Timeline

DATE

EVENT

1910’s

9^th February 1917

Basil Watson visits Mount Gambier in a homemade aircraft similar to a Sopwith Pup. Less than 2 months later, Watson was killed when went into the sea near Laverton.

27^th November 1919

First Passenger flight arrived in Mount Gambier in a twin seat DH-6 biplane from the Aero Flight Company.

1920’s

Sometime in 1921

Australian Flying Corps SE 5A landed in Mount Gambier.

Sometime in 1927

Lieutenant H. C. Miller flew from Adelaide to Mount Gambier along the coast in a DH-9.

5^th April 1928

Captain H. C. Miller arrives in an eight seat DH-61 to commence a regular air service. The aircraft was named ‘Old Gold’ and soon become a regular fixture in the local skies.

Sometime in 1928

Mount Gambier’s first aerodrome came into being at Peweena. Stan May from May & Davis secured a 2 year lease from W. and J. Kennedy.

8^th January 1929

Arrival of Gypsy Moth to Mount Gambier for the new passenger service. The Moth was escorted from Adelaide by the Commercial Aviation Company’s Fokker six seater airliner.

16^th July 1929

Announcement by May and Davis that another Gypsy Moth to be purchased and that Mount Gambier would be the HQ of a passenger service.

1930’s

10^th February 1930

Arrival of new Gypsy Moth to Mount Gambier.

April 1930

Daily passenger air service commenced between Adelaide and Mount Gambier, and Melbourne and Mount Gambier.

21^st May 1930

Mount Gambier’s first Airport officially opened. Over 1000 people attended the Aviation Day opening celebrations. Organisation of the day was compiled by Australian Aerial Services, the Shell Oil company and the Argus newspaper. 12 aircraft attended.

6^th April 1931

The first local Air Pageant was held in Mount Gambier. Over 5000 people came out to watch the 12 assembled aircraft complete flying and safety demonstrations. The day included a 90 mile air-race between Kingston and Mount Gambier. The race was won in 48 minutes by L. Martulich in a Mk II Cirrus Moth.

19^th November 1933

Sir Charles Kingsford Smith arrives in his famous ‘Southern Cross’ monoplane. Well over 1000 people assembled to see the famed airman and his aircraft.

29^th October 1935

Adelaide airways commences their inter-capital air service between Adelaide – Mount Gambier and Melbourne in a Short Scion aircraft. The service ran for 4 days a week and was piloted by Flight Lieutenant Kirkman.

2^nd June 1936

Announcement from May and Davis that they had purchased 164 acres for the establishment of a new larger airport.

October 1936

Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation established.

23^rd January 1937

Centenary Aerial Pageant held at Mount Gambier Aerodrome featuring a great display of modern aircraft including the new Dakota DC3.

May 1937

A small local homebuilt monoplane was test flown at the aerodrome. Mr Lance Sporer from Glencoe built his aircraft known as the ‘Henderson’ in this workshop at home.

1^st July 1937

Australian National Airways Dragon Rapide DH 9 ‘Monana’ crashes at Mount Gambier after hitting a windmill while coming in to land. Pilot A. Brown was dazed but conscious.

August 1937

Australian National Airways decide to discontinue their Mt Gambier service.

13^th November 1938

Felix Mueller’s Parachute Descent, Sunday at 1630. Mt Gambier Airfield.

1939

With the onset of the Second World War, Australian Defence analysts commence looking for potential bases should the need to upgrade facilities arise.

March 1939

First flight of the Australian Wirraway took place.

July 1939

RAAF making constant use of Aerodrome

Additional 33 hectares of land purchased on the Southern end of the airfield to enable runways to be extended to 1200 meters.

8^th August 1939

Mount Gambier Airfield used as an advanced base for extensive aerial manoeuvres by the RAAF. Nine Avro Anson’s and 67 personnel arrived to participate in the activity. One Australian made Wirraway Aircraft landed as part of the manoeuvres. It was the first Wirraway landing on a country aerodrome.

23^rd September 1939

Senior officers from the RAAF visit Mount Gambier aerodrome, fuelling speculation that the airfield may become a RAAF base of some sort.

October 1939

The Empire Air Training Scheme (EATS) was announced.

