At 11:00am on the 11th of November 1918, the guns on the Western Front fell silent after four years of continuous fighting. Following the end of the hostilities of the First World War, Armistice Day, as it was then known, was an opportunity to remember and acknowledge the sacrifices made by those who had fought and died during the war.
After the conclusion of the Second World War, the day was renamed Remembrance Day to commemorate those who were killed in both World Wars. Now, the day is an opportunity for us all to acknowledge all Australian service personnel who have died or suffered in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations, and to pay our respects to their families.
This year also marks 80 years since the D-Day landings of 6 June 1944, where a significant Australian contribution came in the form of air power.
Approximately 1,000 Australian aviators flew with 10 Royal Australian Air Force squadrons, while a further 1,800 operated on attachment to the Royal Air Force. Another 13,500 Royal Australian Air Force personnel were either in training or non-operational units during this time.
Royal Australian Air Force Pilot Officer George Kingsley Edward Martin was one such aviator flying with his British counterparts, flying Royal Air Force Typhoon aircraft to attack road transport targets in the Caen/Lisieux area of France. Shot down by a German aircraft, he parachuted to safety but landed in a tree, breaking his leg. After being rescued, some French locals managed to hide him by moving him from home to home over several months. The final home was partially occupied by the Gestapo, and George was posing as a deaf mute to avoid capture – this was very challenging when a German officer fired a revolver behind him to see if he was actually deaf!
George was eventually freed by the Alliance and taken to hospital for his injuries to be treated; he was awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross for his bravery and resilience.
Our contribution to air power in the Second World War was significant, with the events of D-Day a stark reminder of the ultimate sacrifice paid for by our ancestors. On the day of the landings, 12 Royal Australian Air Force members perished, while June 1944 is still remembered as the worst month of casualties in the Royal Australian Air Force’s history.
Australian aviators and personnel continue to hold a distinguished place in history, not just delivering air power in both World Wars, but also supporting allies and partners in times of peace and conflict. They continue to display the bravery and resilience that George Martin drew upon during the Second World War.
Today, as we pause on the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month, I encourage all our personnel to remember those aviators who have gone before us. I ask you, in their honour, to keep the faith and renew your commitment to air power and serving our country in the finest traditions of the Royal Australian Air Force, and our shared Defence values of Service, Courage, Respect, Integrity and Excellence.
Lest we forget.