WWII RAAF Radar Interpretive Exhibition – Dedication Ceremony
After three postponed attempts due to the COVID pandemic, the Dedication Ceremony for the WWII RAAF Radar Interpretive Exhibition at 13RS Cape Otway was successfully celebrated on 19 February 2022.
The WWII 13RS Doover building now houses the only existing Interpretive Exhibition of WWII RAAF Radar in in the remote and isolated Cape Otway Lightstation precinct.
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Under clear blue skies, the long-awaited Dedication Ceremony took place in excellent weather conditions, with around 30 participants witnessing the significant celebration of what has been the ‘secret story’ of WWII RAAF Radar and those who served.
The small but dedicated audience comprised three WWII veterans (Radar Operators George Runting – who served at 13RS – and Terry McMahon, and Radar Mechanic, David Westwood) and their family members; RAAF Radar Branch Members; as well as members of AFA Victoria’s Ballarat Branch, led by Branch President, Noel Hutchins.
RAAF Radar Branch President, Chris Harnath, hosted the Dedication Ceremony, with contributions from our three Vet RAAF Radar Branch members; Alex Parry, Cape Otway Lightstation Operations Coordinator and Branch Secretary, Kathy Cooney.
AFA Ballarat Branch President, Noel Hutchins, representing AFA National President, Carl Schiller, delivered the following words of dedication:
“This RAAF Radar Interpretive Exhibition is dedicated to those who died during World War II while serving in RAAF Radar and those who have subsequently died because of their service in Radar
and those members of both RAAF and WAAAFA who served on Radar establishments.”
(Adapted from: Radar Yarns Aug / Sept 91, More Radar Yarns Nov 92 – Ed Simmonds and Norm Smith).
At the close of proceedings, WWII veteran and Radar Operator Terry McMahon, together with Eric Penfold, performed ‘Song of the RDF Boys’ which was composed by A.C.1. Les Phillips in May 1943 on R.D.F Course 72 at Richmond RAAF Base.
This Interpretive Exhibition preserves the WWII story of RAAF Radar in the context of its isolation. It is hoped that a video of the Dedication Ceremony will be available online in due course.
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Above L to R: Former Ballarat Branch President Noel Hutchins who gave the dedication; RAAF Radar Branch President, Chris Harnath;
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Above L to R: WWII veteran and Radar Operator, George Runting, who served with 13RS for 6 months WWII veteran and Radar Mechanic, David Westwood;WWII veteran and WWII veteran and Radar Operator, Terry McMahon paid tribute to WWII radar veterans.
AFA members and their families have access to the Cape Otway precinct including the RAAF Radar Interpretive Exhibition at a 50% entrance fee discount. We encourage you to visit this special, if little understood, story now contained in this Exhibition at 13RS Cape Otway.
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Above L to R: Inside 13RS bunker - Radar Operator with radar receiving equipment and original Radar Arial or Array Turning Gear; Radar Mechanic with radar W/T equipment.
For further information: Chris Harnath on 0425 770 011.