Air Training Corps (AIRTC)/ AAFC Alumni
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Air Cadets Alumni Association
The Alumni Association is now in the process of being established.
A web site is being developed and a facebook page has been set up...
Australian Air Cadets Alumni Association | Facebook
A web site is being developed and a facebook page has been set up...
Australian Air Cadets Alumni Association | Facebook
Join Date: Jul 2012
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Going for my flying lesson at Pt Cook a couple of weeks ago I saw the cadets had their annual drill competition, which brought back heaps of memories to when we, No.11 Flight VicAIRTC Footscray won it in the mid-1980s. We square bashed for months before it, and were drill machines by the end of it.
I hated the bivouacs, though because I was small I was able to sneak heaps of contraband in my baggy khakis which made survival easier.
I loved the GSTs at East Sale. I got to spend a week doing work experience on the Central Flying School flight line when it still had Macchis. We'd sit around looking at Penthouse magazines (imagine the uproar if they let 15yos do that now) waiting for someone to yell out "Macchi down", and then go out and get the plane ready for its next flight. We never managed a flight in the Macchi or CT4, like one senior officer's son, but we did score one in a HS-748.
We also got to fly in the AIRTC's own C172 known as the Yellow Peril and flown by this short AIRTC officer who the RAAF guys called 'The Penguin'.
GST's also included kitchen duty, where your efforts were rewarded with trays of the best jelly you ever tasted. Oh and we also learned to go to sick parade on the first day because the RAAF doctors would kindly give us a week long exemption from marching.
I also did a weapons training course at Laverton which all kids should do. Really taught me about gun/rifle safety - and I got to shoot an SLR.
Had great times though there was quite a bit of nepotism centred around our CO's son and his friends when it came to promotions and flying opportunities, so a few of us followed our 2IC to a new flight - 5 Flight at the old Tottenham RAAF depot, where I got to be a squad leader. I lost interest once I discovered beer and girls.
I never joined the RAAF and am only now just learning to fly. But one of the skills I did take away was being able to get up and instruct a class.
And I still remember my serial number off the top of my head - 119050. I think I have my PT246 somewhere too.
So I was glad to see it still going strong last week. Thanks for head up Keg.
I hated the bivouacs, though because I was small I was able to sneak heaps of contraband in my baggy khakis which made survival easier.
I loved the GSTs at East Sale. I got to spend a week doing work experience on the Central Flying School flight line when it still had Macchis. We'd sit around looking at Penthouse magazines (imagine the uproar if they let 15yos do that now) waiting for someone to yell out "Macchi down", and then go out and get the plane ready for its next flight. We never managed a flight in the Macchi or CT4, like one senior officer's son, but we did score one in a HS-748.
We also got to fly in the AIRTC's own C172 known as the Yellow Peril and flown by this short AIRTC officer who the RAAF guys called 'The Penguin'.
GST's also included kitchen duty, where your efforts were rewarded with trays of the best jelly you ever tasted. Oh and we also learned to go to sick parade on the first day because the RAAF doctors would kindly give us a week long exemption from marching.
I also did a weapons training course at Laverton which all kids should do. Really taught me about gun/rifle safety - and I got to shoot an SLR.
Had great times though there was quite a bit of nepotism centred around our CO's son and his friends when it came to promotions and flying opportunities, so a few of us followed our 2IC to a new flight - 5 Flight at the old Tottenham RAAF depot, where I got to be a squad leader. I lost interest once I discovered beer and girls.
I never joined the RAAF and am only now just learning to fly. But one of the skills I did take away was being able to get up and instruct a class.
And I still remember my serial number off the top of my head - 119050. I think I have my PT246 somewhere too.
So I was glad to see it still going strong last week. Thanks for head up Keg.
Last edited by Bonniciwah; 13th Oct 2012 at 06:12.
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One from the west.
Had a scan but didn't see anyone from WA in here...so I thought I'd throw in a note from someone who did it on the other side of the country; I was a WAAIRTC cadet from the late 80s and early 90's.
I was interested to see that Bundy went on the IACE programme to France. Stiky, we never heard about this over in the west either but as luck would have it I am actually now familiar with the concept because they still run it each year.
Boeing sponsors the IACE programme and I have been asked to speak to the cadets on behalf of BDA twice now. It is pretty cool, in fact, to see the many places that take part. I have spoken to cadets from UK, US, Canada, Hong Kong, Korea, France, Netherlands and a couple of others, all of whom only got to Aus as part of this programme.
1 Flight Cannington, Perth, had a good time!
TW
I was interested to see that Bundy went on the IACE programme to France. Stiky, we never heard about this over in the west either but as luck would have it I am actually now familiar with the concept because they still run it each year.
