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Port Macquarie A.F.C. and R.A.A.F. Memorial

Port Macquarie A.F.C. and R.A.A.F. Memorial
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Description / Background

The memorial is a three-bladed Hamilton Standard Variable Pitch Propeller from a C47 Dakota aircraft, centrally mounted on a reinforced concrete inner wall faced with white Monier split rock textured blocks. The wall measures 4 metres long by 3.35 metres high and 0.39 metres deep. A concrete plinth across the top carries the name board. It is surrounded by brown Monier block paving.

On either side of the propeller is a bronze inscription plaque, one detailing the origin of the propeller, the other the particulars of the dedication and unveiling. Mounted above the propeller is a third bronze plaque noting the name change from the Oxley Region Air Force Association to the Port Macquarie Air Force Association Branch from 16 June 1990. At that time, the name board was also changed to read Port Macquarie Branch.

The memorial was designed by Royal Australian Air Force (R.A.A.F.) Association member and architect Mr Bill Goodes of Wauchope. Goodes supervised construction and the work was carried out largely by Association members using materials and services donated, or provided at reduced rates, by local businesses. These include Monier, ARC, BMG Concrete, Acrow Hire, and Port Crane Hire. Hastings Funeral and Cremation Services donated one of the bronze inscription plaques and the propeller was donated by AIRPROPS Australia of Moorabbin Victoria.

The unveiling and dedication ceremony took place on 24 March 1983 in front of local dignitaries and guests. It was hosted by the Vice President of the Oxley Region Branch Mr Vern Polley, in the absence of the President, Mr W. H. Martin. The memorial was unveiled by the then Governor of New South Wales, His Excellency Air Marshal Sir James Rowland KBE DFC AFC KStJ, who had previously held the appointment of Chief of the Air Staff in the Royal Australian Air Force. R.A.A.F. Chaplain, the Reverend Roger Boerth from R.A.A.F. Base Williamtown performed the dedication. A Guard of Honour from R.A.A.F. Base Williamtown was in attendance, together with the Officer Commanding, Air Commodore W.D.J. Monaghan.

Three flagpoles accompany the memorial, one either side and the third centrally at the rear of the wall. The third flagpole was added after the original construction and unveiling.

Inscription

Name board

R.A.A.F. ASSOCIATION PORT MACQUARIE BRANCH

Plaque

This memorial is dedicated to all members who served in the A.F.C. [Australian Flying Corps] and R.A.A.F.

Unveiled by His Excellency Air Marshal Sir James Rowland KBE DFC AFC KSt.J Governor of New South Wales 24th March 1983.

Per Ardua Ad Astra [Through adversity to the stars]

Plaque

The Hamilton Standard variable pitch propeller is typical of the propellers used on aircraft flown and serviced by members of the Royal Australian Air Force in World War II.

rected by members of the Oxley Region Air Force Association. 

Per Ardua Ad Astra

Plaque

Port Macquarie Branch From 16th June 1990

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Address
Port Macquarie Airport
Oliver Drive
Port Macquarie NSW 2444
Local Government Area
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council
Setting
Roadside
Memorial type
Other
Recorded by
SQNLDR A J Moy (Ret'd) for RAAF Assoc. Port Macquarie Branch
Year of construction
1983
Dedication date
24 March 1983
Conflict/s
All conflicts