One poorly recognised fact from World War I is the contribution made by the Australian Flying Corps, the predecessor to the Royal Australian Air Force. This little-known story is to be told at the Caboolture Air Show that is held at the Caboolture Airfield and hosted by the Australian Vintage Aviation Society.
The Australian Flying Corps was active on the western front in Europe and also in the Middle East. They largely supported the infantry in its campaigns. The Australian Flying Corps carried out a number of roles, including reconnaissance and were also used to attack enemy planes.
The event, held on Anzac Day, highlighted the involvement of the eight and a half squadrons of the Australian Flying Corps that saw service in the Middle East, The western Front and provided training squadrons in England. Many Australian pilots died in these operations.
The air show will feature seven World War I planes that will fly a series of aerial maneuvers.
The founding director of the Australian Vintage Aviation Society, Andrew Carter, told an interview with ABC News that World War I planes were fascinating machines to fly but sadly there are no original planes still flying in Australia today. He said, “There are no original World War One planes still flying in Australia but one of the reproductions — the German Fokker D VIII is powered by an original 1918 engine. The entire engine turns with the propeller as it doesn’t have a throttle. I just cut the power to some spark plugs to slow down and the only way to land is to cut the engine. It has a unique sound and smell because it burns castor oil the whole time. It gives you a much better understanding of what these poor guys went through, as I get to pick the weather when I fly in and I don’t have people shooting at me.´
Other WWI planes on show were the replica of the triplane flown by the Red Baron and the Fokker E111 Eindecker. Mr, Carter is a huge fan of the Enidekker and said, “It’s one of only two accurate reproductions of that plane in the world and is priceless. It’s the first true fighter plane.”
Along with the priceless collection of WWI planes, there are also examples of planes flown by the RRAF in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. This will allow the spectators to see many of the planes that fought in the various conflicts.
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