DOCSLIB.ORG

No. 2 Operational Conversion Unit RAAF

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
No. 2 Operational Conversion Unit RAAF Article Talk Read Edit View history Search Wikipedia No. 2 Operational Conversion Unit RAAF From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia No. 2 Operational Conversion Unit (No. 2 OCU) is a fighter training unit of the Main page No. 2 Operational Conversion Unit RAAF Contents Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). Located at RAAF Base Williamtown, New South Featured content Wales, the unit trains pilots to operate the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet, Current events conducts refresher courses for pilots returning to the type, and trains future Hornet Random article instructors. Pilots new to the Hornet enter No. 2 OCU after first qualifying to fly fast Donate to Wikipedia jets at No. 79 Squadron and undertaking initial fighter combat instruction at No. 76 Wikipedia store Squadron. Once qualified on the F/A-18, they are posted to one of No. 81 Wing's Interaction operational Hornet units, No. 3 Squadron, No. 75 Squadron or No. 77 Squadron. Help The unit was established as No. 2 (Fighter) Operational Training Unit (No. 2 OTU) in About Wikipedia April 1942 at Port Pirie, South Australia, and relocated to RAAF Station Mildura, Community portal No. 2 OCU's crest Victoria, the following month. During World War II, it provided training on a wide Recent changes Active 1942–47 Contact page range of aircraft, including P-40 Kittyhawks, Vultee Vengeances, Avro Ansons, CAC 1952–current Boomerangs, Supermarine Spitfires and Airspeed Oxfords. Disbanded in March Country Australia Tools 1947, No. 2 OTU was re-formed at Williamtown in March 1952 in response to the Branch Royal Australian Air Force What links here demand for more highly trained pilots to serve in the Korean War. It was renamed Role Operational conversion Related changes No. 2 (Fighter) Operational Conversion Unit in September 1958, and since then has Refresher courses Upload file conducted training with the CAC Sabre, Dassault Mirage III, and Macchi MB-326, Fighter combat instruction Special pages Permanent link prior to taking delivery of the Hornet. Part of No. 81 Wing Page information Garrison/HQ RAAF Base Williamtown Wikidata item Contents [hide] Motto(s) Juventus Non Sine Pinnis Cite this page 1 Role and equipment ("The Young Shall Have Wings") 2 History Commanders Print/export Create PDF in your applications with the Pdfcrowd HTML to PDF API PDFCROWD Create a book 2.1 Operational training: 1942–47 Notable Peter Jeffrey (1942–43, 1944–46) Download as PDF 2.2 Operational training: 1952–58 commanders Wilfred Arthur (1944) Dick Cresswell (1953–56) Printable version 2.3 Operational conversion: 1958–current Neville McNamara (1959–61) 3 See also In other projects Aircraft flown 4 Notes Wikimedia Commons Fighter F/A-18 Hornet 5 References Languages Español Norsk Role and equipment [ edit ] Português The role of No. 2 Operational Conversion Unit (No. 2 OCU) is to "support the Edit links preparation for and the conduct of effective airspace control, counter air strike and combat air support operations through the provision of trained personnel".[1] Located at RAAF Base Williamtown, New South Wales, it comes under the control of No. 81 Wing, part of Air Combat Group.[1][2] No. 2 OCU is primarily responsible for conducting operational conversion courses on the RAAF's McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet multi-role fighter, which entered service in 1985. The unit takes students who have converted to fast jets with No. 79 Squadron, located at RAAF Base Pearce, Western Australia, and undergone lead-in fighter training at No. 76 Squadron, based at Williamtown.[1][3] Most are new to operational flying, but some are "retreads" (experienced pilots converting from another aircraft type).[4] No. 2 OCU's instructors are among the RAAF's most experienced Hornet pilots, and often play a major role developing new tactics, in co-operation with fighter combat instructors at other No. 81 Wing units.[5] RAAF F/A-18 Hornets in formation, 2011 No. 2 OCU operates both single-seat F/A-18A Hornets and two-seat F/A-18Bs.[6] The F/A-18B is largely identical to the A model aside from its dual cockpit, which reduces internal fuel capacity by about six per cent.[7] Aircraft livery includes a yellow-and-black tail fin flash, the base featuring a yellow tiger's head outlined in black, with a red mouth, white fangs and white eyes.