On 29 March 2026, the Dutch Australian Cultural Centre participated in the Australian and Allied Air Forces Memorial Service at the Brisbane RAAF Memorial in Queens Gardens.
Organised by the Australian Flying Corps and Royal Australian Air Force Association, Queensland Division, the service marked the 105th anniversary of the Royal Australian Air Force and commemorated the service and sacrifice of Australian and Allied air-force personnel.
The DACC was represented by Ingrid Schodel, a daughter of a member of No. 18 (Netherlands East Indies) Squadron RAAF. This joint Dutch–Australian squadron was established in Canberra in April 1942 and subsequently operated B-25 Mitchell bombers from bases in the Northern Territory during the war against Japan.
Ingrid addressed the gathering on the history of the Dutch air forces in Australia and the contribution made by the Dutch, Indonesian and Australian personnel who served together in No. 18 Squadron. Her participation ensured that this important example of Dutch–Australian wartime cooperation was represented during the commemorative service.
Address by Ingrid Schodel
The following address provides an introduction to the Dutch air-force presence in Australia during the Second World War and the service of No. 18 (Netherlands East Indies) Squadron RAAF. It was delivered by Ingrid Schodel at the Australian and Allied Air Forces Memorial Service in Brisbane on 29 March 2026.
Memorial photograph
