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Volunteer Aircraft ObserversPrint Page Print this page

17-February-2016 (Neil Follett)
17-February-2016 (Neil Follett)

Photographs supplied by Neil Follett / Bryan Hardy

The plaque commemorates the 56 volunteer aircraft observers who manned the observation post from 1942 to 1945 during World War Two. 

The Volunteer Air Observers Corps (VAOC) was formed on 31 December 1941 to support the Royal Australian Air Force (R.A.A.F.) by sighting and observing aircraft over Australia.  It quickly established observation posts across Aus­tralia and provided information to the R.A.A.F.'s regional air control posts.

As the threat to Australia declined the VAOC's role was expanded to include coast watching, assisting Air Traffic Control and weather reporting. The VAOC was staffed by civilian volunteers and reached a peak strength of 24,000 personnel and 2,656 observation posts in 1944. After the end of the war the VAOC was reduced to a cadre in December 1945 and was disbanded on 10 April 1946.

Location

Address:Great Ocean Road, Viewing Platform, Anglesea, 3230
State:VIC
Area:AUS
GPS Coordinates:Lat: -38.429003
Long: 144.155455
Note: GPS Coordinates are approximate.
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Details

Monument Type:Plaque
Monument Theme:Conflict
Sub-Theme:WW2
Actual Event Start Date:
Approx. Event Start Date:1942
Approx. Event End Date:1945

Dedication

Approx. Monument Dedication Date:1997
Front Inscription

Remembering the 56 volunteer aircraft observers who manned this post up to 24 hours a day from 1942 to 1945.

Erected in 1997 by the Anglesea and District Historical Society

 

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