The Rockliff Liberal Government is the strongest supporter of our veterans community and congratulates the Royal Australian Air Force on its 102nd anniversary today.
``Eight Australian Flying Corps were part of the Australian Imperial Force that fought in World War One. At the time, they were attached to a larger British Royal Flying Corps and Royal Air Force Formations,’’ Minister Barnett said.
``In January 1920, the AFC was replaced by the Australian Air Corps, which became the Australian Air Force on 31 March 1921. The King’s consent was given on 13 August 1921 and the Australian Air Force became the Royal Australian Air Force.
``The RAAF is the second oldest independent Air Force in the world.
``The RAAF has taken part in many of the 20th century's major conflicts. During the early years of the Second World War a number of RAAF bomber, fighter, reconnaissance and other squadrons served in Britain, and with the Desert Air Force located in North Africa and the Mediterranean.
``From 1942, a large number of RAAF units were formed in Australia and fought in the South-West Pacific Area. Thousands of Australians also served with other Commonwealth air forces in Europe, including during the bomber offensive against Germany.
``Later, the RAAF served in the Berlin Airlift, Korean War, Malayan Emergency, Indonesia–Malaysia Confrontation and Vietnam War.
``More recently, the RAAF has participated in operations in East Timor, the Iraq War, the War in Afghanistan, and the military intervention against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.
``Today’s RAAF continues to reflect its mission of a deep sense of duty to serve the nation, protect its people and values, and safeguard its future for the generations that follow,’’ Minister Barnett said.
“As men like my grandfather, who served with the Royal Flying Corp in World War One and as the president of the Royal Australian Airforce Association of Hobart, did.”
Lest We Forget