Australia @ War

Jimmys Lookout in WWII

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Dunn) — Sat, 19 Feb 2011 09:48:00 +0000

Does anyone know anything about Jimmys Lookout in Townsville during WWII? There was apparently a small cave near the top of the hill.

I'v just created this new web page on Jimmy's Lookout.

http://www.ozatwar.com/bunkers/jimmyslookout.htm

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPod Touch

Queensland Floods December 2010 - January 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Dunn) — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 11:24:00 +0000

Please click on this link for dramatic footage of the Queensland Floods in Australia.

Please also consider donating to the Queensland Flood Relief Appeal

Antal Lanyi - Aviation Pioneer in Hungary

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Dunn) — Sun, 09 Jan 2011 11:58:00 +0000

Hello ALL,

Can anyone help me to help Ilona Harris with more information on her grandfather. See below.

Regards Peter Dunn
pdunn@st.net.au

------------------------------------------------
Hi Peter

You may recall that I met you at the Chermside library and mentioned my grandfather, Antal (or sometimes Anton) Lanyi (von Lanczendorfer), who was an aviation pioneer in Hungary. He built his own aircraft and was the first person to fly across Lake Balaton in 1911, in a Bleriot monoplane. If you are interested a google search will bring up this information. We have information about him prior to the war and especially about his flight over Lake Balaton but I am particularly trying to find out as much as I can on my family history and what happened to him post 1919, as I have little passed down to me from my parents who are both decaeased and I have no relatives that I know of, that can help me further.

I have obtained my grandfather's files from the Vienna archives from his days in the Austro Hungarian Airforce and have information on both his military career and pioneering activities before the First World War, which were kindly provided by Mr. Gabor Fekecs - an Aviation Historian living in Hungary. Unfortunately, Gabor was unable to provide much info of a personal nature on my grandfather or his immediate family.
I have undertaken some research on the family and have dicovered the name of my grandmother (Ida Spielman) but little else. In particular, I have been unable to find anything of my grandfathers activities after the war, which is probably due to the fact that he (and many others) was exiled from Hungary in 1919 due to his support for the Red Army. The last infomation I have is that in 1919, he fled, with my grandmother and father (who was a baby at the time), to somewhere in present day Slovakia (possibly Detva) and was then said to have moved to Wiener Nieustat in Austria (where he had flown as test pilot during the War). It is alleged that he died in Wiener Nieustadt in about 1936; however, I have been unable to confirm this as much of the town and its records were destroyed in WW11.

I was wondering if you may know of anyone that may have any information or contacts that may be able to help me further.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Kind regards
Ilona Harris

Eagle Farm Aviation Society Public Meeting

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Dunn) — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 06:40:00 +0000

The Eagle Farm Aviation Society EFAS is holding a General/Public Meeting at 7 pm on 10 June 2010 at BCC Chermside Library at 375 Hamilton Rd, Chermside.

Come along if you want to find out about EFAS and it's progress towards establishing an aviation museum in the original Hangar 7 at the site of the old Eagle Farm Airfield.

Hangar 7 was the location where the Allied Technical Air Intelligence Unit ATAIU rebuilt captured Japanese aircraft during WWII.

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Videos of Anzac Day 2010 in Brisbane

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Dunn) — Sun, 02 May 2010 09:23:00 +0000

I had the honour again on Anzac Day 25 April 2010 in Brisbane to march with the veterans of 460 Squadron RAAF. My late father-in-law, John Goulevitch, was a member of 460 Squadron RAAF.

I took a number of videos with my new Kodak Zi8 High Definition compact video camera.

Click here to see these videos

Rampage of the Roarin' 20's

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Dunn) — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 09:06:00 +0000

Rampage of the Roarin's 20's
The Illustrated History of the
312th Bombardment Group during World War II
Lawrence J. Hickey
Michael H. Levy
with Michael J. Claringbould

Published by International Historical Research Associates
Boulder, Colorado, USA

Rampage of the Roarin' 20's covers the history of the 312th Bomb Group's contribution to the war in the Southwest Pacific Area (SWPA) during WWII.

The 312th Bomb Group started its war effort in December 1943 with the Fifth Air Force using P-40 Warhawk dive bombers. It was not long before they converted to A-20 light attack bombers. They were involved in action in New Guinea, the Netherlands East Indies, the Philippines and Formosa and over Japan.

