BATTLE OF BRITAIN ‘LACE’
The RAAF Memorial Grove is a commemorative park on the northern approach to the ACT, co-located with the Hughie Edwards VC Rest Stop at the one end of the historic Canberra-Sydney Remembrance Driveway.
On 2 June, a plaque was dedicated in honour of Number 35 Squadron’s continuing service. The Squadron was originally formed at Pearce on 11 March 1942.
Despite threatening rain, the plaque, installed by the 35 Squadron Association, was dedicated by Air Commodore Clarke CSC OAM, the first Commanding Officer of the Spartan era. A small contingent from 35 Squadron, led by Commanding Officer Wing Commander Mark Seery, attended with about 15 Brisbane-based members of the 35 Squadron Association, who all flew down for the event in a C-27J Spartan.
Locally based serving and retired Squadron members also attended, including all bar one of the commanding officers who have led the Squadron since it was reformed in January 2013.
The gathering was also addressed by 35 Squadron Association President Warrant Officer John McDougall (RTD) and Wing Commander Seery. Flight Lieutenant Kerry “Chuck” Connors MID (RTD), a Vietnam-era Caribou pilot, read the Ode.
The event also marked the 60th anniversary of 35 Squadron’s reformation at Vung Tau on the 1st of June 1960.
Imagery courtesy of Department of Defence
