Performing
an historic role
By
David Wilson
AN IMPORTANT element of the Air Power Development Centre reorganisation
is the establishment of the position of RAAF Historian to manage
the new Offi ce of RAAF History and be the principal point of
contact for all RAAF history matters.
The RAAF Historian will supervise the collection and retention
of relevant historical records by the RAAF Historical Record section
at Campbell Park, ACT.
The Historical Record section holds unit histories, Air Board
documents, campaign briefs, personal mem-oirs, information on
aircraft accidents and a large number of reference books.
The section also ensures that information made available about
Air Force history to the public at large and particular agencies
such as the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and ex-service organisations
is reliable and that the Air Force’s duty of care to its ex-members
is met.
The records are being transferred to electronic media to ensure
they are available in good quality for future reference.
The primary role of the Offi ce of RAAF History will be to ensure
that appropriate lessons, from both history and current operations,
are analysed and used optimally in the development of air power
being undertaken at the Air Power Development Centre.
To further support this aim, the Offi ce of RAAF History will
create and maintain links with other services, academic institutions
and relevant private sources, both in Australia and overseas.
The Office of RAAF History will promote Air Force heritage by
managing the Heritage Awards program. The award program, suspended
for 2004 while a review is done, is expected to be reinstituted
for 2005.
The Office will also contribute to the education of members of
the Air Force and the broader ADF community on matters of historical
importance.
The Office will be responsible for the organisation and conduct
of the biennial RAAF History Conference.
Members of the Offi ce of RAAF History will be expected to participate
in relevant seminars and conferences.
In summary, the role of the RAAF Historian and RAAF Historical
Records will be to ensure that the recording of past operations
and activities of the Air Force is accurate, relevant and placed
in historical perspective.
Procedures are in hand to ensure the collection of current records
meets this aim.
