Air Power Archaeology

The Historical Archaeology of Second World War Air Power in Australia
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Welcome...

The Air Power Archaeology website has been developed by Daniel J. Leahy as part of his PhD project at the University of New England. The project looks at the historical archaeology of Second World War air power sites across Australia. The online database currently includes profiles for...

599
SITES
221,537
PERSONNEL
7,838
AIRCRAFT
723
UNITS

Website functionality is being made publicly available as the project progresses. It is planned that the website will continue to grow and evolve once the PhD project has been completed.

On This Day

Died 1 April 1945:
Flight Sergeant
THOMAS HALVOR HOFTO, RAAF

Parafield, South Australia - 1 April 1940 to 30 April 1940 (NAA: A9186, 375)

The third Course (No. 30) commenced limited flying which was increased with the arrival of 6 new "Tiger" Moths on 20.4.40, in addition 6 parachutes had been obtained from No. 2 AD.
On 24.4.40 the State Governor (Sir Malcolm Barclay-Harvey) inspected the Unit and was taken for a short flight.
No. 29 Course completed training and were posted to SFTS's. on 26.4.40 with the exception of three members who were backward, and who were kept for further training until 2.5.40.
No. 1 Course (Empire Scheme), 24 pupils, commenced the Initial Training Syllabus on 29.4.40 and No. 30 Course commenced full flying.

Batchelor, Northern Territory - 1 April 1943 (NAA: A9186, 33)

No. 412205 SERGT. SPEEDING K.E., Pilot, and No. 405946 SERGT. WALKER W.S. WAG were killed in aircraft accident four miles South of GORILLA Railway Siding whilst engaged on training formation flight.

Eight (8) Vultee Vengeance Mark II aircraft allotted from No. 1 AD to No. 12 Squadron.

Cape Otway, Victoria - 1 April 1943 (NAA: A9186, 581)

Installation of A.S.V. Beacon completed and officially on the air from this date.

Livingstone (34-Mile), Northern Territory - 1 April 1943 (NAA: A9186, 143)

Fine and hot. Convoy Patrol, Sector recco, local flying and formation. Co-operation with Hudsons.

Gorrie, Northern Territory - 1 April 1943 (NAA: A9186, 299)

Fored Heavy Tender RC 1631 returned to No. 1 Stores Depot.

Database Updated:
28 March 2025
2:43:12 PM (AEST)
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

We acknowledge the traditional owners of country throughout Australia and pay our respects to elders past, present, and emerging.