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Senior members of the Royal Australian Air Force have attended a ceremony on Horn and Thursday Islands in far north Queensland to pay tribute to those who served on the islands during the Second World War.
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The contingent, led by Officer Commanding 84 Wing, Group Captain Nicholas Hogan, joined Horn Island mayor Vonda Malone, the local Torres Strait Islander community, and veterans at King Point to pay their respects.
GPCAPT Hogan said the islands were utilised as forward operating bases by the RAAF during World War Two, providing anti-aircraft coverage and a stationing point for No 32 Squadron until 1942.
“Horn Island was the second most attacked location after Darwin, and accommodated approximately 5,000 troops over the course of the war,” GPCAPT Hogan said.
“Still today, crews from No 35 Squadron regularly use C-27J Spartans at the airfield.”
Commanding Officer 35 Squadron, Wing Commander Benjamin Poxon, said Air Force’s relationship with the local community was invaluable and the local traditions were recognised and respected.
“Defence is committed to maintaining connections with Indigenous communities, and meeting people first-hand,” WGCDR Poxon said.
“We are proud of the contribution made by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and women to the defence of Australia in times of peace and war.”
