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During the Second World War, Britain's Royal Air Force was divided into several functional and geographic commands in line with an organisation that had first been implemented in 1936.

Bomber Command was based in Great Britain and was responsible for bombing targets in enemy-controlled Europe. At the height of its operations in late 1944, Bomber Command comprised over 80 operational squadrons.

The squadrons were organised into several groups on the basis of their role, the type of aircraft they operated and the locations of the airfieldd from which they operated. in 1939 these groups were numbered 2-5 but by the end of the war, Bomber Command comprised 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 (Canadian), 8 (Pathfinder), 100 (Special Duties) and 91, 92 and 93 (Training) groups.

Approximately 10,000 RAAF aircrew served with Bomber Command and sadly 4,149 were killed.

Each year RAAF Amberley hosts a Commemoration Service to honour and remember those brave and very young men who served with the Command.

As usual, a considerable crowd attended the commemoration and were looked after comfortably by the RAAF at Amberley.

The event was held in the Memorial Gardens at the old "Front Gate", adjacent to Canberra A84-201.   Click HERE for details on this aircraft.

Miljan Popovic

Chaplain Miljan Popovic was Master of Ceremonies at the 2025 Commemoration and informed those present of the format of the Ceremony, after which he called for the mounting of the Catafalque Party.

The Catafalque Party.

A Catafalque is a raised structure supporting a stand that usually holds a coffin. It allows mourners to file past and pay their last respects. A Catafalque Party is a ceremonial guard, typically composed of four members of an armed force along with a Commander, positioned around a coffin or memorial as a mark of respect. They stand with their heads bowed and weapons reversed, maintaining a solemn presence. This tradition is commonly seen at ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day services, as well as during military funerals and when a distinguished person lies in state. 

Members of the Party must not be senior in rank to the deceased over whom it is mounted.

Catafalque Party.

The Party was provided by Air Force Cadets from 208 Sqn, 2 Wing. These young people did a wonderful job, standing at attention with arms reversed for a considerable time. Their Commander arranged for each of the Cadets to replaced occasionally to ease the strain on their bodies.

GpCapt Steven Thornton

GpCapt Thornton, the OC 82 Wing, welcomed everyone to the Commemoration.  

82 Wing is the Strike and Reconnaissance Wing of the Air Force, is headquartered at Amberley and comprises the F/A-18F Hornet, the EA-18G Growler and Pilatus PC-21 FAC aircraft.

The Amberley Brass Band and the Glackstone-Ipswich Choir then, as they do so well on occasions such as this, then led everyone with The Dambusters anthem.

The Blackstone-Ipswich Choir.

Charlie Laing

After the playing of the anthem, Charlie Laing, from Ipswich Girls Grammar School took the stand and very professionally read the second Scripture Reading.

GpCapt John Bushell  (Ret'd)

John Bushell, the State President of The Australian Flying Corps (AFC) and Air Force Association Qld Division, reflected on the outstanding courage it took for the so many young men who flew with Bomber Command night after night, all the while knowing it could be their last flight. Sadly, many didn't return.

Wreath laying

Chaplain Miljan Popovic then called for those who wished to lay a wreath in memory of those fallen.

Gary Graham

Gary Graham on behalf of the Toowoomba Branch of the Air Force Association.

Bernard Ballantine

Bernard Ballantine, on behalf of the Sunshine Coast Branch of the Air Force Association.

Rob Wilson

Rob Wilson on behalf of the Redlands Branch of the Air Force Association.

Ipswich Girls Grammar School.

Josephine Steflicek and Charlotte Johnson, two lovely young ladies from Ipswich Girls Grammar, laid a wreath in honour of those fallen.

Cooper Goodsir

After the laying of the wreaths, Cooper Goodsir, from Ipswich Grammar School, read the Ode.

While the wreaths were being laid, the lonely piper kept playing the Lament.

Lowering the Flag.

The Flag was then lowered in readiness for the playing of the Last Post.

Steve French

Steve French first played The Last Post, followed by two minutes silence, after which he played the Rouse.

Gary Graham

Gary Graham, the Area Vice president of the South West Qld AFC and Air Force Association Qld Division, thanked and acknowledged the interest of Her Excellency, the Honourable Jeanette Young AO PSM, Governor of Queensland and the presence of her representative Flt Lt Tim Daelman ADC and also those organisations that provided help in organising the Commemoration.

Closure

With the Ceremony concluded, John Bushell invited everyone back to the Amberley Aviation Heritage Centre for some refreshments.

The Governor's representative, Flight Lieutenant Tim Daelman, left the ceremony in the "new" Governor's vehicle - a Lexus LS 500. This vehicle now replaces the old blue Rolls on long drives with the Rolls kept for "around town" events. The Rolls is now an old vehicle and in order to preserve it, it is now used sparingly.

I know what I'd rather drive!

Refreshments.

At the Heritage centre. The AFA excelled themselves, the refreshment they provided were excellent.