87 Squadron Reactivation

Congratulations and best wishes to all personnel of the new No. 87 Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force! The Squad- ron was officially re-commissioned on 1 July 2006, and the occasion celebrated in style on Monday evening, 3 July 2006.

At an all ranks function in the Officers Mess, RAAF Edinburgh, the ceremony was opened by Commanding Officer of the ‘new’ 87 Squadron, Wing Com- mander Rick Keir AM. He was followed by Air Commander Australia, Air Vice- Marshal John Quaife AM, whose speech was succinct and welcoming. Squadron Leader (Chaplain) Patrick Woods’ address was moving, as was the blessing of the two 87 Squadron badges: Perhaps the highlight of the evening was the “We consecrate these Squadron Badges – superb spirit in which it all happened. The vari- the old and the new – which are symbols of ous speeches helped this along, none more so No 87 Squadron of the Royal Australian Air than Air Vice-Marshal (Ret’d) ‘Sam’ Jordan’s! Force. We ask your Blessing on its mission The Mosquito Aircraft Association of Australia and its roles, and in recognition of those who was represented by our Patron, ‘Sam’ Jordan, have gone before us, in the name of the Fa- President Alan Middleton and wife Shirley, ther, the Son and the Holy Spirit.” Vice President Graeme Coates and committee member Terry Burke. This was one of the links forged between the old and the new Squadrons on the day. The Since the re-raising, four members of No 87 assembly of historical documents, photos, Squadron have made a courtesy visit (at the video and other memorabilia in the annex to invitation of Richard Luxton, owner of Coo- the ante room was great; (where did that malie Farm) to one of 87 Squadron’s former movie come from? perhaps we shouldn’t bases at Coomalie Creek, N.T. (see ‘Mailbag’ ask!). Having a chance to talk with and listen this issue). The links are pretty well complete. to the olds and bolds was a great experience too. Catching up with David Vincent (author of ‘Mosquito Monograph’), listening to Kym Bonython and many others was a privilege.

THE AUSSIE MOSSIE / AUGUST 2006 / 1

The President’s Log—by Alan Middleton OAM

Our Editors and story writ- “Mosquito Monograph” and Mem- ers, Bob Stevens and Terry bers of our Association, Terry Burke, Burke, are always keen to Graeme Coates and my wife and I receive articles, memoirs were also present. and personal histories and anecdotes of "Mosquito The ceremony and the dinner were Life", so I ask for contribu- very moving and of historical signifi- tions from Members to be cance as they brought together the sent to Bob or Terry. past and the future. I am certain 87 has an exciting future just the same An article from Syd God- as it had in the past. We all wish dard, formerly a Pilot with Rick and his enthusiastic team every No 1 Sqdn. Is included in good fortune. this issue and I am sure there are other stories I would also like to pass congratula- which would also be of tions on to the RAAF Museum’s great interest to all. Brett Clowes who has recently been promoted to Assistant Technical Cu- The history of the Mosquito rator leaving his Restoration Man- is in the minds of those of ager’s job open for a new comer. MAAA President's Log August 2006. you who lived and worked with them and we would be privileged for you Brett has provided the MAAA volun- to allow us to share your memoirs. Under the Constitution of our Associ- teers with guidance during the resto- ation, our Objects are to provide fel- ration of A52-600 and also an enor- lowship and develop acquaintances As previously reported, No 87 mous insight into restoration of air- among persons having a common Squadron was to be re-formed and craft in general. interest in the DH98 Mosquito Air- this occurred as from 1 July 2006. craft in general , including the provi- Wing Commander Rick Keir AM has Regards, sion of a support group to the team been appointed Commanding Officer Alan Middleton involved in the restoration of A52- and on 3 July 2006 an appropriate 600 in particular, and also, to ad- ceremony was conducted at RAAF vance and preserve the memory of Edinburgh, followed by dinner in the those persons who designed, pro- Officers Mess for all personnel. duced, flew and serviced the DH 98 Several former Members of 87 were Mosquito. invited, those able to attend being our Patron AVM (Retd) Sam Jordan AO, SQNLDR Kym Bonython AC The Mosquito was probably the most DFC AFC, SQNLDR Ted McKenzie versatile of all aircraft used by the DFC, FLTLT Laddie Hindley, and RAAF, the RAF, other Allied Air SQNLDR Harry Farmer. Forces and The Royal Navy units during 1944-45 and beyond, and was supplied to more than 140 Ted Squadrons and other units, including McKen- three Squadrons of the RAAF. zie, and It was employed for almost every Laddie purpose possible for an aircraft, from Hindley low level attack to high level photo are for- reconnaissance and everything be- mer tween, both day and night. CO's and Kym

Bon- Approximately 7700 were produced, ython is including 212 in Australia, with varia- a former tions of type according to the role Acting they were to play. CO.

This gives our Association a very David wide field of operation. Unfortunate- Vincent, ly, our active Members are very few author of and for them to cover all aspects is a daunting task.

Every story has three sides to it, yours, mine and the facts - Foster Meharny Russell

THE AUSSIE MOSSIE / AUGUST 2006 / 2

Restoration News by TRB

In the Restoration hangar, work con- others, Arthur Winton has tinues on the mock-up of wing spars worked as a hands-on overse- and ribs for A52-600, in the area of er in refurbishing main landing the left main landing gear attach- gear components. Most of the ment points. The strip-down, refur- left side sub-assemblies have bishment and re-assembly of the had a full restoration, and the MLG itself, plus a survey of the wing separate parts are now looking (s), is also well under way. pretty good in their new paint. Geoff Matthews and Ron Gret- The mock-up has been hoisted into ton have begun re-assembling position on its stand; some great them in the mock-up, and we work has been done here by the two should see a full left side main full time Friends of the RAAF Muse- undercarriage assembly com- um volunteers, Geoff Matthews and plete in its stand before too Ron Gretton. long.

