An aeroplane that is always identifiable with the Point Cook Fly-Ins; CAC Mustang A68-170. For more on the Point Cook Fly-Ins see this editions feature article, “Get to the Point”.
Contents: Presidents Message
Get To The Point
Heard at the Hangar Door
From the Editorial Desk
One of my pet peeves regards the lack of research, with respect to aviation, apparent Our Committee in film, television and the media. Some years ago, Prince Edward, the Duke of Dave Prossor President Wessex, produced a television series on wartime Britain. In a sequence on the Neil Follett Vice President London Blitz he showed Japanese Mitsubishi Betty bombers. Her Majesty Allan Trower Secretary would not have been amused. Just recently, a documentary on the DeHavilland Robert Van Woerkom Treasurer Comet screened on FOXTEL also talked about the Vickers Viscount, while David Knight Membership continually showing images of a Bristol Secretary Britannia. Roland Jahne Committee We‟ve all seen films where a Douglas DC 9 Member takes off and a Boeing 727 lands which is an extremely good trick, if you can do it. Mind you; when enthusiasts do complain, they often lose the plot. On the release of Jerry Bruckhiemers film, Pearl Harbour, there was a hue and cry from the Australian Aviation Historical Society Inc. cognoscenti regarding the inaccuracy of the P.O. Box 461 paint schemes on the Mitsubishi Zeroes. Lilydale, Victoria, Australia 3140 They wore late war green camouflage A.B.N. 60 092 671 773 rather than the early war pale grey. This earth shattering little revelation ignored the Website: www.ahsa.org.au fact that the film was complete and utter Email: [email protected] rubbish, but the prattling aviation “experts” Editorial email: [email protected] weren‟t concerned with the fact that the film was trash.
The media is even worse. Recently a news report aired regarding the new Chinese jet bomber menacing the West. It was a Cold War era Soviet Tupolev Tu16 dating from the 1950‟s. This nonsense aired on a well The views expressed in this publication are respected news program. those of the authors and do not, necessarily, represent the views of the Aviation Historical All of this is, of course, a first world Society of Australia Inc. problem. In the greater scheme of things, these oversights and inaccuracies don‟t amount to a hill of beans: but it would be nice if people got it right occasionally.
Keith Gaff Dip. Mktg; Dip. Bus. Mgt; Dip. eComm; Cert 4 TAE 40110 Dave Prossor
We again held the annual December members BBQ at the Australian National Aviation Museum at Moorabbin airport. The 15 December event weather held out for us and some 25-30 members attended and enjoyed a sausage and drink in the museum‟s BBQ area. More than one member took a wander through the museum to see the new exhibits. The annual BBQ is always to great time to have a chat with fellow members without the constraints of the monthly meeting. On the subject of meetings the next members meeting will be on Wednesday 27 February. The monthly flyer will be sent around as a further reminder.
On another tack we are looking for a new secretary. Our Secretary of the last eight years, Al Trower, has announced that he will retire at the elections later this year. Therefore we are looking for another Secretary. Al tells me that he will coach the new Secretary as he or she moves into the job. Alan has done great work over those eight years and I for one have enjoyed working with him. Who would like to volunteer for this important role?
In early December it was announced that the Australian War Memorial (AWM) was to receive a $266m upgrade and expansion. The construction will be spaced over some 12 years and will include an extra 5000 square metres of exhibition space and a new storage facility. That can only be good for the AWM which even now is said to be busting at the seams. The AWM may be called a memorial but it is also a museum and as such can be considered the best in the country. The fact that the Government has seen fit to fund the long planned expansion can only be good for the AWM, for Canberra, and the country at large. Having said that one can only be disappointed that the Government has not seen fit to fund the construction of a National Aviation Museum. In today‟s big world aviation is a key element in both the civil and military sphere. Yet the Government cannot see fit to fund a national aviation museum. Two aircraft that come to mind that should be included are the Vickers Vimy and the Southern Cross of Kingsford Smith. Both are off the beaten track at their respective current locations and if left much longer will suffer from more than just time. Both South Australia and Queensland would resist any move of the aircraft but as both Governments are not looking to look after the aircraft something more needs to be done to preserve these national icons and revered historical aviation pieces from Australia‟s aviation history. A national aviation museum has been mooted in the past but nothing has come from any of the past expeditions towards a NAM. Perhaps now is the time to not just review an NAM but to actually fund it and plan an opening date. Aviation represents a very major portion of the welfare of this country, in piece and war, in the past, the present and will continue to do so in the future. We need to remember that by way of a National Aviation Museum and not just pay lip service to it.
