Rededication of Memorial Grove

Australian Federation Guard members at their post at the rededication of the RAAF Memorial Grove in Canberra. Photo by LACW Simone Liebelt

By LACW Simone Liebelt

THE RAAF Memorial Grove – which honours Australian Air Force personnel who gave their lives in defence of the nation – has been rededicated.

The rededication on February 22 marked major changes and additions to the Grove, including the recent opening of the adjacent Hughie Edwards VC Memorial Park, improvements to the central stone cairn and paths, and the erection of ornamental walls displaying commemorative plaques.

The Grove, on Remembrance Driveway in Canberra, was originally dedicated in July 1980.

A large colourful contingent represented the Air Force past and present at the rededication, organised by the RAAF Association’s ACT Division. Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Angus Houston, Australia’s Federation Guard, local Air Force cadets, and RAAF veterans were among the many participants.

Officiated by Air Commodore (Chaplain) Royce Thompson, and Dutch chaplain Professor Hans Mot the rededication service featured the consecration of the RAAF Memorial Grove, the unveiling of dedication plaques, and the laying of wreaths by representatives of the Air Force, the Netherlands, the RAAF Association and the ACT Government.

AIRMSHL Houston unveiled the new plaque, with Netherlands Ambassador Dr Hans Sondaal presenting a plaque honouring Dutch Air Force personnel based in Canberra before serving with the allies in World War II.

A dedication plaque to No. 4 and 5 Squadrons marking their service at RAAF Base Fairbairn was also unveiled.

From its beginnings as a small stone cairn, built and funded by RAAF WWII veterans in the 1960s, the RAAF Memorial Grove has developed into a prominent and fitting testimony to all those who served.

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