RAAF Command

RAAF Command
Three men in light-coloured military uniforms walking from tent, with palm trees in background
Air Vice Marshal Bill Bostock (right) with Australian I Corps commander Lieutenant General Sir Leslie Morshead (centre) and US Rear Admiral Forrest B. Royal at Morotai, April 1945
Active1942–45
CountryAustralia
BranchRoyal Australian Air Force
RoleAir defence
Maritime patrol
Offensive air operations
Size41 squadrons (October 1944)
EngagementsWorld War II
Commanders
Air Officer CommandingWilliam Bostock

RAAF Command was the main operational arm of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) during World War II. The command was formed in September 1942 and by April 1943 comprised 27 squadrons, including units from the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the United States, as well as Australia. Coming under the operational authority of Allied Air Forces Headquarters in the South West Pacific Area, RAAF Command exercised control of its units through geographically based area commands in Australia and, later, New Guinea, as well as large mobile formations including the Australian First Tactical Air Force. The command reached a strength of 41 squadrons in October 1944. From the time of its establishment, until its disbandment in September 1945, it was led by Air Vice Marshal Bill Bostock.