A century of service, a lifetime of memories
The roar of jet engines, the thrill of aerial displays and a century of proud history came together at RAAF Base Richmond during its 100th anniversary airshow on September 27 and 28,2025.
CAPTION: Cadet Katelyn Wichman, left, and Cadet Oscar Brown, right, stand either side of former Royal Australian Air Force C-130 Hercules loadmasters Bob Pearman, Herman ‘Dave’ Jones, Cole Coyne, Stue Hablethwaite and his service dog at the RAAF Richmond Airshow. Story by Flight Sergeant Mark Eaton.
Among the thousands of visitors were four very special guests, veterans whose service spans generations of Air Force operations.
One of them was former World War 2 Lancaster wireless operator, Roy Taylor, who embodied the courage, skill and dedication that have long defined RAAF personnel.
The 102-year-old stood shoulder-to-shoulder with two former Air Force C-130 Hercules loadmasters: 93-year-old Herman “Dave” Jones, and 82-year-old Bob Pearman. Each represented decades of expertise in tactical airlift and humanitarian operations within Australia, the South Pacific Region and around the world.
CAPTION: Left to right, RAAF veterans Cole Coyne, Bob Pearman, Stue Hablethwaite with his service dog, Roy Taylor and Herman ‘Dave’ Jones in front of a 100 Squadron CAC Wirraway at the RAAF Richmond Airshow.
For these veterans, returning to Richmond was more than a visit, it was a powerful journey back in time.
Walking the familiar tarmac surrounded by modern jets and the next generation of Air Force aviators, they reflected on eras when 36 and 37 Squadrons’ C-130 Hercules fleet carried Australia’s transport and disaster-relief missions across the globe.
Mr Taylor recalled operating and maintaining airborne communications in a very different technological age.
“In those days, we didn’t have the sophisticated digital systems of today,” he said.
“Every flight demanded your full attention. Every mission was a test of trust between crew members.”
The loadmasters shared their own memories of coordinating complex airdrops, ensuring critical supplies reached remote locations, and working shoulder-to-shoulder with crews under challenging and often arduous conditions.
“Being back here at Richmond reminds us of the close-knit crews, teamwork and the sense of purpose that kept us going,” Mr Pearman said.
Between them, they flew more than 35,000 hours in their respective C-130A, E, H and J-30 Hercules and contributed to the Richmond and Windsor communities for more than 60 years.
“It wasn’t just about moving cargo; it was about making sure troops and communities had what they needed, no matter the conditions,” Mr Jones said.
“Seeing these aircraft fly today reminds me how proud I am to have been part of that legacy.
“The aircraft are incredible, but it’s always been about the people – past and present – who made everything possible.”
Beyond the spectacle of roaring engines and precision flying displays, RAAF Richmond Airshow offered a living connection to the base’s heritage.
For younger attendees, meeting the veterans was a chance to understand the people behind the aircraft, the men and women whose skill and dedication built the Air Force’s reputation.
RAAF Base Richmond has stood as a cornerstone of Australia’s defence capability for a century.
The airshow celebrated not just its history but also the enduring bond between the base and its surrounding community.
As their visit ended, the veterans looked out over the crowd of families, cadets and serving members.
They saw modern jets gleaming in the sun, young aviators brimming with enthusiasm and an unbroken thread of dedication stretching from their generation to today’s.
The Air Force may have changed, but its heart – its people – remains the same, capturing the spirit of Richmond’s proud century of service.
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