DOUGLAS DC-3-194B VH-ANR OANA
MSN 1944
(AA000032)

 

 

 

 

 

PH-ALW
PH-ALW
PK-ALW
The Sherr Photographs
VHCXE
 
VHCXE
VH-CXL
VH-ANR

 

 

 

This aeroplane was donated to QAM by George Markey in memory of Robyn Sutherland.

This page is dedicated to the memory of:

John Gyzemyter (1915-1999)

and

Henry Godman (1914-1996)

They were there.

 

 

1937
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1997
PH-ALW
PK-ALW
VH-ALW
'1944' VHCXE
44-83229
VH-CXL
VH-ANR

 

 
PH-ALW
1937
    
12APR37
   Registered PH-ALW to KLM as a DC-3-194B. (Source: 3).
24APR37
   First flown at Santa Monica U.S.A. (fitted with a right hand door).
24APR37
   Accepted by Fokker as agents for Douglas (the 10th DC-3 for Fokker).
24APR37
   Accepted by customer (KLM).
25APR37
   Delivered to KLM as PH-ALW Wielewaal (Golden Oriole).
25APR37
   Flown away from Santa Monica (at 3.30pm).
28APR37
   Arrived New York (in the morning).
15MAY37
   Sailed from New York on the S.S. Pennland.
MAY37
   Assembled at Waalhaven, Rotterdam by a team of KLM engineers including John Gyzemyter. After a test flight, the aircraft was ferried to Schiphol.
03JUN37
   Entered service on the Amsterdam-Batavia route. PH-ALW was one of 9 DC-3s allocated to this route. These aircraft were fitted with only 12 sleeper seats (in lieu of the normal 21) for passenger comfort. See poster
1939
    
16SEP39
   KLM flights on the Batavia route resumed from Naples (3 flights a week) after France and England closed their airspace to KLM on 08SEP39 and 10SEP39 respectively. Major overhaul was transferred to KNILM in Bandoeng.
PK-ALW
1940
    
01JUN40
   Re-registered PK-ALW. The aircraft remained KLM property and retained KLM livery although under the operational control of KNILM.
22JUL40
   KLM flights on the Batavia route resumed from Lydda, Palestine (2 flights a week) after it was feared that Italy would enter the war on the side of Germany. Two DC-3s were transferred to KLM in England, leaving 7 aircraft to operate the Lydda-Batavia route which was later reduced to one flight a week because of growing wartime restrictions.
1941
    
15MAY41
   PK-ALW was logged passing through Zerka, Jordan with other KLM DC-3s operating the Amman to Far East service. (Source: Spotting in Zerka 1941 by John Havers, Air Britain Digest Winter 1993)
05JUN41   PK-ALW was logged passing through Zerka, Jordan with other KLM DC-3s operating the Amman to Far East service. (Source: Spotting in Zerka 1941 by John Havers, Air Britain Digest Winter 1993)
26JUN41   PK-ALW was logged passing through Zerka, Jordan with other KLM DC-3s operating the Amman to Far East service. (Source: Spotting in Zerka 1941 by John Havers, Air Britain Digest Winter 1993)
08DEC41   Click here for a list of flying personnel employed by KLM/KNILM on this date.
DEC41
   DC-3 PK-AFV was photographed wearing camouflage on 19 December 1941 so it is likely that KNILM began camouflaging their aircraft soon after Pearl Harbour. The aircraft were painted by KNILM engineers using locally sourced paint. The colours and pattern were determined by advice from the military. The aircraft were first painted "jong blad" (young leaf - an olive drab type of color) after which patches of "oud blad" (old leaf – a medium green type of color) were added. The aircraft registration was painted in white on both sides of the rear fuselage and, it is believed, under one of the wings. There is photographic evidence that the red, white and blue stripe was retained over the camouflage but it was reduced to approximately half its original length beginning aft of the fourth window and extending to the aft edge of the last window. As invasion became imminent, the remainder of the stripe was over-painted in a dark colour. (Thanks to John Gyzemyter Senior and Max Schep-Trimbach for advice on colours and markings.)
   

