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Royal Australian Air Force Memorial : 07-November-2010
Royal Australian Air Force Memorial : 07-November-2010

Photographs supplied by Diane Watson / Sandra Brown / Russell Byers

The memorial commemorates those who have served in the Royal Australian Air Force throughout its history. The memorial was redeveloped and rededicated on Friday 1 November 2002.

The monument constructed on Anzac Parade in Canberra was unveiled in 1973 by His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. The Prince wore the uniform appropriate to his position as Marshal of the Royal Australian Air Force as he delivered an address to 900 official guests, paying tribute to Air Force's 50 year history since its formation in 1921.

The memorial’s central sculpture, consisting of stainless steel vertical wing shapes symbolic of flight, was the work of Mrs Inge King who won a design competition in 1970. Following dedication by chaplains, a flypast by Mirage fighters of No 77 Squadron completed the ceremony. 

Preceded in World War One by the Australian Flying Corps, which served on the Western Front and in the Middle East, the Royal Australian Air Force came into existence on 31 March 1921. Expanded dramatically during World War Two, the Royal Australian Air Force served first in the Middle East and in Britain. Australian squadrons in the European theatre suffering very heavy casualties. The Royal Australian Air Force contributed significantly to victory in the Pacific War,and also made major contributions to the Australian effort in the Malayan, Korean and Vietnam conflicts. 

Location

Address:ANZAC Parade, Campbell, 2612
State:ACT
Area:AUS
GPS Coordinates:Lat: -35.286941
Long: 149.143843
Note: GPS Coordinates are approximate.
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Details

Monument Type:Monument
Monument Theme:Conflict
Sub-Theme:Multiple
Designer:Inge King
Link:http://www.nationalcapital.gov.au

Dedication

Actual Monument Dedication Date:Thursday 15th March, 1973
Front Inscription

Royal Australian Air Force

Plaque : 

The national memorial to the Royal Australian Air Force

This memorial honours the service and sacrifice of the men and women of the Royal Australian Air Force and the Australian Flying Corps

Dedicated in the presence of

His Excellency the Right Reverend Dr Peter Hollingworth AC OBE Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia

The Honourable John Howard MP Prime Minister of Australia

Air Marshal Angus Houston AM AFC Chief of Air Force
on 1 November 2002

Per ardua ad astra
`Through struggle to the stars`.

Source: MA,NC,SKP
Monument details supplied by Monument Australia - www.monumentaustralia.org.au