No. 1 Airfield Defence Squadron RAAF

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1AFDS
Active
Branch RAAF
Part of AFDW
Garrison/HQ RAAF Base Edinburgh

No 1 Airfield Defence Squadron (1AFDS) is an Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) military unit whose primary role is to protect and defend airfields, buildings, equipment, and personnel.

[edit] History

Formed on 1 October 1942, as Security Guard Unit RAAF (SGU) at Livingstone Airfield, Northern Territory, Australia. All guards at operational bases, advanced operational bases, radio stations and non-operational units were assigned to this Unit from 5 October 1942.

The SGU provided administration and standardised the training of security guards and a mobile body of guards that would be available that could defend the bases against Japanese attacks.

SGU was relocated to Nightcliff, Northern Territory on 13 June 1943. Guards saw operational service during World War II throughout the South West Pacific Area. The unit was renamed No. 1 Airfield Defence Squadron on 1 April 1945. On 23 September 1945, the unit was moved to Winnellie, Northern Territory and was disbanded on 19 November 1945.

Reformed at RAAF Base Mallala, South Australia in 1950, to provide training to National Service personnel in airfield defence duties. Renamed No. 1 Aerodrome Defence Squadron (1AFDS) on 25 June 1951 and was disbanded in March 1953.

The unit was again reformed on 1 July 1992 at RAAF Base Tindal, Northern Territory. Initially formed to provide the training under the Ready Reserve Scheme, however, this was amended to the ground defence, protection and security of RAAF installations, assets, facilities and personnel on 30 June 1992.

On 1 January 1999, 1AFDS relocated to RAAF Base Edinburgh, South Australia.

16 Reserve Airfield Defence Guards from 1AFDS deployed on Operation Warden/Stabilise in East Timor under the command of No. 2 Airfield Defence Squadron RAAF.

[edit] Structure

  • Headquarters
  • Rifle Flight
  • Quick Reaction Force Flight
  • Cadre Flights x 2
  • Support Flight
  • GRDefRG PTS Flights - Based in Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, and Tasmania.

[edit] References


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