 The 1st AIF included the Australian Flying Corps ( AFC ) . Soon after the outbreak of war in 1914 , two aircraft were sent to assist in capturing German colonies in what is now north @-@ east New Guinea . However , these colonies surrendered quickly , before the planes were even unpacked . The first operational flights did not occur until 27 May 1915 , when the Mesopotamian Half Flight was called upon to assist the Indian Army in protecting British oil interests in what is now Iraq . The corps later saw action in Egypt , Palestine and on the Western Front throughout the remainder of World War I. By the end of the war , four squadrons — Nos. 1 , 2 , 3 and 4 — had seen operational service , while another four training squadrons — Nos. 5 , 6 , 7 and 8 — had also been established . A total of 460 officers and 2 @,@ 234 other ranks served in the AFC . The AFC remained part of the Australian Army until 1919 , when it was disbanded ; later forming the basis of the Royal Australian Air Force . 
