Radar Returns

to record the developing role of RAAF radar and of radar people since WWII. A reunion is to be held from 23 to 27.March 2011 at Ballarat. This reunion is intended for all who served at RAAF Ballarat, but we welcome others, service or civilian, who may want to catch up with friends from the several musterings who trained there. Format will be simila... r to previous events, happy hours, dinner and barbecue at Ballarat Uni. Precise details to be decided nearer the date. Cost should be similar to previous reunions + inflation, plus travel and accommodation. Following the Annual Pilgrimage service by the RAAF Association at the Air Force Memorial on Sunday 8 November 2009, a commemorative plaque was dedicated, honouring the contribution made during WWII by the School in training thousands of RAAF, WAAAF and USAAC technical personnel as wireless, radar and electrical mechanics and wireless operators. The ceremony began with an Introduction by Bob Mainon, WWII radar mechanic, followed by an address by Alex Culvenor, President of the Victorian RAAF Radar Association, on The History of No 1 Signals School (see below). The plaque was unveiled by Florence Coutts (WWII WAAF Wireless Telegraphist trained at the School) and W/Cdr Terry Fisk (representing W/Cdr Barbara Courtney, Air Base Executive Officer and Commanding Officer Combat Support Group, Williams) and dedicated by S/Ldr Keith Lanyon, RAAF Chaplain. An address by A/Cdr Ken Watson, Commander Air Force Training Group, brought the ceremony to a close The history of Australian RAAF radar and Point Cook Signals School both begin in Shepparton, Victoria. Air Commodore Alfred George Pither, CBE was born in Shepparton in 1908 and educated at the local High School. He gained admission to the Royal Military College, Duntroon in 1927 and graduated as Lieutenant. In 1930 he was appointed to a commission in the RAAF and in the following year took the No 10 Flying training Course. He also achieved a distinguished pass in the Australian Signals Officer course. A botched appendix ...Read More