84 SQUADRON RAAF
IN AUSTRALIA DURING WWII

A Mustang of 84 Squadron RAAF at Ross River airfield in Townsville in July 1945
The familiar Mount Stuart can be seen in the background

84 Squadron RAAF moved from Richmond air base to Cairns on 27 March 1943. The squadron was disbanded in Horn Island on 26 May 1944 but later reformed at the Aitkenvale airfield near the Weir State School in Townsville. The School was eventually seconded by the RAAF when it became impossible for the teacher to hold classes while aircraft were taking off and landing.

The Squadron moved their Kittyhawks to Macrossan on 22 June 1944 and then relocated to the Townsville area on 17 November 1944 but this time they were based at Ross River airfield.  P-51K Mustangs were later based at this airfield.

10 August 1945 - Mustangs of 84 Squadron and 86 Squadron lined
up at Garbutt Airfield for a visit by the Prince Henry, Duke of
Gloucester, who at that  time was Governor-General of Australia

10 August 1945 - Mustangs of 84 Squadron and 86 Squadron at Garbutt

Squadron Leader Cox, Commanding Officer of 84 Squadron, received a message of thanks from the Duke of Gloucester via a letter dated 17 August 1945 from Air Commodore J. H. Summers, Air Officer Commanding North Eastern Area. The letter quoted another letter from the Chief of Staff to His Royal Highness, the Duke of Gloucester. Part of the letter read as follows:-

"I am instructed by the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester to write and thank you very much indeed both for arranging their inspection of No. 84 Squadron, R.A.A.F., and also for the air escort during their flights."

"Their Royal Highnesses thought that the Squadron looked splendid on parade, and were delighted to have had the opportunity of seeing such a well equipped and well trained Squadron. Please congratulate Squadron Leader Cox on Their Royal Highnesses' behalf."

"The Duke and Duchess thought that the escort was extremely good, kept excellent formation, and looked most attractive in the air."

84 Squadron RAAF was eventually disbanded at Ross River airfield on 29 January 1946.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I'd like to thank Helen Whelan, daughter of LAC Gordon Joseph Walker of 86 Squadron RAAF for her assistance with this web page.

Can anyone help me with more information?

"Australia @ War" WWII Research Products

This page first produced 5 July 1998

This page last updated 20 February 2020