RAAF History and Heritage

LIVING LEGEND

At 104 years young, Second World War aviator Flying Officer Leonard “Len” Mills continues to embody resilience, humility and quiet heroism.

Last December, Len was honoured by No 37 Squadron with a special Aussie Hero Quilts (and Laundry Bags), recognising a remarkable life of service.

Len’s journey began in December 1940 when he enlisted in the Australian Army but it did not take long for him to make a life-changing decision.

“The Air Force mess had tablecloths, salt and pepper shakers, condiments and cutlery. In the Army, we ate mush out of tins … I decided there and then to transfer.”

That decision led him to Royal Air Force No 15 Squadron – a unit comprising aviators from across the Commonwealth –where he served as a wireless operator, completing 34 missions aboard aircraft including the iconic Avro Lancaster. From supporting the D-Day landings to navigating night skies using H2S radar, Len says he witnessed both the terror and the beauty of war.

Len completed his service in 1944 and remained with the Royal Australian Air Force until 1946. He went on to live a full and meaningful life, working as a train driver, sharing 62 years of marriage and becoming a great-grandfather.

https://www.defence.gov.au/news-events/news/2026-04-09/104-years-34-missions-one-remarkable-life



Defence Australia
RAAF History and Heritage

At dawn today at Royal Australian Air Force Base Townsville, we gathered in quiet reflection to mark the 111th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings.

As the first light broke, we honoured the courage, sacrifice and enduring spirit of all who have served, past and present.

The solemnity of the ANZAC Dawn Service was strengthened by the precision of the No. 101 Squadron cadets, whose catafalque party stood in silent vigil, embodying respect, discipline and remembrance.

Their commitment reminds us that the legacy of ANZAC lives on through future generations.

Lest We Forget.

RAAF History and Heritage
Defence Australia

Stitched with Love, Given with Honour 🧵❤️

At a recent medal presentation that included stories of service and sacrifice, we were reminded that honour doesn’t always come in the form of medals. Sometimes it comes wrapped in fabric, care and quiet compassion.

Aussie Hero Quilts (and Laundry Bags) founded by Jan-Maree Ball OAM, creates quilts and laundry bags for past and present Defence members—each one handmade by volunteers who have enormous hearts. What began as a simple idea has grown into a remarkable Australia-wide movement, delivering comfort, dignity and recognition to those who serve, and to those who carry the cost of service long after they have hung up their uniform.

At a recent ceremony, two beautiful Fallen Warrior quilts were presented to the families of William “Billy” Kinloch and Justin Mulligan. These quilts are symbols of gratitude, of remembrance and of a nation saying you are not forgotten.

Jan-Maree, a veteran herself, speaks passionately about why her work matters: because service is not just a job, it is a life of missed moments, sudden deployments and families who live with uncertainty every day.

Aussie Hero Quilts exists to acknowledge that sacrifice, whether for a member on deployment, a veteran in need, or a family who has lost far too much.

To Jan-Maree and the volunteers of Aussie Hero Quilts: thank you for wrapping our people and their families in care, when words alone are not enough.

Lest we forget. 🕊️🎖️

Defence Australia

Honouring Our Past, Inspiring Our Future ✈️🎖

History came powerfully to life for No 3 Squadron (3SQN) at Royal Australian Air Force Base Williamtown recently.

As part of Air Force’s Living History Program, 3SQN personnel, families and guests gathered to hear The Life and Legacy of Hero Tom Carmody—presented by RAAF History and Heritage in the presence of Tom’s family.

It was a deeply moving presentation, connecting a hero’s story directly with those who continue to wear the Squadron’s badge today.

Shared during 3SQN’s 110th anniversary year, the presentation highlighted the enduring links between past and present. This was further marked by the presentation of Tom’s WW1 diary, containing a piece of red fabric from the Red Baron aircraft, entrusted to Air Force History and Heritage by the Carmody family.

This rare artefact is a powerful symbol of courage, sacrifice and the responsibility of preserving history.

Together, these moments reinforced what has endured across more than a century of service: courage, mateship, and honour in the legacy of 3SQN—one that continues to inspire future generations.

Lest we forget. 🕊️

Defence Australia

Medals Home at Last ✈️🎖️

An 81-year-old mystery has finally been solved and a family has been reunited with the wartime medals of an Australian aviator who never made it home.

Warrant Officer William “Billy” Kinloch of No 464 Squadron (464SQN) Royal Australian Air Force was just 22 when he was killed on an early-morning mission on 13 January 1945. His close friend and navigator, Flying Officer Justin Mulligan, also 22, was killed alongside him. Together, they’d flown more than 60 missions.

Thanks to a routine historical check by RAAF History and Heritage, it was discovered the medals Billy was entitled to had never been presented to his family. On 10 March 2026 at RAAF Base Williamtown—more than eight decades later—those medals were finally placed into the hands of Billy’s loved ones, alongside the family of Justin Mulligan. Members of today’s 464SQN attended the emotional presentation.

It is s a powerful reminder that Australians’ military service is never forgotten, no matter how much time has passed.

Lest we forget.

