Squadron’s birthday present

IT WAS a double celebration at RAAF Base Pearce recently as No. 1 Airfield Defence Squadron marked two events.

The opening of refurbished facilities for the squadron’s No. 3 Rifle Flight also coincided with the 60th anniversary of the formation of the squadron.

Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Angus Houston opened the refurbishments.

The facilities will be the new home of the Air Defence Guards in Western Australia.

The opening marked the end of a project which began two years ago and was designed to deliver working accommodation for the 1AFDS Rifle Flights in Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia.

“The opening of these facilities marks a milestone in the history of 1AFDS,” Commanding Officer Squadron Leader Tony O’Leary said.

About 60 former members of the Air Defence Guards, including World War II veteran Flight Sergeant Charles Cugley (ret’d), were on hand to mark the occasion.

During the formal proceedings, AIRMSHL Houston and Ainslie Bennett, the widow of “the father of the modern day Air Defence Guards” Wing Commander Gordon Bennett, officially opened the Gordon Bennett Conference Room.

The room provides conference and training facilities but is also an appropriate home to historical photographs and memorabilia.

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