Boeing sponsors the IACE programme and I have been asked to speak to the cadets on behalf of BDA twice now. It is pretty cool, in fact, to see the many places that take part. I have spoken to cadets from UK, US, Canada, Hong Kong, Korea, France, Netherlands and a couple of others, all of whom only got to Aus as part of this programme.
1 Flight Cannington, Perth, had a good time!
TW
Last edited by Tightly Wound; 15th Oct 2012 at 10:45.
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Only just saw this thread. Anyone happen to be an ex member of/remember what flight was at Port Hacking High School during the mid/late 90's. Prob too young for most of you old folk. 3 years and 1 promotion, gosh the memories
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Memories
Good evening,
Was browsing the net and came across this forum. Saw mention of a blast from the past in Col Palmer. I was an ATC RAAF cadet at the same time as Col. I joined 9FLT NSWSQN Canterbury Boys High at the end of 1969, left as a CUO at the end of 1974. At school flights once you left school you could no longer be in the unit. Col and I had a many a good time at Camden during field training, he was a Warrant Officer I was a CUO.
Some years later I join the ATC Reserves at Jannali, Col was there as a corporal (I think). The Commander was Flt Lt. Lindsay Lobwein. Due to work pressures I could not continue my service and reluctantly tendered my resignation.
Every now and then I seen AAFC going about their duties and all the memories of the good time and great friends comes flooding back.
Thanks.
Russell Bryant
Former ATC RAAF Cadet 106541
Was browsing the net and came across this forum. Saw mention of a blast from the past in Col Palmer. I was an ATC RAAF cadet at the same time as Col. I joined 9FLT NSWSQN Canterbury Boys High at the end of 1969, left as a CUO at the end of 1974. At school flights once you left school you could no longer be in the unit. Col and I had a many a good time at Camden during field training, he was a Warrant Officer I was a CUO.
Some years later I join the ATC Reserves at Jannali, Col was there as a corporal (I think). The Commander was Flt Lt. Lindsay Lobwein. Due to work pressures I could not continue my service and reluctantly tendered my resignation.
Every now and then I seen AAFC going about their duties and all the memories of the good time and great friends comes flooding back.
Thanks.
Russell Bryant
Former ATC RAAF Cadet 106541
Wow.
Lindsay Lobwein sent me first Area Solo back in DEC 1997.
I was 15Flt Fairbairn (Canberra). I left as a SGT in 1998 when I finished school. Did my EFTC Courses at Camden. Went to RAAF Amberly for the Airshow that got cancelled. Think it was in 96'. CPL Course at Wagga and SGT Course at ADFA. I think it was the only one held there. I remember the Warrant Officer we had, not his name though but he was very motivating. Also did one of those 7 day courses at RAAF Richmond.
My most memorable moment, one of many I guess was competing in the Drill Competition. Our flight took victory for the 6th year in a row. Our "Change Step" was amazing. Anyone that was there would definitely remember it. Possibly 1996/97.
Was good times.
Lindsay Lobwein sent me first Area Solo back in DEC 1997.
I was 15Flt Fairbairn (Canberra). I left as a SGT in 1998 when I finished school. Did my EFTC Courses at Camden. Went to RAAF Amberly for the Airshow that got cancelled. Think it was in 96'. CPL Course at Wagga and SGT Course at ADFA. I think it was the only one held there. I remember the Warrant Officer we had, not his name though but he was very motivating. Also did one of those 7 day courses at RAAF Richmond.
My most memorable moment, one of many I guess was competing in the Drill Competition. Our flight took victory for the 6th year in a row. Our "Change Step" was amazing. Anyone that was there would definitely remember it. Possibly 1996/97.
Was good times.
Last edited by Stiff Under Carriage; 31st Dec 2012 at 23:10.
Nunc est bibendum
Thread Starter
Hmmm. Your CO was Richard Northam. 18FLT probably ran second in that drill comp for about the sixth year in a row too.
Fair chance I was an instructor on one of your Pre Selection Training Courses at RAAF Fairbairn at that time although I normally had more to do with the CUO and CWOFF candidates. When did you do your SNCO course at WAG? Mid '96 or mid '97? I was the CWOFF CSECDR in Jul '96 that time. Was that ADFA course Jan '97 or Jan '98?
I still catch up with Lindsay Lobwein from time to time.
Fair chance I was an instructor on one of your Pre Selection Training Courses at RAAF Fairbairn at that time although I normally had more to do with the CUO and CWOFF candidates. When did you do your SNCO course at WAG? Mid '96 or mid '97? I was the CWOFF CSECDR in Jul '96 that time. Was that ADFA course Jan '97 or Jan '98?
I still catch up with Lindsay Lobwein from time to time.
