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.

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.

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.

You can order and pay for an online copy of a RAAF personnel record. The digital copy will be produced and loaded onto RecordSearch for viewing.

To order an online copy:

• locate the item entry using NameSearch (see above)
• click on the ‘Request copy’ button
• complete the online order form using eCommerce

The cost for an online digital copy is:

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

The National Archives has introduced an improved copying service for RAAF personnel records (series A9300 & A9301).

For AU$25, when you select the photocopy option when ordering online:

• you will receive a colour copy of a personnel record posted in a presentation folder
• at no additional cost, you will be able to view an online copy of the record on our website through RecordSearch

To order and pay online:

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

If you want to order a photocopy without an online copy, please phone 1300 886 881 during business hours. You will receive a black and white photocopy posted in a presentation folder. Colour copies are not available under this option.

Costs are:

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

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.

Medals

Information about medal entitlements is available from:

Pension information and entitlements

Veterans' Affairs Network
Tel: 1300 551 918

For more information on RAAF records see:

• Fact Sheet 32 – RAAF service records
• Fact Sheet 177 – Defence service records for WWI and WWII

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