[8] The unit crest shows a winged kangaroo carrying a joey in its pouch, symbolising "'Mother Australia' flying with her young".[9] The motto is Juventus Non Sine Pinnis ("The Young Shall Have Wings").[10] Create PDF in your applications with the Pdfcrowd HTML to PDF API PDFCROWD Hornet conversion courses run for six months, after which graduates are posted to one of the RAAF's front-line fighter units, No. 3 Squadron or No. 77 Squadron at Williamtown, or No. 75 Squadron at RAAF Base Tindal, Northern Territory.[6][11] Students must first gain their instrument rating on the Hornet, and are then taught basic fighter manoeuvres, air combat techniques, air-to-air gunnery, and air-to- ground tactics.[4][5] The course culminates with Exercise High Sierra, a biannual event that was first run at Townsville, Queensland, in 1986.[5][10] The exercise lasts several weeks and involves day and night flights, including precision strike sorties with practice and live bombs.[11][12] As well as operational conversion, No. 2 OCU conducts refresher courses and fighter combat instructor courses on the Hornet.[1] Pilots who have not flown Hornets for more than nine months undertake the two-week refresher course.[13] Fighter combat instructor courses run for five months and are given every two years.[1][14] Students are chosen from among the most experienced Hornet squadron pilots and undergo instruction in how to train others, as well as how to deal with complex operational scenarios.[4] This is tested in simulated combat with other types of US or RAAF aircraft, as available, including F-15 Eagles, F-16 Fighting Falcons, and F/A-18 Super Hornets.[4][14] Graduates become qualified F/A-18 instructors and initially remain with No. 2 OCU for the next two-year cycle. After this time, they are posted to one of the front-line squadrons or No. 81 Wing's headquarters as Hornet weapons-and-tactics specialists.[5] Along with training pilots, No. 2 OCU may be called upon to conduct operational tasks in "particular circumstances".[15] History [ edit ] Operational training: 1942–47 [ edit ] During World War II, the RAAF established several operational training units (OTUs) to convert recently graduated pilots from advanced trainers to combat aircraft, and to add fighting techniques to the flying skills they had already learned.[16] No. 2 (Fighter) Operational Training Unit (No. 2 OTU) was formed on 2 April 1942 at Port Pirie, South Australia. Its inaugural commanding officer was Wing Commander Peter Jeffrey, a fighter ace who had led No. 3 Squadron in North Africa.[10][17] Jeffrey had recently brought on line Nos. 75 and 76 Squadrons, two of the first three fighter units raised to help defend northern Australia as the Japanese advanced toward New Guinea.[17][18] His team of instructors at No. 2 OTU included fellow aces from the North African campaign, Clive Caldwell and Wilf Arthur.[19] Originally equipped with CAC Wirraways and Fairey Battles, the unit's complement was augmented by P-40 Kittyhawks, Vultee Wing Commander Jeffrey (front) leading a flight of P-40 Kittyhawk fighters, including one Vengeances, Avro Ansons, CAC Boomerangs, Supermarine Spitfires and Airspeed Create PDF in your applications with the Pdfcrowd HTML to PDF API PDFCROWD Oxfords after it relocated to RAAF Station Mildura, Victoria, in May.[10] By September flown by Squadron Leader "Bluey" Truscott (second from rear), at No. 2 OTU, Mildura, in June 1942, its fleet of aircraft included nine of the 106 Kittyhawks the RAAF had on hand at 1942 the time.[20] During November, No. 2 OTU conducted comparative trials that pitted a Spitfire Mk V against a P-40E; the final report of these trials judged that although the Spitfire had superior performance according to most criteria, the P-40E was also a useful design.[21] No. 2 OTU's Spitfire section was transferred to RAAF Station Williamtown, New South Wales, in March 1943, under the command of ace John Waddy.[10][22] Jeffrey handed over command of No. 2 OTU at Mildura in August 1943; the same month, the unit logged over 5,000 flying hours, its highest level during the war. For the remainder of the conflict it maintained an average strength of more than 100 aircraft.[10] North African campaign aces and former No. 3 Squadron commanders Bobby Gibbes and Nicky Barr served successively as chief flying instructor from March 1944 until the end of the Pacific War.[23][24] Group Captain Arthur led the unit from July to November 1944, when Group Captain Jeffrey resumed command.[10] During 1945, the Spitfires and Kittyhawks were replaced by 32 North American P-51 Mustangs.