BATTLE OF BRITAIN ‘LACE’
The RAAF Memorial in Queens Park Gardens, Brisbane, will once again come alive with pride and reflection on Sunday 29 March 2026, as the AFC and RAAF Association Queensland Division host a special Commemorative Service to celebrate the 105th birthday of the Royal Australian Air Force.
Led by State President Group Captain John Bushell (Ret’d), this gathering falls on the closest Sunday to the RAAF’s formation date of 31 March 1921 – when the Australian Air Force became an independent service, later granted the “Royal” prefix. The event also marks the 30th anniversary of the iconic RAAF Memorial’s dedication on 2 May 1996, a striking bronze sculpture by renowned artist Rhyl Hinwood AM, featuring a majestic wedge-tailed eagle atop an obelisk, honouring the service and sacrifice of all who have worn the Air Force uniform.
Adding further significance, 2026 commemorates the 80th anniversary of the Queensland Division’s incorporation on 17 October 1946, a milestone in RAAFA’s enduring commitment to advocacy, assistance, camaraderie, and commemoration.
After years of the annual service moving to Amberley for the Bomber Command commemoration, the Division has chosen to return to this central Brisbane site to reconnect with the wider community. The Memorial – nestled in the northwest corner of Queens Park Gardens, bounded by George and Elizabeth Streets – will welcome veterans, serving members and families from the RAAF, Army Aviation, Naval Fleet Air Arm, Allied air forces, Prisoners of War, War Widows and Widowers, nurses and more. All who contributed to upholding peace are invited to unite in tribute.
Dignitaries expected include the Honourable Aide-de-Camp representing Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM, Governor of Queensland, alongside representatives from RAAF Amberley, the Australian Air Force Cadets, emergency services, consuls and international affiliates such as the RAF, USAF, RNZAF and British Ex-Services Association of Australia.
You are invited to join this event and to honour those who have gone before and those who paid the supreme sacrifice.
