SAAM History Group

The SAAM History Group comprises a small number of Museum members with a shared strong interest in researching and writing South Australian aviation history. Their main focus is the research and writing of short profiles on significant South Australian aviators and aviation events for publishing on this site and elsewhere. The History Group also assists visitors to the Museum by researching and providing answers to their questions on aviation history, and assists members who are engaged in the restoration of historic aircraft, by researching such matters as aircraft colours, registrations and liveries to ensure authenticity.

header photo

On 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. Source: State Library of SA

© SAAM 2023. All content on this website is the property of SAAM and may not be reproduced elswhere without permission.

For Aviator Profiles prepared by SAAM's History Group, click here.

South Australian Airmen of the Great War
An ANZAC Centenary Commemoration Project. Author: Chas Schaedel (with SAAM History Group).
Free Download Here

South Australian Eagles
A Century of Distinguished Service by South Australians in the Air Force. Author: Greg Weller
Free Download Here

Wing Tips
The Story of the Royal Aero Club of South Australia. Book 1: 1919-1941 & Book 2: 1941-1986 Author: Mike Milln.
Available from SAAM Shop

The RAAF in South Australia During WW2.
Adelaide - Gawler - Mallala - Mount Gambier - Parafield - Port Pirie - Victor Harbor. Author: Peter Ingman.
For purchase information, click here

Mosquito Monograph
A History of Mosquitoes in Australia & 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 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 & Peter Ingman.
Available from SAAM Shop

Carrier Attack - Darwin 1942
The Complete Guide to Australia's Own Pearl Harbor. Authors: Dr. Tom Lewis OAM & Peter Ingman.
Available from SAAM Shop

South Pacific Air War
Vol. 1: The Fall of Rabaul Dec 1941-Mar 1942
Vol. 2: The Struggle for Moresby Mar - Apr 1942
Vol. 3: Coral Sea & Aftermath May-Jun 1942
Vol. 4: Buna & Milne Bay Jun - Sep 1942
Authors: Michael Claringbould & Peter Ingman
For purchase information, click here

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 (not including NT) and the Middle East. Author: David Vincent.
Available from Avonmore Books

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 NT, Ambon, Timor, New Britain and New Guinea. Author: David Vincent.
Available from Avonmore Books