Air Power Development Centre

New era in history of centre

By Chris Clark

FUNCTIONING within the Air Power Development Centre is a newly-formed element called the Office of Air Force History.

This combines the RAAF Historian with the former Historical Records Section. Although the latter has been a part of the centre since 1997, only recently has it been possible to move it from Campbell Park Offices to join the centre in Tuggeranong.

In its new location, the office is better able to contribute historical perspective and background to a range of centre activities – from the development of doctrine and various studies, to air power courses and educational modules, and the very active publishing program.

The RAAF Historian is, in effect, the centre’s deputy director for historical analysis.

Under the new arrangement, the Air Force has a principal point of contact for all matters relating to service history and heritage. In addition to involvement in the centre’s day-to-day activities, the office will also conduct the Heritage Awards program, run the biennial RAAF History Conference as well as smaller seminars from time to time, and will shortly assume a closer role with the RAAF Museum.

The office continues the Historical Records Section’s role as the repository for the records of all current and disbanded Air Force units, including operational diaries and unit narratives. The collection also includes COs reports, aircraft accident reports, casualty registers and grave registration details, and much other material besides dealing with all aspects of RAAF (and some Australian Flying Corps) history.

The collection held by the office is being added to constantly. Apart from the Air Force itself, and individual ex-members, it responds to requests from elsewhere across the Defence Department as well as other government agencies, such as the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and the Australian War Memorial. It also assists the media and members of the general public on Air Force historical matters.

Although it is not a public facility, the office does allow access to its holdings by bona fide researchers by appointment. Many records are on microfilm and can be purchased in this format. Some records – at this stage only unit histories of flying squadrons and aircraft status cards – are being progressively digitised, and can be provided on CD for a small cost.

Inquiries should be directed to the Office of Air Force History, Level 3, 205 Anketell Street, Tuggeranong ACT 2900, phone (02) 6266 1447, fax (02) 6266 1329 or via www.raaf.gov.au/airpower.

Chris Clark is the RAAF Historian.

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