Australian Flying Aces

Image: Two Bristol Fighters of the Australian Flying Corps, flying at top speed to reach their aerodrome before the gathering storm burst.

Portrait of Air Marshal
Sir Richard Williams

Before the Great War 1914-1918 aviation in Australia was both expensive and dangerous, but also a highly fashionable hobby.

In 1911 a conference in London agreed the defence forces of the British Empire, including Australia, should develop an air force.

Australia set up the Central Flying School at Point Cook in Victoria in October 1912. Point Cook trained the Australian pilots who served in the Great War 1914-1918.

Around 800 officers and over 2,800 men served in the Australian Flying Corps, of which 175 perished in the coming war.

One of the most notable Australian aviators was Air Marshal Richard Williams, KBE, CB, DSO, DFC, MM. He joined the Australian Army in 1909 and trained at Point Cook in 1914. He served with distinction during the Great War, became Chief of Air Staff in 1922 and served in the Second World War. He retired in 1946.

To mark the Anzac Centenary the Elizabeth/Salisbury Branch of the RAAF Association was given a Department of Veterans' Affairs grant of $1,650 to stage an exhibition titled "A Tribute to South Australian-born Flying Corps Aces of the First World War".

The Australian Flying Corps performed valiantly during the Great War and won global renown. The corps was succeeded by the modern Royal Australian Air Force in March 1921.