Defence Australia

IN REVIEW: Retired Air Vice-Marshal Bob Treloar, AO, shares his thoughts on ANZAC Strike Wing: Operations in the North Sea with RAF Coastal Command, the story of Australians and New Zealanders who fought side by side in the air war over Europe — ordinary men achieving extraordinary feats in one of history’s most dangerous arenas.

“ANZAC Strike Wing is a worthy contribution to the series of books produced by Heritage and History Branch – Air Force, drawing upon recently digitised archives, operational records and eye-witness accounts.

“It is well written and easy to read and will not disappoint readers interested in military history and the history of our Air Force.

“The author recounts the strike wing’s attacks on shipping, initially in the open expanses of the North Sea and, later in the war, in the narrow, precipitous fjords along the Norwegian southern coastline.

“The accounts recognise the skill, airmanship and courage displayed by the aircrew when attacking enemy shipping with little prospect of rescue should they ditch in the ocean. They are vivid and recorded in fine detail and will capture the reader’s attention.”

👉 Pre-order here: https://www.bigskypublishing.com.au/anzac-strike-wing/

👉 Read more here: https://www.defence.gov.au/news-events/news/2026-03-12/anzac-strike-wings-daring-hunt-remembered



Defence Australia
RAAF History and Heritage
Bigskypublishing

ANZAC Strike Wing’s daring hunt remembered A new book documents and honours the courage and sacrifice of aviators from the Anzac Strike Wing.

🚨 PRE-ORDER NOW 🚨

From the freezing airfields of Scotland to the storm-lashed fjords of Norway, two ANZAC squadrons forged one of WWII’s boldest maritime strike forces.

In 1944, No 455 Squadron RAAF and No 489 Squadron RNZAF joined forces under RAF Coastal Command, flying Bristol Beaufighters at wave-top height through all weather and fighter interception to hunt German shipping across the North Sea.

The author of ANZAC Strike Wing, retired Air Vice-Marshal John Quaife, AM, draws on newly digitised archives, operational records and eyewitness accounts to bring this incredible true story to life.

👉 Pre-order here: https://www.bigskypublishing.com.au/anzac-strike-wing/



Defence Australia
RAAF History and Heritage
Bigskypublishing

ANZAC Strike Wing - Big Sky Publishing Over the North Sea, Australian and New Zealand airmen forged one of WWII’s most daring strike wings. Flying Beaufighters under RAF Coastal Command, they launched relentless attacks on German convoys—crippling enemy lifelines and writing a new ANZAC chapter. Draws on newly digitised archives and ...

👩‍💼 On this International Women’s Day, we celebrate the WAAAF – Pioneers in Uniform.

In 1941, the Women’s Auxiliary Australian Air Force was officially announced.

From wireless operators to teleprinter technicians, these trailblazers filled critical roles and paved the way for future generations of servicewomen.

By 1944, more than 18,000 women had served.

You can read more about the role of women in the Royal Australian Air Force in Changing Altitudes: Stories of Australian Air Force Women, a publication by the RAAF History and Heritage.

https://www.airforce.gov.au/about-us/history/our-stories/our-books/changing-altitudes

✈️ New Book Release | Out Now

Wings Over Malayan Jungle: No 1 Squadron Royal Australian Air Force Lincoln Bombers in the Malayan Emergency lifts the curtain on a largely untold chapter of Cold War history.

For the first time, this compelling new book delivers a comprehensive account of Australia’s No 1 Squadron RAAF during the Malayan Emergency (1951–58)—a formative yet often overlooked conflict of the 20th century.

Drawing on meticulous research, it explores the operational reality of flying Lincoln bombers over dense jungle terrain, the strategic significance of the campaign, and the people who served in this demanding theatre.

As global interest continues to grow in previously underreported conflicts of the 20th century, Wings Over Malayan Jungle makes an important contribution to military, aviation and Australian history—bringing long forgotten stories into the spotlight.

📚 Available now https://www.bigskypublishing.com.au/wings-over-malayan-jungle/?srsltid=AfmBOor8v7_ZPJ4loSMaNXvTFhs2XI-c_-QJphFDQnmSGIhrWPZG7Ss0




Defence Australia
RAAF History and Heritage

🚁 New Book Release | Collector’s Edition

Huey: The Helicopter That Became an Australian Legend tells the remarkable story of one of the most recognisable and trusted aircraft ever to serve Australia.

There is no military helicopter more iconic than the Bell UH 1 Iroquois. Flown by Australians from all three services between 1962 and 2007, the Huey became a symbol of reliability, courage, and service both in war and in peace.

From Malaysia and Vietnam to the Middle East and the South Pacific, the Iroquois played a vital role in Australia’s military and humanitarian operations. It saved lives in search and rescue missions, delivered water, food, and fodder to communities in need, supported troops on operations, and helped keep peace in some of the world’s most challenging environments.

This beautifully produced book captures the aircraft’s enduring legacy and the people who flew, maintained and relied upon it—cementing the Huey’s place in Australian history.

📕 Collector’s Edition – Limited Release

👉 Find out more here:

https://www.bigskypublishing.com.au/huey/?srsltid=AfmBOooFI2EqFlVQ2mvGGviCousGceluNvH7d8pKHJjRccC59ukdjIHQ




Defence Australia
Royal Australian Air Force
RAAF History and Heritage