In a short aside, Ron was presented Senior Technical Curator of the with Life Membership of the Friends. Museum David Jones moved He joins Geoff Mathews, previously the cut-off sections of wing awarded a Life Membership, and from storage into the Paint was presented with this richly de- Shop, where our members served award by none other than spent some time removing Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Geoff dust, bird droppings and other unsa- the elements. They present a bit of a Shepherd AM, at the Friends Annual voury accumulations. MAAA mem- challenge, as you can see in the Dinner. bers have also helped photograph photo. the wing sections in detail, and re- I’m sure all MAAA members will join move and catalogue various metal Among the odds and ends category, in congratulating Ron and Geoff not brackets prior to their restoration. mention must be made of the rust only on their awards, but on their stripping results from the molasses outstanding contributions to Restora- While the original Mosquito wing was tank. This turgid, evil looking and tion and other projects around the built in one piece, the RAAF Muse- smelling brew has produced some Museum which have continued over um has three sections of a single amazing transformations of rusted many years. wing. And no, that doesn’t make us steel components. We should have lucky. At some stage after being sold some surprising ‘before and after’ In a team which has included Aussie by the RAAF, A52-600’s wing was photos of the canopy frame (among Mossie members Bob Stevens, Don cut just outside the fuselage on both other items) by next issue. Taylor, Noel Penny, Graeme Coates, sides, and none too gently either. Pat Dulhunty, David Devenish, Terry The short centre section remained Burke and Alan Middleton among with the fuselage (which had some shelter), while the two outer sections stayed exposed to

TRB inspecting the mockup wing section and some of A successful completion to the ‘bird’ removal from the the MLG in its restoration stand. wing.

Life is an endurance test, so why be ashamed of your age? - P.K. Shaw

THE AUSSIE MOSSIE / AUGUST 2006 / 3

Work Safety by Pat Dulhunty

MAAA member Pat Dulhunty had a extremely serious accident at work a couple of years ago and has put this article together to warn against com- placency where machinery is concerned and to also pass on his thanks to everyone who helped him through his ordeal. There is a lesson here for everyone !

On the 26th of May 2004 I kissed my home that morning about 05.50 and workmates have said they couldn't wife Carmel goodbye and off to work some 2.5 hours before the acci- believe that I had been injured at I went, just the same as I had done dent—the Doctors tell me this is be- work. for almost the past 29 years. cause of the head injury. Anyway it's something that I'm glad I have no At least it made us all realise how Just another day at work… memory of. easy it is for anyone to have an acci- dent! That day I could have died—I was So what happened? It must have injured at work when my right arm been a cold morning as I had my The Alfred Hospital is an amazing became entangled around a shaft I ‘bluey’ jacket on, which I only wear place. How anyone managed to put was polishing in a lathe with a piece on cold days. I also had rigger’s my arm back together is almost be- of emery paper. As well as a shat- gloves on, which I normally do not yond belief. Mr. Max Esser, my sur- tered forearm and humerus (the wear on the lathe. I can only pre- geon, told me later that he had four bone at the top of the arm), I also sume that I put them on due to the attempts at getting the forearm back received a head injury when I was cold. These items of clothing is what to where it should have been. pulled into the lathe, with my head striking the chuck I'm very glad to say he did an which, thankfully rendered excellent job on it and the me unconscious. humerus as well. The latest doctor’s report shows that I Had it not been for the now have 80 to 85% of my quick action of a nearby original ability. (Actually he work-mate, Vince Pezzina, said I have 15 to 20% disabil- the outcome may have ity but I would prefer to look been a lot worse. Vince is a on the positive side at what boilermaker and has never I've got and keep working on used a lathe in his life but the 15 to 20 %). still managed to active the emergency stop, for which When they had finished with my family and I are ex- surgery I was taken up to tremely grateful. Ward 6 West, where Claire, Chloe and a lot of other great Several other workmates people looked after me for the came to my aid and untan- next 16 days. They had this gled me from the lathe and Pat back volunteering his time at Point Cook after an great roof in 6 West, it kept shaft and laid me down, the absence of a year or more. changing colour! It went from ambulance duly arrived red to green to yellow, but and I was taken to Mel- the emery paper caught on, pulling only at night. They also had bourne’s Alfred Hospital where I me into the lathe. ferns growing out of the lights! - it spent about 12 hours in surgery. was just beautiful.

Perhaps I should mention here that I'm told by several people that I was I'm also a boilermaker, and although Then one day, just to add to the con- reasonably coherent with the para- I work as a fitter welder, I've never fusion, this young lady came in and medics at work answering their had any training on a lathe, it's just said she is a dietitian. I thought, "I'm questions as to who I was and what something I've learned to do over the not that fat lady, I've only got a bro- day it was. I'm also told that at the years I've been at Liquip. ken arm". Alfred I told them where my wife,

Carmel would be if she wasn't at The young lady went on to explain home. I have always considered myself a very careful worker. Several work- that although she works at the Al-

mates said to me after I got back to fred, the boys from Point Cook I have no memory of any of this. My work, "how come you got caught you had sent her up to say hello. It took only memory of the day is leaving fussy old basted". A couple of ex- me ages to work out what it was all

A yawn is a silent shout - G.K. Chesterton

THE AUSSIE MOSSIE / AUGUST 2006 / 4

Work Safety by Pat Dulhunty—continued about. I now know this young lady as physio for the other three. Hand ther- Alan and Shirley Middleton, Bob Ste- Kath Mathews, who is the wife of apy is where you find out what pain vens, David Devenish and ? present- Andrew whom I know from Point is all about !!! It is incredible what ed me, in the presence of my family, Cook. pain those young ladies can inflict. I with "Mission Completed”, a beautiful The following night I decided that very smartly learnt to go to the boy's print of A52-600 on touchdown at everything happening around me room before each bout of hand ther- Coomalie Creek. It was a very uplift- was a bit of a joke and that I was apy. ing moment. going home. But as they say, "no pain—no gain”. There is a great sign at Point Cook— I believe they took my morphine I can assure you, it was worth every a young son says to his dad as he is away, the roof stayed white (day & bit. going out the door on his way to night) and the ferns went away. I work, "Work safe today Dad, you're now have some idea why some peo- The effect of my accident on my the only dad I've got." ple take funny stuff—it is quite fasci- family was very, very unfair. I had nating. the accident, not them! Another sign I've seen somewhere is, "Work smart, work safe and stay After a couple of weeks mending in For the first time in 40 years I had to out of the hospital bed." the Alfred I was taken to the Epworth be driven everywhere or have Car- Hospital in Richmond for rehabilita- mel travel with me on trains to doc- How true they are. tion - I was there for another three tors visits. And that's not to mention weeks learning to walk up and down the shock of the 26th ! Pat Dulhunty—21st August 2006. stairs, starting physiotherapy and even going grocery shopping. (I don't That split second of lack of thought do that at home!). has caused me and others consider- able pain and suffering for the past There is no place like home, espe- two years. I am now back at work cially after five and a half weeks in and welding at Point Cook, but still hospitals. have a bit more recovery time ahead of me. I consider my self to be extremely lucky, I could have been killed on You don't get through a serious acci- that fateful day. dent without family and friends, the visits, cards and flowers that At first it was physiotherapy six long amassed, will never be forgotten. days a week, then it changed to hand therapy for three days and While I was in the Epworth Hospital,