[25] Training concluded that October, following the cessation of hostilities, and No. 2 OTU was reduced to a care-and- maintenance unit.[1][10] During the war, it had graduated 1,247 pilots, losing 45 students in fatal accidents.[10] Jeffrey completed his appointment in June 1946, and the unit was disbanded on 25 March 1947.[10][26] Operational training: 1952–58 [ edit ] Post-war demobilisation saw the disbandment of all the RAAF's OTUs.[10][16] Operational conversion of new pilots then became the responsibility of front-line squadrons. This practice disrupted the squadrons' normal duties, and the advent of the Korean War and the introduction of jet aircraft further necessitated a more formal system of operational training.[16] According to Dick Cresswell, commanding officer of No.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Wilfred Stanley Arthur As a Wing Commander, 75 Squadron RAAF, Interviewed by Edward Stokes for the Keith Murdoch Sound Archive of Australia in the War of 1939-45
    TRANSCRIPT OF ORAL HISTORY RECORDING Accession number S00731 Title (565) Arthur, Wilfred Stanley (Wing Commander) Interviewer Stokes, Edward Place made Not stated Date made 11 August 1989 Description Wilfred Stanley Arthur as a wing commander, 75 Squadron RAAF, interviewed by Edward Stokes for The Keith Murdoch Sound Archive of Australia in the War of 1939-45. WILFRED ARTHUR Page 2 of 62 Disclaimer The Australian War Memorial is not responsible either for the accuracy of matters discussed or opinions expressed by speakers, which are for the reader to judge. Transcript methodology Please note that the printed word can never fully convey all the meaning of speech, and may lead to misinterpretation. Readers concerned with the expressive elements of speech should refer to the audio record. It is strongly recommended that readers listen to the sound recording whilst reading the transcript, at least in part, or for critical sections. Readers of this transcript of interview should bear in mind that it is a verbatim transcript of the spoken word and reflects the informal conversational style that is inherent in oral records. Unless indicated, the names of places and people are as spoken, regardless of whether this is formally correct or not – e.g. ‘world war two’ (as spoken) would not be changed in transcription to ‘second world war’ (the official conflict term). A few changes or additions may be made by the transcriber or proof-reader. Such changes are usually indicated by square brackets, thus: [ ] to clearly indicate a difference between the sound record and the transcript. Three dots (…) or a double dash (- -) indicate an unfinished sentence.
    [Show full text]
  • + Birdwood Bugle
    BirdwoodBIRDWOOD Bugle Autumn 2020 BUGLE + The quarterly newsletter of the City of Geraldton RSL Sub Branch, Birdwood House, 46 Chapman Road Geraldton WA PO Box 1243, Geraldton WA 6531 http://geraldtonrsl.org.au Tel. (08) 9964 1520 Secretary: [email protected] Autumn 2020 Information: [email protected] Birdwood Museum [email protected] Committee Meetings EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE General Meeting 1700 hrs th th 24 May Monday 9 March Time:-1030 hrs President: th Monday 13 April Sausage Sizzle, Fellowship Barry Stinson ……..... 0408 222 653 th Monday 11 May afterwards Monday 8th June Vice President: Ken Morris.....................0427 010 548 Secretary: April Herbert.…….........0439 883 777 Treasurer: Vacant Committee: Ken Lawson ….... ........0417 998 315 Norm Chant.......................9923 1602 Colin Strachan..............0427 081 358 FRIDAY Lesley Moyle.....................9938 2619 * BAR HOURS BBQ NIGHTS free transport! Bar Manager: Thursday 1100 -1400 March 13th (curry), 27th Paul Nevill....................0427 418 003 rd th Friday 1700 - late April 3 (Italian), 17 th nd Public Relations Officer: May, 8 , 22 th th Ken Morris....................0427 010 548 Sunday 1200 -1500 June 5 , 19 Welfare Officer: * PLEASE NOTE: It is at the discretion of the Bar person on Glenn Law.....................0427 442 504 duty at the time if s/he remains open beyond the nominated closing times. Membership Officer: Mike Marsh ....................0458 806 311 Warden Dates to Remember Ross Davies....................0458 299 892 Opening of Northampton RSL Hall 11th March 3pm Member RSLWA Board of Directors ANZAC Day 25th April Ken Morris …..................0427 010 548 th Birdwood Military Museum State Congress 13 June President Barry Stinson ………....
