 In March 1940 , Hancock 's Directorate of Works and Buildings was transferred from the office of the Chief of the Air Staff to the newly formed Organisation and Equipment Branch under Air Marshal Richard Williams . Considered a key part of the Air Force 's expansion during the early part of World War II , " Works and Bricks " quickly absorbed all staff with civil engineering and building experience in the RAAF active reserve . As Director , Hancock was responsible for surveying and developing a military aerodrome at Evans Head , near the Queensland and New South Wales border , which became home to No. 1 Bombing and Gunnery School ( No. 1 <unk> ) . Promoted to wing commander , he held command of No. 1 <unk> , operating Fairey Battle single @-@ engined bombers , from August 1940 until November 1941 . He was promoted to acting group captain in April 1941 . Appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire ( OBE ) on 1 January 1942 , Hancock became Assistant Director of Plans at Allied Air Forces Headquarters , South West Pacific Area , that April . He was made Director of Plans at the Air Force 's main operational formation , RAAF Command , when it was established in September . In 1943 – 44 , he served as Staff Officer Administration for Western Area Command , which maintained two bomber squadrons for anti @-@ submarine patrols and two fighter squadrons to guard against possible attack on the mainland by Japanese carrier @-@ borne aircraft . 
