Evans Head Memorial Aerodrome Commemorative Garden Middle Image Image Image Image 0 / 0 - Prev Next Description / Background The Evans Head Memorial Aerodrome Commemorative Garden features a large bushrock memorial, with two brass plaques attached. The bushrock is surrounded by a garden of palms and rosemary. The first plaque commemorates the 70th anniversary of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and Empire Air Training Scheme, which was created in December 1939 with one of 10 airfields located at Evans Head. The RAAF emblem sits in the top left corner with the commemoration written in raised text outlining the history of the scheme. Particular mention is made of the role of Second World War veteran Jean Haughton-James (Audrey Jean Haughton-James) for promoting an understanding of the Empire Air Training Scheme. The plaque was dedicated on 3 October 2009 by his Excellency Mr Michael Bryce AM AE. The second plaque describes the history of the aerodrome. The site of the aerodrome still exists, but it has been reduced in size as it is surrounded by housing development. One of the hangers has been converted into an aviation museum. Various commemorative services are held at the site. Inscription Plaque 1 Commemorative Plaque 70th Anniversary of the RAAF & Empire Air Training Scheme at Evans Head Dedicated 3 October 2009 by His Excellency Mr Michael Bryce AM AE On the 17th of December 1939 Australia, Canada and New Zealand signed an agreement in Ottawa, Canada to provide urgently needed personnel for the Royal Air Force to defend Britain and Empire. Under this Empire Air Training Scheme, Australia undertook to provide 28,000 aircrew, 36% of the total. Ten Australian airfields were designated for training including No. 1 Bombing and Gunnery Schools (No. 1 BAGS) at Evans Head and later No. 1 Air Observers School (No. 1 AOS). The Evans Head Memorial Aerodrome, as it is now known, was its centrepiece. The RAAF's association with Evans Head continues to this day with its Weapons Range operating on grounds once part of the Empire Air Training Scheme's Bombing Ranges. 2009 is the 70th Anniversary of the Empire Air Training Scheme and the RAAF's connection with the community. Special recognition is given to WWII Veteran Jean Haughton-James for keeping alive the memory of Evans Head and those who trained and served here. Plaque 2 The Evans Head Memorial Aerodrome The Evans Head Memorial Aerodrome was an integral part of the No. 1 Bombing and Gunnery School established in December 1940 as part of Australia's contribution to the Empire Air Training Scheme. Of the more than 5,000 RAAF and WAAAF men and women stationed at Evans Head, 1,000 lost their lives in service to their country. The importance of this site to Australia's history, and its social and cultural fabric was recognised on 22nd November 2002 when the Evans Head Memorial Aerodrome was listed on the NSW State Heritage Register. The RAAF and WAAAF who served here during World War II wish to acknowledge the work of the Evans Head Memorial Aerodrome Committee, under the leadership of the president, Dr Richard Gates, in preserving the site in recognition of fallen comrades and for its importance in Australia's defence. The lessons of history must never be lost. Lest we forget Related memorials Squadron Leader John Holt and Flight Lieutenant Adam Noordink Memorial Do you know more about this war Memorial? Click here to learn how you can contribute Sidebar Address Evans Head Memorial Aerodrome Memorial Airport Drive Evans Head NSW 2473 Local Government Area Richmond Valley Council Setting Garden/park Location status Original location Memorial type Stone/bushrock Recorded by Graham Wilson Year of construction 2009 Dedication date 03 October 2009 Conflict/s Second World War, 1939–45 Materials Brass Concrete Other stone