After Graduation ...
After graduation they dispersed to RAAF bases all over Australia, and in spite
the inefficient and expensive (by today's standards) means of communication
managed to keep in touch for a while. But gradually there was less of this
communication. By the time Gough Whitlam became Prime Minister in 1972 a few
had already left the RAAF, and with the new government came an easing of the
restrictions on voluntary discharge, so that many 19 course members left the
RAAF at that stage.
First reunion - 1992
1992 marked the final Apprentice graduation at Laverton. This was to be the
trigger for the remarkable reunion, with a surprisingly high proportion of 19
Course managing to make it back to Laverton for that final passing out parade.
Geoff Chapman in particular went to great lengths to track down his fellow
members of 19 Course. It was quite an experience for everyone there to once
again see people who had once been so familiar after a break of 27 years.
Links related to the 1992 reunion
Select the highlighted item that you want to view:
40th reunion - Gold Coast 2005Thanks to the magnificent efforts of Phil Laird, the 40th reunion was an outstanding success.
Links related to the 40th reunion
There are pictures here and here.
The Communications Revolution ...
After the reunion there was a feeling that the 19 Course members should keep in
touch a bit more. This was now much easier than it was 27 years earlier on
account of the emergence of email plus the greatly reduced cost of interstate
phone calls. Keeping in touch had become easier than at any time since 19 Course were
in the Huts.
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![[RAAF logo plus text]](raaf19.gif)
