226 Squadron - Bray Park

226 Squadron commenced operations on 28 April 1998 as 26 Flight Queensland Squadron Air Training Corps at Beenleigh State High School as part of a Queensland Government Youth Action Program to put cadets back into state schools. The first Flight Commander was FLGOFF(AIRTC) Phil Lane and the initial strength was 10 staff and 50 cadets. The Squadron remained at Beenleigh State High School until January 2011, when it moved to Trinity College, Beenleigh. 226 Squadron ceased operations in Beenleigh at the end of 2017.

In October 2018, 226 Squadron was reactivated for a new unit commencing at Genesis Christian College, Bray Park. The inaugural Commanding Officer is FLTLT(AAFC) Mark Merrell and the initial strength was 5 staff and 39 cadets (including cadets assisting on secondary postings). 226 Squadron is part of 2 Wing’s Training Group 4 together with 212 (City of Redcliffe) Squadron, Rothwell, 224 Squadron, Rothwell and 234 Squadron, Caboolture.

On 19 Apr 1944, two Spitfires from 548 Squadron RAF took off from Strathpine Airfield #2 (approximately 3.5 kms east of Genesis Christian College). These Spitfires collided in mid-air and crashed near Young’s Crossing, approximately 2.5 kms north of the College. Killed were FSGT Alan Chandler and SQNLDR William Wright. 226 Squadron Bray Park remembers these two pilots in the naming of its Operational Flights – Chandler Flight, Wright Flight and Spitfire Flight.