MAAA Business Matters

The Annual General Meeting was mittee people Terry Burke, Dale the cost of postage, so this year the held on Saturday 19th August 2006 Castle, David Devenish, Noel Penny proceedings are not included, but at the Caulfield Returned and Ser- and Don Taylor. should you be interested in receiving vices League building in Elsternwick, a copy please drop a line or email Victoria. the Secretary and he will run a copy The Meeting resolved to maintain off and send it in the mail. the MAAA membership subscription There were nine people present, rate for the 2006/2007 year at being eight from the old Committee $20.00, this is unaltered since the The Association will be 15 years old and Pat Dulhunty. Association’s inception in 1992. next year. The Committee is consid- ering some social gathering, but pre- vious events have been poorly at- Nominations for this year’s Commit- The last few years the proceedings tended. Have you any ideas on what tee were reviewed and as there were of the MAAA Annual General Meet- we could do to celebrate? no other people nominating to force ings have been photocopied and an election, the old Committee is sent to all members with the Au- Drop us a line. now the new Committee, that is, gust/September Bulletin. President Alan Middleton, Vice Pres- This exercise actually doubles the ident Graeme Coates, Secretar- cost of production and sometimes y/Treasurer Bob Stevens with Com-

Anything that can become tangled around something else, will. J.D. Boatwood

THE AUSSIE MOSSIE / AUGUST 2006 / 5

“Oboe” explained

This article was forwarded by member Mac Skinner from the “Flight” magazine dated September 6th 1945 titled “Bomber’s Radar. Excerpt about “Oboe” – a General Survey of the Three Primary Systems used by Bomber Command.

Mac’s covering letter says: “The article describes Oboe, which was used for bombing and target marking by 105 Squadron of 8 Group and 109 Squadron of 5 Group. As the aural signals were transmitted on a tan- gent to the Earth’s curved surface, it meant that the further the target was from the transmitting stations the higher the recipient aircraft would need to be. So bring on the Mosquitos at 28,00 feet. After D-Day, mobile tracking and releasing stations could be established on mainland Europe so the target could be increased.

When the radar system called Oboe was introduced, to the lay observer, The tracking sta- it is the most amazing of all. Oboe tion transmits a was first used by the Pathfinders to component of a mark Essen in March 1943, for the signal beam, which main bombing force. runs as a segment of a circle through Until this raid, Bomber Command the target, the radi- had lost 368 aircraft in attacking us of the circle Krupps, but the six Pathfinder Mos- being the distance quitoes, which on Oboe, dropped 24 of the target from target indicators to mark Krupps for the tracking sta- the main bombing force enabled no tion. less than 83 per cent of the bombs lifted to be registered as on-target The remaining strikes. component of the signal beam is It is of interest to record that the ad- supplied by the vent of radar made the magnificent aircraft equipment. work of the Pathfinder Force possi- Signals are purely ble and, consonantIy, the wonderful aural, there being efficiency of our bombing attack. no visual represen- The two revolutionary valve elements which made all tation whatsoever; the difference to transmission. The brass valve on the When the P.F.F. Mosquitoes ground- the pilot and navi- left is the receiver valve and the other is the magnetron. marked a target the name given to gator each receive signals through their earphones, the the operation was Parramatta, and dots or dashes, as deviations from when the uncanny system of “sky pilot's being high pitched, the naviga- tor's low. Each had his own set of the curved path of the beam will marking” was used, the operation bring about. was called Wanganui. Both these signals and consequently the bomb- types of target marking are "blind," ing or marking operation is, a con- that is, they are done on radar, but joint effort. Subsidiary beams, concentric with when the Oboe system was used the the main beam, are spaced at 5, 10 word " Musical " was added to the We will take the pilot's signals first. and 15-mile intervals on both sides, title. Initially, the aircraft must be flown to and as these give signals of X, Y and Z respectively over and above a waiting point at one end of the the dots and dashes making up the "Newhaven" was the name of anoth- beam, and this can be done either by orthodox navigation or by flying main beam, the pilot will know his er system of target marking, which position with a fair degree of accura- included both visual and blind mark- on a W / T beam from Britain. cy if he should, by some mishap, be ing. It is unfortunate that space for- late in getting to the waiting point. bids our dilating upon these intri- Having arrived at the waiting point guing types of operation; neverthe- Oboe is switched on and the signals less, the radar part of the job is in heard. These are the Morse T (dash) As the aircraft flies along the beam it itself of more than passing interest. and the Morse E (dot) which, when transmits signals, which are received at the releasing station and conse- overlapping, give a continuous note in the earphones. The overlap zone quently, as its range is steadily in- Oboe makes use of two ground sta- creasing from the releasing station, it tions, one in Norfolk the other in is only 17 yards wide and so it may be appreciated that pretty accurate is possible to plot, at the latter, the Kent, the former being known as the exact position of the aircraft at any "releasing" station and the latter as flying is needed to keep the continu- ous note from breaking down into one instant. It is, of course, absolute- the "tracking" station. ly essential that, once on the beam,

Nothing puzzles me more than time and space; yet nothing troubles me less - Charles Lamb

