BATTLE OF BRITAIN ‘LACE’
Brisbane’s Queens Gardens Park has been the setting for a moving tribute as the AFC & RAAF Association Queensland Division hosted the Australian and Allied Air Forces Memorial Service.
The event honoured all Allied Air Forces personnel including Prisoners of War, Defence Nurses and War Widows, along with several separate Associations. This year it coincided with the RAAF’s 105th birthday, the 30th anniversary of the RAAF Memorial (dedicated 2 May 1996) and the 80th anniversary of the incorporation of the AFC and RAAF Association Queensland Division on 17 October 1946. The service was held in beautiful weather, unlike the 2025 event which was washed out by Cyclone Alfred.
RAAFA State President Group Captain John Bushell (Ret’d) hosted the ceremony at the symbolic RAAF Memorial in Queens Gardens Park. The timing was deliberately chosen as the closest Sunday to the RAAF birthday on 31 March.
Deputy President and event organiser Mr Phil Symonds noted the ageing demographic in veteran ranks and explained that the Association had focused its efforts on uniting veterans and their families from all Air Forces to honour not only RAAF personnel but also those from allied Air Forces.
The well-attended service drew around 160 people, including personnel from RAAF Amberley, Oakey Army Aviation Base, the Naval Fleet Air Arm, AAFC, RSL Queensland and international representatives from the RAF, RNZAF, USAF, Poland, Netherlands, France and the former NEI.
Queensland Governor Her Excellency the Hon Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM was represented by Honorary Aide-de-Camp Flight Lieutenant Adam Lo OAM. Speakers included Group Captain Bushell, Brisbane City Councillor Stephen Toomey (representing the Lord Mayor, an ex-RAAF member) and Group Captain Stephen Johns ASM, AAFC National Commander. Scripture was read by local RAAFA member John Griffiths MBE, with reflections presented by Ms Ingrid Schodel, daughter of 18 SQN RAAF NEI WW2 veterans.
Support came from Joint Operations Support Staff personnel who provided the RAAF catafalque party, while the HMAS Moreton Naval Reserve Band delivered stirring music for attendees and passers-by. AAFC guards from 2 Wing stood watch over the National, State and current RAAF ensigns.
A special highlight was the attendance of 97-year-old Squadron Leader John Burgess ED (Ret’d), former AFA & RAAFA Queensland Division State President, who celebrated his 97th birthday two days later on the RAAF’s birthday.