6^th December 1939

A tender submitted by Ballarat’s S.J. Weir is accepted for the establishment of a RAAF Air Training School at Mount Gambier.

1940

Early 1940

Comprehensive drawings made up for the establishment of the base and plans put in place for acquisition of the airfield from its civil owners.

April 1940

First of the Australian EATS pilot trainees were inducted.

mid to late 1940

Construction of the No 2 Air Observers School, RAAF Mount Gambier took place.

1941

6^th February 1941

No 2 AOS officially formed when an advanced party of about 60 personnel arrived at the Mount Gambier Aerodrome.

Commander Shaw arrives by air in a Moth Minor A21/14

25^th February 1941

Avro Anson’s R339, R3512 and R3529 arrive at No 2 AOS from the Wireless Air Gunners School. These were the first Ansons to be based at Mount Gambier.

26^th February 1941

DeHavilland-84 Dragon A34-4 arrives at No 2 AOS from No 1 AOS, Cootamundra.

27^th February 1941

Avro Anson R3598 and DeHavilland-84 Dragon A34-1 arrive at No2 AOS from Laverton.

1^st March 1941

RAAF Ball held at the Barn Palais.

6^th March 1941

The first course of Air Observers commenced at No 2 AOS Mount Gambier. First intake consisted of 46 trainees and 3 Wireless Operators. Officially known as Course 10

8^th March 1941

No 2 AOS aircraft involved in search for three missing fishermen at Port MacDonnell

11^th March 1941

Avro Anson’s A4/R3552, A4/R3516 and A4/W1521 arrived from No 2 Service Flying Training School, Wagga Wagga.

DeHavilland-84 Dragon A34-8 arrives at No 2 AOS.

26^th March 1941

RAAF Ball at Barn Palais

16^th May 1941

Avro Anson’s W1961, W2020 and W2053 arrive at No 2 AOS

28^th May 1941

The first course of 44 Air Observers graduate from NO 2 AOS Mount Gambier.

30^th May 1941

Fairey Battle Registrations L5044, L5070, L5173, L5358, L5435, L5448, N2233 and KG282 arrive at No 2 AOS.

31^st May 1941

Sergeants Mess Inaugural Dinner, No 2 AOS.

6^th June 1941

194 recruits completed No 2 Drill Course

25^th June 1941

Graduation of Course 2 comprising of 46 airmen.

26^th June 1941

Completion of No 3 Drill course comprising 133 recruits

6^th July 1941

DeHavilland-84 Dragon A34-6 arrives at No 2 AOS.

12^th July 1941

Avro Ansons W1966 and W2020 involved in mid-air collision close to Bishop Road, Mount Gambier. Three personnel killed including F/Lt G. K. Peacock from the RAF. Anson W2020 manages to land safely.

22^nd July 1941

RAAF Ball at No 2 AOS

23^rd July 1941

45 Airmen from Course 12 completed AOS training and passed to No 2 Bombing and Gunnery School Port Pirie

24^th July 1941

34 Aircrew commenced Course 15

8^th August 1941

DeHavilland-84 Dragon A34-9 arrives at No 2 AOS.

7^th August 1941

No 2 AOS RAAF ‘Wings On Parade’.

18^th August 1941

DeHavilland-84 Dragons A34-7 and A34-10 arrive at No 2 AOS.

21^st August 1941

48 Aircrew commenced Course 16

24^th August 1941

45 Aircrew completed Course 13 and passed onto No 2 Bombing and Gunnery School Port Pirie.

5^th September 1941

The Governor of South Australia, Sir Malcolm Harvey arrive to inspect unit.

14^th September 1941

No 2 AOS RAAF Revue titled ‘Sky Rockets’ at the Ozone Theatre.

15^th September 1941

No 2 AOS Cocktail Party and Dance. Farewell to 14 course and welcome to No 11 course.

16^th September 1941

45 Airmen from Course 14 completed AOS training and passed to No 2 Bombing and Gunnery School Port Pirie

October 1941

Avro Anson’s A4/20, A4/21, A4/42, A4/48, N4868, N1331, R3525, R3539, W1559 and W2371 arrive at No 2 AOS

31^st October 1941

Airmen’s Club Dance at the Mt Gambier Civic Hall

13^th November 1941

42 Aircrew completed AOS Course 16, and passed onto No 2 Bombing and Gunnery School Port Pirie.

14^th November 1941

97 Aircrew commenced Course 19

10^th December 1941

48 Aircrew completed AOS Course 17 and passed onto No 2 Bombing and Gunnery School Port Pirie.

11^th December 1941

95 Aircrew commenced Course 20

18^th December 1941

No 2 AOS RAAF Mt Gambier Christmas Revue titled ‘Whirlaway’ at the Ozone Theatre.