Many of these missions were flown in the low-level strafer attack mode, resulting in some of the most outstanding combat photos of the war. Near the end of the war, the 312th BG converted to the B-32 Dominator Very Heavy bomber. They flew their last few missions over mainland Japan.

Meticulous research in the U.S. archives woven together with information from interviews with hundreds of unit veterans has produced a definitive 416-page text that includes maps depicting the location of every mission flown and aircraft lost.

- Hardcover (large format 220mm x 285mm)
- 416 pages, 19 Chapters, 5 Appendices, and 12 maps
- Comprehensive 16 pages of Index
- Over 700 photographs including a 24 page colour section
- 32 detailed nose art reproductions
- 5 colour paintings by world-renowned aviation artist Jack Fellows
- 36 Colour Aircraft Profiles
- 312th BG Insignia and colour Patches

HOW TO ORDER:-

Visit the IHRA Web Page
to order your copy of this excellent book

ISBN: 978-0-913511-03-9
Library of Congress Control Number: 2009924370

Photographing and Filming of the Wreck of AHS Centaur

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Dunn) — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 10:12:00 +0000

The "Seahorse Spirit" left Brisbane again on Friday 8 January 2010. David Mearns and his team carried out three hours of commissioning testing of the submersible ROV Remora 3 by taking high definition footage of the wreck of the SS Kyogle at approximate position 26° 59.32’ South 153°38.58’ East at a depth of 178 metres before moving out to the site of the Centaur. This footage again confirmed that it was not the Centaur.

The "Seahorse Spirit" arrived over the Centaur at about 4:45pm on Saturday 9 January 2010. Remora 3 will make about four visits down to the Centaur. The first was a reconnaissance visit which started at 8:15pm on Saturday night, 9 January 2010. It was then intended to make three further visits to the site over the following two days.

The first photos of the hospital ship Centaur were taken at about 2:50am on the morning of Sunday 10 January 2010. The pictures confirm that Centaur is sitting on a sandy bottom at a depth of about 2059 metres and listing about 25 degrees to the port side. The Red Crosses indicating that it was a hospital ship are clearly visible in one of the first photos released. A distinctive star could also be seen on the bow along with the corroded identification number 47. It took almost 2 hours to lower Remora 3 down into position.

(AAP: Bruce Long)

The Centaur's red cross can be seen in the first
footage taken of the ship since it sank in WWII.

The pictures and footage have clearly shown the mast, anchor, guard rails and the paravane mounted on the starboard bow which was used for cutting cables on moored mines. The bow of Centaur is almost completely severed from the rest of the ship.

A problem with one of the "Seahorse Spirit's" main engines meant they had to limit the time of the first recce ROV dive. The strong seabed currents also created issues with "dust storms" created by disturbed sediment limiting camera vision on some occasions.

Visit my web page on 2/3 Hospital Ship AHS Centaur

First Flight in Australia

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Dunn) — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 10:40:00 +0000

This entry to my "Australia @ War" Blog has been provided by Gordon Clarke of ADF Serials:-

On the 5 December 2009 it was the centenary anniversary of what I believe was the first flight in Australia of an Australian designed heavier than air aircraft.

On Sunday 5th December 1909 George Taylor assembled his original designed glider on the sand dunes of Narrabeen, NSW and took off into the wind from the sea watched by some friends, helpers, locals and his wife which according to Taylor numbered over 100 people. An event reminiscent of the Wright brothers some seven years before.

George was a pupil of Lawrence Hargraves and it showed in his design of the biplane glider which sported a box tailplane directly inspired by Hargraves. Others have said the glider was inspired by a Voisin design. The reports indicate that there were made around 20 flights that day, varying in length from 100 yards (approximately 93 metres) to 250 yards (234 metres). But the firsts didn't end there. Apparently his wife Florence, also flew the glider either that day or the next and so she becomes the first Australian women aviatrix!

