HOME OF THE FLYING SHOVELS
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This page was last updated on: April 29, 2008
Between 1942 and 1974 the Royal Australian Air Force Airfield Construction Squadrons operated under adverse physical conditions in peace and war.
Forward airfields, vital to the aerial campaigns in the South–West Pacific, were developed, often under fire. In addition to the post-war development of facilities on the mainland, Airfield Construction Squadrons served with the occupation force in Japan, built the airfield at Butterworth during the Malayan Emergency and developed facilities at Phan Rang and Vung Tau in South Vietnam.
The ACS squadrons landed on the beaches with the assault forces at Aitape, Tarakan, Morotai, Leyte, Mindoro, Balikpapan and Labuan Island. The task of the squadrons was to land and immediately follow the infantry and build or re-build airfields, camps, roads and wharves as soon as possible. This was done, in many cases, in a matter of days under the most trying conditions, and under continuous air raids, sniper, and artillery fire while the earthmoving equipment was used day and night.
In addition to the post-war development of facilities on the mainland, Airfield Construction Squadrons served with the occupation force in Japan, built the airfield at Butterworth during the Malayan Emergency and developed facilities at Ubon Thailand, Phan Rang and Vung Tau in South Vietnam.
ALWAYS FIRST
The book “ALWAYS FIRST” Written by David Wilson is the history of the RAAF Airfield Construction Squadrons 1942-1974, and is based on official records and personal memories.
The book can be obtained by contacting:-
Air Power Development Centre
Level 3
205 Anketell Street
Tuggeranong ACT 2900