The camouflage paint used by the KNILM after 8 December 1941 was supplied by the ML/KNIL (Army Aviation Corps KNIL) and were the standard "donkergroen" (dark green) and "camouflage groen" (camouflage green), respectively Du Pont dark green 71-013 and Du Pont light green 71-047. Both rather dark but the first darker than the second and with a greenish black look when new. (Source: Peter Boer, author of "Aircraft of the Netherlands East Indies Army Air Corps in crisis and war times, February 1937-June 1942")

KNILM Camouflage Colours
Colour
Alternate Name
Specification
Donker groen (dark green) Oud blad (old leaves) Du Pont dark green 71-013
Camouflage groen (camouflage green) Jong blad (young leaves) Du Pont light green 71-047

1942
    
08FEB42
   PK-ALW Departed Lydda under the command of Captain Evert Van Dijk on the last service to Batavia.
13FEB42
   Advised that he could not land in Singapore as planned, Van Dijk waited in Calcutta for further clearance.
14FEB42
   Van Dijk cleared to depart for Akyab and Medan. On arrival in Medan, Van Dijk encountered a group of 36 women and children awaiting evacuation to Batavia. To accommodate the extra passengers and to reduce weight, the seats were removed and abandoned at Medan.
15FEB42
   PK-ALW arrived in Batavia, the same day that Singapore capitulated.
FEB42   PK-ALW (along with PK-AFV, ALO and ALT) had their cabins stripped except for one chair. An 800 litre auxiliary fuel tank was fitted. The ML supplied two 7.7mm machine guns per aircraft and these were fitted in the rearmost cabin window positions. The KNILM DC-3s operated Andir to Broome direct under military control. (Source: 5)
24FEB42   PK-ALW (and PK-ALO) arrived in Broome from Sydney after an overnight stopover at Charleville with a cargo of arms, weapon parts such as machine gun barrels, ammunition and aircraft spare parts. Both aircraft departed Broome at 2200 for Andir where they arrived 8hr 30 min later. (Source: 5)
25FEB42   "In the evening of 25 February the three DC-3s at Andir (the PK-AFV, the PK-ALO and the PK-ALW) flew back to Broome with a number of Australian and American officers from disbanded allied headquarters plus some military personnel from disbanded allied units on board and a few KNILM employees and members of the families of personnel stationed in Australia (the PK-AFV and the PK-ALW with destination Sydney). Among the allied officers was the Australian Major-General Charles E.M. Lloyd, deputy intendant-general in ABDA Command, but also a number of subaltern officers, two of whom were American staff officers of the Far East Air Force USAAF, coming from the disbanded ABDA-AIR headquarters, Lieutenants Gray and Graham." (Source: 5)
   
   

The following narrative was supplied by Peter Ingman. It is extracted from his book “Zero Hour in Broome” which is due for publication in mid 2010. It is reproduced with his kind permission.

"At that time KNILM was preparing a plan to evacuate its airliners (with the necessary range) direct from Java to Australia. The last KNILM DC-3 to arrive in Australia via the regular Timor-Darwin route was PK-AFV on 3 February. This coincided with Qantas’ abandonment of the same route for its Empire Flying Boats after Corio was shot down off Timor on 30 January 1942. Qantas was instructed, by the Department of Civil Aviation, to commence operations between Java and “the West Australian coast” with Broome being the obvious choice only because it was the largest town on the north-west. While some Qantas and Civil Aviation men arrived in Broome to setup a makeshift flying boat base, KNILM actually made the first Java-Broome flight on 4 February (PK-AFZ, piloted by Eddy Dunlop), landing at what was now an RAAF Advanced Operational Base (which was useful as ample supplies of fuel were held). This was viewed as an extreme range flight, and the DC-3s were limited to just four crew and 8 passengers (despite the weight saving measures such as removal of the sleeper-seats). Anyhow the first flights back into Java (which were more risky because of flying towards unpredictable tropical weather with limited fuel) were made a few days later. There was then a lull in operations for about two weeks due to cyclonic weather conditions at Broome but possibly also due to other factors.