It is unfortunate to record the passing of long time AHSA member, Bill Baker. Bill passed away on 26 October. He had been in ill health for the past few years. Bill was the editor of the journal for some years and he also was the editor of the newsletter. A long time aero historian Bill had a particular interest in the Australian Auster breed. His work and interest in aviation history is appreciated.
QANTAS HISTORY Seen in the Melbourne Herald-Sun newspaper of December 2. „Seeking relatives of Wilfred Arthur Baird, Qantas first engineer‟. Contact Colin at [email protected]
QUESTION AND ANSWERS 1. Can anyone advise the current status of Joe Palmer and Hockey Treloar? One can presume that both have passed on. If this is the case can anyone detail the date, location and cause. Both Mr Treloar and Mr Palmer have featured in Australian aviation history over the years, in particular in the period of 1950-70.
AVALON 2019 For most Avalon means just that, Avalon, but the formal name is the Australian International Airshow 2019. The AHSA Inc. (Victoria) plans to have a stand at the event, hopefully at the same location as Avalon.2017. The event is at Avalon airport 26 Feb – 03 March 2019. The stand is well located in amongst the organisations area. It is a great place for members to get out of the sun, meet other members and in particular interstate members and maybe even leave „stuff‟ for a short time. We can also hope to sign up a few new members at the event, after all Avalon is an enthusiast‟s focal point.
AIRCRAFT DISAPPEARANCE. There have been several disappearances of light aircraft over Bass Strait over the last 40 years or so. Several Cessna 172‟s in the west side of Victoria, a Fiji, a Partenavia P68 and of course the mysterious disappearance of the Cessna 182 of Fred Valentich on October 21, 1978. Valentich took off from Moorabbin bound for King Island. He did not get there and reported on the radio that he was being followed by a mysterious unidentified aircraft. His aircraft disappeared and no wreckage was ever found. From then to now the commentators have speculated as to what did happen that fateful day. Did he get swept up by the mysterious other „aircraft‟, did he have a mechanical event in his aircraft or did he just commit suicide. We will never know. The questions as to his fate will remain unanswered just like that fate of Earhart and Kingsford-Smith and MH370.
SIGN UP A NEW MEMBER As an organisation the AHSA has a slow trickle of members coming and going. Over the past year we have had a few members, unfortunately, pass on. Bill Baker is one who instantly comes to mind. Bill was a long time members of the AHSA and a founding members of the Antique Aeroplane Association of Australia. We have had a few members not renew their membership, sometimes for reasons never disclosed, perhaps again due to their passing. All this means that as an organisation we need to constantly keep thinking about signing up new members. New members who have an interest in Australian aviation history and perhaps have an interest in contributing to the recording of it, be it civil or military history. As members of the AHSA it is to our long term benefit that we sign up new members to both further our work and to expand on our recordind of Australian aviation history. You can assist here by looking to sign up a new member. Do it!
NEW BOOKS New aviation books constantly appear. It is amazing how two people can run parallel doing the same thing. That applies to book writers. Hot on the tail of the Peter Fitzsimons book Charles Kingsford Smith and Those Magnificent Men comes a book entitled: King of the Air: The Turbulent Life of Charles Kingsford Smith. The author is Ann Blainey. Published by Black Inc. 377pp and the RRP is $49.99.
44 Days. By Michael Veitch. Hachette Australia.330pp. $39RRP. Some photos. This well researched publication covers the battle by 75 Squadron as it sought to protect Port Moresby from a Japanese invasion during the period March and April 1942. The squadron had barely been allocated Curtiss P40 fighters when they were throw into combat. They battled with the enemy at tremendous cost. Buy the book to read the detail.
Another book of interest is Fly! By Richard De Crespigny, the author of the book QF32, the story of the ill fated A380 flight that took off from Singapore only to have a catastrophic engine failure. They were fortunate to have good management in the cockpit to get the aircraft back on the ground in one piece. In his new book De Crespigny expands on the life lessons of what happened in QF32. From Viking, an imprint of Penguin. 290PP. Price unknown. Not historical but of interest and follow-on from the book, QF32.
