BATTLE OF BRITAIN ‘LACE’
On 12 August, AFA-SA participated in the unveiling of a new Sir Richard Williams Display honouring the Father of the Air Force by the new Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Steven Chappell at RAAF Base Edinburgh.
Sir Richard Williams, a local Moonta Boy from South Australia, initially joined the local Militia and then Army. He completed the first military pilot training course for the Australian Flying Corps at Point Cook and deployed with No 1 Squadron, AFC, to Palestine. He served with distinction being awarded the Distinguished Service Order for flying behind enemy lines to rescue a downed pilot and rose in rank to command No 1 Squadron and No 40 Wing RAF. Between the wars he displayed immense political acumen in fighting for the establishment and the development of the RAAF becoming known as the “Father of the RAAF”.
The centrepiece of the display is a fantastic artwork by Yorke Peninsula artist Anne Stock which was given to RAAF Edinburgh by the Moonta community in recognition of the base’s support to Moonta in acknowledging Sir Richard Williams during the Air Force Centenary and in particular the establishment of the town’s Sir Richard Williams Park Sculpture. The display is intended to inspire future generations of Air Force aviators at RAAF Edinburgh to strive for achievement, excellence and professionalism and educate them on South Australia’s proud contributions over the years to the Air Force.
It was wonderful for our President Mr Lawrence Ng to be part of the day and to meet the Chief of Air Force and key guests including Robyn Knight (who led the Moonta Sir Richard Williams celebrations) and members of the Sir Richard Williams family. Also attending were members of the Moonta community who AFA-SA worked with during the AF2021 celebrations in Moonta.
The Sir Richard Williams Park Sculpture was a keynote element of South Australia’s Air Force Centenary Celebrations and Air Force Association was a proud sponsor of the initiative.
Pictured above: Senior RAAF officers AIRCDRE Adrian Maso and GPCAPT Greg Weller with members of the Moonta community, Sir Richard Williams Family and President AFA-SA, Mr Lawrence Ng, at the recent unveiling of the new Sir Richard Williams Display at RAAF Edinburgh.
Courtesy of Air Force Association (South Australian Division) Vice President GPCAPT Greg Weller