1942

19^th January 1942

Service rationing commences at No 2 AOS.

5^th February 1942

96 Aircrew commenced Course 21

19^th February 1942

Japanese forces attack Darwin Harbour

4^th March 1942

United States Army Air Corps (USAAC) arrives at No 2 AOS for training and maintenance.

26^th March 1942

American P39 Air-Cobra crashes into farmland near Benara. Pilot Lieutenant Walker parachuted out and landed safely.

10^th April 1942

Personnel of USAAC Moved on.

30^th April 1942

Course 24 AOS commences

20^th May 1942

Avro Anson W2020 crashed at Eversley, Mt Cole Victoria, killing four crew. The lone survivor, LAC F. C. Pott only received a broken arm.

Course 22B ‘Chuck Out’ dinner.

28^th May 1942

AOS Course 22 Completed and passed on. AOS Course No 25 commences

2^nd June 1942

Founding Wing Commander R. H. Shaw relinquished command of No 2 AOS and sent to HQ Southern Area. H. T. Hammond resumed the WC posting at No 2 AOS.

14^th June 1942

67 Squadron commenced seaward operations from Mount Gambier as part of No 2 AOS.

23^rd June 1942

Notification received that all home leave passes and free travel warrants suspended until further notice.

24^th June 1942

Link Trainer A13-25 allocated to unit.

Course No 23 completed training and passed on.

7^th July 1942

Black out tests completed in Mount Gambier. Two aircraft made aerial surveys of Mt Gambier to test effectiveness of blacked out areas.

10^th July 1942

Course 24A Pass Out Dinner at the Trocadero Café, Mt Gambier.

17^th July 1942

No 2 AOS Sergeant’s Mess Social and Dance.

22^nd July 1942

Course 24 passed out. Of 99 starters, 96 completed successfully.

23^rd July 1942

Course 27 commenced.

11^th August 1942

Avro Anson AW678 crashed at Reedy Creek near Kingston SE. All five crew members killed instantly. The cause of the crash remains unknown.

14^th August 1942

Over 500 attend an Invitation RAAF ball held at the Mount Gambier Civic Centre to raise funds for No 2 AOS’s recreation facilities.

20^th August 1942

Course 25 passed out. Of 101 starters, 97 successfully completed.

21^st August 1942

Course 28 commenced.

16^th September 1942

Course 26 passed out. Of 96 starters, 88 successfully completed.

17^th September 1942

Detachment of 97 Squadron arrives to commence operations over the sea.

Course 29 commences at No 2 AOS

8^th October 1942

Course 27B Pass Out Dinner at Jens? Mt Gambier.

13^th October 1942

Enemy Submarine detected by No 2 AOS Avro Anson off the coast near Cape Northumberland. All training flights cancelled the next day, with aircraft diverted to sea Patrols immediately.

14th October 1942

Course 27 passed out. Of 94 starters, 88 successfully completed.

15^th October 1942

Course 30 commences.

4^th November 1942

Course 28B Pass Out Dinner at the Trocadero Café, Mt Gambier.

11^th November 1942

Course 28 passed out. Of 94 starters, 92 successfully completed.

12^th November 1942

Course 31 commences.

31^st November 1942

Course 29A Pass Out Dinner

1^st December 1942

Course 32 commences.

7^th December 1942

Course 29 passed out. Of 92 starters, 85 successfully completed.

1943

6^th January 1943

Course 30 passed out. Of 95 starters, 90 successfully completed

7^th January 1943

Course 33 commences.

18^th January 1943

Practice Air Raid alert carried out

26^th January 1943

Course 31A Graduation Dinner at the Trocadero Café, Mt Gambier

4^th February 1943

Course 31 passed out. Of 99 starters, 90 successfully completed

25^th February 1943

Course 32A Pass Out Dinner at the Trocadero Café, Mt Gambier

3^rd March 1943

Course 32 passed out. Of 103 starters, 96 successfully completed

4^th March 1943

Course 35 commences.

