Battle honoured
Captain Phil Pyke and Corporal Simone Liebelt remember the Battle of Britain with members of No. 29 (City of Hobart) Squadron.

Air Force members of Australia’s Federation Guard man the Cenotaph during the Battle of Britain commemoration in Hobart.

A 79SQN Hawk flies over Goverment House in Tasmania.

Photos by SGT Andy Hall

TWO Hawks and four PC-9s flew south recently to join the Air Force’s youngest Reserve squadron in commemorating the 65th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

No. 29 (City of Hobart) Squadron hosted the annual event, which “not only recognised the air battles fought and won over Britain and Europe in the 1940s, but also the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II”, according to the squadron’s temporary Commanding Officer, Wing Commander Rod Neilson.

The Hawk fighters, from No. 79 Squadron at RAAF Base Pearce, and the PC-9 trainers, from Central Flying School at RAAF Base East Sale, arrived for the commemorations, which began with a church service on September 10.

Deputy Chief of Air Force Air Vice-Marshal Roxley McLennan – formerly of Hobart – and the last surviving pilot from the famous “Dam Buster” raid in May 1943, Squadron Leader Les Munro (retired), from New Zealand, were special guests.

An Air Force element of Australia’s Federation Guard joined No. 29 (City of Hobart) Squadron flag bearers during the church service, which was also attended by veterans and their families. A formal Battle of Britain dinner followed at Anglesea Barracks.

The next day, a commemorative service was held at the Hobart Cenotaph, but inclement weather prevented a fly-over by the PC-9s. That didn’t deter the many guests from gathering under a huddle of umbrellas to remember the achievements and sacrifices of the World War II battle.

Wing Commander Neilson – who is also the senior Air Force officer in Tasmania – said No. 29 Squadron was drawn upon heavily for the commemorations, with about one third of the unit volunteering to participate.

“It was very successful this year due to the additional Air Force elements that attended from the mainland and the excellent PR coverage we received,” he said.

“Apart from the church service, the Air Force element from Australia’s Federation Guard also supported the formal dinner and Cenotaph service with precise and impressive drill.

“While commemorations were linked to the Battle of Britain, it was equally important to reflect on the achievements of those who have served in other conflicts since then, including Iraq.”

He noted two members of the squadron, including the permanent Commanding Officer, had deployed to the MEAO this year.

The successful commemorations followed on from the squadron’s fourth anniversary celebrations only weeks earlier.

“No. 29 Squadron was formed on September 1, 2001, and is the only Air Force unit in Tasmania,” he said. “It has an air base protection focus and has full responsibility for RAAF representational tasks.

“We are well received, but not very well known yet, however this is improving through community exposure.

“Tasmania has a small population, and technical trades are difficult to get here because they can’t be supported without a base structure. However, ADF personnel moving to Tasmania on discharge should be aware of the squadron’s existence [if interested in joining the reserves].”

For more information on No. 29 (City of Hobart) Squadron, visit http://intranet.defence.gov.au/raafweb/sites/29SQN/

Living legend remembers

THE recent Battle of Britain commemorations in Hobart had a special significance for one New Zealand visitor.

Squadron Leader Les Munro (retired), the last surviving pilot from the famous “Dam Buster” raid in May 1943, made a special trip down south to take part in the commemorative events.

After initially flying RAF Hurricanes, Squadron Leader Munro transferred to Lancaster bombers in the No. 617 “Dam Buster” Squadron.

He took part in the raids on the German dams in the Ruhr, which were vital to Germany’s industrial production.

No. 617 Squadron was formed in 1943 after warplane designer Barnes Wallis developed the bouncing bomb – designed to spin backwards at 500rpm, skipping over torpedo nets, before detonating against the dam.

Training was conducted on the Derwent and Howden dams in Derbyshire – the peace of the valley shattered by the continual roar of Merlin engines.

Some 19 Lancaster bombers from No. 617 Squadron, each with a crew of seven men, took part in the original raid.

The raid was deemed a success, as the destruction of the dams caused widespread flooding and interrupted industrial production. But the success came at a high cost – eight of the 19 Lancasters failed to return, 53 aircrew were killed and three were taken prisoner.

Squadron Leader Munro’s Lancaster was damaged by anti-aircraft fire during the original mission and had to turn back before reaching the target. However, he went on to complete many more missions with the squadron.
He saw his attendance at the Battle of Britain commemorations as a time to remember the sacrifice of the pilots and to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in the air battles of 1940.

“It’s important the younger generations attend these functions and that children in the process of education understand the downside of war – the tragedy of war,” he said after the commemorative service in Hobart.

“A lot of their forebears lost their lives.”

 

 

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