THE AUSSIE MOSSIE / AUGUST 2006 / 6

“Oboe” explained—continued the pilot flies his aircraft at a con- coming through. The navigator is from the target, when five pips are stant height and fixed air speed. He sitting there listening and, at 10- heard for 2½ seconds followed by a must on no account vary these fac- minutes' flying time from the target, 2½-second dash. The navigator has tors. he hears four Morse ‘A’s which are the bomb-release button in his hand Having for example, switched on the followed by a continuous low note and, as the 2½-second dash ends, system at the waiting point, we will until, at 8-minutes from target, he he presses it and the bombs have now follow the aircraft along the gets four Bs. gone. Immediately the set is then curved path of the beam which leads switched off and the aircraft heads across the target - the pilot keeping When 5-minutes away four Cs come for home. the continuous high-pitched note through, again followed by the con- tinuous This however, is not the end. At the note releasing station a graphic record of which the run has been made automatical- breaks at ly, and when the crew get back it is 3- they who are told how they have per- minutes' formed. It is no good them saying distance they were bang on when they can be to four confronted in black and white with Ds. evidence that they were, in fact, 50 yards off. After this the con- tinuous note comes through until con- tinuous A cathode-ray tube, on the convex silvered end of which the fluo- seconds rescent trace or image is registered. away Restoration News and Facts From Canada

Doug Grant has forwarded this article to let us know some facts about a Mosquito B-35 owned by Bob Jens being rebuilt in Vancouver Canada . The Mosquito was VR796 , later registered as CF-HML. There are four volunteers ( all ex Aircraft Engineers ) working on it with Grant looking after the electrical. There is no time frame for completion date but it will eventually fly.

Mosquito CF-HML Facts at Burnastan Derbyshire in Jan 14. Carried a Pilot, Navigator, Cam- 1. Built in by Airspeed at Christ- 1955. The airfield was closed in era Operator, and Flight Mechanic. church in Hampshire in 1947. 1990 and sold to a Japanese car 15. CF-HML spent 1955 in the North manufacturer. 2. Taken on strength by the R.A.F as West Territories, Pelly Lake and Fort VR796. 8. After maintenance CF-HML de- Smith. parted from Prestwick on May 2nd 16. CF-HML suffered two engine 3. Stored at 22 MU Silloth in Cum- 1955 and flown by pilots , Peter st bria from June 1947 till 1955. failures: May 21 1958 ,Big end Nock and Jock Buchanan. bearing failed after 308.50 hours 4. Accumulated just 15.50 airframe 9. Arrived at Uplands airport Ottawa since overhaul; Jan 12 1959, Rear hours. May 3rd. propeller shaft bearing retainer 41 5. Sold to Weldy Phipps Operation 10.Delivery flight time 13.05 Hours hours total time. Manager for Spartan Air Services 17. CF-HML was selected to fill the Ltd. 11. Application to go on to Canadian Register May 6th 1955, and the Con- role of Dual control trainer. It re- 6. Spartan developed High Altitude version to survey configuration was placed Type FB26 CF-GKK which Photographic Operations, which was completed on Aug 15th. was cancelled from the register on especially important for the Distant th Feb 23 1959. Early Warning (DEW Line) locations 12. DOT approval given Aug 24 , C of A No 4361. 18. Spartan moved operations to built in the early fifties. Winnipeg in 1960 and CF-HML was 7. VR 796 was one of a batch of five 13. Type approval No 34. “Certified modified for dual controls and rudder aircraft flown Derby Aviation facility for Aerial Survey Only”. pedals with a forward hinging upper

You know more than you think you do - Dr Benjamin Spock

THE AUSSIE MOSSIE / AUGUST 2006 / 7

Restoration News and Facts From Canada—continued panel for cockpit access and a lower forward hatch. 19. The last C of A was issued to CF-HML in May 29th 1962 and it had a total of 515.10 flight time. 20. Its final survey was conducted in the North West Territories, Churchill Manitoba and Lakehead Ontario, now known as Thunder Bay. The crew being pilot Hal Moore, Nav Don Benkie, and camera operator James Living. 21. On Aug 26th CF-HML was grounded with severe engine vibra- tion. 22. It was flown back to Uplands Ot- tawa on June 28th the following year. 23. After 312 survey flights and 616.05 flight hours, CF-HML was retired. 24. Aircraft stored at Uplands with sister ship CF-HMQ. the registration CF-HML in Sept many years. It completely disinte- 25. CF-HML was bought by Don 1968. grated on being salvaged. Campbell an ex Spitfire pilot. 31. In mid 1969 ,DOT inspection 36. CF-HML was hangered in a spa- 26. The aircraft was moved to confirmed that the primary structure cious restoration building, only a few Kapuskasing in Northern Ontario was sound. miles for Abbotsford Airport. 27. Plans to restore aircraft using air 32. with help from many ex Mosquito 37. Some of the people involved with cadets from 647 sqn. ( R.C.A.C ) personnel, funds were donated to the restoration were: Bill Merrikan 28. CF-HML dismantled and moved the project, but it was 1977 before who’s last position was Chief Resto- by truck ,with the help of Syd Bake the fuselage structurally was com- ration Officer National Aviation Mu- Spartan Air Services Engineer. pleted. seam Ottawa; Ron Bestwood; An 29. DOT became cautious on grant- 33. In 1979 an agreement was ar- expert in wooden aircraft repair; ing approval for the restoration. Main ranged between Don Campbell and Gordon Keith ,Chief Inspector of Concerns: Aircraft Stored unprotect- Mike Meeker, who owned Anglo- Conair Aviation; Mark Mohan, Air- craft Maintenance Engineer with Ca- ed since retirement; Condition of American Cedar Products in Mission glue used for bonding British Columbia. nadian Pacific. 30. DOT did not want to discourage 34. CF-HML was moved 2772 miles 38. The wings were basically com- the project, and agreed to relocate from Ottawa to Mission British Co- plete and the following areas were lumbia. reworked: Port leading Edge; Trail- Mission is ing edge structures; Front Spar cen- 44 miles ter section. Complete rebuild of the East of Horizontal Stabilizer Vancouver. Work on the wings started, and 36 35. Mike coats of nitrate dope were applied Meeker had with every third coat sanded down already pur- which eventually made the aerofil as chased the smooth as glass. remains of 39. The wings were mated to the Mosquito B- fuselage in the spring of 1984. 35 XB-TOX 40. Project went on “Hold”as private formerly and government funding evaporated. TA717. This aircraft 41. CF-HML sat for two years in the had sat out- restoration facility. side of the 42. Don Campbell passed his be- Holiday Inn loved project over to Ed and Rose in Mexico Zalesky of the Canadian Museum of City for Flight and Transportation.