20^th March 1943

2^nd WAAAF Anniversary Luncheon at the Civic Hall, Mt Gambier

22^nd March 1943

Course 33A Farewell Course Dinner at the Trocadero Café, Mt Gambier

29^th March 1943

Fire extensively damages some of the officer’s mess and anteroom at No 2 AOS. Took over an hour to put out. Cause of fire unknown.

31^st March 1943

Course 33 passed out. Of 103 starters, 92 successfully completed

1^st April 1943

Course 36 commences.

19^th April 1943

Wing Commander H. T. Hammond relinquished command of No 2 AOS and sent to RAAF Command Richmond. I. S. Podger resumed the WC posting at No 2 AOS.

29^th April 1943

Course 37 commences.

20^th May 1943

Avro Anson crashed near Nhill Victoria. All five crew members killed instantly. 

26^th May 1943

Course 35 passed out. Of 107 starters, 82 successfully completed

27^th May 1943

Sgt G. D. Abbott lost his life at Port Macdonnell. Presumed Drowned

1^st June 1943

No 2 AOS hosts an Amateur Boxing and Professional Wresting night in Mt Gambier.

23^rd June 1943

Course 36 passed out. Of 103 starters, 85 successfully completed

24^th June 1943

Course 39 commenced with 108 trainees.

Course No 6 commenced with 68 trainees

31^st July 1943

Wing Commander H. T. Hammond relinquished command of No 2 AOS and sent to RAAF HQ North Eastern Area. F. Headlam resumed the WC posting at No 2 AOS.

22^nd July 1943

Course 37 passed out. Of 106 starters, 88 successfully completed

Course No 7 commenced training with 62 trainees.

23^rd July 1943

Course 40 commenced with 106 trainees.

9^th August 1943

No 2 AOS Milk bar officially opened.

18^th august 1943

Course 38 passed out. Of 108 starters, 101 successfully completed

Course 41 commenced with 105 trainees

19^th August 1943

Course No 8 commences with 71 trainees.

Two aircraft from No 2 AOS involved in mid-air collision as a result of close formation flying during a navigational exercise.

21^st August 1943

Federal Election day with polling booths located in the gymnasium at No 2 AOS for all located on base to vote.

31^st August 1943

Strength of base: 74 Officers and 883 other ranks = 957 at No 2 AOS.

3^rd September 1943

An Avro Lancaster arrives at Mount Gambier for a public relations exercise. Leaflets were dropped all over town to publicise the need for more RAAF recruits for the war effort. 

Recently installed station amplifying system bought into operation.

4^th September 1943

Detachment of RAAF and WAAAF took place in Mount Gambier in connection with Civil Defence celebrations

5^th September 1943

One aircraft took off at dawn to search for source of reported explosion off the coast of Beachport. Nothing was located.

15^th September 1943

Course 39 passed out. Of 108 starters, 89 successfully completed

Course 42 commenced with 110 trainees

16^th September 1943

Course No 9 commenced with 66 trainees.

8^th October 1943

Informal Dance to celebrate the opening of the new Officer’s Mess, No 2 AOS

13^th October 1943

Course 40 passed out. Of 106 starters, 101 successfully completed

11^th November 1943

Course 41 passed out. Of 105 starters, 93 successfully completed

Course No 11 commenced with 58 trainees.

19^th November 1943

Army Mobile Chemical Warfare party arrives at No 2 AOS to carry out practical ad visual demonstrations in gases and chemical warfare.

Wing Commander F. Headlam relinquished command of No 2 AOS and sent to RAAF HQ No 2 BAGS Port Pirie.

20^th November 1943

Course No 12 commenced with 55 trainees.

26^th November 1943

Dance in the Sergeant’s Mess, No 2 AOS.

30^th November 1943

Course 42 passed out. Of 110 starters, 93 successfully completed

10^th December 1943

WC F. A. Wittscheibe resumes the command posting at No 2 AOS.

1944

10^th January 1944

Course No 13 commenced with 62 trainees.

12^th January 1944

Course No 6 passed out. Of 68 starters, 49 successfully completed.