"Anyway with these proving flights successfully flown in early February, when PK-ALW arrived in Java, KNILM had developed an evacuation plan. Note this was more for the airliners themselves than the limited number of passengers they carried. Apparently heavy air attacks on Java on 19 February were the catalyst for putting the plan in motion. That night at least 8 airliners, including all 5 surviving DC-3s, made the flight from Java to Broome arriving on 20 February. PK-ALW had 8 civilians onboard and the following day departed Broome for Sydney, probably taking the Daly Waters – Cloncurry route (as a number of DC-3s were noted at Cloncurry on 21 Feb). Note that the Broome-Sydney pilot was reported as “Blaak” so he probably also flew the Java-Broome leg.

"Now all bar one of the newly arrived KNILM airliners continued on to Sydney with their light loads instead of flying back to Java. This goes against the normal notion that the aircraft were flying continuously between Java and Broome. Exactly why most of this fleet flew all the way to Sydney and back again to Broome (a round trip of 3-4 days or more) is not immediately apparent. Certainly this was their peacetime schedule but another possibility was to keep the aircraft out of Java where apparently the USAAF had received authority to requisition civilian aircraft on 19 February.

"Otherwise the pilots were not used to such long over-water flights (this was over 1,000 miles while the previous long over-water hop Timor-Darwin was about half that), and may have simply been averse to making the flight. Also we know that the Dutch aircraft had various customised fuel tanks so some no doubt had a longer range than others. Demonstrating this danger was PK-AFZ which returned from Sydney and flew Broome-Java on 26 February, but failed to find Semplak airfield during bad weather and was lost in a forced landing in Sumatra.

"Meanwhile PK-ALW had returned from Sydney to Broome by 25 February, and was probably then flown to Batavia by E Dunlop on this date (a customs form has this flight recorded as Broome to Sydney but this would appear to be a mistake. Dunlop had made the first Java-Broome flight and was clearly an experienced long distance flyer). Dunlop had flown Lockheed Super Electra PK-AFQ into Broome from Java on 20 February carrying 8 civilian passengers, and then continued onto Sydney the next day. The PK-AFQ passenger list appears to include Capt Dunlop’s wife and child. Thus for whatever reason, Dunlop may have replaced Blaak either in Sydney or Broome.

"Thus PK-ALW was most likely back in Java by 26 February, with Dunlop as its pilot. It is possible but unlikely that another flight was made into Australia in the next few days.

"It would appear that confirmed movements by PK-AFZ at this time were Java- Broome on 20 Feb; then Broome-Daly Waters-Cloncurry on 21 Feb; then to Sydney and return to Broome approx 24 Feb. Broome – Java on 25 Feb; then unknown for a few days but a return flight to Australia is unlikely at this time; the aircraft may well have been earmarked for the Governor’s use and held in Java a short time."

