Prior to the end of the World War I the Australian Flying Corps (A.F.C.) established at least three individual concert parties - The Flying Kangaroos (No 1 Squadron), The Kookaburras (aka The Flying Kookaburras; No 2 Squadron) and the Amateur Frolics Company (No 1 Squadron). Following the armistice that came into effect on 11 November 1918, the Australian Imperial Forces (A.I.F.) returned to Australia in stages, with some elements remaining to perform reconstruction and military occupation duties in Europe. As the A.F.C. squadrons were gradually disbanded the entertainment units also contracted into one troupe by early 1919. The last remaining group of soldier entertainers, billed as simply as The Australian Flying Corps Concert Party was based at Minchinhampton Aerodrome and comprised performers who had served in other corps and divisions.
Members of the A.F.C. Concert party included: W. Merrick Boyd (scenic artist), Bob Hulme, Stan McIntyre, Ben Hall, Ern Petering, G. Kendrick, F. Leake, Alf Dunstan, Nat Gyles, Dick Loughlin, Les Williams, Bert Richardson, Roy Byrne, Arch Grant, Jack Cathcart, Ted McVinnish, Ivo Hall, E. Daniel, Will Salisbury, G. Patterson, Monte Phillips, Jock Cunningham, and G. Metcalfe.
[Source: Australian Variety Theatre Archive]