14^th January 1944

Serious fires in the Wandilo/Suttontown area result in members of the No 2 AOS assisting the fire-fighting efforts.

21^st January 1944

Another serious fire on the slopes of Mount Gambier again necessitated the assistance of personnel from No 2 AOS.

29^th January 1944

Word received of possible enemy submarine near Beachport. 7 aircraft from No 2 AOS assisted in unsuccessfully searching for the submarine.

31^st January 1944

Avro Anson AW787 crashes into Lady Julia Percy Island, Victoria.

All four crew members missing presumed dead. The bodies were never found.

3^rd February 1944

Course No 7 passed out. Of 62 starters, 37 successfully completed.

Course No 14 commenced with 62 trainees.

11^th February 1944

Refuelling petrol tanker was destroyed by fire during refuelling process.

2^nd March 1944

Course No 8 passed out. Of 71 starters, 47 successfully completed

6^th March 1944

Course No 15 commenced with 64 trainees.

18^th March 1944

WAAAF 3^rd birthday celebrations consisted of a march through the main street. Parties participating included WAAAF and RAAF as well as other services.

30^th March 1944

Course No 16 commenced with 46 trainees. This was the first of the new 32 week courses.

9^th April 1944

Air Commodore A. H. Colby attends No 2 AOS for the ‘Wings Parade’ on the occasion of the 4^th anniversary of the Empire Air Training Scheme.

Course No 9 passed out. Of 66 starters, 45 successfully completed.

13^th June 1944

Search carried out for alleged ship on fire. No sightings made.

1^st May 1944

Works commenced to seal the three main aerodrome runways.

27^th May 1944

Course No 10 passed out. Of 63 starters, 45 successfully completed.

29^th May 1944

A number of Kittyhawks and Beauforts pass through No 2 AOS on exercise.

30^th May 1944

Course No 17 commenced with 40 trainees.

24^th June 1944

Course No 11 passed out. Of 58 starters, 41 successfully completed.

4^th July 1944

Author Alan Marshall arrives at No 2 AOS to give some lectures on ‘Freelance Journalism’

7^th July 1944

6 Fairy Battles arrive to stay overnight from Laverton after being diverted from Nhill. The following day they continued their journey through to Port Pirie.

21^st July 1944

Course No 12 passed out. Of 55 starters, 33 successfully completed.

29^th July 1944

The ‘Emily Livingstone’ WAAAF Leave house officially opened in Mount Gambier.

Boxing and Wrestling tournament held in aid of the RAAF Locker Fund. The current state welter weight champion was fought.

4^th August 1944

Unit Concert Party gave a concert in Naracoorte as a fundraiser for the Red Cross.

5^th August 1944

All trainees at No 2 AOS asked to consider either voluntarily changing to ground staff or enlisting in the Army.

11^th August 1944

Unit Concert Party gave a concert in Millicent as a fundraiser for the Red Cross.

18^th August 1944

Course No 13 passed out. Of 62 starters, 27 successfully completed.

15^th September 1944

Course No 14 passed out. Of 76 starters, 47 successfully completed.

13^th October 1944

Course No 15 passed out. Of 64 starters, 35 successfully completed.

23^rd October 1944

Ansett Airways commence air services between Mount Gambier and Melbourne using one Airspeed Envoy aircraft.

8^th December 1944

Course No 16 passed out. Of 46 starters, 24 successfully completed.

9^th December 1944

Greek freighter ‘Ilissos’ attacked by an enemy submarine North-West of Beachport.  3 Ansons, 5 Beaufighters (2 from Laverton and 3 from Sale) arrived to carry out search.

21^st December 1944

4 Beauforts arrived from Laverton to carry out a clearing search for a sea convoy proceeding to Melbourne.

1945

5^th January 1945

Course No 17 passed out. Of 40 starters, 23 successfully completed.

26^th January 1945

Cpt Chow of the Chinese Air Force arrived at No 2 AOS for a training visit.

31^st January 1945

No 2 AOS Avro Anson MG727 collided with telephone and telegraph lines near the township of Wail, Victoria.

14^th March 1945

Avro Lancaster ‘G’ for George passed through on a tour of VIC, NSW and SA in support of a One Million Pound Victory Loan. People had a chance to fly in the famous bomber depending on the amount donated.

