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From Odd Bod Les Boon, Howrah, Tas.
Dear George,
Attached is a potted history of the RAAF Memorial Centre, 61 Davey Street, Hobart that may be of interest. Also I would recommend the book "Battle Order 204" by Christobel Mattingley, about the life and times of her husband David Mattingley DFC, a local Tassie boy back then. David took my crew on our first op and we are the "sprog" crew described in the book, which was launched in a very professional manner in April 2007. All the royalties from the sale of the book are donated to the association of the "Friends of Lincoln Cathedral".
My regards to everyone.
Les Boon.
(Editor's note: Les recommends a very readable story, amazing in its details that could have come only from a comprehensive diary and a meticulously-kept log book by David Mattingley, flying Lancasters on 625 Squadron. "Battle Order 204" by Christobel Mattingley, is published in paperback by Allen & Unwin, at $17.95. (ISBN no. 9781741751611)
The Royal Australian Air Force Association has existed since 1920 - initially as the Australian Flying Corps Association. Its prime purposes have been to serve the welfare and social needs of members and former members of the RAAF and kindred Air Forces and to support Air Defence.
The first meeting of the Tasmania Division was held on 2nd February 1944. Meetings were held monthly in Hobart ard Launceston. A great deal of assistance was given to personnel who were being discharged from the RAAF at that time. The suggestion of a 'Memorial Centre' originated from the Council of the Tasmanian Division and, at an enthusiastic meeting of more than 200 Hobart citizens on 29 November 1946, under the Chairmanship of His Excellency the Governor (Admiral Sir Hugh Binney), approval was granted for the launching of a State-wide appeal for funds to purchase a property.
Sub-committees were formed throughout the State and the appeal became one of the largest conducted in Tasmania with a net result of £7,364 - sufficient to purchase the property known as 'Woodbourne' at 61 Davey Street Hobart, which became the RAAF Memorial Centre. Extensive alterations and additions to the Centre have been carried out over the years including a Memorial Chapel, which was dedicated and 'set apart' by three RAAF Staff Chaplains - Chaplain T.D. Beyer MBE; Principal Chaplain E.F. Cooper and Principal Chaplain J.P. McNamara, at a ceremony on 19th September 1954.
The 'Memorial Book', researched by the late Mr Tom Simpson DFC, DFM, which is prominently displayed on the lectern, contains the names of all Tasmanian enlistments in the RAAF and RAF who lost their lives during 1914-18, 1939-45 and the Korean war. The Memorial Book was sent to England and Sir Winston Churchill wrote the foreword. The pen used by him is in the Museum within the RAAF Memorial Centre. The stained glass windows were installed by the Association WAAAF Branch, having been designed by Miss Eileen Thompson, a member of the Branch, who served with the RAF.
On Sunday 12 March 1961, His Excellency the Governor (The Lord Rowallan) unveiled the windows, which were then dedicated by the RAAF Staff Chaplains – Principal Chap K.R. Morrison, Asst Princ. Chap T.D. Beyer, MBE and Princ. Chap. L.B. Smith. Services are held in the Chapel during the annual 'Battle of Britain' commemoration as well as many funeral services that have been held over the years.
The Air Force Museum, which is incorporated in the Centre, was opened by Air Marshal J.W. Newham AO, on 13 September 1986. One of the highlights is the 'Dam Buster' section, which contains a copy of the log book of Wing Commander Guy Gibson VC, detailing the sortie on which he earned his Victoria Cross. The museum also contains a copy of the Official Surrender document signed in Tokyo Bay, Japan, on 2 September 1945.
To all members who can get there, we hope to see you on Tuesday 11th November 2008 at the Heidelberg/Austin Repatriation General Hospital Medical Centre.
Robert Winther, Veterans' Liaison Adviser, informs us that the Service will be held in the Memorial Gardens, commencing at 10.45am. Go to the Waterdale Road entrance, Melway Map 31 F4.
We do appreciate the limitations caused by our advancing years, and the inconvenience of those medical and hospital appointments we all have to suffer these days. However, this annual commemoration was very well attended in past years. Please do your best to support the Odd Bods attendance at this occasion.