This Day in History: 1982-05-06

The RAAF Ensign (flag) with Kangaroo roundel received Royal approval on 6 May 1982. Upon its formation in 1921, the Royal Australian Air Force embraced the Royal Air Force Ensign; a light blue British Ensign emblazoned with an RAF roundel comprising concentric circles of red, white and dark blue. In 1948 the RAAF decided to adopt a RAAF Ensign with a more Australian character and thus, the Southern Cross was added to the RAAF Ensign. In 1956, the RAAF adopted the current and distinctive RAAF Roundel with a red kangaroo in place of the traditional RAF Roundel. However, the RAAF Ensign remain unchanged with the traditional RAF Roundel. In 1981, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II approved a new design for the RAAF Ensign with the RAAF Roundel replacing the RAF Roundel. On 6 May 1982, a proclamation was made by the Governor-General recognising the new design, under section 5 of the Flags Act 1953, as the Ensign of the Royal Australian Air Force. Source: Air Force Association, SA Division