   
02-03MAR42   PK-ALW flew from Port Hedland to Andir with a load of cargo. It was to be the last shipment of cargo to reach Bandung. The DC-3s and Lodestars had shipped almost 10 tons of cargo to Andir. (Source: 5)
03MAR42
   Under the command of Captain Eddy Dunlop, PK-ALW was flown to an unfinished highway (Boeabatoe Road) just outside Bandoeng to await the arrival of His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor General, Dr. H. Van Mook who was to be evacuated to Australia. This road had been used as a secret landing strip for several days previously. Several KNILM ground staff were also awaiting evacuation.
07MAR42
   With the arrival of its important passenger, PK-ALW departed at 0100 as the last civil aircraft to leave the East Indies. Heavy fighting was in progress at Lembang, less than 15 km away from Bandoeng. PK-ALW arrived at Port Hedland, W.A. after a non-stop flight lasting a total of 7 hours 32 minutes.
07MAR42   "The crew consisted of Captain E. Dunlop, flight engineer J. H. W. Belie and aviation wireless operator K. W. F. Groothoff. On board were Lieutenant-Governor-General Dr. Van Mook, the former governor of eastern Java C. O. van der Plas (affiliated with the foreign intelligence service of the Government), a journalist accompanied by his wife, a group of KNILM personnel, consisting of two flight engineers* and one ground engineer with his wife, and the wives of the pilot and the flight mechanic of the Lodestar LT909. The wives and children of the KNILM and ML personnel that came along on this day evacuated with special permission from the acting ML Commander, Colonel E.T. Kengen. The evacuating civil servants, however, did not have permission to evacuate the members of their families. The DC-3 took off with only ten passengers on board, two places (on the cabin floor) remaining unoccupied as one KNILM employee failed to show up and could not be traced, upon which his wife also left the plane. The departure of the DC-3 and the two L18s which had been held on stand-by at the Boeabatoeweg was originally to have taken place a day earlier, but Van Mook stalled his departure and on leaving even asked the Governor-General for a written order to leave, which he got. In the end the take off of the PK-ALW on 7 March was also somewhat delayed as it proved difficult to move the DC-3 (bigger and heavier than an L18) from its shelter position to the runway. " (Source: 5)