It makes an interesting comparison that six years ago there was a big fuss and write up about the centenary anniversary of the Wright brother first powered flight in nearly all the Australian aviation magazines/journals. However, there has been precious little in the Australian aviation press about this event. The only article that I'm aware of is one by Ian Debenham in Flightpath volume 21.1 earlier this year. Perhaps I'm too quick to criticise, as it has only been a little over a week since the anniversary, or is it that we know other countries' aviation history better than our own? I would have thought that we would be writing about the anniversary prior to (like Ian did), or around the event at least. But then again trying to determine who actually flew first is a murky area, as pointed out by Debenham in his article "Who Flew First?" Maybe we only have ourselves to blame.

So despite Taylor's historical bias in his writings, well done George and Florence on the records you both set. Some Australians recognise your achievements and perhaps others will now too.

Gordon Clarke

Airlines & Aircraft of the Ansett Group 1921 - 2002 by David Niven

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Dunn) — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 09:49:00 +0000

Airlines & Aircraft of the
Ansett Group 1921 - 2002
by Fred Niven
Edition 7 (December 2009)

This data DVD covers the history and aircraft of:-

Ansett Airways, ANSETT-ANA, Ansett Airlines of Australia, Ansett. & Ansett Australia, including Victorian Air Coach Services, Ansett International & Cook Islands International, Engineering & computer systems; A.N.A./Tasmanian Aerial Services/Holyman's Airways & Airlines of Australia & all their many predecessors, including Adelaide Airways, Air Beef, New England Airways, North Queensland Airways, Rockhampton Aerial Services & Western/West Australian Airways; Adastra Airways (airline services); Aeropelican; Aircrafts Pty. Ltd. & Queensland Airlines; Airlines of Northern Australia & Ansett N.T.; Ansett Air Freight & Ansett Australia Cargo; Ansett Flying Boat Services, Barrier Reef Airways & Trans Oceanic Airways; Butler Air Transport, Airlines of N.S.W., Ansett Airlines of N.S.W., Air New South Wales, Air N.S.W., Ansett N.S.W. & Ansett Express; Connellan Airways/Survey & Inland Transport, Connair & Northern Airlines; East-West Airlines & Eastwest, including Wollongong & South Coast Aviation Service & South Coast Airways; Guinea Airways & Airlines of South Australia, including Air Gold & Holdens Air Transport Service & a major coverage of GAL’s New Guinea operations; Hazelton; Kendell; Lloyd Aviation (airline services); MacRobertson-Miller Aviation/MMA/Commercial Aviation Co./Air Beef, Airlines (W.A.), Airlines of Western Australia; & Ansett W.A.; Mandated Airlines Ltd. (M.A.L.)/W.R. Carpenter Air Service, ANSETT-M.A.L., Ansett Airlines of Papua New; Guinea, including Gibbes Sepik Airways, Island Airways, Madang Air Charter/Services & Papuan Airways; Pacific Aviation (airline services); Patair (Papuan Air Transport/Papuan Airlines) & Stol Commuter; Skywest & Trans West & their many predecessors (including Civil Flying Services (WA)/Stillwell; Jet Charter (WA), Murchison, Noeska, Nor’West Air Taxi, Pilbara, Southern & Wittenoom Air Charter; South Pacific Airlines of N.Z. (SPANZ) & Ansett New Zealand (including Newmans Air, Ansett Newmans, Tranzair; Ansett New Zealand Regional); Southern Airlines/Goulburn Valley Air Services; and Transcorp Airways.

The DVD contains 160 files (approximately 5,700 pages - 1,700 more than in Edition 6), not including the 27 video presentations.

This Edition 7 version of the DVD includes:

Full details of each aircraft operated by any Ansett-related airline 1921-2002; including their previous & subsequent histories, updated to 23 November, 2009; indexed by both registration & airline.
Around 10,000 photos/charts/maps of Ansett-related aircraft & personalities, since 1921 (up from around 8,000 in Edition 6).
A detailed history for each airline, including its fleet, history, points served & logos.
'Milestones' of Ansett Group airline-related aviation events; by airline & for the group.
Route-maps, timetable covers & lots of other memorabilia & some 'What might have beens'. The amount of memorabilia has increased very significantly in this edition.
Updated Flight Crew lists for all Ansett Group airlines 1921-2002.
Separate sections on A320s, BAe 146s, 727s, 737s, 747s, 767s, Convair CV-340/CV-440s, Fokker F.27s, F28s & 50s, DC-2s, DC-3s, DC-4s, DC-5s, DC-6 & DC-6Bs, DC-9s, Lockheed 188 Electras, Short S.25 Flying Boats & Vickers Viscounts.
Details of all known Ansett Group-related aircraft accidents/incidents.
Flight Attendant & other uniforms from the 1940s onwards.
A major increase in the contents of the In-Flight Service section.
A brand new section on model aircraft kits/decals available.
27 great video & TV commercial presentations (compared with just 8 in Edition 6).

