First to Defend | seancarwardine

First to Defend.

The First RAAF Airfield Defence Unit.

Perhaps one of the least known chapters in Australian military history is brought to life in this meticulously researched account of the Royal Australian Air Force’s first ground defence unit. While the public imagination associates the RAAF with the skies, the RAAF had quietly maintained its own Aerodrome Defence Flights since 1929. The book traces the origins of the first airfield defence unit, focusing on the formation of the first RAAF Defence Unit in 1942. In a bold move that defied policy, Air Commodore Bladin established the Security Guards Unit, placing it under the command of Flight Lieutenant MacKinnon.

Their mission: to provide specialist airfield defence across more than 45 RAAF units in the North Western Area. From red-dirt runways in northern Australia to daring operations within Japanese-held territory, they secured the very ground allowing Australia’s air power to operate. The book continues through the decades, charting the unit’s transformation through the National Service era of the 1950s, its presence at RAAF Base Tindal in the 1990s, and its recent deployments in the Middle East.

This is not just a military history—it’s a tribute. A long-overdue recognition of the men and women who defended Australia’s air capabilities, often without fanfare or official celebration.

If you wish to purchase or would like more information: Please email me at carbs99@bigpond.com

Feedback:

I noted your book release in the latest Air Force news edition and was writing to enquire how I might get a copy. A few of my current staff have history of Airfield Defence service.

BTW, great publication!

USAF - Congratulations Sean! I recommend you reach out to the Security Forces Association to see if there is an interest in reviewing the book in their magazine or website, or interviewing you for an article.

FYSA. Circulated to the MHS NSW and also to RAAF mbrs at Headquarters - Joint Operations Command (HQ JOC).

Thanks for the book, looks an amazing piece of work and looking forward to reading through. A nice little image of my ugly mug at the back also.

I really like the collection of old photos, maps etc and really works to highlight what you're discussing in those sections. I've skimmed through the whole book but only actually properly read maybe 20 or 30 pages thus far, and I like your style - it's matter-of-fact and not filled with an abundance of fluff. Also - well done on becoming a publisher! Learning a lot, your work here is a long overdue reveal of parts of the RAAF that are ridiculously essential to the projection of force but rarely get mentioned.