    [Show full text]
  • Downloadable Content the Supermarine
    AIRFRAME & MINIATURE No.12 The Supermarine Spitfire Part 1 (Merlin-powered) including the Seafire Downloadable Content v1.0 August 2018 II Airframe & Miniature No.12 Spitfire – Foreign Service Foreign Service Depot, where it was scrapped around 1968. One other Spitfire went to Argentina, that being PR Mk XI PL972, which was sold back to Vickers Argentina in March 1947, fitted with three F.24 cameras with The only official interest in the Spitfire from the 8in focal length lens, a 170Imp. Gal ventral tank Argentine Air Force (Fuerca Aerea Argentina) was and two wing tanks. In this form it was bought by an attempt to buy two-seat T Mk 9s in the 1950s, James and Jack Storey Aerial Photography Com- PR Mk XI, LV-NMZ with but in the end they went ahead and bought Fiat pany and taken by James Storey (an ex-RAF Flt Lt) a 170Imp. Gal. slipper G.55Bs instead. F Mk IXc BS116 was allocated to on the 15th April 1947. After being issued with tank installed, it also had the Fuerca Aerea Argentina, but this allocation was the CofA it was flown to Argentina via London, additional fuel in the cancelled and the airframe scrapped by the RAF Gibraltar, Dakar, Brazil, Rio de Janeiro, Montevi- wings and fuselage before it was ever sent. deo and finally Buenos Aires, arriving at Morón airport on the 7th May 1947 (the exhausts had burnt out en route and were replaced with those taken from JF275). Storey hoped to gain an aerial mapping contract from the Argentine Government but on arrival was told that his ‘contract’ was not recognised and that his services were not required.
    [Show full text]
  • 30-10-2019 Réception Des Deux Premiers ATL2 « Standard 6
    30-10-2019 Réception des deux premiers ATL2 « standard 6 » par la Marine nationale 2019 - 10 - 29 - www.dassault-aviation.com La base aéronavale de Lann-Bihoué a chantier de modernisation de 11 avions. reçu cet été les deux premiers avions de Le standard 6 comprend notamment : un patrouille maritime (PATMAR) ATL2 nouveau radar : le Search Master à modernisés par Dassault Aviation. La antenne active de Thales, un nouveau semaine passée, Madame Florence sous-système acoustique de Thales, Parly, ministre des Armées, a effectué un permettant de recueillir et traiter les vol à bord de l’un de ces appareils. Ces signaux émis par les bouées acoustiques deux événements témoignent du bon de dernière génération larguées par déroulement du programme de l’avion pour détecter les sous-marins, modernisation qui a pour but de porter le une nouvelle console de navigation système de combat de l’ATL2 au conçue par Dassault Aviation, des standard 6. nouvelles consoles pour le sous-système de visualisation tactique, développées Ce programme a été notifié par la DGA le par le SIAé. 4 octobre 2013. Il concernera en tout 18 appareils. Dassault Aviation livrera cinq Cette modernisation est réalisée par autres ATL2 rénovés sur 2020-2023. Dassault Aviation et Thales (co- Parallèlement, le SIAé assurera le traitants),... Lire la suite APPELS D’OFFRES Indigenous development of aircraft spares 2019 - 10 - 29 - eprocure.gov.in Ref: 5BRD/6251/23/ISC(T) Organisme: DRDO Date limite: 20.11.2019 Contact: WG CDR S RAGHAVENDRAN Lire la suite Procurement of spares for Mi-17
    [Show full text]
  • Of the 90 YEARS of the RAAF
    90 YEARS OF THE RAAF - A SNAPSHOT HISTORY 90 YEARS RAAF A SNAPSHOTof theHISTORY 90 YEARS RAAF A SNAPSHOTof theHISTORY © Commonwealth of Australia 2011 This work is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced by any process without prior written permission. Inquiries should be made to the publisher. Disclaimer The views expressed in this work are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of Defence, the Royal Australian Air Force or the Government of Australia, or of any other authority referred to in the text. The Commonwealth of Australia will not be legally responsible in contract, tort or otherwise, for any statements made in this document. Release This document is approved for public release. Portions of this document may be quoted or reproduced without permission, provided a standard source credit is included. National Library of Australia Cataloguing-in-Publication entry 90 years of the RAAF : a snapshot history / Royal Australian Air Force, Office of Air Force History ; edited by Chris Clark (RAAF Historian). 