Aircraft

By 1939, much RAAF aircraft still resembled those flown during the First World War. Modern aircraft, such as the Supermarine Spitfire or the Hawker Hurricane, were not common in Australia.

As RAAF members joined their colleagues in the British Royal Air Force, they started flying more advanced aircraft. With the advent of war, technology advanced rapidly.

Many RAAF members flew in Europe: between 3,400 and 4,100 Australians lost their lives while serving in Bomber Command. They primarily worked with aircraft such as Avro Lancasters, De Havilland Mosquitos, Vickers Wellingtons, and Short Stirlings.

As war in the Pacific developed, the Australian mainland was threatened. With the RAAF finding itself under-equipped, the Australian Commonwealth Aircraft Company increased production and technological development, leading to the production of the CAC Boomerang.

These were no match for American aircraft, however, many of which were flown in the Pacific. P-40 Kitty Hawks, including the Memorial’s example, Polly, were particularly popular.

Below is a selection of paintings that showcase the variety of aircraft flown by the RAAF.