Click here for details to order your copy of this amazing DVD

For details of many other Military Books and DVD's

Book - "Never a Dull Moment" by Philip Dulhunty

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Dunn) — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 11:45:00 +0000

Philip Dulhunty, OAM, has lived a life packed with adventure, narrow escapes from death and truly remarkable achievements in the realms of business, aviation and sailing. A self-taught engineer, his technical innovations and entrepreneurial drive have helped transform the face of the global electricity supply industry.

This autobiography traces Philip's story from his idyllic childhood at Port Macquarie through to his current role as a doyen of the power industry. Not only does it chart his highly successful career as a businessman, it also covers his Army service during World War II and the unforgettable period that he spent in atom bomb devastated Japan with the Allied Occupation Forces.

During World War II while bases in Sydney, Philip witnessed the Japanese flying boat flying across Sydney Harbour the night before the Japanese Midget submarines attacked the harbour. Many years later Philip helped to locate this Japanese flying boat which had been scuttled after it was damaged when landing beside the Japanese mother submarine off Sydney.

Philip was attached to the 16th Heavy Anti-aircraft Battery in Townsville at Mount St John. He later moved to Magnetic Island with this unit. After this he retrained at Bathurst camp for entry into Australian Infantry Intelligence.

In recent years, Philip was also involved in a project to purchase and refurbish a Catalina in Portugal and fly it back to Australia. For more information on this book.

For more information and details on how to order your copy of this book click here.

AHS Centaur found

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Dunn) — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 03:55:00 +0000

The Australian Hospital Ship Centaur has been found.

www.ozatwar.com/ozatwar/centaur.htm

-- Post From My Ipod Touch

Search for the hospital ship "Centaur"

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Dunn) — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 11:24:00 +0000

At approximately 4.10am on Friday 14 May 1943, the hospital ship A.H.S. Centaur, ablaze with lights, was torpedoed by Japanese submarine I-177 south east of Cape Moreton. The Centaur was struck in an oil fuel tank on the port side behind No. 2 Hatch. Centaur caught fire, and sank within two or three minutes .

Of the 332 persons on board, only 64 survived. Of the 12 Army Nurses on board, Sister Ellen Savage was the only survivor.

Late on the evening of Saturday 12 December 2009, the search for the hospital "Centaur" started in earnest when renowned shipwreck hunter David Mearns and his team left Brisbane, Queensland on board the 72 metre search vessel "Seahorse Spirit".

After months of research, David Mearns and his team were finally on their way to solve the mystery of the resting place of "Centaur". $4 million have been provided by the Australian and Queensland governments to fund the search for the "Centaur".

For full details of the search visit this link.

On this Day 10 December

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Dunn) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 11:28:00 +0000

This entry to my "Australia @ War" Blog has been provided by Gordon Clarke of ADF Serials:-

On this day 10th December 2009, it is the 90th anniversary of the arrival in Darwin of one Vickers Vimy G-EAOU, crewed by Ross and Keith Smith, Jim Bennett and Wally Shiers, after their epic flight from England. The Vimy of course was a twin engined bomber from World War 1 and was purchased as surplus in 1919 and then fitted out for the flight. They were met by hundreds of people at Darwin eager to get a glimpse of these intrepid or foolish airmen.

Another significant event on this date, but this time the location was Brisbane, was the departure in 1934 of the first Qantas air mail service from Brisbane to London. There was not the fanfare or turn out for this event as there was for the arrival of the Vickers Vimy, but a very significant event all the same.

