 In mid @-@ 1946 , McAloney was involved in an investigation into a series of engine failures experienced by RAAF aircraft . The inquiry led him to visit operational and transport units throughout Australia , in an attempt to determine whether the issues were the result of substandard maintenance or defective components . He returned to his duties at the Directorate of Technical Services on the investigation 's conclusion . Made squadron leader in March 1950 , he attended a land / air warfare course the following year . McAloney was posted to Singapore in June 1952 as the technical officer to the Changi @-@ based No. 90 ( Composite ) Wing , formed specifically for service in the Malayan Emergency . The attachment proved short lived with the disbandment of No. 90 Wing in December , at which point McAloney transferred to No. 1 Squadron , then operating out of Tengah . 