Remember them. A recording of the tragic RAAF accidents in Gippsland during WWII. The author is Tony Clark. By Beaufort Publications 298pp. Price unknown. Many B&W photos. The book records the many accidents that occurred in Gippsland involving RAAF aircrew. Many of the accidents were in Beaufort bombers but other types abound. The accidents were both operational and in training. Tony has done magnificent work to record this slice of history that many are aware of but had no detailed knowledge of. This book will not be a best seller in the book shop of Air Britain but from a local perspective it is a valuable record of those dark days of WWII and the events that took place but yet little is known about.
Kangaroo Squadron by Bruce Gamble. Da Capo Press. 400pp. $39 RRP. This book is about Americans flying B-17 bombers in their fight against the Japanese in S-E Asia during WWII. It is not about Australian aircrew flying Australian aircraft but it is strongly connected to Australia. The Americans were based out of Australia and there are many connections to Australia through out the book. It is a book for those with an interest in AmericanB-17 operations in a WWII theatre other than Europe or the Middle East.
Journal Back Issues; Neil Follett has quite a few iournal back issues available to members. If you have any holes in your collection get in touch with Neil.
Keith Gaff
These days, attendance at an airshow, almost involves the taking out of a second mortgage and once on the airfield you are tightly controlled and contained. About a lifetime ago, there were the Point Cook Fly Ins. Long gone and much lamented, they were a highlight on the aviation calendar. They were casual and informal and best of all; they were free.
The sight that greeted all visitors to RAAF Point Cook, for many years, was DeHavilland Vampire A79-175. This Vampire arrived at Point Cook in 1971 and was put on a pole where it remained for some years. It was eventually swapped for Mustang parts and has been privately owned ever since. The aircraft is stored, dismantled and in several locations around New South Wales. Republic Seabee VH-KNA, one of 3 to appear on the Australian civil register. This photo was taken in 1975. The aircraft still exists. It was last recorded at Tyabb and was owned by Mr. Les Coleman a member of ANAM. I believe that it has since changed hands.
CAC Sabre A94-910 was part of the RAAF Museum collection for many years until it was sent to RAAF Base Wagga as an instructional airframe. The aircraft is now on display at the Australian National Aviation Museum at Moorabbin. Sikorsky S51 A80-374 served with the RAAF until 1964, when it was retired to become an instructional airframe at RAAF Wagga. Many years ago the, then, Director of the RAAF Museum, W/O Bob Gould told me how he had found the S51 sitting in a hangar, disassembled in crates. He had it assembled and put on display at the museum where it remains today.
Stinson L5 Sentinel VH-BFR photographed at Point Cook in 1976. I have it listed as the property of Malcolm Long although records show that he did not take possession until April 1977 I rather liked this civil scheme. The Stinson was later painted in a military scheme. Here‟s a pretty girl; Stampe SV4B VH-WEF. I took this photo in 1976 soon after the aircraft arrived in Australia. The Stampe & Vertongen SV4B is sometimes referred to as the Belgian Tiger Moth. This aircraft still exists.
The appearance of Malcolm Long‟s Lockheed Hudsons at Point Cook caused quite a stir. I remember Corporal Colin Bradmore, the, then, Curator of the RAAF Museum, painting the nose art on this aircraft. Formerly A16-105, this aircraft flew with Adastra Aerial Surveys before being purchased by Malcolm Long. It ended up in the collection of the Australian War Memorial and is currently displayed in the terminal at Canberra Airport. DeHavilland Moth Minor VH-AIB at Point Cook around 1978. The aircraft belonged to Nelson Wilson at the time and had been rebuilt from a wreck. The aircraft still exists and still flies today.
Photo; Roland Jahne
One of the regulars at Point Cook Fly-Ins was Wirraway A20-649 whish often did a high speed taxi down the runway in the hands of Squadron Leader Kevin Duffy. The aircraft is now with Kermit Weeks in America and is, reportedly, about to be restored to airworthy. The Moorabbin Air Museums Wirraway A20-10 at Point Cook in the late 1960‟s. In those days the museum used A20-10 as it‟s mobile display and it was hauled all over the countryside promoting the museum.
