Trainee pilots check the program board at No. 11 Elementary Flying Training School RAAF, Benalla, Victoria, c. 1944. Twelve Elementary Flying Training Schools for EATS trainees were established across Australia in World War II and the one at Benalla operated between 1941 and 1945. Local jealousies clearly operated in the selection of sites for such lucrative Commonwealth spending. Councillor Nolan of the Wangaratta council moved that they congratulate Benalla on being chosen for this facility, pointing out that Wangaratta had ‘slipped badly' by not showing enough interest in having the school there and by opposing the cutting down of certain trees for an airdrome. Benalla Ensign, 7 February 1941; AWM VIC1985
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