No. 4 Squadron

No 4 Squadron

No 4 Squadron (4SQN) formed at Point Cook, Victoria, on 16 October 1916 from the personnel trained on the 6th Course held at the Aviation School of Instruction, Australian Flying Corps. The Squadron’s coming of age was the Battle of Cambrai on the Western Front in 1917, flying Sopwith Camels. During its time on the Western Front, 4SQN performed fighter sweeps, provided air support for the Army, and raided German airstrips. By the end of the First World War, 4SQN claimed more kills than any other AFC unit.

The Second World War saw 4SQN equipped with Avro Ansons, de Havilland Moth Minors and, later, CAC Wirraway and Boomerang aircraft.

Today, 4SQN is based at RAAF Base Williamtown.

Gathered here are some of our 4SQN stories compiled as part of History and Heritage – Air Force’s Living History Program.

Roy King

Elwyn Roy King was born to Richard King and Lizzie Miller at The Grove, Tuena (near Bathurst) in NSW on 13 May 1894. A motor mechanic in Forbes prior to the First World War, King enlisted on 17 July 1915 in the 12th Australian Light Horse Regiment.

During the First World War, Roy became the fourth highest-scoring Australian ace of the war, earning a Distinguished Service Order (DSO), Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC), and a Mention in Despatches.