3 Squadron RAAF engaged in its first aerial combat of WW2

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Dunn) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 10:52:00 +0000

This entry to my "Australia @ War" Blog has been provided by Gordon Clarke of ADF Serials:-

On this day (19th November), 69 years ago 3 Squadron RAAF was engaged in its first aerial combat of WW2. At 1340 four Gloster Galdiator IIs took off from Gerawla led by F/L Blake Pelly (260226) on a tactical reconnaissance operation of enemy positions (ie. the Italians). F/L Pelly was in Gladiator N5753 and had as escort S/L Peter Heath (87) in N5750, F/O Alan Rawlinson (386) in L9044 and F/O Alan Boyd in N5752. As they approached the township of Rabia they spotted Italian Fiat CR.42s strafing British troops and tanks that were engaged in a battle with Italian artillery.

At 1300 hours 18 Fiat CR.42 from 13 Gruppo took off from Gambut and comprised of 12 aircraft led by Secondo Revetria with an escort of 6 aircraft led by Guglielmo Chiarini which were some 6,000' higher and behind the initial group of CR.42s. They came across the battle between the Italian artillery and British tanks and Revetria led his formation on a strafing attack of the British positions.

When the Australians led by Pelly saw the Italian Fiats they turned around and headed for their base as per their orders. However, before they had managed to fly any distance they were jumped by the 6 Fiats led by Chiarini, who had estimated the Australian strength at 8 Gladiators. In the ensuing combat the Australian formation was broken up and the other Italian formation entered the fray. In the opening moves of the combat F/O Boyd was attacked by 3 CR.42s, presumably from the section led by Chiarini. By manoeuvring desperately Boyd managed to shoot down two of his attackers and damage the third, unfortunately during the engagement his guns jammed though he managed to free two of them. Then he saw Pelly, who was attempting to land, being attacked by two CR.42s. He went to Pelly's aid. Boyd managed to shoot down one before his two remaining guns jammed again. He took off, hotly pursued by the remaining Fiat at low level, before the latter eventually gave up. Boyd joined up with Pelly, but the latter had to land early when his engine gave out.

The Italian pilots claimed 6 Gladiators shot down with a seventh shared probable and the eighth seriously damaged, which is interesting given there were only 4 in the combat. Of the Australians as already mentioned Pelly landed early due to a damaged oil tank, while Alan Boyd and Alan Rawlinson both landed back at their base. S/L Peter Heath was shot down and killed and it appears buried next to his aircraft by Libyan army personnel, who claimed to have confirmed the six aircraft shot down by the Italians. F/O Boyd claimed four destroyed, but was given three destroyed with the fourth that was last seen trailing black smoke and spinning towards the ground as a probable. F/L Pelly claimed he shot down a CR.42 but was given no credit, while F/O Rawlinson claimed a damaged. Perhaps Pelly did shoot down a Fiat and that is what the Libyan's counted on the ground - one Gladiator and five CR.42s.

Holidaying on the Continent

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Dunn) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 06:44:00 +0000

Holidaying on the Continent
The Journey of an RAAF Volunteer: 1940-45
460 RAAF Squadron
by Richard Munro

When Jim Munro wanted to join the RAAF he had a medical problem with his kidneys so he arranged another person to provide the test sample and Jim was soon training for his Pilot's wings. Like many others, he was "scrubbed" as a pilot and became a bomb aimer and was soon on his way to the United Kingdom.

After further training, he was sent to 460 Squadron RAAF flying Lancasters and then the night raids over German occupied Europe began.

Over the following months Jim and other members of the crew became a tight-knit team, raiding targets such as the notorious Ruhr Valley, Turin in Italy, Cologne, Hamburg, the previously secret Peenemunde rocket works and finally Berlin.

The raid to Berlin was one too many and they were singled out by the famous German night fighter ace, Wilhelm Herget. Using his innovative upward-firing cannons Herget attacked their Lancaster and, on his fourth pass, it was all over.

The Lancaster was in distress, and as it headed down, the crew frantically tried to exit the burning aircraft. Only three of the crew survived when the aircraft suddenly exploded throwing them clear and they parachuted to the ground. The rest of their mates were dead and the three survivors were too badly injured to attempt an escape from the Germans.

After weeks in hospital they were sent to prison camps and Jim Munro became a resident of Stalag IVB.

This excellent book tells the story of Jim Munro, his crew mates, the Lancaster they flew in and the way of life, fears and hopes that the young flyers experienced.