One of the most attractive Chipmunks I have ever seen. I believe this aircraft was imported from Hong Kong in the 1970‟s but I know nothing else. I wonder if it‟s still around today ?. One of the more unusual aircraft to appear at Point Cook was Messers chmitt Me163B AM222. This aircraft was operated by JG400 and was captured at Husum and given the Air Ministry Number AM222. The aircraft was not flown and spent 10 years in England with various RAF Maintenance Units before being sent to the Australian War Memorial. It was stored at the RAAF Museum for a number of years.
A sight never to be seen again: on occasion the airlines would participate in a Point Cook Fly-In. This ANSETT Fokker Friendship is seen passing low over the field. At the time this was pretty mundane stuff” today it would create a sensation. Lockheed 12, VH-ASV photographed in 1977. This aircraft was formerly VH-ABH and was operated by Associated Airlines for the purpose of flying company executives of B.H.P. As such it was named “Silver City”.
As noted previously, the Beech 18‟s of Flinders Island Airways turned up everywhere. Beech 18 VH-FID looked resplendent in the Point Cook sunshine. It was one of several imported into Australia in 1961 to replace the company‟s AVRO Ansons. It was last recorded in Western Australia and is believed to be still airworthy. Although Wirraway A20-653 is a familiar sight today: when I took this photo it was a very big deal. The aircraft had first flown, only a short time earlier, under the ground breaking ANR108A which permitted ex military aircraft to be placed on the civil register.
The other German often seen at Fly Ins was Messerschmitt Me262A-2a, AM81. This aircraft had been flown by II/KG51 and was surrendered at Fassburg. This aircraft was given the captured serial AM81 and flown for evaluation purposes by the British before being crated and shipped to Australia for the Australian War Memorial. This Me262 was also stored at Point Cook for some years.. Stinson L5 Sentinel, VH-BFR seen around 1978. It was still owned by Malcolm Long at this point. Malcolm decided to paint the Stinson in a military scheme which looked good; but I have to admit I preferred the civil scheme.
CAC Wackett Trainer A3-22 spent more than 10 years at the RAAF Museum on loan from the Moorabbin Air Museum, after it had been cosmetically restored for the 40th Anniversary of CAC in 1976. It is now in the early stages of a complete restoration at Moorabbin. I photographed this lurking in a corner during a Point Cook Fly-In. Winjeel A85-443 was the only one finished in the orange and white scheme more commonly associated with the Macchi MB326H. It was known as the “Fanta Can” scheme and the aircraft was dubbed “Fancy Nancy” after the character then featured in Fanta soft drink advertisements.
Undoubtedly one of the classiest aircraft ever to turn up at Point Cook; Ryan STM VH-AGW. This Ryan served with the Dutch Navy and came to Australia early in the Pacific War. It served with the RAAF as A50-22. The aircraft still exists and currently flies in its wartime Dutch markings. Another Moorabbon Air Museum aircraft that spent time on loan at Point Cook was Percival Proctor VH-AUC finished in a, none too accurate, paint scheme. The Proctor went to Moorabbin after the main display hangar was opened in 1989.
Fairchild 24 Argus VH-ALF was supplied to the Royal Air Force under Lend Lease during 1942. It came to Australia in 1951, I took this photo in 1977 The aircraft still exists and I believe it‟s still flying. Given its history it is highly unlikely that it was ever finished in American markings DeHavilland Vampire T.35 A79-636. This Vampire led a nondescript military career before it became an instructional airframe. It joined the RAAF Museum in 1970 and was eventually restored to fly.in 1988. It was grounded when the wings reached the end of their fatigue life. The aircraft is now in store at Point Cook.
Photo; Nigel Pittaway
Looking a little incongruous at Point Cook was the Moorabbin Air Museum‟s Fairey Firefly WD827. The Firefly had been stored at Point Cook for some years until 1988 when Moorabin‟s hangar was built, It was regularly rolled out at various Fly-Ins. A number of members got this one. It‟s a North American P 64; one of six originally built for the Royal Thai Air Force. They were not delivered due to the 1940 Thai/Franco War and they served with the USAAC as trainers. This is the only surviving example.
Are we feeling lucky? Have a go at identifying this little beast visiting Moorabbin Airport many years ago. If you think you know, contact me at [email protected] Try explaining this to your insurance company !!!!!
