The Unit

On 1 January 1939, 9 Squadron was formed at RAAF Point Cook, Victoria, by renumbering 5 Fleet Cooperation Squadron.

At the outbreak of the second world war 9 Squadron had detachments already aboard HMAS Canberra, Sydney and Hobart. 9 Squadron relocated to RAAF Rathmines on 28 December 1939, and Squadron Leader J.A.S. Brown was posted to RAAF Rathmines to both command 9 Squadron and act as the base Commander on 29 January 1940. Major actions involving HMAS Australia, Sydney, Perth and Canberra took place while 9 Squadron was stationed at Rathmines and detachments were aboard these ships. Records show Supermarine Seagull and Walrus embarking and disembarking from HMAS Australia, Perth, Canberra, Hobart, Manoora, and Westralia as well as HMNZS Achilles and Monowai from Rathmines.

9 Squadron relocated to RAAF Bowen, Queensland by 12 January 1943. A ground party of 16 officers and 113 airmen were transported by rail, leaving from Awaba Station. Eleven planes and air crews left Rathmines in two echelons.

Rapid technological change during WWII saw 9 Squadron return to Rathmines on 1 December 1944 and disband on 31 December 1944, before the conclusion of WWII. Their last remaining aircraft Supermarine Walrus HD812 and L2322 remained at Rathmines and were assigned to 3 Operational Training Unit (previously Seaplane Training Flight).

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