BATTLE OF BRITAIN ‘LACE’
On 31 March, Air Force Association (South Australia) joined with the Adelaide community in marking the 104th anniversary of the formation of the Royal Australian Air Force and the Air Force Birthday.
Embracing the theme of Then – Now – Always, AFA-SA reflected on the past and honoured those who have served and contributed to the proud legacy over more than 100 years by conducting a simple Sunset Wreath Laying at the Air Force Memorial, Torrens Parade Ground. This followed joining serving aviators at RAAF Edinburgh to celebrate the current Air Force in a ceremonial Air Force birthday cake cutting in the Officers Mess. By reflecting on and honouring the past and celebrating the now, the intent was to draw inspiration for the future Air Force.
Local dignitaries at the Sunset Wreath Laying were Senator David Fawcett, Adrian Pederick, MP for Hammond and Shadow Minister for Veterans Affairs, and the Lord Mayor of Adelaide, the Right Honourable Jane Lomax-Smith. The guest of honour was 100-year-old World War 2 RAAF veteran, Mr Bruce Townsend, who served in the Pacific Theatre in the Dutch East Indies.
The wreath laying could not have been possible without the fantastic support of the Australian Air Force Cadets who provided a catafalque party, honour guard and wreath bearers. While No 24 Squadron RAAF Chaplain, Chaplain Sue Page, officiated, Cadet Corporal Lucy Sampson recited the poem High Flight.
Air Commodore Tim Alsop, representing the Senior Air Force Representative South Australia, laid a wreath while Dr Robert Black (Group Captain Retired) represented the AFA-SA in laying a wreath. Two young AAFC Cadets then laid the final wreath – the Air Force Birthday Wreath – which had been emplaced with rosemary by attendees.
After the ceremony attendees retired to the Combined Ex-Services Mess where they shared stories with Air Force veterans and remembered those who have served and left the incredible legacy that today’s Air Force has inherited and is now nurturing for future generations.
Per Ardua Ad Astra
Picture by Luke Scott – Dr Robert Black, AFA-SA State Councillor, with 100-year-old WW2 RAAF veteran Mr Bruce Townsend, and Air Commodore Tim Alsop, Acting Senior Air Force Representative, at Adelaide’s Air Force Birthday Sunset Wreath Laying Ceremony.