15^th March 1945

WAAAF celebrates its fourth birthday.

9^th May 1945

VE Day Station Stand Down was ordered.

15^th august 1945

Surrender of Japanese forces in the Pacific.

27^th August 1945

Beaufort A9-305 from Laverton crashed near Puralka VIC. Three air-crew killed instantly.

1946

1^st January 1946

No 2 AOS officially closed down after five years and three months.

RAAF base Mount Gambier became an Air Force Care and Maintenance unit.

1947

13^th January 1947

Commonwealth Disposals Commission Auction commenced at Mount Gambier Aerodrome to sell the RAAF property remaining from the war. The sale lasted 5 days.

29^th May 1947

RAAF Care and Maintenance Unit disbanded.

July 1947

Mount Gambier Gliding Club established.

1948

22^nd October 1948

First flight for the Mount Gambier gliding club’s home-made glider.

1950’s

26^th February 1954

Queen Elizabeth steps onto South Australian soil for the first time at Mount Gambier. A plaque still remains in place for where this particular spot actually was.

20^th November 1955

Mount Gambier Gliding and Soaring Club Air Pageant held at the airfield.

31^st May 1957

Mount Gambier Aero Club formed.

19^th November 1958

Mount Gambier Airport’s first helicopter flight arrives.

1960’s

23^rd August 1968

Ex No 12 ATC’s most outstanding former cadet Anthony Cassadio is killed in action when his Huey gunship helicopter was hit by a rocket propelled grenade near Camp Blackhorse Base in Vung tau, Vietnam.

Sometime in 1969

A Link Trainer presented to the No 12 ATC in Mount Gambier.

1970’s

26^th June 1972

Cessna 150 of Roger Pitt crashed 200 metres from the Cape Banks lighthouse while conducting an aerial search for three fishermen who went missing earlier that day. Navigator and spotter J. von Stanke survived. Roger was a very experienced flying instructor and aviator who managed to fly using his artificial legs.

12^th May 1974

Pilot Evelyn Koren disappears in her Cessna 172, off the coast of Port Macdonnell. The only evidence of her aircraft was a wheel chock with her initials on it. An extensive search was carried out but no wreckage or Evelyn was ever found. Later that year a front wheel and strut was washed ashore, completely shredded and encrusted in sea growth.

1980’s

24^th November 1981

Mount Gambier Airport hosts 210 aircraft, 800 pilots and aircrew for the Southern Cross Air rally. At the time the rally was said to be the longest aviation rally to be held in the Southern hemisphere.

Sometime in 1984

Mount Gambier’s No 12 Flight Air Training Corps becomes the first ATC unit in Australia to have a female Cadet Sergeant.

16^th July 1989

Civil Aviation Authority officially presents the Licence to Operate an airport to Grant District Council Chairman Cr Rory McEwen. Ceremony attended by all district council members as well as reps from the Mount Gambier council and the Airline operators.

1990’s

4^th March 1990

2 AOS anniversary Air Show was run to coincide with the No 2 AOS’s 50^th Anniversary. Watched by thousands of people, the air show saw the largest collection on RAAF and ex-RAAF aircraft since the second world war. The show was opened by former No 2 AOS WC A. McCormack.

31^st October 1990

New Terminal building at the Mount Gambier Airport officially opened by Senator Bob Collins, then Minister for Shipping and Aviation support.

26^th January 1991

Piper Saratoga crashes into pine trees just north of the Mount Gambier Airport. All three persons killed. They were Adelaide car dealer Les March, his wife Jean March and auto mechanic John Lewis. The family was heavily involved in the Speedway scene and had been in Mount Gambier for a race meeting.

1^st March 1997

802 Air Tractor crashes with Pilot Peter Blackmore at an Air show conducted at Mount Gambier. Several thousand people witnessed the tragedy as the 802 hit the ground after dropping a load of water while simulating fire-bombing exercises.

2000’s

2010’s

28^th June 2017

Socata Tobago TB-10 VH-YTM crashes 3 km south of the Mount Gambier Airport in foggy wet conditions, near the road junction of Walker and Sunnybrae Roads. 3 persons killed. Pilot Grant Gilbert 78 from Mount Barker, Tracey Redding 43 and Emily Redding 16 from Mount Gambier all killed instantly.