History Archives - Page 11 of 25

Flight Lieutenant Garry Cooper (retd) during the Vietnam War in front of a US Air Force O-1 Bird Dog. Story by Flight Lieutenant Greg Hinks.

A historic bird: flying with a Vietnam War pilot

11/08/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 2934 Views 0 Comments AWM, Forward Air Controllers, US Army, Vietnam War

The South Vietnamese sky was a smoky orange as dusk approached in July of 1968. The buzz of a United

The sculpture of Lieutenant Colonel Vivian Bullwinkel, in the grounds of the Australian War Memorial. Story and photo by Private Nicholas Marquis.

ADF People History Lest We Forget News

Statue a tribute to all military nurses

11/08/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1876 Views 0 Comments AWM, Service Nurses, WWII

As the sun rose above the Australian War Memorial on August 2, its light touched the face of the first

Senior ADF Officer RAAF Base Amberley, Group Captain Dennis Tan (right), and Warrant Officer Glenn Lyons (left) with Air Force veteran John Shoesmith and his family to celebrate his 100th birthday. Story by Flight Lieutenant Rob Hodgson. Photo by Leading Aircraftwoman Taylor Anderson.

ADF People History

Spitfire pilot turns 100

11/08/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1530 Views 0 Comments No. 100 Squadron, Spitfire, WWII

World War II pilot Warrant Officer (retired) John Shoesmith celebrated his 100th birthday in Wynnum Queensland. CAPTION: Senior ADF Officer RAAF

Commander Cindy Jenkins, left, during her stint as a torch bearer in the Legacy Centenary Torch Relay, to recognise 100 years of the Legacy Promise. Story by Captain Kristen Daisy Cleland. Photo by Callum Smith.

ADF People History

Commanding link to Legacy

04/08/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1388 Views 0 Comments HMAS Supply, Legacy

For Commander Cindy Jenkins, serving in the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) has cemented a family connection with Defence and revealed

Flight Sergeant Stephen Olding with his presentation gift to mark his retirement from the RAAF. Story by Wing Commander Susan Yates.

ADF People History

Love of aircraft leads to 51-year career

28/07/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1674 Views 0 Comments No. 26 Squadron, RAAF Williamtown

After 51 years of service with the Australian Defence Force, Flight Sergeant Stephen Olding hung up his hat, having served

Air Commodore Pete Robinson Commander Air Combat Group (right) farewells Gary Dobe on his retirement at RAAF Base Williamtown, NSW. Story by Flight Lieutenant Rob Hodgson. Photo by Flight Lieutenant Sarah Reading.

ADF People History

Delivering bang for buck

27/07/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1461 Views 0 Comments Air Combat Group (ACG)

The Air Combat Group (ACG) headquarters has farewelled a stalwart who has devoted more than 53 years of combined service

Studio portrait of ex-Warrant Officer Alfred James Marquis who served during World War 2. Photo courtesy of Australian War Memorial, Accession Number AWM2017.520.1.5994. Story by Private Nicholas Marquis.

ADF People History Lest We Forget Personal stories

Honouring ‘Rusty’, the last Navy beach commando

27/07/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1382 Views 0 Comments AWM, WWII

Private Nicholas Marquis reflects on the colourful life of his grandfather and one of the first Warrant Officers of the

Lieutenant Ryan Tyrrell, right, and his stepfather Marty Wollins in front of USS Canberra during its commissioning at Fleet Base East, Sydney. Story by Sub-Lieutenant Tahlia Merigan. Photo by Petty Officer Helen Frank.

ADF People History

Tied by family and history

25/07/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 914 Views 0 Comments HMAS Canberra, US Navy

Lieutenant Ryan Tyrrell and his stepfather Marty Wollins not only share a familial bond but also a service connection. CAPTION: Lieutenant

Squadron Leader Ted McConchie (retd) smiles in front of a CAC CA-18 Mustang at RAAF Base Point Cook, Victoria. Story by Flying Officer Rosetta Gigliotti. Photo by Leading Aircraftwoman Paris Rigney.

ADF People History Veterans

WW2 air gunner celebrates 100th birthday

21/07/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 2071 Views 0 Comments No. 100 Squadron, RAAF Point Cook, WWII

Squadron Leader Edward “Ted” McConchie (retd) celebrated his 100th birthday with fellow service members from 100 Squadron at RAAF Base

HMAS Sydney V ship's company stand at attention as the Catafalque Party mount the cenotaph, during a commemoration to honour the loss of HMAS Sydney II and HSK Kormoran. Story by Midshipman Lewis Taulier and Midshipman James Turnour. All photos by Petty Officer Aaron Clancy.

History Lest We Forget News Royal Australian Navy

HMAS Sydney journeys to remember namesake’s sacrifice

20/07/202321/07/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 2006 Views 0 Comments Fleet Base East, HMAS Sydney, HMAS Sydney II

After completing fleet training in the Western Australian Exercise Area, HMAS Sydney V transited north up the west coast of Australia

Australian Defence personnel participate in the HMAS Harman Bonshaw Cup fun run as part of HMAS Harman's 80th anniversary celebrations. Story by Leading Seaman Tara Morrison. All photos by Petty Officer Jake Badior.

