South Australian Aviation Museum
Granite Island
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.

The SAAM History Group is a dedicated group of Museum members with a shared 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. Some History Group members have also published books. The History Group 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. For more information on volunteering at SAAM, click here.

Please Note: © SAAM 2025 - All content on this website is the property of SAAM, and may not be reproduced without permission.

For a brief introduction to S.A. Aviation History, click here.
smithy
Aviator Profiles are on a separate page.
Click here.
postcard
For a brief introduction to S.A. Aviation History, click here.
For a brief introduction to S.A. Commercial Aviation History, click here.
Books Published by SAAM History Group Members
NKDawBook

Regional Airlines of South Australia
The First Fifty Years
Author: Nigel Daw
More Information and where to buy.


Schaedel

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

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

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
RAAF in SA

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

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
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.

Iconic Airline

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

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
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
hudson

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
hudson2
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