The Hon Danna Vale MP
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence

At wreathlaying ceremony at
Heverlee War Cemetery
Leuven, Belgium

Australians and Belgians greatly revere the men and women who gave their lives in two World Wars in the defence of Belgium and freedom. Today I am proud to have an opportunity to honour the Australians who fought in the skies during World War II.

Australia has great pride in the service of its air force, one of the oldest in the world. It has now served our nation for 82 years, having been established following the distinguished service of the Australian Flying Corps in the skies over the Western Front during World War I.

Since then, the men and women of the Royal Australian Air Force have served in many different conflicts, in many parts of the world. But it was during World War II that the RAAF forged its reputation for courage and commitment.

Nowhere was that reputation more deserved than in the skies over Europe. Here in Heverlee is the final resting place of 45 Australian airmen who flew with the Allied Bomber Command in some of the most daring operations in wartime history.

Australians served in Bomber Command both in the Royal Air Force and their own Royal Australian Air Force. They were on the frontline of the aerial campaign to destroy the enemy’s industrial resources and end the occupation of Western Europe.

There are heroes resting here. Men like Group Captain John Raeburn Balmer OBE DFC, commanding officer of 467 Squadron RAAF, who logged more than 5000 flying hours before being killed in May 1944. The aircrews of two bombers from 460 Squadron RAAF, the squadron which flew the most missions, suffered the heaviest casualties and received the most decorations of any Australian unit in Bomber Command.

Today we remember those who rest here – we honour their sacrifice in defending the freedom and democracy of our nations. Australia has not forgotten those who served here – and let me say that the great care and respect shown for those buried at Heverlee demonstrates that Belgium has not forgotten them either.

The service of Australians and Belgians in two world wars has forged a great bond between us. May we continue to stand in friendship – and in remembrance of the fallen – for many years to come.

Lest We Forget