RAAF University Squadrons were formed in each state of Australia in 1950 as part of the Citizen Air Force (CAF).[1] They were formed to provide officer training to undergraduates who would then serve as commissioned officers in the RAAF General Reserve. Each squadron consisted of a number of specialist flights including: Flying, Medical, Equipment, Administrative and Technical. The squadrons were disbanded in 1973 following the end of conscription.[2] Approximately 3,100 commissioned officers were trained by the various squadrons over the period of 24 years.[3]
University squadrons
editNew South Wales
editFormed as the Sydney University Squadron on 16 October 1950, its motto was Eadem Mens Alta Petendi (Latin: "In the Same Mind of Seeking the Heights").[4] The squadron changed its name to the New South Wales University Squadron in March 1967.[2] It was disbanded on 31 October 1973.[4]
Queensland
editFormed on 31 October 1950 in Brisbane, its motto was Peritus Ac Paratus (Latin: "Skilled and Ready"). It was disbanded on 25 August 1973.[5]
South Australian
editFormed as the Adelaide University Squadron on 10 November 1950, its motto was Astra Pete Discendo (Latin: "Seek the Stars by Learning"). The squadron changed its name to the South Australian University Squadron on 11 January 1967. It was disbanded on 28 September 1973.[6]
Tasmanian
editFormed on 3 November 1950 in Hobart, its motto was Ingeniis Patuit Campus (Latin: "There is an Open Field for Talent"). It was disbanded on 25 August 1973.[7]
Victorian
editFormed on 25 October 1950 in Melbourne, its motto was Strength From Knowledge. It was disbanded on 18 October 1973.[8]
Western Australian
editFormed on 30 October 1950 in Perth, its motto was Scientia Potentia (Latin: "Knowledge is Strength"). It was disbanded on 24 August 1973.[8]
Notes
edit
- ^ Dennis et al 2008, pp. 460–461.
- ^ a b RAAF Historical Section 1995, p. 222.
- ^ "About Us". Queensland University Squadron. RAAF Association Queensland Division - QUS Branch. 2015. Retrieved 9 April 2015.
- ^ a b RAAF Historical Section 1995, p. 223.
- ^ RAAF Historical Section 1995, p. 224.
- ^ RAAF Historical Section 1995, p. 225.
- ^ RAAF Historical Section 1995, p. 226.
- ^ a b RAAF Historical Section 1995, p. 227.
References
edit- Dennis, Peter; Grey, Jeffrey; Morris, Ewan; Prior, Robin; Bou, Jean (2008). The Oxford Companion to Australian Military History (Second ed.). Melbourne: Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0195517842.
- RAAF Historical Section (1995). Units of the Royal Australian Air Force: A Concise History. Volume 9: Ancillery Units. Canberra: Australian Government Publishing Service. ISBN 0-644-42802-3.