Garden of gratitude

Bugler CPL Peter McCracken, with the RAAF Central Band, performs the Last Post for both current members and veterans of No. 21 Photograph by SGT Dave Grant

The Remembrance Garden of the Austin and Repatriation Medical Centre in Melbourne's north-east has long been established as a special area to remember all who have served, and in particular, those who have made the supreme sacrifice.

On Saturday, 2 February, members of No. 21 (City of Melbourne) Squadron and members of the 21SQN Liberator Association, marched into the Remembrance Garden to take part in a service that featured the unveiling of a special commemorative plaque.

The gathered crowd had their memory of the Squadron's heroic World War II years sharpened, along with reflections of the Squadron's proud achievements and battle honours by Squadron Leader Bob Schouten, Commanding Officer of 21SQN.

In his address, SQNLDR Schouten paid tribute to all members of the Squadron who gave their lives for our country and freedom, and the spirit and toughness of the teams, which put the aircraft in the air and flew the missions.

In the company of a 21SQN Guard and the RAAF Central Band, SQNLDR Schouten unveiled the commemorative plaque: To the memory of all Squadron members who paid the supreme sacrifice in all theatres of operations.

Jack 'Bluey' Jones from the Liberator Association joined SQNLDR Schouten for the laying of wreaths. Chaplain Peter Phillips provided the Dedication and the Ode was read by Eric Brown of the Liberator Association: 'The Boxing Kangaroo emblem of the fighting 21st stood as testament to the spirit of the Unit.'

No. 21 Squadron was formed on 20 April 1936, to provide an air defence capability for Melbourne.

The then Governor of Victoria, Lord Huntingfield was appointed Honorary Air Commodore, and gave permission for the horn and wings of his own coat of arms to be used in the Squadron's crest.

He also suggested the Squadron motto 'Coronat Victoria Fortes' (Victory Crowns the Brave), which appropriately contains 21 letters in both English and Latin.

21SQN flew its first operational mission in December 1939, with its newer Anson aircraft, escorting a shipping convoy.

From this vital but defensive role of patrolling Australia's sea-lanes, the Squadron became instrumental in defending and securing the south-west Pacific theatre of operations during WW II.

In August 1940, the Squadron deployed to Singapore and re-equipped with Wirraways and Brewster Buffalo fighters.

21SQN suffered heavily from Japanese air attacks in Malaya and early in 1942, returned to Australia for reforming.

By the end of WW II, the Squadron had won battle honours for campaigns conducted in Malaya, New Guinea, Markham Valley, Morotai and Borneo.

Between 1948 and 1960, 21SQN operated as a fighter unit flying Wirraway, Mustang and Vampire aircraft. As with all Reserve units in Australia, 21SQN ceased flying operations in 1960 and became an auxiliary unit supporting Air Force operations, primarily aircraft maintenance.

Today, 21SQN has members in all musterings and specialisations supporting Air Force and ADF operations in Melbourne and throughout Australia.

Story by Peter Meehan