75 YEARS OF 103 SQUADRON

Generations of 103 Squadron members, ex-103 cadets and visiting officials and representatives gathered at the Herbert River RSL for the 75th celebration. Photo credits: Victoria Velton

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By Victoria Velton

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Seventy-five years of history and service were commemorated in Ingham last Saturday, as the 103 Squadron of the Australian Air Force Cadets celebrated its three-quarter-century anniversary with a special dinner at the Herbert River RSL, bringing together generations of cadets and supporters.

The 75th Anniversary Dinner was a significant occasion for the squadron, welcoming current cadets and their families alongside former cadets, past members and special guests who travelled to Ingham to mark the occasion.

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Among the guests were visiting representatives from the Australian Army and Royal Australian Navy, adding to the significance of the celebration and highlighting the strong connections the Australian Air Force Cadets share with the wider Australian Defence Force.

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For the current generation of cadets, the evening provided an opportunity to meet people who have served in uniform and hear from those who have been part of the squadron and its history over the decades.

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Just as importantly, former cadets returned to support the young people who are now following in their footsteps. Instructors, volunteers, parents and supporters were all recognised.

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Event organiser Simone Lennox said the celebration was the culmination of several weeks of planning, organising, printing and chasing up the many details needed to bring such a significant event together.

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“There were plenty of late nights, last-minute changes and stressful moments, but we did it,” Simone said.

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For a youth organisation with such a long history in the community, the presence of ex-cadets was particularly meaningful, demonstrating the endurance of friendships, experiences and lessons gained through the program.

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The evening also featured displays and memorabilia reflecting the squadron’s history, helping to bring together stories from its past with the work being carried out by its current members.

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Special commemorative pieces were also created for the occasion, with current Cadet Unit Officer Saxon Crabb and former CUO/LAC Corey Crabb working together to create 75th Anniversary 3D-printed pieces giving guests a unique reminder of the milestone.

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Simone thanked Erin and Sandra for their work in helping organise the celebration, as well as the Herbert River Sub Branch RSL for hosting the event. Bec from Budget Colour Copies was also recognised for her help with the extensive printing, scanning and last-minute jobs required in the lead-up to the dinner.

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“Seeing everyone there, catching up, sharing stories and enjoying the night made all the work worthwhile,” Simone said.

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After 75 years, the anniversary was a celebration of the people who have been part of 103 Squadron, the memories created along the way and the young cadets who are now carrying that tradition into the future.

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