SAAM History Group
Researching and preserving South Australian aviation history
The South Australian Aviation Museum History Group researches South Australia's rich aviation history, prepares profiles of significant aviators and aviation events, answers historical enquiries from visitors, and provides research support for the Museum's aircraft restoration projects.
Researching South Australia’s aviation stories
The South Australian Aviation Museum History Group is made up of dedicated volunteers who research and document South Australia's aviation heritage. The group prepares profiles of significant aviators and aviation events for publication, assists visitors with aviation history enquiries, and supports the Museum's aircraft restoration projects by researching aircraft colours, registrations and liveries to ensure historical accuracy. Several members have also authored books on aviation history. Please Note: © All content on this website is Copyright
Photo: 26 March 1921 - Lieut. Frank Willmott (standing on top of the fuselage) landed his de Havilland DH-6 aircraft at Granite Island. The Bluff is in view across the harbor.
Aviator Profiles are on a separate page.
Significant Aircraft Profiles (.pdf)
Significant Aviation Events (.pdf)
Historical Research
Books Published by SAAM History Group Members
Regional Airlines of South Australia
The First Fifty Years. Author: Nigel Daw.
South Australian Airmen of the Great War
An ANZAC Centenary Commemoration Project. Author: Chas Schaedel with the SAAM History Group.
South Australian Eagles
A Century of Distinguished Service by South Australians in the Air Force. Author: Greg Weller.
Wing Tips
The Story of the Royal Aero Club of South Australia. Book 1 covers 1919-1941 and Book 2 covers 1941-1986. Author: Mike Milln. Available from the SAAM Shop.
The RAAF in South Australia During WW2
Adelaide, Gawler, Mallala, Mount Gambier, Parafield, Port Pirie and Victor Harbor. Author: Peter Ingman.
Mosquito Monograph
A History of Mosquitoes in Australia and RAAF Operations. Author: David Vincent, published 1982. Out of print but available secondhand through numerous aviation collectable booksellers.
Catalina Chronicle
A great account of RAAF Catalina flying boat operations during World War Two. Published in 1978 as a limited edition of 1000 copies. Author: David Vincent. Out of print but available secondhand through numerous aviation collectable booksellers.
Zero Hour in Broome
The untold stories of the attacks on northwest Australia in 1942. Authors: Dr. Tom Lewis OAM and Peter Ingman. Available from the SAAM Shop.
Carrier Attack – Darwin 1942
The Complete Guide to Australia's Own Pearl Harbor. Authors: Dr. Tom Lewis OAM and Peter Ingman. Available from the SAAM Shop.
South Pacific Air War
Volume 1: The Fall of Rabaul Dec 1941-Mar 1942. Volume 2: The Struggle for Moresby Mar-Apr 1942. Volume 3: Coral Sea and Aftermath May-Jun 1942. Volume 4: Buna and Milne Bay Jun-Sep 1942. Authors: Michael Claringbould and Peter Ingman.
The RAAF Hudson Story – Book 1
The Lockheed Hudson achieved fame as Australia's main modern warplane in the early part of the Pacific War. Book One details the RAAF Hudson experience in Malaya, Australia excluding the Northern Territory, and the Middle East. Author: David Vincent.
The RAAF Hudson Story – Book 2
The Lockheed Hudson achieved fame as Australia's main modern warplane in the early part of the Pacific War. Book Two covers RAAF Hudson operations from the Northern Territory, Ambon, Timor, New Britain and New Guinea. Author: David Vincent.