Uploaded June 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
9 Squadron RAAF in WWII – Seaplanes, Cruisers & Combat at Sea (1925–1944)
In this episode, we explore the early history of No. 9 Squadron RAAF—from its beginnings as 101 Fleet Co-operation Flight in 1925 to its wartime service aboard Australian warships in WWII. As Australia’s pioneering naval aviation unit, 9 Squadron played a vital but often overlooked role in reconnaissance, artillery spotting, and anti-submarine warfare, operating from cruisers with amphibious aircraft like the Supermarine Seagull V/Walrus.
Operating in close coordination with the Royal Australian Navy, 9 Squadron’s crews launched by catapult, recovered by crane, and flew into hostile skies in some of the most challenging conditions of the war. Their missions took them from the Great Barrier Reef and the Mediterranean to the Coral Sea and the coast of North Africa. We recount their contributions in major actions, including the Battle of Calabria, and the losses suffered aboard HMAS Sydney, Canberra, and Perth.
Blending archival detail, first-hand veteran accounts, and operational analysis, this documentary reveals how 9 Squadron bridged air and sea power in a unique chapter of Australian military aviation. It’s a story of bravery, innovation, and sacrifice that helped shape maritime reconnaissance and laid the foundation for modern RAAF recon operations.
Featuring Jack Planck (ID: 1658); Thomas Fisher (ID: 1236); and Oriel Ramsay (ID: 1548) from the Australians at War Film Archive https://australiansatwarfilmarchive.unsw.edu.au
Special thanks to 9 Squadron Association and Department of Veteran's Affairs 'Saluting Their Service Commemorations' grant program for helping us put together this series.
Comment below and let us know your thoughts or personal connections to this story.
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Check out our popular playlist of air campaigns youtube.com/watch?v=4PzbGXDV4Wo&list=PLeN4gdAZJa3QRqLqhraC2PJkAoZ1Ged_h
_____________ Disclaimer _____________
Some original footage and recreated scenes (using simulators like DCS and War Thunder) may not be 100% accurate to the events depicted. They have been used for illustrative and dramatic purposes where archival footage was unavailable or restricted by copyright. We aim to remain as historically accurate as possible given the available resources.
Copyright Notice:
This video may contain copyrighted material used under the "fair dealing" provisions (ss 40/103C, ss 41/103A, ss 42/103B) of the Australian Copyright Act for purposes of research, study, criticism, review, and news reporting.
All copyrights remain with their respective owners.
Our videos are created for educational and historical documentation purposes.
About Us:
We create documentaries, interviews, and video essays focused on Australian and international military aviation history. Our channel explores the stories of military aircraft, fighter pilots, air battles, and the evolution of air power from WWI to today.
Subscribe for new aviation history videos every week.
9 Squadron RAAF in WWII – Seaplanes, Cruisers & Combat at Sea (1925–1944)
In this episode, we explore the early history of No. 9 Squadron RAAF—from its beginnings as 101 Fleet Co-operation Flight in 1925 to its wartime service aboard Australian warships in WWII. As Australia’s pioneering naval aviation unit, 9 Squadron played a vital but often overlooked role in reconnaissance, artillery spotting, and anti-submarine warfare, operating from cruisers with amphibious aircraft like the Supermarine Seagull V/Walrus.
Operating in close coordination with the Royal Australian Navy, 9 Squadron’s crews launched by catapult, recovered by crane, and flew into hostile skies in some of the most challenging conditions of the war. Their missions took them from the Great Barrier Reef and the Mediterranean to the Coral Sea and the coast of North Africa. We recount their contributions in major actions, including the Battle of Calabria, and the losses suffered aboard HMAS Sydney, Canberra, and Perth.
Blending archival detail, first-hand veteran accounts, and operational analysis, this documentary reveals how 9 Squadron bridged air and sea power in a unique chapter of Australian military aviation. It’s a story of bravery, innovation, and sacrifice that helped shape maritime reconnaissance and laid the foundation for modern RAAF recon operations.
Featuring Jack Planck (ID: 1658); Thomas Fisher (ID: 1236); and Oriel Ramsay (ID: 1548) from the Australians at War Film Archive https://australiansatwarfilmarchive.unsw.edu.au
Special thanks to 9 Squadron Association and Department of Veteran's Affairs 'Saluting Their Service Commemorations' grant program for helping us put together this series.
Comment below and let us know your thoughts or personal connections to this story.
Support the Channel
Join our Members & Merch shop for ad-free early access, exclusive military-themed discounts, and more perks: https://peacemaker.fashion
Check out our popular playlist of air campaigns youtube.com/watch?v=4PzbGXDV4Wo&list=PLeN4gdAZJa3QRqLqhraC2PJkAoZ1Ged_h
_____________ Disclaimer _____________
Some original footage and recreated scenes (using simulators like DCS and War Thunder) may not be 100% accurate to the events depicted. They have been used for illustrative and dramatic purposes where archival footage was unavailable or restricted by copyright. We aim to remain as historically accurate as possible given the available resources.
Copyright Notice:
This video may contain copyrighted material used under the "fair dealing" provisions (ss 40/103C, ss 41/103A, ss 42/103B) of the Australian Copyright Act for purposes of research, study, criticism, review, and news reporting.
All copyrights remain with their respective owners.
Our videos are created for educational and historical documentation purposes.
About Us:
We create documentaries, interviews, and video essays focused on Australian and international military aviation history. Our channel explores the stories of military aircraft, fighter pilots, air battles, and the evolution of air power from WWI to today.
Subscribe for new aviation history videos every week.
