BATTLE OF BRITAIN ‘LACE’
The RAAF Memorial Grove in Canberra continues to serve as a poignant place of reflection and remembrance, where the Air Force Association (ACT Division) honours the legacy of those who have served in Australia’s air power story.
Recent months saw two meaningful dedications that highlight the enduring contributions of specialised trades and wartime squadrons.
Honouring the ‘Gunnies’ – Australian Armourers Association Plaque Dedication
On 4 December, St Barbara’s Day (the patron saint of those in the armament trade), a dedicated group of current and former armourers gathered at the Memorial Grove for a significant milestone. The Australian Armourers Association unveiled a new plaque recognising the vital, often unsung role of “gunnies” in enabling Australia’s application of air power for over a century.
Air Commodore Adam Spinks, Chief of Staff Joint Capabilities Group, and Air Commodore Bill Hayden (Patron of the Australian Armourers Association), both armament officers themselves, addressed the large assembly. They spoke movingly of the teamwork essential to air operations, where armourers work tirelessly in the background to arm aircraft and deliver decisive capability. The plaque, positioned near the 1 Squadron memorial to symbolise roots tracing back to the Mesopotamian Half Flight in 1915, stands as a testament to generations of armourers—past, present, and those no longer with us.
Following the ceremony, the ‘gunnies’ retired to celebrate St Barbara’s Day in traditional style, reaffirming the unbreakable bond: once a gunnie, always a gunnie.
85th Anniversary Tribute – 450 Squadron Association Plaque Dedication
Marking another proud chapter, the 450 Squadron Association commemorated the unit’s 85th anniversary with the dedication of a plaque at the Grove. Formed on 16 February 1941 at RAAF Base Williamtown, No. 450 Squadron – nicknamed the “Desert Harassers” – carved out an extraordinary wartime record. 450 Squadron got their name from Lord Haw-Haw, who called them the “Desert Harassers” in a broadcast. They quickly adopted the nickname and it is now history. The squadron operated across the Mediterranean and European theatres: Syria, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Malta, Sicily, and Italy, before disbanding in August 1945.
The plaque honours the 865 airmen from five Commonwealth nations who served with distinction in this storied fighter-bomber unit. Dedicated by the “children of 450” – descendants and family members – it ensures their service is forever remembered.
A small contingent from No. 3 Squadron, led by their Commanding Officer Wing Commander Mark “Buster” Beile, attended in a gesture of enduring squadron camaraderie. The address was delivered by the AFA national president and Patron of the 450 Squadron Association, Air Vice-Marshal (Ret’d) Joe Iervasi AM CSC GAICD, who reflected on the squadron’s legacy of courage and contribution to Allied victory.
These ceremonies at the Memorial Grove remind us all of the diverse roles – from armament specialists to combat aircrew – that have built and sustained the Royal Australian Air Force. They stand as quiet yet powerful tributes, preserving history for future generations.
Imagery courtesy of Department of Defence and Allan George