9781920800567 (pbk.) Australia. Royal Australian Air Force.--History. Air forces--Australia--History. Clark, Chris. Australia. Royal Australian Air Force. Office of Air Force History. Australia. Royal Australian Air Force. Air Power Development Centre. 358.400994 Design and layout by: Owen Gibbons DPSAUG031-11 Published and distributed by: Air Power Development Centre TCC-3, Department of Defence PO Box 7935 CANBERRA BC ACT 2610 AUSTRALIA Telephone: + 61 2 6266 1355 Facsimile: + 61 2 6266 1041 Email: [email protected] Website: www.airforce.gov.au/airpower Chief of Air Force Foreword Throughout 2011, the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has been commemorating the 90th anniversary of its establishment on 31 March 1921.
    [Show full text]
  • Cancer Incidence Study 2003
    Cancer incidence study 2003 Australian veterans of the Korean War October 2003 Australian Institute of Health and Welfare Canberra AIHW cat. no. PHE 48 © Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2003 This work is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced without prior written permission from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Requests and enquiries concerning reproduction and rights should be directed to the Head, Media and Publishing, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, GPO Box 570, Canberra ACT 2601. A complete list of the Institute’s publications is available from the Publications Unit, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, GPO Box 570, Canberra ACT 2601, or via the Institute’s web site (http://www.aihw.gov.au). ISBN 1 74024 317X Suggested citation Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) 2003. Cancer incidence study 2003: Australian veterans of the Korean War. AIHW Cat. No. PHE 48 Canberra: AIHW. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare Board Chair Dr Sandra Hacker Director Dr Richard Madden Any enquiries about or comments on this publication should be directed to: Mr Phil Trickett Australian Institute of Health and Welfare GPO Box 570 Canberra ACT 2601 Phone: (02) 6244 1097 Published by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare Printed by REPATRIATION COMMISSION 16 August 2003 The Hon Danna Vale MP Minister Assisting Minister of Defence and Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Parliament House CANBERRA ACT 2600 Dear Minister I have pleasure in submitting the final report of the Cancer Incidence Study of Australian Veterans of the Korean War conducted by a team from the Australian Institute of Health & Welfare, headed by Dr Paul Jelfs.
    [Show full text]
  • Aircraft Collection
    A, AIR & SPA ID SE CE MU REP SEU INT M AIRCRAFT COLLECTION From the Avenger torpedo bomber, a stalwart from Intrepid’s World War II service, to the A-12, the spy plane from the Cold War, this collection reflects some of the GREATEST ACHIEVEMENTS IN MILITARY AVIATION. Photo: Liam Marshall TABLE OF CONTENTS Bombers / Attack Fighters Multirole Helicopters Reconnaissance / Surveillance Trainers OV-101 Enterprise Concorde Aircraft Restoration Hangar Photo: Liam Marshall BOMBERS/ATTACK The basic mission of the aircraft carrier is to project the U.S. Navy’s military strength far beyond our shores. These warships are primarily deployed to deter aggression and protect American strategic interests. Should deterrence fail, the carrier’s bombers and attack aircraft engage in vital operations to support other forces. The collection includes the 1940-designed Grumman TBM Avenger of World War II. Also on display is the Douglas A-1 Skyraider, a true workhorse of the 1950s and ‘60s, as well as the Douglas A-4 Skyhawk and Grumman A-6 Intruder, stalwarts of the Vietnam War. Photo: Collection of the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum GRUMMAN / EASTERNGRUMMAN AIRCRAFT AVENGER TBM-3E GRUMMAN/EASTERN AIRCRAFT TBM-3E AVENGER TORPEDO BOMBER First flown in 1941 and introduced operationally in June 1942, the Avenger became the U.S. Navy’s standard torpedo bomber throughout World War II, with more than 9,836 constructed. Originally built as the TBF by Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation, they were affectionately nicknamed “Turkeys” for their somewhat ungainly appearance. Bomber Torpedo In 1943 Grumman was tasked to build the F6F Hellcat fighter for the Navy.
