Well that’s the most balanced view on the subject I’ve read to date. I conclude that if the RAAF had not been so dismissive of Army’s needs way back then, perhaps the RAAF would still be operating helicopters in the Army support role today. As an RAAF helicopter pilot I certainly found the role very challenging and worthwhile.
As much as I disliked AM Evans (the 7th floor WOD!), he had a point. IMHO the whole transfer of rotary wing assets from RAAF to Army occurred thanks to a mis-informed and biased Chief of Defence and a RAAF hierarchy that didn’t give a stuff about helicopters. My perception of the attitude of RAAF senior command when the decision was announced was one of indifference.