On 31 March 2021, the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) marked the centenary of its establishment at Point Cook in Victoria. RAAF Base Richmond is the second oldest base, with links to aviation since 1912. Pioneering aviator William Hart visited Ham Common (the site of the base today) in January 1912, and requested permission from Council to use the grazing land for aviation.
After relocating his Boxkite biplane by rail, Hart made the first recorded flights from Ham Common on 3 April 1912.
Businesses closed and crowds watched the spectacle, with Hart transporting the Mayor, Alderman T Waters, and shareholders of Hart's Aviation Company.
His vision included a flying school, airmail, and a factory, and in August 1912 Hart transported a new monoplane to Ham Common...MORE