Hard Cover with General and People indexes
251 pages
135 Photographs and Sketches
13 Maps
4 Appendices

To order you copy of this excellent book, send a Cheque
or Money Order for $45:00 (includes postage) to:-

Richard Munro
PO Box 273
Beecroft
NSW 2119
Australia

For overseas orders please contact Richard Munro to determine extra postage charges

Make sure you tell Richard Munro that you found
out about his book on Peter Dunn's "Australia @ War" web site

http://www.ozatwar.com/

In Just Five Years - The RAAF & Nhill in WWII

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Dunn) — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 03:26:00 +0000

IN JUST FIVE YEARS

THE RAAF & NHILL

IN WORLD WAR II 1941 - 1946

The operational history of the RAAF during WWII – its aircraft, battles and heroes – has been well documented. Less well known are the extraordinary contributions of the training systems set up in Australia to support the war efforts not only of Australia but of the Commonwealth.

Kevin O`Reilly has indeed provided a valuable historical reference for RAAF operations in Nhill: its establishment as a training base with No 2 Air Observers (Navigators) School, the early presence of No 1 Operational Training Unit and No 97 Reserve Squadron and finally Air Armament and Gas School. But it is much more than that. The book draws you in with its recollections of a childhood in Nhill in the lead up to and during World War II.

A 208 page pictorial collection of reminiscences, RAAF records, news reports, photographs and official documents covering life in Nhill and the RAAF base in the War years between 1941 - 1946.

Contents include Nhill and District citizens who served in the RAAF and the names of over 800 personnel who served at Nhill either as Trainees, Instructors or Base Staff.

Click here to order your copy

of this excellent book

Please let Kevin O'Reilly know
you found out about his book on
Peter Dunn's "Australia @ War" web site

Miracle of the Mountains

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Dunn) — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 04:28:00 +0000

MIRACLE OF THE MOUNTAINS

Bernard O'Reilly and the Stinson Crash

HTML clipboard"Miracle of the Mountains"
60th Commemoration Edition

An outstanding docu-drama which relives the true story of a humble Australian bushman who sets out to solve the mystery of the Stinson airliner... and succeeds.

Extended version - New footage added!

This is the awe inspiring true story of the resourcefulness, courage and endurance of Australian mountain man, Bernard O'Reilly.

Working on no more than a bushman's intuition, O'Reilly battled for days over miles of dense and seemingly impenetrable rainforest; across ranges so treacherous that a single slip meant certain death, through constant blinding rain to try and locate a downed Stinson airliner.

While the official search continued hundreds of miles to the South, Bernard O'Reilly relentlessly followed his hunch. After a 2 day battle with the elements, he not only miraculously located the crashed Stinson but physically assisted in carrying out the 2 survivors.

This heroic epic is told in graphic docu-drama style with re-enactments so "real" that people who were there in 1937 believed they were seeing film of the actual event.

This is a documentary that will stoke the first of imagination in the most jaded viewer. Acclaimed within Australia, it gives overseas viewers their first unique glimpse of the tough, resilient and courageous breed of men on whom the Australian bush legends are based.

Click here to order your copy of this DVD Video

HTML clipboard
Please let John Schindler know you found out
about this DVD on the "Australia @ War" web site

By the Seats of their Pants

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Dunn) — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 04:20:00 +0000

.
BY THE SEATS OF THEIR PANTS
(DVD Video)

.HTML clipboard

An enthralling flight with the men and women of Australia's aviation past and the spirit they share with the space pioneers of today.

When pilot Dick Scobee blasted off aboard the ill-fated Challenger Space Shuttle, he took with him a unique piece of Australia's aviation history: a rib from Bert Hinkler's glider.

As Dick's widow June recounts, this same piece was miraculously recovered floating in the ocean amongst the Challenger debris.

"By The Seats of their Pants" is a fascination look at Australia's aviators. From pioneers such as Sir Charles Kingsford-Smith, Charles Ulm, and Lores Bonney, through to the pilots of both World Wars and Vietnam, to the barnstorming antics of today's airmen and women.

Experience the thrills of cattle mustering by helicopter in Australia's wild outback, spectacular aerobatics in a rugged Pitt Special, the life-saving endeavours of the Royal Flying Doctor Service and low-level manoeuvers by crop-duster adventurers.