    [Show full text]
  • Geography, Power, Strategy & Defence Policy
    GEOGRAPHY, POWER, STRATEGY & DEFENCE POLICY ESSAYS IN HONOUR OF PAUL DIBB GEOGRAPHY, POWER, STRATEGY & DEFENCE POLICY ESSAYS IN HONOUR OF PAUL DIBB Edited by Desmond Ball and Sheryn Lee Published by ANU Press The Australian National University Acton ACT 2601, Australia Email: [email protected] This title is also available online at press.anu.edu.au National Library of Australia Cataloguing-in-Publication entry Title: Geography, power, strategy and defence policy : essays in honour of Paul Dibb / editors: Desmond Ball, Sheryn Lee. ISBN: 9781760460136 (paperback) 9781760460143 (ebook) Subjects: Dibb, Paul, 1939---Criticism and interpretation. Defensive (Military science) Military planning--Australia. Festschriften. Australia--Military policy. Australia--Defenses. Other Creators/Contributors: Ball, Desmond, 1947- editor. Lee, Sheryn, editor. Dewey Number: 355.033594 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publisher. Cover design and layout by ANU Press. Cover photograph: SDSC Photograph Collection. This edition © 2016 ANU Press Contents Acronyms ..............................................vii Contributors ............................................ xi Photographs and Maps ..................................xvii Introduction .............................................1 Desmond Ball and Sheryn Lee 1. Introducing Paul Dibb (1): Britain’s Loss, Australia’s Gain ......15 Allan Hawke 2. Introducing Paul Dibb (2): An Enriching Experience ...........21 Chris Barrie 3. Getting to Know Paul Dibb: An Overview of an Extraordinary Career ..................................25 Desmond Ball 4. Scholar, Spy, Passionate Realist .........................33 Geoffrey Barker 5. The Power of Geography ..............................45 Peter J. Rimmer and R. Gerard Ward 6. The Importance of Geography ..........................71 Robert Ayson 7.
    [Show full text]
  • February 2018
    February 2018 Welcome back to our regulars and a very warm welcome aboard to our new recruits. We are finding that some of our new recruits have some great stories to tell. Sincere thanks to our regular contributors, Gary Martinic, Chris Meuzelaar and Paul Rosenzweig for their continued support. You can read an article from Paul on 6 Wing activities in this edition. There are some great insights out there showing the work the AAFC Staff and Cadets are doing and it is not just the average home Squadron activities. Thanks also to our dedicated supporters of the Quiz. Without them we wouldn’t know if our magazine was getting out. We have discussed the continuation of the magazine. Is it worth continuing? We really don’t know if it is being read or if we have lost our way. We have sent out over 25 editions of the Magazine and we really need to know if it is worth the effort for a couple of people. We would welcome your comment, and/or some articles of interest. UPDATE ON AAFC ANNUAL HERITAGE WRITING COMPETITION As forecast in the November edition of the Air Cadets Alumni e-Mag, an annual Heritage Writing Competition has been organised and managed by your Alumni Committee. The competition is supported by CAF and was launched by the AAFC Commander on 18 November 2017. See the AAFC Commander’s video message here. In this inaugural year of the competition, entry is restricted to current AAFC staff and cadets and there are cash and other prizes to be won.
