Royal Australian Air Force from 1921

RAAF personnel files

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) was created in 1921. The main record of service is the personnel file. Other useful records include casualty files, also known as accident reports, and unit records.

Records of members of the Australian Flying Corps are included in the collection of first AIF records. Refer to Army – World War I.

Some of the records we hold are summarised in the table below.

Collection references

	Series title	Date range	Series number
	RAAF officers personnel files*	1921–48	A9300
	RAAF personnel files of non-commissioned officers (NCOs) and other ranks*	1921–48	A9301
	RAAF casualty files	1922–60	A705
	RAAF unit records	1937–61	AA1969/100

* Main records of service

What’s in a RAAF personnel record?

Royal Australian Air Force records contain an A3 size personal record of service form. It sets out personal details such as:

• age
• next of kin
• marital status
• postings
• training and promotions

The records often contain other material such as enlistment forms, conduct sheets and records of leave. Most also contain a head-and-shoulders photograph of the enlistee.

Find and view a RAAF record online

Some online copies of RAAF personnel records are available.

1. Go to NameSearch.
2. Enter the family name of the service person – make sure it is the name used at enlistment.
3. Select 'Air Force personnel records 1921–1976' or 'RAAF accident reports' from the dropdown menu.
4. Search.
5. Display the results of your search. If there are too many, you can refine this search result, and then enter the person's given names and/or service number.
6. Use the link to 'View digital copy'. You can also print a copy of the record.

Purchase a copy

You can purchase an online copy or a colour print copy of a RAAF personnel record.

Online copy

If you order an online copy:

• an image of each page of the record will be made available for public viewing in our online collection database, RecordSearch
• we will notify you by email (if you have provided an email address) when an online copy is available for viewing

The cost of an online digital copy is:

• AU$16.50 (including GST) for purchases within Australia
• AU$15 (GST-free) for purchases made outside Australia

Colour print copy

If you order a colour print copy:

• a colour print copy of the record will be mailed to you in a presentation folder, and
• at no additional cost, an online copy of the record will be made available for public viewing in our online collection database, RecordSearch.

The cost for a colour print copy is:

• AU$25 (including GST) for purchases within Australia
• AU$28 (GST-free) for purchases made outside Australia

To purchase an online copy or a colour print copy:

• first locate the item using NameSearch (see above)
• use the ‘Request copy’ button
• complete your order using our secure eCommerce facility

View an original record

You can view a RAAF personnel record in the National Archives Canberra reading room.

There are still many service records that require clearance before they can be publicly viewed. If you wish to view a service record, you will need to contact us at least four weeks ahead of your visit. Please remember to indicate whether the service person is living or deceased when making your request.

Other contacts

Medals

Information about medal entitlements is available from:

Pension information and entitlements

Veterans' Affairs Network
Tel: 1300 551 918

Further information

For more information on RAAF records see:

• RAAF service records
• Defence service records for WWI and WWII

You can also browse our other fact sheets on defence, armed services and war.