BATTLE OF BRITAIN ‘LACE’
On Tuesday 31 March 2026, AFA-SA joined with members of the Air Force Family and the broader community at two events to mark the 105th Air Force Birthday and the anniversary of its formation as an independent service.
During the day, RAAF Edinburgh marked the Air Force Birthday with a Ceremonial Birthday Cake Cutting and light lunch hosting dignitaries, serving and ex-serving veterans, and broader Defence stakeholders. As such, numbers were restricted but our President, Lawrence Ng, and three other AFA-SA members were able to attend the event at RAAF Base Edinburgh. The cake cutting was held in the first and original hangar built at Edinburgh back in 1954 when the airfield was first established. There were a number of static aircraft and capability displays that added to the atmosphere showcasing the Air Force of today but there were few Air Force veterans.
Given attendance at the cake cutting was limited, AFA-SA hosted a Sunset Wreath Laying at the Air Force Memorial, Torrens Parade Ground, providing an opportunity for AFA-SA members and broader members of the community to mark the formation of the Royal Australian Air Force as an independent service and to honour those who have served and contributed to the RAAF’s proud legacy over more than 100 years.
The Wreath laying ceremony was attended by over 50 people including serving and ex-serving veterans, family members of late veterans, members of the broader veteran community and the Australian Air Force Cadets. We were particularly honoured to have the new South Australian Minister for Veterans Affairs, Hon Chris Picton attend and lay a wreath on behalf of the South Australian Government. It was also great to have several senior officers from RAAF Edinburgh including GPCAPT Scott Barter, Director Test and Evaluation Directorate, Air Warfare Centre, WGCDR Craig Kean, Commanding Officer No 24 Squadron and Senior ADF Officer Edinburgh, and WGCDR James Best, Commanding Officer No 12 Squadron.
Vice-President AFA-SA, GPCAPT Greg Weller, gave a short address noting significant anniversaries this year including the 85th anniversary of the Women’s Auxiliary Australian Air Force, the 75th Anniversary of the formation of the Women’s Royal Australian Air Force, the 75th anniversary of National Service and the 75th anniversary of the reformation of No 24 (City of Adelaide) Squadron. He reflected on the significance of these anniversaries noting that the 1950’s was a period of immense strategic challenge and uncertainty for Australia as it responded to the growing Cold War and conflict in Asia-Pacific in Korea and Malaya. He further noted the importance of remembering and honouring the sacrifice of those who have served and embracing the proud legacy they have passed on to contemporary veterans. He closed by thanking those who have served and been part of that legacy making the Air Force what it is today and will be in the future and asking everyone to celebrate the Air Force and its Birthday and take a moment to reflect on those who have come before them honouring their achievements and sacrifice to empower them today and inspire them into the future.
A young Australia Air Force Cadet recited the poem High Flight before Chaplain Sue Page of No 24 Squadron, RAAF Edinburgh, led attendees into a Prayer of Remembrance and then the laying of wreaths and Last Post. A poignant moment came in the laying of a special Air Force Birthday Commemorative Wreath by two Air Force cadets that had rosemary emplaced on it by attendees. AFA-SA President, Lawrence Ng, recited the Ode as Australian Air Force Cadet Instructor, SQNLDR (AAFC) Tom Sulda sounded Last Post and Rouse as the RAAF Ensign was raised.
After the service, we joined together in the Combined Ex-Services Mess to share stories between generations of Air Force veterans.
It was a good way to mark the Air Force Birthday.
Per Ardua Ad Astra
Story courtesy Group Captain Greg Weller
Image Captions:
- The Honourable Chris Picton, Minister for Veterans Affairs (South Australia) places rosemary on the Air Force Birthday Commemorative Wreath at the Air Force Birthday Sunset Wreath Laying Ceremony in Adelaide.
- Attendees at the AFA-SA Air Force Birthday Wreath Laying Ceremony in Adelaide.
- Two young Australian Air Force Cadets bring forward the Air Force Birthday Commemorative Wreath for placement at the base of the Air Force Memorial
- Attendees salute for the sounding of Last Post at the Air Force Birthday Wreath Laying Ceremony in Adelaide
