BATTLE OF BRITAIN ‘LACE’
The Air Force Association – South Australia (AFA-SA) has hosted a significant weekend of remembrance and engagement, featuring a wreath-laying ceremony at the Air Force Memorial on Torrens Parade Ground, Adelaide.
The weekend also included special visits with Australian Air Force Cadets to the Vickers Vimy Display at Adelaide Airport and the Sir Richard Williams statue in Moonta.
After attending the AFA-SA AGM, AVM Joe Iervasi joined AFA-SA leaders and Australian Air Force Cadets for a special viewing of the Vickers Vimy display at Adelaide Airport. AFA-SA and RAAF Edinburgh were key sponsors of the Epic Flight Centenary (2018-2019), which led to the Vickers Vimy’s relocation to its new purpose-built display. Having attended several Sir Ross Smith commemorations, AVM Iervasi said he was pleased to see the final outcome of the efforts contributed five years ago.
A solemn ceremony at the Air Force Memorial followed, where attendees reflected on the sacrifices of those who have served. Air Vice-Marshal Joe Iervasi (Retd), National President of the Air Force Association, Air Commodore Adrian Maso, Senior Air Force Representative for South Australia and Mr Lawrence Ng, President of the AFA-SA, laid wreaths. Attendees were also invited to place a piece of rosemary in honour of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country.
The gathering brought together a diverse group of AFA-SA members, including ex-serving veterans, current serving veterans such as AIRCDRE Maso and future veterans represented by the Australian Air Force Cadets.
A key feature of the weekend was a visit to Moonta, where AVM Iervasi joined AFA-SA leadership, including Mr Ng, AFA-SA Vice-President Group Captain Greg Weller and Vice-President Dr Robert Black. The group gathered to view the Sir Richard Williams statue, a centrepiece of the Air Force Centenary celebrations in 2021. The statue, which commemorates Sir Richard Williams’ foundational role in establishing the RAAF, was the result of a collaboration between the Moonta community, RAAF Edinburgh and AFA-SA.
One-third of the funding for the statue came from Air Force Association National, emphasising its significance to Air Force heritage and inspiring future generations of aviators.
For AVM Iervasi, the visit was particularly meaningful, as the statue initiative began during his tenure as Commander of the Air Warfare Centre at RAAF Edinburgh in 2017-2018. However, due to his overseas duty at the time, he missed the unveiling in 2021. His return to Moonta as AFA’s National President provided the opportunity for him to personally thank the Moonta community for their collaboration with the RAAF and acknowledge the AFA’s critical support for the project.
The visit also provided a moment of reflection for the attendees, who, alongside members of the Moonta community and Australian Air Force Cadets from Adelaide, could sit with the statue of Sir Richard Williams, reflect on his achievements and draw inspiration for their futures in the Air Force.
For those in Adelaide or visiting the region, the AFA encourages a trip to Moonta to visit this symbol of Air Force pride and legacy, just a 90-minute drive from the city.
“Overall, the weekend provided AVM Iervasi with not only a fantastic opportunity to see what the AFA is doing in South Australia and connect withs its members but also a first-hand look at what AFA can achieve when working with RAAF and the wider community in preserving and promoting Air Force heritage for future generations – a key deliverable for the association,” said GPCAPT Weller.
Images courtesy of Gary Petts, AFA-SA Photographer.