An egotist has one point in his favour - he doesn't go round talking about other people - W.G.P.

THE AUSSIE MOSSIE / AUGUST 2006 / 8

Restoration News and Facts From Canada—continued

43. CF-HML was moved to the is module A of the Millionaire execu- CMFT museum at Crescent Beach tive aircraft facility. located about 35 miles south of Mis- 47. The restoration is moving along sion. with a structures technician, 44. CF-HML was again put up for two retired Avionics people sale in 1996 and was bought by and one retired aircraft Robert Jens in 2001. maintenance engineer. 45. The aircraft was brought down by road to Penta Aviations paint hanger where the undercarriage was installed. Once the undercarriage was fitted the aircraft was moved to the executive hanger along side TZ- 138 a Mk 14e Spitfire that is in an airworthy condition. 46. CF-HML was moved once again to its final restoration hanger, which

Mossie Data by Brian Fillery

Mosquito PR Mk 34 and PR Mk 34A.

Description: Very long range reconnaissance Engines: Merlin 114 (PR Mk 34a had Merlin 114A)

Wing Span: 54ft 2ins (16.45m) Wing Area: 454sq ft (42.2sq m)

Length: 41ft 2ins (12.5m) Height: 15ft 3ins (4.65m)

Weight: 14,180lbs (kg) empty 25,000lbs (kg) auw with 1,226 gallons 25,500lbs (kg) max permissable

Fuel: 1,269 gallons (5,768 litres) incl 2x200 gal (909 litre) drop tanks

Speed: 425mph (kph) max

Ceiling: 43,000ft (13,106m) Max Range: 3,340 miles (5,375km)

Weapons: Unarmed. Bomb Load: None

Notes: All armour and fuel tank bullet proofing removed. Swollen belly cut max speed by 6mph (9.6kph) TAS.

NB: Mosquito data from various sources is often contradictory.

The average, healthy, well adjusted adult gets up at seven thirty in the morning feeling just plain terrible - Jean Kerr

THE AUSSIE MOSSIE / AUGUST 2006 / 9

From the Mailbag

From member Syd Goddard: the first RAAF Mosquito crew (F/Lt screen, reducing visibility for the ap- 1 Syd Goddard and Nav. F/O Dean proach and landing on return to La- During a telephone conversation Barrett) to strike at Japanese targets buan. with Alan Middleton, he suggested I in the South West Pacific Area contribute something of interest (SWPA). On 15 August 1945, all offensive about No. 1 Mosquito Squadron. I operations ceased. However, during hope the enclosed article is what When the runway at Labuan Island September, problems arose with the Alan had in mind. was apparently ready, I was directed serviceability of our Mosquito air- to proceed via Sanga Sanga (Tawi craft. The equatorial weather condi- My ex-Navigator Dean Barrett is also Tawi). tions - heavy rain and high humidity - a long time member of the Associa- had started some deterioration of the tion and was an excellent photogra- On arrival at Labuan the cloud base main plane fabric. Fortunately there pher. He probably could provide was about 500 feet and heavy rain were no more operational require- some good wartime photos of Mos- made visibility poor. At the time a ments. and the aircraft - which were quitos, if you have a requirement. landing approach was to be attempt- temporarily grounded - were as- ed, Ground Control called to report, sessed as safe for ferrying to Aus- Although our Association generally 'You cannot land here - runway is tralia. focuses on No. 87 Squadron and the unserviceable - go back.' The return A52-600 project, I personally would to Sanga Sanga, through thunder- In late October. the ferry flights com- like to see the 'other' Australian Mos- storms and severe turbulence, was menced. My flight took me via Balik- quito Squadron given recognition. To the roughest I experienced during papan where I experienced my first this end, while the memory and my my Mosquito flying. landing on the metal plates laid old logbook are still intact, I have put down on the black oily sand. I was together a brief outline of some of After a few days, a report was re- surprised by the loud noise when the history. ceived that the runway at Labuan operating on that type of runway. was open, so we returned and land- No. 1 Mosquito Attack Squadron ed without incident. Arriving at RAAF Richmond, the formed up at Kingaroy as part of No. Mosquitoes were allotted to No. 2 86 Attack Wing, together with No. 93 During the following weeks the rest AD - never to fly again. Beaufighter Squadron. No 1 Squad- of the Squadron arrived from Aus- ron was under the command of Wing tralia. The short, patched-up runway Yours faithfully Commander Ross Little, DFC, who at Labuan took its toll. Only 3,500 Syd Goddard had seen operations with No. 30 feet long and 100 feet wide, there Spearwood, WA Beaufighter Squadron. was no margin for error, especially on take-off with a full fuel-load. Two more aircraft crashed on take-off - Our aircraft were new English Mk VI due to swinging before lift-off - but Fighter Bombers with Merlin (21, 23 or 25) engines and three-blade pro- there were no casualties. Another pellers. The armament was four Mosquito crashed into the sea after Browning .303 machine guns and 4 take-off, when an engine failed and Hispano 20 mm. cannons. All aircraft the undercarriage pins had been left From member Bert Garrett: were fitted with long-range fuel drop- in. The aircraft could not accelerate 2 tanks. and hit the water just near the The Aussie Mossie edition was full of beach. The crew were rescued and interest and well put to- Tragically, two Mosquitoes crashed survived. gether. I was sorry that at Kingaroy with the loss of both pi- I was not able to go lots and navigators. Operations from Labuan were gener- back to Coomalie for the great Cele- bration. Tom Baird who was a close ally against Japanese installations and a few runways where their air- friend in the days of 107 Squadron at Before the Squadron was due to de- Rathmines (Anti-sub) followed by our part, there was a requirement to test craft were parked. One Mosquito - A52-510, with Squadron Leader Dick posting to 87 Squadron. the suitability of American anti- personnel bombs to be fitted to our Browne - crashed into the Kuching Mosquitoes. I was selected to fly my River while strafing. Both crew were At Coomalie there were only two Mosquito - A52-521 - to Morotai for lost. After the war a report was re- Mossies at first and one of them was the air tests. ceived that a Japanese machine lost when the Commanding Officer ran out of fuel (because of an incor- Although the tests were never done, gunner had claimed the credit. rect bearing!) on the beach near Me- No. 79 Spitfire Squadron, under the There were some low-level opera- tions to Indo-China (Vietnam) but rauke, New Guinea. He and his Nav- auspices of 1st T.A.F., decided to igator, if I remember rightly were use A52-521 in daylight strafing, in these did not appear very effective. quite safe although the enemy were company with two Spitfires. These The six-hour low-level trip over the not far away. They tried to burn the raids were officially recognised as South China Sea resulted in a heavy salt deposit on the aircraft wind- aircraft but were not successful,

