Formation of the RAAF, 1921 Page 2

In 1936/37 two Avro-type aircraft also came into service - the Anson general-reconnaissance bomber, and the Cadet trainer. Other aircraft purchased in smaller numbers included the D.H. Dragon Rapide, Wackett Gannet, and a Miles Magister. It was during this period that two famous Australian pilots, and their crews, were lost in tragic accidents: C. T. P. Ulm on 4 December 1934 in an Airspeed Envoy, and Sir Charles Kingsford Smith on 8 November 1935 in the Lockheed Altair, Lady Southern Cross. Both men had been awarded an Air Force Cross and each held honorary rank in the RAAF -the former a flight lieutenant, and the latter an air commodore. Another famous Australian air pioneer with an Air Force Cross and the honorary rank of squadron leader in the RAAF was H. J. L. Hinkler. Bert Hinkler died earlier when his Puss Moth crashed on 7 January 1933.

With the influx of new aircraft into service, personnel intakes and units were also expanded. In April 1936 No. 21 (City Of Melbourne) Squadron, and No. 22 (City of Sydney) Squadron were formed at Laverton and Richmond respectively. These two squadrons took over the Citizen Air Force training performed previously by Nos 1 and 3 Squadrons, which became fully permanent squadrons. At the same time No. 2 Aircraft Depot came into being at Richmond. A Recruit Training Depot was also opened at Laverton, and No. 101 Flight, now equipped with Seagull Vs, was renumbered No. 5 (Fleet Co-operation) Squadron.

Three Bristol Bulldog single-seat fighters in formation over the coast in the early 1930s.

RAAF sergeants, stationed at Point Cook, Victoria, pose for a group photograph in front of a Wapiti of No. 1 Squadron, in February 1933.

By 30 June 1936 the RAAF strength had increased to 138 officers, 61 cadets, and 1,166 airmen in the permanent Air Force, and 44 officers and 195 airmen in the Citizen Air Force. While this expansion of the Royal Australian Air Force was under way, plans were also made to establish a local aviation industry to provide aircraft for Australia's defence. As a result, the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation was formed, with Wing Commander L. J. Wackett as general manager. The first aircraft selected for production in 1936 was a version of the North American NA-33 two-seat monoplane. The basic design of this machine was adapted for Australian conditions and the resultant aircraft, as ordered for the RAAF, became known as the Wirraway.

On 3 May 1937, following the arrival of the first Ansons, No. 2 (General Reconnaissance) Squadron formed at Laverton together with No. 23 (General Purpose) Squadron; of interest is the fact that No. 23 went to Pearce in Western Australia on 10 March 1938 and was renumbered No. 25 (City of Perth) Squadron on 1 January 1939, while No. 23 (City of Brisbane) Squadron later formed on 6 February 1939. No. 4 (General Reconnaissance) Squadron also formed on 3 May 1937 at Richmond, but was renumbered No. 6 Squadron on 1 January 1939.

The year 1938 saw the RAAF mount two memorable large scale flying displays at Flemington, Victoria, and Richmond.

Three RAF Vickers Wellesley single-engined long range bombers also flew in and broke the world distance record on a flight of 7,162 miles from Ismailia, Egypt, to Darwin; one was forced down at Timor, almost within sight of the destination. Marshal of the Royal Air Force Sir Edward Ellington arrived in Australia during the year on a tour of inspection. His report, like that of his predecessor Sir John Salmond, resulted in a further development stage for the RAAF.

Wing Commander F. McNamara, V.C., Mr. C. W. A. Scott, winner of the Centenary Air Race from England to Australia. and Air Commodore S. J. Goble at a RAAF Laverton, Victoria, air display in the early 1930s.

In 1935 Bulldog and Demon aircraft of the RAAF were deployed to Western Australia for defence exercises. The young RAAF members photographed on arrival at Maylands Civil Airport are (I. to r.) : Flying Officer P. 0. Lavarack, Corporal J. J. Rhyder, Leading Aircraftsman H. R. Fitzgerald (kneeling), Flying Officer A. D. Charlton, Flying Officer D. E. G. Walker, Flying Officer D. R. Chapman, Flying Officer D. McLean (kneeling) and Flight Lieutenant R. F, M. Dalton.

With the rapid approach of war in 1939 expansion schemes were expedited, and recruiting was increased. The first Australian-built Wirraway made its maiden flight on 27 March 1939 and plans were under way to manufacture the Bristol Beaufort bomber in Australia, as well as D.H. Tiger Moths. In addition Lockheed Hudsons had been ordered from America and No. 10 (General Reconnaissance) Squadron personnel had gone to the United Kingdom to collect the new four-engined Short Sunderland flying-boats. In Australia, No. 5 (Fleet Co-operation) Squadron was again renumbered and became No. 9 Squadron. Two other squadrons, Nos 12 and 14, were formed and elements were deployed to Darwin and Pearce respectively.

When the fateful 3 September 1939 arrived - declaration of the 1939-45 War - Air Vice-Marshal Williams had been posted to the United Kingdom and Air Vice-Marshal Goble had taken over as Chief of the Air Staff. Thus, eighteen years after its formation these two outstanding officers were still leading the RAAF. However, the intervening years had produced another outstanding group of Australians who were to assist in guiding the RAAF through the coming years-men of high calibre including W. H. Anderson, G. Jones, W. D. Bostock, F. M. Badin, J. P. J. McCauley, F. R. W. Scherger, V. E. Hancock, and A. M. Murdoch.