A breathtaking view of Spitfires, F18's, Boston Bombers, Zeros, Kittyhawks. Sopwith Camels, Iroquois Helicopters, Tiger Moths, Catalinas, the Challenger Space Shuttle and many more! This is a first hand account from the pilots who were, and still are, flying "by the seats of their pants".

HTML clipboardDirector: Peter Wiltshire
Editor: Bob Blasdall
Producer: John Schindler

Click here to Order your copy of this great DVD Video

HTML clipboardPlease let John Schindler know you found out
about this DVD on the "Australia @ War" web site

The Story of the Krait - Tigers & Snakes

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Dunn) — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 10:44:00 +0000

THE STORY OF THE KRAIT
TIGERS & SNAKES
(DVD Video)

A gripping special of intrigue, heroism and tragedy. More powerful than fiction because it actually happened.

"Tigers and Snakes" is the story of Z Special Unit and it's men. It is the story of operation "JAYWICK" - a mission that should never have succeeded. It's also the story of a follow up mission that went tragically wrong.

Until now, little was known about the men of Z Special Unit. They were sworn to secrecy. The men of Z Special Unit would never speak of their experiences, not even to each other. "Tigers & Snakes" takes you on the two missions to experience the intrigue, danger and emotions of men at war.

Fourteen men and a tiny ex-Japanese fishing boat the "KRAIT" set out from Exmouth Gulf, to the islands south of Singapore. Reaching their destination, they transfer to canoes and armed with limpet mines proceed to destroy the forty thousand tons of Japanese shipping before returning through Japanese infested waters to Australia.

The second mission "RIMAU" took place almost exactly one year later and with many of the original men. Their objective, much the same as the first mission, enter Singapore Harbour and sink as much as you can. With their target in sight, something went horribly wrong - not one man survived. Why?

We talk to some of the survivors of Operation "JAYWICK" and find out why men volunteer for missions where violent death is an everyday experience.

Click here to order your copy of this great DVD Video

Please let John Schindler know you found out
about this DVD on the "Australia @ War" web site

Hangar 7 Open Day

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Dunn) — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 23:16:00 +0000

Eagle Farm Aviation Society (EFAS) open day at Hangar 7 at Eagle Farm in Brisbane this Sunday 16 Aug 2009 at 1 - 3 pm.

Please spread the word.

http://www.hangar7.org.au

Ph 07 3343 8407 if you would like to attend.

-- Post From My Ipod Touch

EFAS Public Meeting on the North side of Brisbane

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Dunn) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 01:20:00 +0000

"Pub #2", the second in a series of proposed
'around the suburbs' PUBLIC Meetings
to which we aim to attract interested
visitors / cum potential EFAS Inc members.

Eagle Farm Aviation Society Inc.
is holding a 2nd General Meeting at:-

Nundah and Districts Historical Society Inc., rooms,
adjacent to the BCC Nundah Library,
PRIMROSE Lane, NUNDAH

Assemble at 7:00 pm for a 7:30 pm start
on 18 June 2009

Visitors and prospective new
members are welcome to attend.

Help us to renew "The Legend of Hangar 7".

Visit our web page at:-

http://www.hangar7.org.au

Members of A.T.A.I.U. – Allied Technical Air Intelligence
Unit rebuilding a Japanese aircraft in Hangar 7 at Eagle Farm

The Eagle Farm Aviation Society, Inc. (EFAS) has been formed by AHQ - Aerospace Heritage Queensland to develop and then operate the Eagle Farm Community Heritage Centre located in Hangar 7 on the site of the old Eagle Farm airfield. This community heritage facility will be housed in the heritage listed “Hangar 7” which was used by the A.T.A.I.U. – Allied Technical Air Intelligence Unit during WWII.

Aerospace Heritage Queensland (AHQ) was formed with the assistance of the State Government to provide a single voice to Government on aviation heritage matters and to co-ordinate aviation heritage projects within Queensland. It is an amalgamation of several of this State’s present aviation and military museum/collection bodies. Its aim is to promote and provide a Brisbane based showcase for its members’ parent displays.

