RAAF Base Laverton Sergeant's Mess plaque
2023.115.6
RAAF Laverton Sergeant's Mess plaque
Name/Title
RAAF Base Laverton Sergeant's Mess plaqueEntry/Object ID
2023.115.6Description
RAAF Base Laverton Sergeant's Mess plaque attached to a rectangular timber mount.Use
Laverton is the third oldest RAAF base, being built in 1925 at the same time as RAAF Base Richmond, with the latter opening slightly before Laverton. As the RAAF expanded during the 1930s, the number of units stationed at Laverton grew. In 1936, No 21 (Cadre) Squadron, a Citizen Air Force unit, 1937, No 2 (General Reconnaissance) Squadron and No 23 (General Purpose) (Cadre) Squadron and the General Reconnaissance School moved to Laverton on 1 July 1940. With the rapid escalation of operations in the Pacific theatre, Australia imported and also undertook local manufacture of aircraft and airborne systems, and on 21 July 1941, No 1 AD formed a Special Duties and Performance Flight at Laverton. This flight would provide technical and flight test support services for the introduction of new aircraft and systems, before ibeing absorbed into the new No 1 Aircraft Performance Unit formed at RAAF Base Laverton on 1 December 1943, to provide a more focused support organisation. In January 1945, there were more than 800 personnel on posted strength at Laverton including members of the Womens’ Auxiliary Australian Air Force and the RAAF Nursing Service. By mid 1946, this number had dropped to 179 as the RAAF demobilised and the post-war Permanent Air Force organisations took shape. Today Laverton is the home of Headquarters Air Force Training Group (formerly Training Command) and RAAF Central Band as well as several Defence and joint organisations, including the Defence Force School of Languages, Defence International Training Centre, Defence Publishing Services, Headquarters Joint Logistics Command, and Joint Logistics Unit - Victoria, and elements of the Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group.Category
Memorabilia, Plaque, Heraldry