1 Squadron, RAAF - History

 

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Number 1 Squadron was the first complete Unit of the Australia Flying Corps - the precursor to the Royal Australian Air Force. It was formed in Point Cook, Victoria, in January 1916. During the First World War, this Squadron was the home of many pioneers of Australian aviation - including Lieutenant Wackett, who was a founding member of the Australian Aircraft Industry.

Shortly after the commencement of World War II, 1 Squadron moved to Malaya and whilst inflicting significant losses on the Japanese, the Squadron's own losses mounted.

The Squadron was reformed in 1943, and moved to the Northern Territory - from where the Beaufort was used to attack the Japanese forces.

The Squadron was re-equipped with the De Havilland Mosquito in January 1945 - subsequently moving to Labuan, Borneo, and operating there until after the war ended.

1 Squadron operated from the following bases with its DAP Beauforts:

  Place
Arrival Date
 
  Menangle, New South Wales
[Unknown]
 
  Gould, Northern Territory
28 February 1944
 
  Kingaroy, Queensland (to 27 June 1945)
January 1945
 
 

The following aircraft were assigned to this Squadron:

Serial Number
Squadron Code

Picture/Description - Location/Reference Source - Date/Source

A9-375
NA-?
 
A9-378
NA-E

No Proof - Just Reference (From "The Beaufort Files" by Roger Hayward)

A9-392
NA-?
No Proof - Just Reference (From "The Beaufort Files" by Roger Hayward)
A9-483
NA-O
Pictured in flight - Own Photograph
A9-496
NA-?
 
A9-519
NA-?
 
A9-540
NA-?
 
A9-564
NA-?
 
A9-568
NA-?
 
A9-570
NA-?