The Eagle Farm Aviation Society Inc. (EFAS) will work with the Brisbane City Council, the current owner of Hangar 7 towards establishing this community heritage centre. EFAS is working to secure the relevant lease for the hangar and is in negotiations with the Victoria Barracks Historical Society, Brisbane Inc. with the view to a shared occupation of the hangar. EFAS will be responsible for the day to day management and operation of the facility.

We would love to see you at our 2nd General Meeting at:-

Nundah and Districts Historical Society Inc., rooms,
adjacent to the BCC Nundah Library,
PRIMROSE Lane, NUNDAH

Assemble at 7:00 pm for a 7:30 pm start.
on 18 June 2009

AMPLE PARKING AVAILABLE

Please ring Roger Marks (07-3343 8407) to advise if you are able to attend the meeting.

Beaufort Bomber Memorial Unveiling Ceremony

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Dunn) — Sat, 30 May 2009 11:31:00 +0000

At 1720 hours on 10 April 1945, Beaufort bomber A9-670 of 32 Squadron RAAF, crashed at Greenbank, SSW of Brisbane, killing the crew of four. It crashed after completing an air to ground gunnery practice exercise at the nearby Gailes Gunnery Range (also known as the Gailes Armament Range or Gailes Bombing Range) which is now part of the Greenbank Military Camp.

An unveiling Ceremony was held on 27 May 2009 at Grande Park, Grande Avenue, Springfield Lakes in Memory of the following men who were all tragically killed in this accident.

F/O Eric David Stephenson, Pilot
Flt. Sgt. Neville James Barron, Wireless Operator Air Gunner
P/O John George Harvey, Observer
LAC Raymond Patrick McGuigan, passenger

Unveiling of the Memorial by Mayor Paul Pisasale, Mayor of Ipswich, Councillor

Sheila Ireland and Darlene Clark, Project Director Delfin Springfield Lakes

The "missing" Barron Family at the Beaufort Bomber Memorial ceremony.
L to R:- Monica Barron (sister-in-law), Maree Wylie (nee Barron - niece),
Neil Barron (nephew), Sandra Kerr, Jack McClelland (brother-in-law) and
Garry Burton (nephew). Except for Sandra Kerr, all are related (as indicated)
to the late Flt. Sgt. Neville James Barron

http://www.ozatwar.com/ozcrashes/qld91ceremony.htm

500,000th Visitor to "Australia @ War"

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Dunn) — Sat, 30 May 2009 04:20:00 +0000

Congratulations to Don Clark who confirmed with me that he was the half millionth visitor to my "Australia @ War" web site at 8:20 pm on 26 May 2009 (US Time).

A copy of the "Australia @ War" Data DVD will be in the mail to Don for being the 500,000th visitor to the main page.

Regards Peter Dunn
Webmaster of the "Australia @ War" web site.

Half Millionth Visitor soon

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Dunn) — Thu, 21 May 2009 11:32:00 +0000

Gidday ALL,

My "Australia @ War" web site started on 22 June 1996. I just noticed a while ago that the counter for the front page was 499, 372 so in a few days time it will have its half millionth visitor.

I'd like to point out that this is a counter for visitors just to that page only. It is not a site counter, just a page counter. These days I usually get somewhere between 70 and 100 visitors a day to the main front page. I now have well over 5,000 different web pages in the "Australia @ War" web site.

www.ozatwar.com

If you do happen to be the half millionth visitor to the site, send me a screen shot. Just press the "Print Screen" button and paste it into an e-mail or save it as a file and attach it to an e-mail.

Send it to me and I'll send you a complimentary copy of my "Australia @ War" Data DVD.

Regards Peter Dunn

Spitfire collided with B-24 Liberator 18 Sep 1944

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Dunn) — Wed, 20 May 2009 12:08:00 +0000

RAAF B-24 Liberator

RAAF Spitfire

On 18 September 1944, Flying Officer Arthur Keith Kelly (401968) of 452 Squadron RAAF, piloting Spitfire A58-435, was taking part in an interception and attack exercise on B-24 Liberator #42-40935 of the 380th Bomb Group, 5th Air Force over Cape Van Diemen. During a head on simulated attack, F/O Kelly's Spitfire collided with the B-24 and spiralled into the sea. His body was never found.