Redcliffe ANZAC Day service to honour vital role

Redcliffe RSL will highlight the role the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has played in conflicts, and in defending Australia, since WWI during this year’s ANZAC Day commemorations on April 25.

The Australian Flying Corps (AFC) was formed in 1912, as a precursor to the RAAF, and played a pioneering role in military aviation during WWI.

It conducted reconnaissance and air combat, supported ground troops, and played a crucial role in the Middle East.

In 1921, it became an independent service, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).

The RAAF became the world’s second independent air force after the Royal Air Force (RAF), demonstrating Australia’s commitment to aerial defence.

It inherited personnel, equipment and bases from AFC.

During the period between the end of WWI and the beginning of WWII, the RAAF struggled with obsolete aircraft, poor safety and failed to maintain readiness despite attempts to modernise. Depression-era budget cuts further reduced capability.

Despite this, the RAAF was crucial to halting Japanese advancement towards Australia during WWII, providing relentless air defence of the region. Its efforts helped turn Allied fortunes in the Pacific during the conflict.

Australians also served in the RAF during WWII’s Battle of Britian and were part of the first military campaign fought primarily in the air. They played a part in preventing the German invasion of Britain.

Throughout WWII, about 10,000 Australians served with the RAF’s Bomber Comand, of which 3486 were killed in action and 650 died in training accidents.

The RAAF played a pivotal role in several major battles during the war including the Battle for Milne Bay and Battle of the Bismark Sea.

After World War II, the RAAF enhanced its capabilities by adding jet fighters, bombers and surveillance aircraft to its fleet during The Cold War (1947-1991).

It also provided vital air support during the Korean War (1950-53) and Vietnam War (1962-75), Indonesia-Malaysia confrontation (1963-66), Iraq War (2003-2013), Indonesia-Malaysia confrontation (1963-66) and war in Afghanistan (2001-2021), while also being involved in peacekeeping and humanitarian missions as needed.

Redcliffe ANZAC Day services

ANZAC Day March

When: 5.15am

Where: Baker St, along Redcliffe Pde

ANZAC Day Dawn Service

When: 5.30am

Where: Anzac Place

ANZAC Day Service

When: 8.30am 

Where: Woody Point Memorial Hall

ANZAC Day March

When: 9.40am

Where: At the roundabout, Redcliffe Parade and Anzac Avenue to Anzac Place

ANZAC Day Mid-morning Service

When: 10.30am

Where: Anzac Place