Member Roger McDonald sent in this photo of a Lockheed P3C Orion landing at Lismore, prior to being road transported to the Evans Head Museum.. The RAAF has been giving Orions away, but I have to wonder if this will end well. I feel an editorial coming on..
For a future Aviation Heritage article on the 1936 Brisbane to Adelaide Air Race I am trying to source photos of the following aircraft showing their race number on the tail. Registration Type Race Number VH-UGM DH.60 4 VH-UMU DH.60 6 VH-UTA Klemm 7 Registration Type Race Number
VH-UAL DH.60 10 VH-UUN BA Swallow 16 VH-UIQ DH.60 18 VH-URL DH.60 21 VH-UPR Desoutter 28 VH-UUD DH.87 32 VH-UVE Klemm 32 33 VH-UVF DH.85 36 VH-UVD DH.85 38 VH-UUG DH.85 41
May I ask all member to have a look in their vast photo or negative collection to search for images of the above elusive aircraft? They can be emailed to the editor at: [email protected] If you don‟t have the facilities to scan any image, I‟m sure one of your AHSA colleagues can assist.
Recently the AHSA attended the Lilydale Airshow and while the weather was not promising, it did not deter some 6000 people from attending. We signed up 3 new members on the day. A hearty well done to Roland Jahne, Al Trower and John McCulloch who set up and manned (personed?) the display.
16 February. Aerojumble. Australian National Aviation Museum, Moorabbin airport. 26 Feb-3 March. Avalon International Airshow. 22-24 March the Antique Aeroplane Association of Australia will hold its annual Fly-in gathering at Echuca, Victoria. 13-14 April. Temora.The March airshow has been canceled. 4-5 May The annual Clunes book festival will be held at Clunes, Victoria. Maybe a time to see if the special books you are seeking is there for sale. 8-10 June Australian Model Expo 2019, Australia‟s largest plastic scale model competition and exhibition held ar Sandowne Racecourse. The AHSA will be attending. Michael Veitch was our guest speaker for our 2018 presentation. Michael is an Australian author, actor and broadcaster, best known for his roles on the sketch comedy television shows, The D-Generation, Fast Forward and Full Frontal, as well as for his books on World War II aviation, marine science and travel. His talk centred on his latest book, “44 Days”, the story of 75 squadron RAAF fight against the Japanese over Port Moresby during the early stages of WW Two. He demonstrated all of his talents during his very entertaining talk and many members and visitors left with a signed copy of his books.
KNOWN AUSTRALIAN AERO CLUB AVIATOR CER- TIFICATES NUMBER NAME COURSE 21 DUIGAN, John CFS 3rd Course 34 CAREY, Graham Ballarat Flying School 42 BURGESS, Vernon NSWAS 1st Course 44 GREGORY, Augustus NSWAS 1st Course John Willis has been working 45 WEINGARTH, Jack Henry NSWAS 1st Course on a pet project to identify 46 WILLIAMS, David NSWAS 1st Course the recipients of the 172 or st so Aviation Certificates 47 POTTS, Garnsey NSWAS 1 Course issued by the Australian Aero 57 LE GRICE, Alfred Charles - NSWAS 2nd Course Club between 1914 and 60 ROYLE, Raynes Charles - NSWAS 2nd Course 1918. The original records no 64 WATTS, Montague Arthur NSWAS 2nd Course
longer exist and so far John rd has come up with the table at 82 BARGWANNA, Augustus NSWAS 3 Course right. John hopes that AHSA 90 Cole, Lewis George NSWAS 3rd Course members might be able to fill 96 Crews, Herbert James NSWAS 3rd Course in some of the gaps.If you 100 HOWARD, Henry Parkes CFS 9th Course can help John email him at 131 HOLMES, Arnold William CFS 10th Course [email protected],au 135 WINNALL, Whitford Holmes CFS 10th Course 141 EDWARDS, Alwyn James NSWAS 5th Course 142 LANE, Howard Manton NSWAS 5th Course 149 BETHEL, Arthur George NSWAS 5th Course 160 BUZACOTT, Alan Ernest NSWAS 6th Course 168 SPANSWICK, Noel Hubert NSWAS 6th Course 171 AULD, Michael CFS 11th Course Note: No.69 may have been issued to John Rutherford Gordon, a member of the CFS 7th Course, but is not confirmed.