    [Show full text]
  • Air Forces Escape & Evasion Society
    AIR FORCES ESCAPE AND EVASION SOCIETY SUMMER 1989 COMMUNICATIONS ou hal'e receil'ed us in a magni[icent fashion. You rvanted to tnark a recogtlition tltat you orvcd a debt to 1'our Frcrtch IIclpcrs. I\ly lrusbaltd, my fatlrer, rny rnotlrer and ccrtaitt of tny good frientl.s Irar e been anl0ng tltosc. \Ye arc appreciative of your tvelcome and the tvartnth of your reccptlon, It ls your thanks for that tvhiclt tve have done for you, but it is my turtt to say, I orve a debt of thanks to vott, I endured one year of great sufferittg in a cotlcetl- trltion carnp. You cart never imagitte ltotv I suffered. On the 28th day ol'April, I9.15 the U.S. Arrny opened tlre door to our camp - Nlarkleberg, tlte rvomen's sec- tion of Raverrsbruck, For us it tvas freedorn! It rvas a route back to life! FItEEDONI! That is rvhy I orve you a big - TIIANI( YOU! I\'lrs. Yvette Sibril rt3 May 28, 1989' Pittsburgh PA. Plou ha, France EMPHTENNES S MAY 24 -- 27, 1990 Page 2 LE MESSAGE DU PRESIDENT years. I am writing this under some- I am pleased to report the reelection of the following what less than ideal conditions Directors. Jim Goebel, David Schoss and Dick Smith. ln physically, but emotionally I am addition, Gil Millar was elected to the Board. All of the on a HIGH. I am once again in above will serve for a period of three (3) years. the hands of the French under- As soml of you know, our major fund raising effort is ground.
    [Show full text]
  • Farewell Qantas
    Farewell Qantas 747 Wednesday 22 July was a sad day for many aviation enthusiasts as Qantas’ last Boeing 747-438 ER, VH-OEJ, ‘Wunala’, departed Sydney for Los Angeles and eventually to the aircraft boneyard in Victorville on the edge of the Mojave Desert, to be placed into storage. The departure was done in style though with all the fanfare and flourish befitting the ‘Queen of the Skies’! After push back, the aircraft initially performed a ‘lap of honour’ at Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport, complete with the traditional water cannon salute, before departing on Runway 16R as QF7474. The departure was followed by some low level passes over the Sydney metropolitan area before VH-OEJ turned south to the Illawarra to fly over her older sibling, VH-OJA ‘City of Canberra’ at Shellharbour airport. The departure of VH-OEJ marks the end of almost 50 years of Qantas operating Boeing 747 ‘Jumbo jet’ aircraft. The first was a Boeing 747-238, entering service with Qantas in September 1971. A total of 65 747s were operated by Qantas during the period 1971 to 2020, including almost every variant offered by Boeing. Many Qantas staff, past and present, attended HARS on the day to wave farewell to VH-OEJ and catch up with old friends from their days of flying. As VH-OEJ passed over Shellharbour airport at 1,500 feet, Captain Sharelle Quinn saluted the first Qantas 747-438: “...from the last Qantas Boeing 747, farewell to HARS and farewell to OJA,” before setting course for Los Angeles. At least that’s what everyone thought until somebody noticed on a flight tracking app, the aircraft turning back towards Port Macquarie.
    [Show full text]
  • ADF Serials Newsletter
    ADF Serials Newsletter For those interested in Australian Military Aircraft History and Serials © 2006 ___________________________________________ April 2006 In This Issue: • Website news • Presentation Spitfires in Australian Service Vers 2 – Gordon Birkett • Profile Series #1: Spitfires in Australia Vers1/06 – Gordon Birkett • Can You Help? • Feedback • New Books – Clive Caldwell Air Ace ____________________________________________________________________ Editor’s Note: Hi everyone. Another busy month with lots happening – our first Australian serviceman killed in Iraq, one miner killed and 2 rescued after 2 weeks underground. Our thoughts are with their families at this time. This month we have two offerings by Gordon B – Spitfire profiles and presentation Spitfires in Australian Service. We have details of a new book on Clive (Killer) Caldwell and as usual, Can you help and feedback sections. Until next month, Jan Website News –Image Gallery Unavailable Unfortunately, the image gallery is not available for viewing at present. The ISP is building a new web server to handle the gallery. We hope that it will be up and running shortly and apologise for any inconvenience to users. Presentation Spitfires in Australian Service Vers 2 – Gordon Birkett It was early in World War II when Lord Beaverbrook, the Minister for Wartime Production, originated the idea of the "presentation aircraft”. The idea was a morale boosting exercise for a population that was facing, almost alone, the onslaught of the German war machine in 1940. A "price list" was set out with £5,000 for a single-engine aircraft, £20,000 for a twin-engine aircraft and £40,000 for a four-engine aircraft. These did not represent the actual cost of the ADF Serials Newsletter April 2006 ….
    [Show full text]