LAC) Abbot, Sergeant Pilot Stevens, LAC Molloy, LAC Gibson, Corporal (CPL) Cooper, CPL Thomas. March 1942
A RAAF flight engineer sitting on the steps of a RAAF C130 (number 77) aircraft prior to its departure from RAAF Base Darwin to transport supplies to the International Force for East Timor (Interfet) in Dili. Darwin, NT. 9 November 1999
War Paint: Australian Nose Art over Korea
During the Korean War, No. 77 Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) had a diverse range of nose art on their Mustangs and Meteor aircraft. From rank emblems and names applied in cursive red font to more ornate artworks including cartoons and sporting emblems, the unit continued the tradition of applying nose art to wartime Australian military aircraft.
RAAF Heraldry
ITEMS FROM THE COLLECTION
Worn by Pilot Officer Francis Jeffrey 'Honk' Kevin, RAAF, who flew Hurricane 2D and Thunderbolt P-47D aircraft in Burma with 258 Squadron RAF from 1942-1945.
Sweetheart brooch with a gold painted RAAF eagle and crown set into a perspex disk. The back of the disk has been painted cream. The pin from the brooch has broken off. The paint in the back of the disk is cracked in places and has broken away from the back of the crown.
Standard issue United States Air Force 'Operational Navigation Chart' map made from paper. This map was carried by 43754 Flying Officer (FO) Brian Geoffrey Young on the majority of his flight missions with 35 Squadron RAAF during the Vietnam War.
Brass button with RAF crown and eagle motif. The back of the button unscrews to reveal a small glass faced compass with floating needle. These concealed compasses were carried as an aid to escape in the event of the wearer being shot down over enemy territory.
Pair of rubber soled black leather flying boots. The upper neck of each boot features an adjustment strap which is fastened by means of a plated steel buckle. The inside upper portion of each boot is lined with white lambs wool. Inside each boot is a pair of leather pull tabs.
Souvenir printed handkerchief with lace edge. The centre of the handkerchief is black, with a border of Tudor roses, Scottish thistles and green shamrocks. At each corner is a badge representing Britain and the Commonwealth: the Australian Rising Sun badge; the Canadian General Service badge; the badge of the Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force; and a naval badge.
The US designed B-8 flying goggles, introduced in 1943, were one of the most successful eyewear designs of the Second World War.
Woven cloth patch of 75 Squadron, RAAF. Circular woven cloth patch. Within a black border, is a black and white magpie over a disruptive camouflage background of grey, brown and green. To the left of the magpie's head is the number, '75'.