Queensland Governor pays tribute to RAAF in its 100th year

“Townsville and Mossman would also come under direct attack.

“In its centenary year, we pause a little longer in acknowledgement of the RAAF. Our gratitude and unalloyed respect belong to all who have served, all who are serving.”

Mr de Jersey noted that in 1942, the RAAF set up squadron garrisons at Townsville and Amberley as World War II bombings intensified pressure on Australia.

However, Mr de Jersey, Queensland’s chief justice from 1998 to 2014 before being named the state’s governor, said Australian thoughts should now shift towards troops returning from Afghanistan – Australia’s longest war.