Sir James Rowland and the changing strategic use of air power in Australia, 1942–1979

Abstract

Air Marshal Sir James Rowland had perhaps the most extraordinary career of any Chief of the Australian Air Force. From learning to fly in a Tiger Moth in the 1930s to flying an F/A 18 Hornet while Governor of New South Wales in the 1980s, he flew every aircraft in service with the RAAF and dozens more British, American, and European aircraft. As a Pathfinder, he flew 34 operations over occupied Europe in the Second World War and in the post-war years, he had many roles, including test pilot, 2IC of the Mirage procurement team in France, and head of the Engineering Branch before becoming an unexpected choice as Chief of the Air Staff. As Chief, Rowland reoriented the RAAF in the post-Vietnam years to play its part in the new doctrine of ‘Fortress Australia’. His greatest contribution was possibly to realise the strategic importance of the new F111s and develop the doctrine and acquire the equipment to enable them to reach their potential. At many different levels – bomber pilot, test pilot, aircraft engineer, and head of the RAAF – Rowland was an active participant in the changing strategic use of air power.