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Large numbers of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) personnel and several flying units were stationed in the United Kingdom throughout World War II. Many of the airmen served within the Royal Air Force (RAF), which included personnel from across the British Empire. The RAAF units in the UK included some all-Australian flying squadrons and a larger number of squadrons that included personnel from other countries. The Australian airmen and units were integrated into the RAF, with the Australian Government having little influence over how they were used.

At the outset of the war, a small number of RAAF personnel were posted to the RAF and a flying boat squadron was in the UK to pick up new aircraft. Australians served during the Battle of Britain and the Battle of the Atlantic. Large numbers of RAAF airmen arrived in the UK from 1941 (???) after being trained through the Empire Air Training Scheme. RAAF Overseas Headquarters was established in December 1941 to provide administrative support for the Australians in the UK.

The strategic bombing offensive against Germany was the main campaign Australians in the UK took part in. Approximately 10,000 Australians served in RAF Bomber Command, with over 4,100 being killed. Australians also served in fighter, tactical bomber and maritime patrol units, including some RAAF Squadrons, and transport and other units that saw combat over the UK and Europe.

See also

• Second Australian Imperial Force in the United Kingdom

References

Works consulted

• Stephens, Alan (2006). The Royal Australian Air Force (Paperback ed.). South Melbourne: Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19555-541-7.
• Williams, Peter (2015). Australians in World War II: United Kingdom. Canberra: Department of Veterans' Affairs. ISBN 978-0-9925839-7-2.