A poor excuse is like an old bucket; doesn't matter what shape it's in, as long as it holds water - P.K. Shaw

THE AUSSIE MOSSIE / AUGUST 2006 / 10

From the Mailbag—continued even the Very Pistol Cartridge was triggered a few memories of years no help. They were rescued by a US long past. The only RAAF member at To- Navy submarine looking for some of cumwal was an Engineering Officer their own. After being demobbed in 1945, I re- and I believe that he was needed joined the RAAF in March 1951, with more as a Policeman that as an En- Again, if memory serves me rightly top priority being a refresher course gineer. the CO was Stewart Hermes. With at East Sale starting with Tiger only one aircraft you can imagine Moths. On the 12th April 1951, I flew The last Mosquito that I ferried how marvellous the Ground Staff A17-692. It was the only occasion across from Fairbairn to Tocumwal kept it flying servicing it at night for that I flew that particular aircraft and was A52-325 on 1st October 1952, the next op dawn take-off. now I start to wonder why only once but from memory, one or two fol- as I spent a lot of flying time on Ti- lowed. They were all housed in There were a few chooks penned on gers as an instructor at Uranquinty, hangars, so they did receive priority the property, so when you were on New South Wales and Laver- treatment. The Mustangs, although the next job, you were treated at ear- ton/Moorabbin as OIC Aircrew Train- in mint condition were out in the ly breakfast with a “real” fresh egg— ing, National Service, Victoria. open and there must have been fifty so different from the usual tinned or sixty of them. variety!! Can someone supply the history of A17-692? It’s nice to have memories. Sincerely and with kind regards, Bert Garrett Continuing on with refreshed memo- Regards, Wavell Heights, Queensland. ries, it was whilst with NST at Laver- Laddie Hindley ton in 1957 that I received directives Torrens, ACT from the Department of the Air to proceed to Tocumwal on an oppor- tunity basis to carry out test flights From member Laddie Hindley: on any serviceable aircraft that I was 3 qualified to fly. On the occasions that Some jottings herewith that you may I proceeded to Tocumwal, Tiger find suitable for the “From the Mail- Moths, Wirraways and Mustangs bag”. were the only types that I was of- fered. Interested to see in our April 06 is- sue, the new arrival, Tiger I would lovingly look at the Mosqui- Moth A17- 692, at the tos and suggest that at least one Point Cook Museum. It must be serviceable but not so.

Published by The de Havilland Aircraft of Canada Ltd., Toronto, 1944

A wishbone has never taken the place of a backbone - W.G.P.

THE AUSSIE MOSSIE / AUGUST 2006 / 11

From the Mailbag—continued

From member Richard Luxton— 4 owner of Coomalie Creek:

Coomalie Diaries 1: Merlin Night: Sat 24 June and Sun 25 June 2006

For the first time in sixty years Coo- malie crackled to the sound of a Rolls Royce Merlin “right hand trac- tor” engine. It was an occasion that exceeded all our expectations!

In superb dry season weather, the afternoon started with the arrival of ultralights, G.A. aircraft and a char- tered C47 Dakota from Hardy Avia- tion with a full load of passengers down for the night. It was a wonder- Coomalie Creek with Dakota present adjacent to Runway 17. ful sight to see the Dakota landing The silhouette of a Mosquito can be seen on the right. gracefully on runway 17 after anoth- er near sixty year absence. starboard wing of the Mossie silhou- show. With full afterburner, Ron re- Formation flying, aerobatics displays ette painted on the flight line near leased the brakes and began to dis- and our local Yak 52 making its the threshold of 17, and was cranked appear down 17. Fuel supply was spectacular entrance heralded the up soon after sundown. (For those cut in time so we still don’t know arrival of the Merlin and a Pratt and unused to the tropical Top End, twi- whether Blitzes really will fly. Whitney radial engine. The Aviation light conditions up here are either Historical Society of the Northern short or non-existent). Everyone then returned to the cricket Territory owns both these. They oval for a magnificent barbecue and were followed by “Mad” (a.k.a. Ron) Around two hundred people gath- bonfire, which has become one of Laycock and his World War 2 vin- ered for the fray and we were de- the great Coomalie institutions. An tage Blitz truck complete with tray- lighted when all twelve cylinders enjoyable musical accompaniment mounted jet engine. caught and revs were brought up. from the Top End Folk Club and oth- Almost as good as the characteristic ers kept a very full evening going Saturday 24th was a moonless night, growl was the sight of twelve spears until around 02:00 Sunday. so we looked forward to enjoying of light showing up two hundred grin- both the sound and sight of the Mer- ning faces. The Pratt didn’t disap- Ron Lawford’s RV6 was airborne at lin. It was parked on its trailer, on the point, and the jet powered Blitz split 07:00 to fly the dawn patrol, followed the night with its sound and light by breakfast (more than 100 eggs, 10kg bacon, sausages etc. etc.), and then more flying. There were still about sixty of us around at 11:00 on Sunday morning to enjoy the grace- ful departure of the Dakota, heading for Darwin with a very happy load of wingnuts.

