Wirraway Dedication

Thursday 31 March 2011

 

A ceremony was held at the Museum on Thursday 31 March 2011 to formally dedicate Wirraway A20-652 / VH-WIR to the memory of John Villiers. The date was chosen because it was the 90th anniversary of the formation of the Royal Australian Air Force. The ceremony was to be performed by Darvell M Hutchinson AM, Chairman and Marcus P Langdon, trustee of The John Villiers Trust, but unfortunately Darvell was unable to attend because of a sudden illness. In deputising for Darvell, Marcus Langdon informed the assembled guests that Darvell had been "devastated" by his inability to attend the ceremony which he had been greatly looking forward to.

In addition to thanking The John Villiers Trust for making it possible for QAM to acquire the Wirraway, the ceremony was also to thank the RSL Caloundra Sub Branch and the Caloundra Combined Ex-Servicewomen's Association for their financial assistance with the delivery flight.

 

[all images on this page are linked to larger versions]

 
QAM President Cliff Robinson welcomes guests to the ceremony.
Marcus Langdon of The John Villiers Trust addresses guests.
Marcus Langdon of The John Villiers Trust unveils the plaque.
The plaque dedicating the Wirraway to the memory of John Villiers.
The sign describing John Villiers' association with the Wirraway.
Heather Christie of the Caloundra Combined Ex-Servicewomen's Association and Rod Thompson of the RSL Caloundra Sub Branch address guests.
Heather Christie of the Caloundra Combined Ex-Servicewomen's Association and Rod Thompson of the RSL Caloundra Sub Branch address guests.
Heather Christie of the Caloundra Combined Ex-Servicewomen's Association and Rod Thompson of the RSL Caloundra Sub Branch unveil a plaque acknowledging sponsorship by their organisations.
The plaque acknowledging financial contributions from the RSL Caloundra Sub Branch and the Caloundra Combined Ex-Servicewomen's Association.
The sign describing the history and specifications of the Wirraway.
Marcus Langdon of The John Villiers Trust and QAM President Cliff Robinson on the wing of the Wirraway after the ceremony.
Marcus Langdon of The John Villiers Trust, Heather Christie of the Caloundra Combined Ex-Servicewomen's Association, QAM President Cliff Robinson and Rod Thompson of the RSL Caloundra Sub Branch.