Australian Flying Corps, Defending Victoria

THIS PAGE IS PART OF THE DEFENDING VICTORIA WEBSITE

AFC's badge

The birth of the Australian Flying Corps

at Point Cook Flying School, Victoria.

World's oldest continuously

operating Military airbase

Central Flying School, Point Cook, formed in 1913.

Four trainee pilots began flying on 14 August 1914,

ten days after the start of World War 1. The School

then possessed five aircraft. Australian pilots flew

with the British Royal Flying Corps and Royal Naval

Flying Corps. The Australian Flying Corps served in

Mesopotamia, Egypt and France. No. 1 Squadron left

Melbourne on 16 March 1916; No. 2 Squadron in

October 1916 and No. 4 Squadron in January 1917.

No. 3 Squadron was formed in Egypt in September

1916.

Military aviation training continues at Point Cook.

But now it's all under threat! <--Click for info (external site)

Cerberus rusting into oblivion, plans to sell Point Cook air base - our
proud military heritage being allowed to slip away. It is becoming a
national disgrace! Shame on the defence department, shame on the
federal government, shame on Wyndham Council, shame on all the
greedy dollar-worshippers and developers...

What next - a holiday resort at ANZAC Cove?

1 9 1 8

Christmas greetings from 4th Squadron AFC, AIF. Sent

by Armourer Jack Whitelaw.

Card and photograph provided by Lee Power. The card

was sent to his grandmother by her half-brother (and

AFC armourer) Jack Whitelaw. It reads:

Dear Rose, This will just reach you about Christmas

time the war will be finished by then or very near to it

cannot write much as we are very busy just now

preparing some fun for Fritz so bye bye Ma Cher.

Your loving Jack.

AFC shoulder insignia

-- Details, photos and film of AFC needed for this website.

Contact the Defending Victoria Website:

RESCUING A DOWNED OFFICER WINS
VC for FRANK McNAMARA

Born at Waranga, Frank McNamara served in the Senior Cadets, then the Brighton

Rifles. He became a second lieutenant in 1913. In 1915, he attended the third training

course at Point Cook. He flew his first sortie in December 1916 with No. 1 Squadron,

AFC, AIF. In March 1917, over Tel el Hesi (now part of Israel) a fellow airman was hit

by ground fire and had to land behind enemy lines. In a scene that could have been out

of Indiana Jones, enemy cavalry was approaching the downed plane. Frank McNamara,

himself wounded, landed and picked up Capt. D. Rutherford, only to overturn in a gully.

The pair went back to Rutherford's aircraft, restarted it, and McNamara took off as the

enemy cavalry reached them. Weak from loss of blood, he guided the plane back to

base. He was awarded the VC. In 1924, now a Squadron Leader, he was appointed

CO of 1 FTS, Point Cook. His was the only VC awarded to the AFC.

CLICK BUTTON BELOW

The RED BARON is shot down over Australian Lines

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You won't want to miss this! It's free, and it's fascinating!

And it's only a 20 minute drive from the centre of Melbourne

Museum Shop

Heritage Gallery

Superb old aircraft

Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday, 10 am to 3 pm

Weekends and Public Holidays, 10 am to 5 pm

Closed: Mondays, Good Friday and Christmas Day

(TIP)--Telephone to ensure Museum is open

Advise Defending Victoria if opening hours change.

Group and school visits: 'phone Public Affairs Officer (03) 9256 1236

(Tip: Your Group can also visit historic 1849 Point Cook Homestead nearby. Small fee)

Information: 'phone 1902 240 553 (call charged at 35 cents a minute)

Address: RAAF Museum, RAAF Williams, Point Cook, Victoria 3027, Australia

Boer War veteran becomes a Pioneer Aviator (internal link)

Books about Australian Military Aircraft

Check out the website:

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