No. 1 Squadron, Australian Flying Corps

No. 1 Squadron, Australian Flying Corps next to their Bristol FB1 fighters, at Mejdel. AWM B01472

An aerial view of the aerodrome of 1 Squadron, Australian Flying Corps. Tent lines can be seen in the foreground and background. AWM A00652

Brief History

The first squadron of the Australian Flying Corps (AFC) was formed at Point Cook in Victoria in January 1916. It sailed from Melbourne on 16 March, and arrived in Egypt on 14 April. The squadron's less experienced pilots were sent to the United Kingdom for further training, while other personnel were attached to the Royal Flying Corps to further hone their skills. Upon joining the British forces in Egypt the squadron became known as 67 (Australian) Squadron, Royal Flying Corps (RFC), and would not revert to its original name until 19 Jan 1918.

The squadron began flying operations in its own right on 12 Jun 1916, although its three flights operated independently from dispersed airfields. Initially the squadron's main role was aerial reconnaissance and its aircraft operated both out across the Sinai desert in search of Turkish forces, and across Egypt's western desert to monitor activity by the rebellious Senussi. Increasingly, though, its aircraft were involved in attacks against Turkish ground forces.

After being reunited in December 1916, the squadron supported the British and dominion advance into Palestine. It became a "jack of all trades" carrying out reconnaissance, photography, ground attack and liaison missions, in addition to having to fight off aggressive German adversaries.

With the arrival of new aircraft in the second half of 1917, the British and dominion air forces were able to gradually wrest control of the air from the German squadrons. This allowed them to range over Turkish territory with virtual impunity and airpower contributed greatly to the success of British and dominion operations in 1918. The Turkish forces surrendered on 31 October. 1 Squadron returned to Egypt in February 1919, embarked for home on 5 March, and was disbanded upon its arrival in Australia. Sixteen men died while posted to the squadron.

Squadron Personnel

• Harold Shepherd MID

Battle Honours

• Egypt, 1915-17
• Palestine, 1917-18

Individual Honours

• 1 x Victoria Cross
• 1 x Distinguished Service Order
• 1 x officer of the Order of the British Empire
• 18 x Military Cross
• 20 x Distinguish Flying Cross
• 2 x Military Medals
• 9 x Meritorious Service Medal
• 3 x Air Force Meritorious Service Medal
• 39 x Mentioned in Despatches
• 2 x foreign awards