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RAAF at outbreak of war in Europe 1 September 1939

I have included number of aircraft when known.

1 Squadron RAAF, Laverton VIC, Avro Anson.

2 Squadron RAAF, Laverton VIC, 10 Avro Anson

3 Squadron RAAF, Richmond NSW, 12 Hawker Demon.

4 Squadron RAAF, Richmond NSW, inactive

5 Squadron RAAF, Laverton VIC, inactive

6 Squadron RAAF, Richmond NSW, (12)Avro Anson.

9 Squadron RAAF, Rathmines NSW, Aboard RAN cruisers Seagul MkV and

Walrus aircraft, Fleet Cooperation squadron.

10 Squadron RAAF, Pembroke Dock Wales UK, 6 Sunderland Flying boats

11 Squadron RAAF, Richmond NSW, 2 Walrus, 2 Ex-Qantas Empire Air Flying Boats

12 Squadron RAAF, Laverton VIC and Darwin NT, 4 Avro Ansons 4 CAC Wirraways

14 Squadron RAAF, Pearce WA, 6 Avro Ansons.

21 Squadron RAAF, Laverton VIC, 9 Demons, 1 NA-16, 4 Ansons, 4 Avro trainers.

22 Squadron RAAF, Richmond NSW, 8 Demon, 4 Anson

23 Squadron RAAF, Archerfield QLD, 4 Ansons 3 Tiger Moths

25 Squadron RAAF, Pearce WA, Demons, Ansons, Avro Trainers

1 Flying Training School, Point Cook, VIC. Avro trainers.

The growth of the RAAF expanded to about 4 times this size by late 1940 and expanded about the same amount again after the Japanese strike. 

Training establishments expanded to about 40 by the end of the war.

Unlike the Army the RAAF had planned, with industry, for war with Japan and by March-April 1942 were in a good position to defend Australia, despite the panic of the government and the people.

Note: In 1940 the formation of the Article XV Squadrons as part of the Empire Air Training Scheme occurred. These units were formed to support Britain in the ETO and, in most cases stayed in the ETO for the duration. The casualties sustained by the Article XV units represent about 25% of all casualties suffered by Australia in the Second World War, and on a pro rata base far exceed any other branch of the Australian Armed Forces.

Jim Paterson.

1 September 1939

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