Click on photos below to see a slide show.     
            
                 Battle of the Bismarck Sea.
Each year on the first thursday of March,  30 Squadron RAAF  hold a commemorative service and luncheon at RAAF Base Richmond.

During the Battle of the Bismarck Sea - one of the decisive engagements of the Pacific Theatre - No 30 Squadron Beaufighters, flying at mast height, provided suppressive fire for following waves of allied bombers. The Japanese, under the mistaken impression that they were under torpedo attack, made a disastrous tactical error and turned their ships towards the Beaufighters, leaving them exposed to attack by American and Australian bombers. Eight troop-laden transports and four destroyers were sunk in this battle for the loss of five aircraft, including one Beaufighter.

2013 was the 70th Anniversary of the battle. 200 guests were invited and attended a lunch in the Sergeants Mess.  Those who served at Richmond may remember it as being the Airmen's Mess in earlier years.

 The Rare Breed supported this event and the following pictures are an example of the functions that can be attended by members.