Branch - ATC / AAFC

The graves and memorials of brave Australian troops – many unknown and unidentified - lay scattered across northern France and Belgium reminding us of the price paid by a small distant brave nation for its involvement in the Great War.

Following the decision that the armed forces of the British Empire should exploit the air as a means of warfare, the Australian Flying Corps was established on 20 September 1912.

In this comprehensive, thoroughly researched book Matthew Glozier describes the remarkable 75 year history of the Air Training Corps (ATC) and Australian Air Force Cadets (AAFC) and pays tribute to the over 150,000 cadets and staff whose lives the organisation has positively influenced.

The Association’s “WW1 Armistice Commemoration Service” held at Point Cook on Sunday the 4th of November was a
memorable occasion and the many comments received both after the Service and since have all been complimentary to say the least.

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE :Firstly, I must apologise for the oversight on my part by omitting, in our previous newsletter, our
congratulations to WGCDR (AAFC) Dee Smith on being appointed Officer Commanding No. 4 Wing.
We wish Dee well in her future endeavours and we assure the Wing of the continued support of the ATC/AAFC Branch to the best of our abilities whenever and however we can to the benefit of all of the Victorian Squadrons.

In this edition: President's Message; AAFC News, 90 Years of the Australian Royal Flying Doctor Service; Coming Events; and more...

In this edition: President's Message, AAFC News, A Member's Story, The Story of the 'Jerry Can'; and much more...

We open this report with our Branch’s heartiest congratulations to two of our members who were recognised for their community service work this year:
- Don Bergman OAM was recognised for his conspicuous community service over many years, and
- Jan Williams (wife of member Doug Williams) who was nominated as a “Local Hero” for her community work at the Australia Day function up at Baddaginnie in country Victoria.

Several of our members made the trip to Benalla on the 25th of March for the Dedication of the Australian Flying Corps Memorial which is situated in the Rose Garden area. Key Note speaker was AFA President Carl Schiller who addressed the gathering with the well informed beginnings of the AFC and its subsequent history in Service during WW1.