No. 481 Squadron RAAF

6 Feb 1946 Transport drivers from No. 481 Maintenance Squadron on a LST (Landing Ship, Tank), while vehicles were being loaded at Labua for the move to Iwakuri in Japan. AWM photo OG3751

Brief History

No. 481 Maintenance Squadron was formed on 22 December 1945 at Labuan, Borneo, with its primary responsibilities being the maintenance and testing of new and old aircraft. Following the completion of hostilities, the Squadron was one of the RAAF units chosen to go to Japan as part of the occupation forces. The move started on 23 March 1946, with the Squadron first transporting the equipment on two landing ships. The following day personnel embarked on HMAS Clengyle, and started the slow journey to their new location, arriving in Kure on 1 June 1946. After unpacking supplies, Squadron personnel left for Bofu by rail.

A small earthquake occurred on 21 December 1946 at 0415 hours. The quake was quite severe, but luckily no structural damage was sustained to Squadron buildings. No. 481 Maintenance Squadron moved to lwakuni on 13 March 1948. The Squadron resumed operations at the new location on 15 March 1948. The Squadron was disbanded on 30 November 1948. Its stay in Japan was a short but productive one. 481 Maintenance Squadron was reformed on 3 January 1961 at RAAF Base Williamstown, just north of Newcastle, as part of No. 81 Wing. The main purpose was to develop an efficient technical administration.

Ground Crew

• Francis Thomas Briggs 22 Dec 1945 - 15 Jan 1946
• William Robert Hayward
• James Brian McGurk 22 Dec 1945 - 19 jan 1947