The whole event was the culmination of the best efforts of fliers, musi- cians, St Johns Ambulance volun- teers, interested visitors and of course a group of elated Aviation Historical Society members.

I don’t quite know why but everyone wants to do it all again next year!

Richard Luxton Coomalie Farm N.T.

A woman is like a teabag - only in hot water do you realise how strong she is - Nancy Reagan

THE AUSSIE MOSSIE / AUGUST 2006 / 12

From the Mailbag—continued

For other photos of the event see the Top End Flying Club’s website at www.tefc.com.au

Coomalie Diaries 2: Welcome return 25 July 2006

On Tuesday 25 July 2006, the Com- manding Officer and members of No. 87 Squadron Royal Australian Air Force made their first formal visit to Coomalie Creek since the Squadron was re-raised on 1 July 2006. There have been many visits to Coomalie over the years by former 87 Squad- ron personnel, but this was a first for the ‘new’ Unit since the previous Squadron’s departure at the end of October 1945. (It was also one of the former operational ‘homes’ of PR Mk XVI Mosquito A52-600, currently The wreckage in front of the 87 Sqn personnel is the undercarriage struc- undergoing restoration at the RAAF ture of Mosquito aircraft A52-611 ‘Gamble’s Folly’, the stripped fuselage of Museum, Point Cook). which was burned as part of the VP Bonfire. Similar parts from A52-600 are currently being reassembled at the RAAF Museum. Note also the new C.O. Wing Commander Rick Keir, 87 Sqn caps, which include the original ‘unofficial’ stinging mosquito 87 Squadron Leader Rob Elliott, Flight Sqn badge. Lieutenant Chris McInnes and War- rant Officer Bruce Homewood repre- sented the ‘new’ 87 Squadron on forged by introducing these “new” For satellite imagery of Coomalie this visit. Another important link was Squadron personnel to important see www.maps.google.com/ (Find parts of the legacy they’ve inherited Batchelor in the N.T., then scroll to from earlier 87 Squadron days. They the east) (look for the Mossie and were given an escorted tour around Beaufighter silhouettes) the airstrip, the cricket pitch and VP For more information about 87 Day Victory Bonfire sites and then Squadron’s previous life see David the former 87 Squadron campsite. Vincent’s excellent book ‘Mosquito Here they were shown the former Monograph’ CO’s tent and office sites, the QM’s store and Photographic Section darkroom as well as a more general overview.

Richard Luxton Coomalie Farm N.T.

Last Bulletins Quiz Answer

In the last issue of Aussie Mossie, we asked you to identify the small, brass, cylindrical object at the front of the navigator's table in the nose of A52-600. The winner has been notified, and the cloth badge is on its way.

Answer: It's a hand-operated pump which squirts a quantity of ethylene glycol de-icing fluid over the outside of the optically flat pane of glass in the nose bubble, to help the navigator/bomb aimer see the target.

TRB

A guest sees more in an hour than the host in a year - Polish proverb

THE AUSSIE MOSSIE / AUGUST 2006 / 13

What does the Future hold for Point Cook ?

This was the question on many dev-  oversee the development of About a fortnight ago all the civilian otees of the RAAF Museum and a National Aviation Museum at aviation tenants on the historic WW1 RAAF Base Williams some three to Point Cook; Southern Tarmac were given 30 five years ago. The concern was days to vacate their Hangars by the then, that the base may be partially  preserve the heritage build- Defence Department. or fully sold off to the encroaching ings; land developers and that air opera-  ensure the local community No alternative accommodation was tions would be severely curtailed if and veterans’ organisations offered either temporarily or perma- not stopped as a consequence. are consulted. nently and no plans or proposals for the tenants to re-occupy the Hang- The Parliamentary Secretary to ars at a later date has been suggest- Our minds were put to rest in Febru- the Minister for Defence said the ed. ary 2004 with this following an- Government had decided not to nouncement (refer MAAA Bulletin proceed with the sale of Point no. 39 for the full transcript): Cook, following the need to sup- A number of the Bellman Hangars

port the RAAF College operations being vacated are rumoured to be “Point Cook will be retained in until its relocation and representa- targeted for demolition. public ownership with the airfield tions made by the veterans com- and majority of the land being munity and aviation enthusiasts.” leased for 49 years to a not-for- In Section 2.8 of the Constitution of profit National Aviation Museum The Trust has subsequently been the Mosquito Aircraft Association of Trust, the Parliamentary Secretary closed and the RAAF created the Australia it states that we are: to the Minister for Defence, Fran “Heritage Advisory Council” instead Bailey announced on Sunday 29th some nine months or more ago and “To be independent of any other February 2004 at the Point Cook Point Cook’s future is still undecided. organisation and to be a non- Air Pageant. political, non-sectarian Associa- The Secretary for Defence, Senator The announcement coincided with the Hon. Sandy McDonald, in a letter tion.” the 90th anniversary of the first recently stated: flight at Point Cook in a Bristol But it would be remiss of the Com- Boxkite on 1st March 1914. ”Current activities at Point Cook mittee not to mention that it is disap- will not be affected in the immedi- pointed and gravely concerned about the future of Point Cook. The National Aviation Museum ate future. Should any non- Trust will: Defence activities be considered incompatible with future Defence  manage the aviation activi- activities, then termination of ties on the site for educational, those leases/licenses would be recreational and commercial negotiated.” purposes;

Articles Anecdotes and Historical Facts

We at the Aussie Mossie bulletin Squadrons which operated in the ple, member Brian Fillery (a regular were recently taken to task for European theatre. contributor to the Bulletin) says his spending too much printers ink on 87 admiration for the aircraft was born Squadron, RAAF. But we need your help. in 1944, when as a young lad he watched and listened to the distinc- The criticism was both timely and There’s no way we could, or would tive whistling growl of a Mosquito apt, and we’ve taken it on board. want to compete with the many ex- diving down to line up a V1, the rattle Yes, A52-600 flew on 87 Squadron cellent books available on the ex- of cannons and machine guns, and strength, and yes, 87 Squadron has ploits of the “Wooden Wonder” and the subsequent flamer. recently been re-commissioned. its ground and air crews. What we ask is to hear from you about any- So what about it? Over (but not out) However we intend to devote more thing at all to do with your personal to you. space to the other two Australian- experiences of or with Mossies. based Mossie Squadrons, No 1 and Editors and staff (both of us), the No 94 Squadrons RAAF soon. We’ll Many of the olds and bolds are with “Aussie Mossie” bulletin then follow up with the RAAF and us no longer, and it’s extremely im- Australian-manned RAF Mossie portant to preserve the personal memories that remain. As one exam-

A committee is a body that keeps minutes and wastes hours - W.G.P.

