The 25th of April was first named Anzac Day in 1916, honouring the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps who formed the allied expedition which sought to capture the Gallipoli peninsula. The campaign dragged on for months, and the Anzacs were met with fierce resistance upon landing in Gallipoli. By the end of 1915, both sides had endured great hardships and immense casualties, with over 8000 Australian soldiers losing their lives.
Today, Anzac Day marks a time of remembrance for all Australians killed in military operations, and the contributions of those who served to building the nation we live in today. The Australian Aviation Hall of Fame is proud to have numerous Anzac heroes amongst its ranks as Inductees, including but not limited to these courageous individuals;
Charles Thomas Philippe Ulm AFC
Inducted in 2015
Born in 1898
Despite only being 16, Ulm claimed to be 20 years of age to enlist in the Australian Imperial Force. As a part of the 1st Battalion, he was among the first troops to land at Gallipoli on the 25th of April, 1925. Within only days, he was wounded in action and returned to Australia where he was discharged for being a minor. Undeterred, he enlisted once again in January of 1917 and served on the Western Front until being badly wounded in July 1918.
EDGAR JOHNSTON DFC
Inducted in 2023
Born in 1896
Johnston served in Egypt and Gallipoli and then transferred to the Royal Flying Corps where he would undergo flight training with other Australians. He was soon sent overseas and became a flight commander, for which he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and mentioned in dispatches.
Sir Donald George Anderson KBE CBE MiD
Inducted in 2015
Born in 1917
At the outbreak of WWII, Anderson joined the Citizen Air Force, now a part of the Royal Australian Air Force and trained as a pilot. Serving with the 22nd Troop Carrier Squadron in New Guinea he partook in supply-drop missions and troop positioning, and would later fly in the United States with the US Air Force as a test pilot. He returned home with a total of 3000 hours flight time and the rank of temporary Flight Lieutenant, being mentioned in dispatches for his service.
John McIntosh AFC
Inducted in 2023
Born in 1892
Enlisting in the Australian Army Medical Corps, McIntosh would eventually reach the rank of Corporal and served with the 4th Field Ambulance in Gallipoli. His experience flying began after transferring to the Australian Flying Corps in 1918, and he rose to the rank of Lieutenant by 1919.
Raymond Parer AFC
Inducted in 2023
Born in 1894
First a mechanic after enlisting in the Australian Flying Corps in 1916, Parer trained as a pilot and received the rank of acting sergeant. After further flight training on box kites through 1917, he was promoted to Lieutenant in early 1918 and serves as a test pilot with the Royal Air Force. For his contribution, he was twice recommended for the Air Force Cross. His flight experience would set him up well for his future achievements.
Sir Richard Williams KBE CB DSO
Inducted in 2022
Born in 1890
Williams was promoted from lieutenant to captain during the First World War, and during his time as flight commander, he faced high-risk flights and numerous near-misses. Bravely confronting enemy lines and navigating potential crash landings to rescue fellow lieutenants, Williams showed great courage.