Description
As war clouds gathered in the Australian spring of 1939, the RAAF was racing to modernise, but remained fundamentally unprepared for global conflict. Despite expansion during the late 1930s, it possessed only 246 aircraft across 12 frontline squadrons, of which just 164 were operational. Most were obsolete or ageing types, including the Avro Anson and Hawker Demon.
Australia had no modern fighter or bomber force. Yet circumstances provided an immediate contribution to the European war. RAAF personnel already in Britain to collect newly purchased Short Sunderland flying boats were ordered to remain when hostilities began. Formed as No. 10 Squadron, they became the first Dominion squadron to enter active service, flying anti-submarine patrols with RAF Coastal Command. Meanwhile, the Empire Air Training Scheme would transform Australian aircrew training on an unprecedented scale.
Per Ardua Ad Astra
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📷 | Stills and footage courtesy of Pathe News
Music: Stardust by Artie Shaw and his Orchestra