Keoria Malaya Borneo campaigns and ceremony 27 July 2017. Photos taken of our members just before placing the wreaths at the cenotaph on the esplanade in front of the RSL. Photo No 1

Left to Right: Ralph, David, Tony, John, Kevin.

 

Photo No 2

Left to Right: Ralph, Dave, Jim, Tony, John, Kevin.

 

 

We all enjoyed a coffee and tea while reminiscing of years water under the bridge, the good and the very good of it all during our experiences of those days, 50’s through to the 90’s at various stages of our service carer path.

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The photo above are more recent events of our outgoing Members President Roy Hartman OAM in the centre of the photo and Secretary Kevin Hogan on the left, they are being presented with plaques for their outstanding dedication to the RAAFA Cairns Branch over their many long years as executives.

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Bomber Command and the Events

More recent events Bomber Command Commemorations our very own survivor of bomber command WWII. Bill Jackson, and accompanied by his fellow members of the RAAFA Cairns Branch held on the 02 June 2013 at 1100 hrs.

We the members of the RAAF Association Cairns Branch held our own commemoration ceremony, at the Cairns Esplanade Cenotaph on the day similarly the same will be taken place Australia wide at our state capitals and territories, also abroad London Canada and New Zealand to honour, to pay tribute and to recognise the sacrifice of aircrew and ground crew of Bomber Command during WW II, The RAAF had two Squadrons of Lancaster Bombers numbers 463 and 467 taking part in bombing raids over Germany resulting in 515 killed in action and 98 captured after bailing out of their Lancaster.

We the members of the Cairns Branch are extremely honoured to have as a member one of these heroes of Bomber Command, 96 year old Mr, Bill Jackson who flew 35 plus missions over Germany. Bill placed a wreath in remembrance and was escorted by Cairns Branch members.

The last twelve months has been a significant time for the surviving members of Bomber Command. On the 28^th June 2012 Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II unveiled and dedicated a Bomber Command Memorial in Green Park London.

About 100 Australian survivors of Bomber Command attended. And were further recognised in February this year by the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence announced that those who flew on operational missions in Bomber Command will be awarded a clasp to be worn on the 1939-1945 Star.

More on Bomber Command from the Canadians click on the following link:

http://www.bombercommandmuseum.ca/lancavro.html

 

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More Photos from the not so distant past of our members at this point in time we are still sorting out names, photographed in front of the cenotaph Cairns RSL Cairns esplanade late 2000 and late 2003.

 

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Our Christmas party 2013, and what a great time we all had to say the least, some ditties from Roy and Neil we wished each other all the best for Christmas and the New year, and reflected on our recently departed members last but not least a big thanks to all our caterers and decorators which was each and every member.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We all now look forward to a great and wonderful 2014, and more parting great friends great food and much jocularity to be had by all.

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Photo of Roy, Dawn, Neil, Barbara at the wreath placing ceremony on the Sunday following the 2016 RAAF Association Annual Assembly Delegates, this year it was held at Townsville.

 

 

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Battle of Britain 2016 was a fantastic event with the fly over by Pat English in his spitfire.

Welcome – Mr Roy Hartman OAM master of ceremonies

Commemoration Prayer – Chaplain Fr. Laurie Timms (RAN Retired)

Address – Mr Neil Howard Air Craft Flyover opening;- pilot Mr Pat English and owner

Mr John Auger RAF Battle of Britain UK RAF and RAF Association UK.

Mr William Maconachie RAAF Battle of Britain Australia.

Mr Roy Hartman – 104 City of Cairns Squadron AAFC Mount the Catafalque Party and flag Marshallers

Placing of Wreaths – Mr Roy Hartman OAM; wreath placing as per list

Play the lament during wreath placing:

Wing Commander John Brown Royal Australian Air Force

Mr Phil Warwick RSL Cairns Sub-Branch Deputy President

Mr Ted Mildren CSM RAAFA Area Vice President Representing QLD Division

Mr John Auger Representing RAF and RAF Association United Kingdom

Mr David Goggin RAAFA Cairns Branch President

Parade to Attention – Mr Roy Hartman OAM

Ode – Mr William Maconachie

Last Post – Mr Jonathan Christodoulides Bugler, Piper RSL Pipe and Drum Band Cairns

“Lest we Forget” (one minute silence) Mr Roy Hartman OAM

Rouse – Mr Jonathan Christodoulides Bugler, Piper Mr Brian Whaling RSL Pipe and Drum Band Cairns

National Anthems Australian and British Vocalist – Senior Musician Connor Wright, St Augustine’s Collage Cairns.

Parade at Ease – Mr Roy Hartman OAM

Mr Roy Hartman OAM – 104 City of Cairns Squadron AAFC Dismount the Catafalque Party and flag Marshallers

Conclusion – Mr Roy Hartman OAM

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Battle of the Coral Sea 2016 Cardwell Opening of the RAAF Wall by Commanding Officer 27 Squadron, Guards RAAF members of 27 Squadron. Chaplin’s RAAF Townsville. Members of the RAAF Association Townsville and Cairns Branches the State President and Area Vice President North QLD.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Below is a photo of our members that attended including our NQLDAVP Mr Ted Mildren CSM Battle of Britain RAAF Association Cairns Branch Commemoration Ceremony Cairns RSL Photo By Neil Howard Treasurer/Vice President 16 Sept 2018.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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