History
History of Berwick Squadron
The first Squadron in the Casey area was Narre Warren Boys Squadron opened on 23 March 1974. One of the first cadets to join was
Junior Cadet Shane McCubbin, who transferred to Narre Warren from Doveton Squadron. Commissioner McCubbin is now in charge of several
operations at a National level.
Narre Warren Girls squadron was opened in October 1974 and in 1990 changed to Berwick Girls. The Officer Commanding at the time was
Sqn Lt Judy Owen. Lieutenant Commissioner Owen in now in charge of many operations at a State level. Berwick boys opened in 1998
thanks to sponsorship from the Berwick Girls Squadron.
In 2000 Pakenham Squadron was closed and many of its members were transferred to Berwick Squadron.
Berwick squadron has become one of the largest and most successful squadrons in the Air League
History of the Australian Air League
George Robey was an Australian soldier who distinguished himself as an original ANZAC. He won a Distinguished Conduct Medal on 25
April 1915 at the Gallipoli landing. He brought back a toy wooden aeroplane for his son Keith that sparked an interest in aviation and
inspired his son to learn about aviation. That inspiration has lasted until the present day.
The gift of the toy wooden aeroplane also sparked off the "Australian Air League" when five years later Keith complained of the lack of a
youth organisation specialising in aviation. His father George Robey and other concerned adults formed the "Air Mindedness Development
League" and on 18 July 1934 Keith was enrolled as the first Cadet member. Not long after that the name was changed to the "Australian Air League".
The first training Squadron opened at Manly, New South Wales on 17 January 1935 with 30 Cadets aged between 14 and 23 years. The first
Girls Squadron opened in 1944. A Correspondence Wing for country members remote from a local squadron commenced in 1941.
By 1942, 26,000 boys had been trained in aviation and 125 Squadrons operated in three states.
Today the Australian Air League is an Australia wide Youth organization for boys and girls from 8 years of age and over. There are currently
more than 70 active Squadrons with more squadrons continuing to open.
The Air League is an independent organisation and as such is not associated with or sponsored by any religion, military or other organisation.
The Air League is completely self governing