THE AUSSIE MOSSIE / AUGUST 2006 / 14

Vale

It is with regret that the Association must relay the passing of two of it’s members:

BALLARD, Gordon Henry of ROCKHAMPTON, Queensland WILLIAMS, Len of HAWTHORN, Victoria

The Association’s condolences go to their families.

New Members

The Association is pleased to announce and welcome the following people who have joined us since the last Bulletin was published:

Suburbs Scale Modeling Club Inc of BOX HILL, Victoria GLENDINNING, Ian of MILL PARK, Victoria SCHNEIDER, Lorraine Ann of GEELONG, Victoria SCOTT, Richard Peter of RINGWOOD NORTH, Victoria SHAW, Fraser of TEMPLESTOWE, Victoria WRIGHT, Jennifer of SHEPPARTON, Victoria

Welcome to you all, we hope you have a long, enjoyable association and take an active interest in the restoration of A52-600.

Two Eskimos sitting in a kayak were chilly. But when they lit a fire in the craft, it sank. Which proves that you can't have your kayak and heat it! ☺ The chemist was robbed last week and a quantity of Viagra was stolen. Police say that they are looking for a gang of hardened crimi- nals. ☺ Mahatma Gandhi, as you know, walked barefoot most of the time. This produced an impressive set of calluses on his feet. He also ate very little, which made him rather frail. And with his odd diet, he suffered from bad breath. This made him a super calloused fragile mystic hexed by hali- tosis. ☺ And finally, there was the person who sent twenty different puns to his friends. He hoped that at least ten of the puns would make them laugh. No pun in ten did. This is quite pleasant laying here on my back watching the water flow by, but there are always those pesky flies ☺ (fliers?) hanging around my nose...

An intellectual is a man without a craft - an eastern saying

THE AUSSIE MOSSIE / AUGUST 2006 / 15

Member Profile—Flt Lt Don Charlwood

Date of birth: 06 September 1915 ed from Halifaxes to Lancasters and eleven books, some autobiograph- Place of birth: Melbourne, VIC he flew most of his tour of 30 opera- ical, and others - works of history. tions in the latter type of aircraft over He became Vice President of the the winter of 1942-43. In April 1943 Victorian branch of the Fellowship of Don Charlwood served in Bomber Charlwood's crew, under pilot Geoff Australian writers in 1975 and held Command during the Second World Maddern, became the first 103 the position for 15 years. He was War and later wrote several books Squadron crew to survive a tour in appointed a Member of the Order of about his experiences in the RAAF. nine months. Australia in 1992 and has contribut- He was born in Hawthorn, Victoria, ed to the Memorial's collection, hav- on 6 September 1915. Charlwood's ing been interviewed in 1989 about family moved to Frankston when he A deeply thoughtful and reflective his wartime experiences. Charlwood was eight and it was there that he man, Charlwood knew very well how lives in Warrandyte, Victoria. completed his schooling in 1931. fortunate he was to have survived his 30 operations. His later writings reveal that, of the 20 men who had Charlwood decided to be a writer qualified as navigators with him, only and, to that end, sought work on a five were still alive at the end of the newspaper, once approaching Keith war. In two of his books, No moon Murdoch, who lived nearby, at his tonight and Journeys into night, home. Offered only the distant possi- Charlwood described his own expe- bility of a job as a messenger boy, rience and chronicled the fate of his Charlwood instead found work in a friends. His vivid, moving records of local market and estate agency. those months are among the finest Shortly afterwards, in 1932, he autobiographical works on Bomber moved to Nareen in rural Victoria Command. where he found work as a farm hand and made a little extra money selling short stories. He was still working at During his training in Canada, Nareen when the Second World War Charlwood had met Nell East, a began and, in 1940, realising that primary school teacher. His intuition the war would be long, he joined the told him he would marry her. With RAAF. his tour complete, Charlwood left England for the United States and training on Liberators, but back In 1941 he sailed for Canada under problems ended his flying career. the Empire Air Training Scheme to Before returning to Australia from learn the navigators' trade. He was San Francisco, Charlwood travelled 26 years old, older than most of his to Edmonton where he did indeed fellow airmen, when he began oper- marry Nell East. They were lucky ational training in England before enough to be able to travel to Aus- being posted to 103 Squadron at tralia together. Elsham Wolds. Shortly after Charl- After the war, Charlwood worked as wood's arrival, the squadron convert- an air traffic controller and wrote

Patron: Air Vice-Marshal J.C. (Sam) Jordan AO (RAAF-Retired) President: Alan Middleton OAM +61 3 9523 9774 [email protected] Vice President: Graeme Coates +61 3 9428 2324 [email protected] Secretary/Treasurer: Bob Stevens +61 3 9800 4364 [email protected] Bulletin: Terry Burke +61 3 9598 0116 [email protected] Bob Stevens +61 3 9800 4364 [email protected] Association Archivist: David Devenish +61 3 9885 5373 [email protected] Research Consultant: Don Taylor +61 3 9733 4608 [email protected]

MAAA Mailing Address: 32 Clarke Crescent, WANTIRNA SOUTH, Victoria, Australia 3152

Articles in this Bulletin have been faithfully reproduced and credit has been given to the reference source where known. If any details are misrepresented or incorrect, please contact the Editor who will makes amends in following publications. A CD of all previous Bulletins is available from the Editor at no cost to members.

The difference between what we do and what we are capable of doing would suffice to solve most of the world's problems. THE AUSSIE MOSSIE / AUGUST 2006 / 16