More than a century after Australian aircrew first dropped bombs over the Middle East, a memorial has been dedicated to the aviators who carried the weight of Air Force’s explosive edge: The Gunnies.

The Australian Armourers Association plaque was unveiled at the RAAF Memorial Grove in Canberra on December 4, St Barbara’s Day, the patron saint of the armament trade. 

The plaque honours every armourer who supported Australian aircraft, and was unveiled by Chief of Staff Joint Capabilities Group Air Commodore Adam Spinks and Australian Armourers Association Patron Air Commodore Bill Hayden, both armament officers.

“This plaque stands as a testament to the extraordinary contribution of the armament trade across more than a century of Australian air power,” Air Commodore Spinks said. 

“Once a gunnie, always a gunnie. That sense of identity never leaves you.”

Association vice-president Malcom Tutty was proud to see the memorial unveiled after nearly 18 months planning, with about 60 former and current serving gunnies attending the day.

“We are so proud and thankful for all those who came along. It was unexpected and hugely gratifying for all the work in remembering those who went before us, and can’t be here today,” Dr Tutty said.

The memorial was set beside the 1 Squadron plaque to symbolise the gunnies’ role dating back to the Mesopotamian Half Flight in 1915.

'This memorial ensures that the legacy of generations of gunnies, those still with us and those no longer by our side, will never be forgotten.'

Just weeks after Anzac troops landed at Gallipoli, Australian aviators flew their first operational mission, dropping bombs on Ottoman forces. 

“Generating and delivering air power is about team work … gunnies are a critical part of that team, often working in the background but always at the decisive edge of capability,” Air Commodore Spinks said.

Armament trade responsibilities include preparing ordnance, loading weapons, maintaining guns and ejection seats, and ensuring explosive ordnance safety. 

Their dedication has saved lives, most notably in 2022 when two Super Hornet crew members ejected safely during an aborted take-off. The incident came after 35 years of seat maintenance without a single operational use.

The trade’s journey was not without challenges. 

A restructure in the 1990s dissolved the armament trade, but its value was reaffirmed during Operation Falconer, when more than 40 gunnies deployed to support Australia Classic Hornets in the 2003 Iraq War. 

Lessons learnt led to re-establishment of dedicated armament technicians in 2008, with the decision proving its worth on Operation Okra.

“This memorial ensures that the legacy of generations of gunnies, those still with us and those no longer by our side, will never be forgotten,” Air Commodore Spinks said.