RoH Explanation

Roll of Honour

The names recorded in the Australian Naval Aviation Roll of Honour abide by two simple criteria:

• They were RAN/RANVR/RANR persons who lost their life as a result of Naval Aviation Operations. The term “operations” covers those killed in action as well as those who died as a result of an aircraft accident, including those killed whilst serving with other allied Navies. The important criteria is that they were RAN, RANVR or RANR aviators and their death was due to a flying incident, or

• they were other Service persons who lost their lives as a result of Australian Naval Aviation Operations. Up to and during the second World War, RAN warships carried aircraft piloted by RAAF officers of 9 Squadron. These aircraft were involved in naval aviation accidents and in enemy action, and the names of those lost are therefore recorded on our Roll of Honour. Similarly, passengers of other Services who were killed in aircraft engaged in Naval Aviation Operations are included. After much deliberation, however, it was decided that those who lost their lives as a result of being in a ship that was sunk by enemy action or accident would not be included as their deaths were not related specifically to a flying incident.

The Fleet Air Arm Association of Australia recognises there are other persons who lost their lives outside of these criteria, and whose names are therefore not recorded on the Naval Aviation Roll of Honour.  Their omission does not reflect in any way a diminution of their service,  their memory, or the great sacrifice they paid.  Such names are recorded in other Rolls of Honour which, by their nature, have different governing criteria.

Policy

The Association’s policy on the Roll of Honour, including the process to consider any changes to it, can be found here.   In the course of time it will be appended to the National Constitution as an Annex.