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F-35s, Hercules and classic warbirds from 100 Squadron flew over Australia to mark ANZAC day on Tuesday.
With COVID restrictions over and clear skies across many states, Australians were treated to one of the best displays in years.
Australian Aviation has compiled some of the best videos below.
The flypasts came alongside memorials and ceremonies hosted all across the country.
The Chief of the Defence Force, General Angus Campbell, attended the dawn service at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.
“108 years ago today, soldiers from Australia and New Zealand landed in the early light of dawn on the beaches of Gallipoli. The baptism of fire they were to experience during that campaign created a deep and abiding connection between our two countries that continues to this day,” General Campbell said.
“Since then, the Anzacs have fought side-by-side in conflicts around the world, in the mountains and orchards of Greece, skies of Europe, harsh deserts of North Africa, and deep waters of the Pacific. Together they patrolled the rainforests, rice paddies and rubber plantations of South Vietnam. More recently, they helped to restore peace and stability to the streets of Dili.
“Currently, Australian and New Zealand personnel are in the United Kingdom providing critical training to members of the Armed Forces of Ukraine as they prepare to return and defend their homeland against Russian invasion
“As we pay our respects today, let us take a moment to consider the enormous sacrifices made by Australian and New Zealand service men and women – together; then, now and whenever called to duty.
“We remember them. We honour them. Lest we forget.”
The RAAF reformed the legendary No. 100 Squadron to fly heritage aircraft and mark the force’s centenary in 2021.
The group was first formed in February 1942 and most notably carried out the RAAF’s first Beaufort operation resulting in the crucial sinking of a Japanese merchant vessel.
No. 100 Squadron fly aircraft from the current heritage fleet – including a Spitfire, DH Vampire and Tiger Moth – from Point Cook, Victoria, and Temora, NSW.
It was originally formed from surviving personnel from RAAF’s No 100 Torpedo Bomber Squadron who had escaped from Malaya.
The first RAAF Squadron to be equipped with Australian-built Beauforts, No 100 Squadron was deployed to Queensland in May 1942, where it conducted further torpedo bomber training and anti-submarine patrols.
Notable deployments also included flying reconnaissance and bombing missions against coastal shipping in Milne Bay, PNG, and conducting the first land-based torpedo strike in 1942 sinking a Japanese cruiser.