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I am not sure about today, but in the past we were issued a book, known as the ATC12, Record of Service. I still have mine, it basically catalogues each course undertaken as well as dates of promotion etc. I did so much in my time with the ATC, that I had to add pages to the book. Mainly for weapons and range activities, including the .22 calibre SMLE (known as the Morris tubes), the .303 SMLE, the SLR, F1 sub machine gun, Browning Hi Power pistol and M60 machine gun.
I realise that this is a bit off topic, but in my day we shot at figure targets, that was before someone decided it was turning us all into little killers.
Flying activities included the Cessna 172 (Lindsay took use on that at Camden), Caribou and Hercules C130 A and E. Some lucky so and so's were carried in Iroquois, sadly I was not one of them.
Courses were conducted mainly at RAAF Wagga, but did my junior NCO course at RAAF Richmond.
Camden was for field training and aeromodelling courses. In winter it was brutal, the accommodation was an unlined nissan type hut, the showers usually cold. The mess hall was usually the only warm spot. In summer the reverse was the case HOT. Model aircraft were built in a disused WWII air-raid bunker which was off into the bush on the left side of the road as you drive into the airfield.
All these memories... speaking of which Lindsay must be in his 70 now??
Russell Bryant
I realise that this is a bit off topic, but in my day we shot at figure targets, that was before someone decided it was turning us all into little killers.
Flying activities included the Cessna 172 (Lindsay took use on that at Camden), Caribou and Hercules C130 A and E. Some lucky so and so's were carried in Iroquois, sadly I was not one of them.
Courses were conducted mainly at RAAF Wagga, but did my junior NCO course at RAAF Richmond.
Camden was for field training and aeromodelling courses. In winter it was brutal, the accommodation was an unlined nissan type hut, the showers usually cold. The mess hall was usually the only warm spot. In summer the reverse was the case HOT. Model aircraft were built in a disused WWII air-raid bunker which was off into the bush on the left side of the road as you drive into the airfield.
All these memories... speaking of which Lindsay must be in his 70 now??
Russell Bryant
Small world it would appear. Your are correct. Richard Northam was the CO. My JNCO course was 2/96 (July). My SNCO course was 1/98 (Jan).
I used to catch up with Robert Hobson for a while, but it's probably been 10yrs since I spoke to him last.
From what I can make out, the Drill Competition was in Aug 96 at Richmond.
I used to catch up with Robert Hobson for a while, but it's probably been 10yrs since I spoke to him last.
From what I can make out, the Drill Competition was in Aug 96 at Richmond.
Last edited by Stiff Under Carriage; 1st Jan 2013 at 10:56.
Nunc est bibendum
Thread Starter
We certainly shared some time on the parade ground at Wagga in Jul '96 then.
For former NSWAIRTC/ 3WGAAFC CUOs and CWOFFs (or CDTWOFFs as they were prior to about 2000ish), 322 SQNAAFC (formerly 22FLT NSWAIRTC) maintains records of all the promo courses for as far back as we can go.
If you can fill in some blanks that'd be great too. Website here.
For former NSWAIRTC/ 3WGAAFC CUOs and CWOFFs (or CDTWOFFs as they were prior to about 2000ish), 322 SQNAAFC (formerly 22FLT NSWAIRTC) maintains records of all the promo courses for as far back as we can go.
If you can fill in some blanks that'd be great too. Website here.
I had a great time in the AIRTC (2 Flt, Bexley) and ended up catching up with several ex-members during my service in the Army. Two of us ended up at 3RAR and later at JMOVGP. One is an ADFA grad (and we hold that against him!) Engineer in the Army. I'm also still in touch with my former Flt Cmdr, who is a cop.
Another, Matt Goodall, was tragically killed in the 2005 Seaking crash on Nias. No bullsh!t, he was a top bloke and a natural leader who could get along with just about anyone. A very capable person taken at just 25.
Another, Matt Goodall, was tragically killed in the 2005 Seaking crash on Nias. No bullsh!t, he was a top bloke and a natural leader who could get along with just about anyone. A very capable person taken at just 25.
Nunc est bibendum
Thread Starter
This is starting to get a little creepy.
Trojan1981, it appears that you and I have also shared some similar tarmac albeit at slightly different times. I was an ex 2FLT cadet (86-90) before becoming a staff member at 18FLT. Your former FLTCDR isn't a cop anymore (I presume you mean PA?). Got out very recently. I was corresponding with him a week ago and we stalk each other on FB. I became FLTCDR/ CO of 2FLT/ 302SQN after him in January 2000.
Matt was between my times of service with 2FLT but I'd known of him via promo courses and the occasional tie up between 2FLT and 18FLT.