History News Royal Australian Navy

Fun run unleashes community spirit

19/07/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1361 Views 0 Comments HMAS Harman

Frosty Canberra conditions set the scene for HMAS Harman’s 61st annual Bonshaw Cup. CAPTION: Australian Defence personnel participate in the

100 Squadron's Corporal Adam Scerri, front seat, and Flight Lieutenant Brett Alderton depart RAAF Base Point Cook on 27 June 2022 in a Tiger Moth. Story by Squadron Leader Kate Davis. Photo by Tim O’Connor.

History News Royal Australian Air Force

Retracing an aviation heritage trail

19/07/202319/07/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1568 Views 0 Comments No. 100 Squadron, RAAF Point Cook

One of two 100 Squadron Tiger Moths has returned home to RAAF Base Point Cook after spending the past year

The ANZAC Memorial Centre at Beersheba, visited by a contingent of Operation Mazurka personnel during their tour of Israel. Story b y Lieutenant Sarah Lucinsky.

Australian Army History News

Aussies/Fijians share history tour in Israel

11/07/202316/07/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1691 Views 0 Comments Beersheba War Cemetery, Light Horse Regiment, MFO, Operation Mazurka, Operation Paladin, Republic of Fiji Military Forces

The bonds formed between soldiers on deployment have been deepened by a sharing of military history in the Middle East.

Florence Violet McKenzie in her Women’s Emergency Signalling Corps uniform. Story by Private Nicholas Marquis.

ADF People History

Canberra park honours signals pioneer

11/07/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1270 Views 0 Comments WWII

Australia’s first female electrical engineer was so brilliant, she was pen pals with Albert Einstein. CAPTION: Florence Violet McKenzie in her

An Air Force C-130J Hercules conducts low level training and flare drops over RAAF Base Richmond and the wider Hawkesbury area. Story by Taster Murdoch.

History News Royal Australian Air Force

Honouring the Herc’s long service

07/07/202316/07/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 3312 Views 0 Comments C-130 Hercules, No. 36 Squadron, No. 37 Squadron, RAAF Richmond

This year, the Royal Australian Air Force celebrates 65 years of operating an Air Mobility Group workhorse – the C-130

Corporal Peter Wallace at Reconciliation Place in Canberra. Story and photo by Private Nicholas Marquis.

ADF People History

Proud of his lineage

07/07/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1157 Views 0 Comments NAIDOC Week, NORFORCE

Heritage wasn’t openly spoken about in Corporal Peter Wallace’s household due to the death of his Aboriginal mother, Carolyn Wallace.

Performers from Wulgurukaba Traditional Custodian Group participate in a smoking ceremony to celebrate the opening of the yarning circle at RAAF Base Townsville. Story by Flying Officer Sharon Sebastian. All photos by Leading Aircraftman Ryan Howell.

ADF People History

A space to yarn on Gurrumbilbarra country

07/07/202307/07/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1233 Views 0 Comments Chief of Air Force, NAIDOC Week, RAAF Townsville

Members of the Wulgurukaba people on Gurrumbilbarra country have officially opened a yarning circle at RAAF Base Townsville with a

Rhan Hooper chats with Indigenous Liaison Officer Flight Lieutenant Sarah Woods during his visit to the Yarning circle at RAAF Base Amberley, Queensland. Story by Flight Lieutenant Greg Hinks. Photo by Leading Aircraftman Taylor Anderson.

History News Royal Australian Air Force

Defence links to indigenous artefact

07/07/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1361 Views 0 Comments Indigenous, NAIDOC Week, RAAF Amberley

A suspected World War 2-era nulla nulla, gifted to former Brisbane Lions AFL player Rhan Hooper, was the catalyst for

Australian Army soldier Lance Corporal Ces Whap, a patrolman with the 51st Battalion, The Far North Queensland Regiment. Story by Corporal Jacob Joseph. Photo by Leading Seaman Leo Baumgartner.

ADF People History

Walking in his ancestors’ footsteps

04/07/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1156 Views 0 Comments 51st Battalion Far North Queensland Regiment, Indigenous soldiers, NAIDOC Week

When the call went out to help protect Australia’s northern tip against the Japanese, both Lance Corporal Ces Whap’s grandfathers

Doug and Kaye Baird, parents of Australian Army soldier Corporal Cameron Baird, VC, MG, and brother Brendan Baird during the 2nd Commando Regiment memorial service at Holsworthy Barracks, Sydney. Story by Sergeant Matthew Bickerton. Photo by Corporal Lisa Sherman.

ADF People Australian Army History Lest We Forget

More to Baird, VC, than the warrior

03/07/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 2025 Views 0 Comments 2nd Commando Regiment, Afghanistan, Corporal Cameron Baird VC MG, Holsworthy Barracks, Victoria Cross

Corporal Cameron Baird, VC, MG, is often remembered as a face-painted warrior from the popular portrait, but his closest mates