Historic museum re-opens with flying colours

TASMANIA’S Air Force Museum and Library was officially re-opened on Friday 29 July by the Governor of Tasmania, Kate Warner.

The space, which is managed by Air Vice-Marshal Peter Scully and a team of volunteers, is located in the RAAF Memorial Centre in the heritage building belonging to the RAAF Association at 61 Davey Street, Hobart.

The museum displays a vast array of historical memorabilia including equipment, photos, medals, books and uniforms, and depicts the history of the Australian Flying Corps (AFC) and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and Tasmania’s military contribution during World War I and II.

Air Vice-Marshal Scully said the original collection was compiled and lovingly tended to by World War II veteran Marjorie Quinn of the Women’s Auxiliary Australian Air Force.

“The new space has allowed the collection to be totally restructured to show the AFC and RAAF from its beginnings with the fragile Bristol Boxkite of 1915 to the FA 18 hornets of today,” he said.

“A special feature of the centre is the beautiful and poignant memorial room.

“Its Air Force blue stained glass window lights a wood-panelled roll call of the Tasmanian RAAF fallen and is a must-see for visitors.

“We have spent countless hours collating the collection with the help and guidance of the roving curators of Arts Tasmania and assistance from the Hobart City Council and look forward to showing it to the people of Hobart.”

The library contains more than 600 titles covering aviation and military aviation history, RAAF and other air force histories, World War I and World War II aviation events, personal stories of airmen and airwomen, along with a section covering general military actions and personal stories.

Tasmania’s Air Force Museum and Library is open to the public for a small donation every Sunday from 10am to 3pm and on other days for school groups and organisations by special arrangement.

The library is also available as a reference facility for students by prior arrangement with its books available for loan.

Caption: RAAF Association president group captain Rex Bean with the Governor of Tasmania, Kate Warner. Photo credit: Conor Vanston.