About Us

The Spitfire Association was formed 60 years ago by members of 457 Squadron RAAF and quickly grew to include members from all RAAF Spitfire Squadrons and those pilots and crews who flew and served with other RAF or Commonwealth Spitfire Squadrons. Not satisfied with their distinguished record of service during the war and subsequent contributions in post-war activity, members of the Association formed the Spitfire Memorial Defence Fellowship in 1998. The Fellowship continues to this day. The incumbent Chief of Defence (CDF) holds the responsibility to be, or nominate from Service chiefs, the Spitfire Memorial Defence Fellowship Patron. This patronage is vital to ensure that the Association remains connected to Defence as a whole, not just the Air Force. We are honoured to have, as current Patron, the Chief of the Air Force Air Marshal Mel Hupfeld, AO, DSC. Our previous Patron when Chief of Defence Force, was Air Chief Marshal (Ret'd) Mark Binskin, AC. The current Patron of the Spitfire Association is Air Vice Marshal (Ret'd) Mark Skidmore, AM. AVM Skidmore was Air Commander Australia from 2008-2012. Each year, the Spitfire Memorial Defence Fellowship is presented at Government House by the Governor General of Australia. https://www.spitfireassociation.com/smdf.php