The Queensland University Squadron (QUS) was an active Citizens Air Force (CAF) squadron, being part of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and tasked with training commissioned officers for the RAAF General Reserve recruited from University of Queensland undergraduates from 1950 to 1973.
They were reformed in 1948 due to the tense atmosphere of the European Cold War and Berlin Blockade and are still operational today, although in a non-flying capacity.
Because of the far-sightedness of Lord Trenchard, the "Father of the RAF", more than a quarter of the operationally trained fighter pilots at the outset of the Battle of Britain came from these and a lesser number of Auxiliary Squadrons.
A total of 47 cadets took part and were finally properly "kitted", including being issued the "Officer's Cap, Badge" over a white band, which became a signature of the uniform worn.
Weekend training at RAAF Archerfield was well attended, as were the evening drill parades and lectures that were provided, often from recently returned Korean War veterans.
Shot down during a World War II bombing mission, for several months he had led the survivors of his crew through Nazi-occupied France, evading capture.
The squadron benefited for the next 20 years of its life from a pool of dedicated and long serving Graduate Instructors who appreciated the culture which mixed officer status balanced with strict parade ground discipline and other service training.
Normal student exuberance at times needed the sort of understanding and authority which experienced Commanding Officers provided.
Members enlisted into the PAF under the Undergraduate Scholarship Scheme were required to attend Wednesday parades to undertake the basic Officer Training Course.
With the encouragement of the then Air Commodore Deryck Kingwell CBE DSO, graduation parades were held at Amberley.
[15] After over more than 24 years, the University Squadrons were disbanded in late 1973 due to a change of Government and policy,[20] following a review by the Department of Air.
[21] Many of the graduating commissioned officers who pursued civilian careers from major faculties such as Medicine, Arts, Law, Engineering, Architecture, Commerce and Sciences went on to become leaders in their chosen professions.
This was comparable to the total permanent Air Force officer strength at the time, enabling it to rapidly double in size should the need have arisen.
In 2010, the unit badge, along with that of the Queensland University Regiment were sculpted in sandstone for installation in the colonnade of the UQ quadrangle at the St Lucia campus by Dr. Rhyl Hinwood AM.
Both badges were unveiled during the Alumni Week of the celebration of the Centenary of the University of Queensland on 3 July 2010, by Her Excellency, Ms. Quentin Bryce AC, Governor General and Commander in Chief of the Australian Defence Force.
The Guard for the Governor General comprised members of the Queensland University Regiment and RAAF Gap Year Cadets.
Subsequently, the QUS Branch arranged for the sword to be refurbished and installed in the Military Bar of The United Service Club – Queensland.
The mission of the branch includes supporting the Australian Air Force Cadets (AAFC), encouraging youth interest in aviation, perpetuating the memory of the squadron, keeping members informed about Air Force developments and Defence issues, member welfare, and lobbying for the reintroduction of University Squadrons in Australia.