Australians in Bomber Command
Remember their legacy
Remembering the legacy of Bomber Command veterans is crucial because it anchors our understanding of one of the most complex, costly, and consequential air campaigns of the Second World War. Their history is not just a record of missions flown or aircraft lost — it is a story of young men, many of them Australians, who faced extraordinary danger in the service of a cause larger than themselves. By learning about Bomber Command’s role, its strategic purpose, and the immense human cost it carried, we gain a clearer picture of the war’s realities and the sacrifices required to bring it to an end. Preserving this history ensures that the courage, endurance, and loss experienced by these aircrew are neither simplified nor forgotten. It allows future generations to understand the moral complexity of the bomber offensive, the bravery of those who flew it, and the enduring impact their service had on families, communities, and the nation.
Veteran stories
Veteran stories hold deep significance for the Australian public because they bring the history of Bomber Command to life through the voices and experiences of those who lived it. These personal accounts reveal the courage, hardship and humanity behind the statistics, helping Australians understand not only what these men endured, but also how their service shaped families, communities and the nation. By sharing their memories, veterans and their families ensure that the realities of the air war — its dangers, its sacrifices and its lasting impact — remain accessible and meaningful to future generations. These stories connect us to our past in a way that is intimate, authentic and profoundly respectful, preserving a legacy that deserves to be heard and remembered.
About RAF Bomber Command
RAF Bomber Command was established in July 1936 as the Royal Air Force’s dedicated strategic bombing arm. During World War II, it played a central role in the Allied bombing campaign against Nazi Germany. Both militarily significant and deeply controversial, its operations were vital in weakening German industry and morale. However, the heavy civilian toll sparked enduring debate.
Australian Squadrons
Australia’s contribution to RAF Bomber Command during the Second World War was both substantial and deeply symbolic. Under the Empire Air Training Scheme, Australian airmen were trained at home and abroad, then assigned to operational squadrons in Britain.
Eight of these squadrons were formally designated as RAAF units within Bomber Command, flying alongside British, Canadian, New Zealand, and other Allied crews. Each squadron carried its own identity, yet operated under RAF command, reflecting the balance between national pride and collective effort.
From the early Wellington and Halifax bombers to the iconic Lancaster, Australian squadrons took part in the most dangerous campaigns of the war, including the Battle of Berlin and raids on German industry. Their bases stretched across England, from Lincolnshire to Yorkshire, and their operations cost thousands of lives. Together, these squadrons embody Australia’s enduring role in the strategic bombing offensive and its heavy wartime sacrifice.
