Helicopter Squadrons of the RAAF (1971)

A RAAF Iroquois helicopter demonstrates its versatility during a simulated rescue of the crew of a crashed aircraft at a RAAF base. By blowing smoke ,away from the burning aircraft with its rotor blades, the helicopter assists firemen to carry out rescue operations. RAAF helicopters are engaged in more serious work in South Vietnam where they carry out evacuation of wounded Australian soldiers.

HELICOPTERS

Within the last decade the helicopter has gained a place in the aeronautical world as a truly effective weapon of war, adding significantly to the tactical mobility of ground forces.

As described in the chapter on Vietnam, RAAF gunship helicopters are being used in the attack role. The success of helicopter operations has led to the decision of the Australian Government to obtain eleven armed helicopters in addition to twelve Chinook medium lift helicopters and forty-two utility helicopters.

In Australia the RAAF employs helicopters for tactical support of the ground forces and for training. All helicopter crews receive operational training with NO. 5 Squadron at Fairbairn, Australian Capital Territory. In addition to support and training roles the RAAF employs helicopters for search and rescue duties. Two Iroquois helicopters are also based at Butterworth, Malaysia, for this purpose.

No. 9 traces its origins to the formation on 1 July 1925 of No. 101 (Fleet Co-operation) Flight, which was later Te-titled NO. 5 Squadron and again re-titled on 1 January 1939 as No. 9 squadron.

The original Flight was equipped with Supermarine Seagull aircraft and took part in fleet exercises in many areas along the East Australian Coast. During the 1939/45 War, detachments of the Squadron served in the cruiser units of the Royal Australian Navy and with the Royal New Zealand Air Force.

These squadron detachments were involved in many actions throughout the world, attacking the enemy ashore and whenever the opportunity presented itself. The Squadron was disbanded at Rathmines, New South Wales, in December 1944 and reformed in June 1962.

In November of that year it was equipped with Iroquois helicopters and, based at Fairbairn, engaged in search and rescue operations during civil emergencies and army support. The Squadron was sent to Vietnam in 1966.

	NO. 5 SQUADRON
This Squadron had a common origin with No. 9 Squadron and when the latter was formed in 1939, No. 5 became an army co-operation squadron at Laverton, Victoria, equipped with Wirraway aircraft. Assigned to the tactical reconnaissance role is part of No. 84 (Army Co-operation) Wing the Squadron saw service in Bougainville and New Britain. After the war the squadron moved to Pearce, Western Australia, where it was disbanded in 1946. After a lapse of eighteen years the Squadron was formed again at Fairbairn, Australian Capital Territory, on 4 May 1964. It was equipped with Iroquois helicopters and in June 1964 deployed to Butterworth, Malaysia. The Squadron was withdrawn from Butterworth to Fairbairn in 1966 when No. 9 Squadron was assigned to Vietnam.