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President: Jack Darcey |
Secretary: J. Darby |
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July 1939, the Australian Government directed the formation of RAAF 10
Squadron, whose officers, other aircrew musterings and technical ground
staff were shipped to England to receive and fly to Australia, 6 Short
Bros. Sunderland Flying Boats being manufactured at Rochester, Kent as
they became available. However, because of the hostilities in
Europe, in September 1939, the Squadron remained in England, seconded to
the RAF Coastal Command to fight Germany in World War II. 10
Squadron became based at Mt. Batten, Plymouth and during the next 6
years was involved in anti-submarine warfare over the Bay of Biscay and
the Atlantic Ocean. It assisted in convoy escorting of merchant ships from
USA to UK, liaising with the Royal Navy Air/Sea Rescue and conveying VIP
and other personnel to Gibraltar and the Mediterranean Sea to Malta, etc. 10 Squadron was the only Australian Maritime Squadron fully manned by Australian airmen. In 1942 on April 25th, RAAF Squadron No.461 was formed by crewmen from 10 Squadron based at Pembroke Dock, Wales. 461 Squadron became known as the ANZAC Squadron, its duties covering the Irish Sea, East and North of Ireland and shipping routes north of Scotland on the way to Russia. this Squadron was disbanded in 1945 after cessation of hostilities. No.10 has continued to be actively involved in RAAF assignments and in 1969, whilst at Townsville, it was honoured with the presentation of the Queen's Standard depicting its battle zones and peacetime service. This Standard is in the custody of the Squadron now at Edinburgh Base South Australia. 10 Squadron is now equipped with Orion aircraft after progressing from the flying boat era to land based Lincolns and Neptunes. In 1947, ex Flying Boat personnel in Perth WA joined together to form 10 Squadron Branch of the RAAFA (WA Division) and for 5-6 years served the purpose of uniting wartime comrades and helping each other to settle into domestic and working lives. It then went into recess until 1978 when it was reformed and renamed "The Sunderland Squadrons Group (WA)", a branch of the RAAF Association (WA Division) Inc. The Branch has formed close ties with all Australian States, so much so that each State has had bi-ennial Reunions since 1982. The 10th Reunion was held in Perth Western Australia from the 28th September to 5th October 2002, followed by an optional 4 day South-West Country Tour - a special wildflower time for which Western Australia is famous. The Branch members, families and friends meet 4 times each year and contact may be made through the above office bearers. Any and all enquiries are welcome. |
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Sunderland over Pembroke Dock |
10 Squadron Queen's Standard |