Russell, Lindsay is still late '60s I think. He retired from QF aged close to 65 a couple of years ago. I think he'd be 68 at the oldest? Perhaps a year younger or older depending on how strong my recollection is of when he finished up at QF.
Trojan1981, it appears that you and I have also shared some similar tarmac albeit at slightly different times. I was an ex 2FLT cadet (86-90) before becoming a staff member at 18FLT. Your former FLTCDR isn't a cop anymore (I presume you mean PA?). Got out very recently. I was corresponding with him a week ago and we stalk each other on FB. I became FLTCDR/ CO of 2FLT/ 302SQN after him in January 2000.
Matt was between my times of service with 2FLT but I'd known of him via promo courses and the occasional tie up between 2FLT and 18FLT.
Russell, Lindsay is still late '60s I think. He retired from QF aged close to 65 a couple of years ago. I think he'd be 68 at the oldest? Perhaps a year younger or older depending on how strong my recollection is of when he finished up at QF.
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Keg,
Thanks for the info re Lindsay.
Saw another name that bought back memories, Frank Barclay. Frank started at 9FLT, just before I left in 1974. He was an ex RAAF pilot, flew Mitchells in the Korean war I think. When 9FLT was disbanded I don't remember where he went, it might have to the Jannali Boys High flight, but cannot remember him being there. It was about the time Col Palmer was promoted from AC to corporal in the AIRTC staff. Interestingly staff were Auxiliary Air Force in my day, as opposed to Reserve Air Force. They were nicknamed the 'Rocket Squad' because of the triangular patch worn on their uniforms.
I saw mentioned various posts re courses conducted at Wagga. I did my CUO's couse at RAAF Wagga in January 1972. It was 3 weeks of hot and hard work. Anyway at the end of the course we were paraded waiting for the buses to arrive. The couse commander made an annoucement that if anyone had souvenired any items including cutlery, that we had 5 mins to return it no questions asked. After that trouble! At the end of the 5 minutes something like 200 plus knives, forks and spoons were returned to the OR's mess. Several dozens rounds of live ammunition and a OR's RAAF cap badge. No wonder they were glad to see the end of the ants....
Russell
Thanks for the info re Lindsay.
Saw another name that bought back memories, Frank Barclay. Frank started at 9FLT, just before I left in 1974. He was an ex RAAF pilot, flew Mitchells in the Korean war I think. When 9FLT was disbanded I don't remember where he went, it might have to the Jannali Boys High flight, but cannot remember him being there. It was about the time Col Palmer was promoted from AC to corporal in the AIRTC staff. Interestingly staff were Auxiliary Air Force in my day, as opposed to Reserve Air Force. They were nicknamed the 'Rocket Squad' because of the triangular patch worn on their uniforms.
I saw mentioned various posts re courses conducted at Wagga. I did my CUO's couse at RAAF Wagga in January 1972. It was 3 weeks of hot and hard work. Anyway at the end of the course we were paraded waiting for the buses to arrive. The couse commander made an annoucement that if anyone had souvenired any items including cutlery, that we had 5 mins to return it no questions asked. After that trouble! At the end of the 5 minutes something like 200 plus knives, forks and spoons were returned to the OR's mess. Several dozens rounds of live ammunition and a OR's RAAF cap badge. No wonder they were glad to see the end of the ants....
Russell
There you go!
I didn't know PA was out. I am friends with him on FB and had intended to catch up with him at HARS a few weeks ago but work got in the way. I will have to give him a call. I was there '96-'97 before I moved away and eventually joined the Army.
PM'd
I didn't know PA was out. I am friends with him on FB and had intended to catch up with him at HARS a few weeks ago but work got in the way. I will have to give him a call. I was there '96-'97 before I moved away and eventually joined the Army.
PM'd
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another ex 11 flight footscray cadet, in the early 70's we dominated the drill comp, i remember the endless practice at the back of the hyde street primary school
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Keg - many thanks for the heads up - I'm a definite starter. Many moons ago I used to hitchike down Warrigal Road to Moorabbin on the weekends and help pump Avgas on one of Dysons Refuellers old trucks. About every 8 weeks I could afford 1 hour in a chippie. At that rate, it was going to take me about 2000 years to get a licence !! I joined the ATC at age 10 at Frognall. After a lot of hard work 6 years later, Bingo, I won one of the flying scholarships. It was a dream come true. Been in the game for 5 decades now and don't think it all would have happened without the scholarship. RIP Flt Lt A R Loveless - you are well remembered.
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Some great memories there, some great instructors setting the scene for our aviation careers; Wings, Beth, Ron and John. Our Alumni website will be launched this month now that we have found enough interested in sharing.
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Air Cadet Alumni has now launched