SIXTY-THREE
years ago a group of Royal Australian Air Force No. 10 Squadron
personnel travelled to England to collect their new Sunderland
flying boats.
Their plans of a quick trip over and back changed with the outbreak
of war against Germany on September 3, 1939.
The Australians ended up fighting alongside their colleagues from
other Commonwealth countries and making a major contribution to
the Allied war effort, particularly in the Battle of the Atlantic.
The Battle of the Atlantic against the German U-Boat, or Unterseeboot,
was at its height in 1943 as the submarines ravaged the crucial
supply lines from North America to Great Britain.
To mark the 60th anniversary of the Battle of the Atlantic, a
commemorative tribute is to be erected in Westminster Abbey in
London to all who served with RAF Coastal Command.
This will be in the form of a specially commissioned relief sculpture
in the Abbey cloister.
Fundraising has begun, under the patronage of Prince Philip. Air
Commodore Philip Byrne, Commander Maritime Patrol Group, has accepted
coordination responsibilities in Australia for collecting donations
for the tribute.
“Recognising the ultimate sacrifice made by Australian airmen
who served with Coastal Command during World War 2 is a most worthy
cause and I encourage all Australians to donate generously,”
AIRCDRE Byrne said.
“The Royal Air Force’s Coastal Command played a decisive
role in the Allied victory in the Battle of the Atlantic and many
Australians served with Coastal Command over this period.
“No. 10 Squadron was a part of RAF Coastal Command for the
longest period, from 1939 until 1945, and throughout the Battle
of the Atlantic.”
In addition, No. 461 Squadron and other Australian squadrons joined
Coastal Command from 1942.
“Australian airmen served in Australian squadrons, and also
were integrated into RAF squadrons,” AIRCDRE Byrne said.
“They undertook anti-submarine warfare, shipping strike,
photographic reconnaissance and air-sea rescue. Australians were
instrumental in the Coastal Command victory.
“However, in doing so, members of Coastal Command bore some
of the RAF's highest losses – 234 members of 10 and 461 Squadrons
alone died during the war years.”
Donations from organisations, messes or individuals can be sent
to Maritime Patrol Group, RAAF Base Edinburgh, South Australia,
5111, care of Charmaine Wood.