* Family records indicate that one of these flight engineers travelling as passenger was Evert Herman van Hummel. (Source: 9)
08MAR42   PK-ALW departed Perth with military and civilian evacuees for Adelaide. (Source: 5)
14MAR42   PK-ALW arrived in Sydney, the final KNILM aircraft to reach Sydney. (Source: 5)
VH-ALW ?
19MAR42
   Document shows aircraft sold to Australian Government for £5 as VH-ALW. Photographic evidence indicates that at least one of the Dutch aircraft was painted with VH marks.
PK-ALW
25MAR42
   PK-ALW departed Archerfield, Brisbane for Townsville. (Source: Peter Ingman)
This would seem to indicate that PK-ALW was still marked as such at this time.
28MAR42
   KNILM signed a contract to hand over ten aircraft to the USAAF between 15MAY42 and 18MAY42. Date of sale also reported as 20MAR42 and price quoted as either $53,000.00 or $530,000.00. Eleven (11) KNILM aircraft (2 DC-2, 4 Lockheed 14, 2 DC-3 and 3 DC-5) had been evacuated to Australia when N.E.I. fell to Japan. (One Lockheed 14 subsequently crashed). Initially the KNILM aircraft operated under charter to the USAAF, but the US military were reluctant to leave a major part of the already meagre air transport fleet in private hands. General MacArthur (who arrived in Australia on 18MAR42) ordered that the Dutch aircraft be acquired by the USAAF. By cutting off logistic support (including 100 cases of spares) KNILM were effectively forced to sell their aircraft to the USAAF.
03APR42
   21st Transport Squadron activated at Archerfield.
14MAY42
   Under the terms of the contract of sale to the USAAF, all aircraft had to be test flown before delivery. The KNILM maintenance crew agreed to have all aircraft ready for a simultaneous test flight. Thus all 10 aircraft were in the air together over Sydney Harbour. The Dutch destroyer "Tromp" berthed at Woolloomooloo was buzzed by several of the aircraft. Three of the KNILM aircraft then flew under the Sydney Harbour Bridge, once in each direction. The "Bridge" formation was led by Captain Frans Van Breemen in DC-2 PK-AFK followed by Capt Peter Deenik in DC-3 PK-ALW and Captain Dirk Rab (with John Gyzemyter as Flight Engineer) in DC-5 PK-ADC. (Previously shown incorrectly as PK-ADG). The Bridge Formation
'1944' VHCXE
15MAY42
   Handed over to United States Army Air Force as C-49H "11944" (not an official serial number but one apparently contrived locally from the c/n 1944. Although often quoted as 11944 or 41-1944 it was painted on the aircraft as 1944). Operated by 21st Transport Squadron USAAF out of Archerfield, Brisbane as VHCXE (radio call-sign). Used mainly on troop flights to/from New Guinea under control of Directorate of Air Transport (DAT).
17MAY42
   Request to Chief-of-Staff, Allied Air Forces for aircraft to be assigned to General Headquarters. (See 14JUN42).
20MAY42
   History of 374th Troop Carrier Group states that VHCXE was assigned to the 21st Transport Squadron on this date. The history of the 21st Troop Carrier Squadron states June 1942.
14JUN42
   Letter from Air-Vice-Marshal Bostock, Chief-of-Staff, Allied Air Forces SWPA to Commander-in-Chief SWPA offering an unidentified "DC-3 with two new engines, fitted with seven regular passenger seats, new radio equipment and heating apparatus and a 1000 mile safe range".
16JUN42
   Letter from Colonel Fitch, Adjutant General, to Commander, Allied Air Forces "It is understood that the DC-3 will be at Essendon on June 18. An inspection will be made at that time. By command of General MacARTHUR".
17JUL42
   General MacArthur travelled from Melbourne to Canberra and return to attend the Prime Minister's War Conference. It is believed that this is the only time that MacArthur flew in the DC-3. A letter from Colonel Henry Godman dated 07JUL95 states that he was the pilot and the aircraft was "the Dutch DC-3". Although Colonel Godman is unable to confirm the exact date, this date is consistent with MacArthur's known movements. MacArthur's office diary states: "Departed by plane for Canberra at 0815. Conferred with Mr. Curtin and Mr. Sheddon (sic), returning at 1700." Frederick Geoffrey Shedden (1893–1971) was Secretary of Defence in the Curtin cabinet. Because of wartime censorship, the venue for this meeting was not reported in the newspapers of the day. This probably explains why there are no known photographs of MacArthur with the DC-3. Newspaper Reports
17JUL42   "In conversation with Curtin the same day, MacArthur disclosed the assault on Guadalcanal and Tulagi would begin on 7 August." (Source: Edwards, John, John Curtin's War Vol. 2 Triumph and Decline, page 89, Penguin, 2018)
20JUL42
   General MacArthur moved his headquarters from Melbourne to Brisbane to be closer to the coming offensive. (Source: Edwards, John, John Curtin's War Vol. 2 Triumph and Decline, page 89, Penguin, 2018)
23JUL42
   General MacArthur and his staff arrived at South Brisbane railway station. General MacArthur's dislike of flying, plus the fact that he had suffered a bleeding nose on the return flight from Canberra to Melbourne just three days previously, may have influenced his decision to travel to Brisbane by rail.
26JUL42
   21st Transport Squadron redesignated 21st Troop Carrier Squadron.
27SEP42
   Final mention of VHCXE in 21TCS records. Shown as transferred to GHQ South West Pacific Area.
1943
    
29MAR43
   Flown from Archerfield, Brisbane to Townsville (3.7 hours) by Maj. Henry Godman and Lt. Walter Seidel. (Source: Log Book of Walter Seidel)
02APR43
   Flown from Townsville to Archerfield (4.5 hours) by Maj. Henry Godman and Lt. Walter Seidel. Landed en route at a remote unattended airstrip to disembark several passengers. (Source: Log Book of Walter Seidel)
24APR43
   Flight Report (AAF Form No 1 2-2-42) records a local flight from Archerfield by DC-3 serial number 1944. Crew shown as follows:
Maj H.C. Godman GHQ (Pilot)
Maj Gen R.K. Sutherland GHQ (Co-pilot)
S/Sgt V.L. Gumm (Engineer)
S/Sgt S.P. Bone (Radio Operator)

Photo of Staff Sergeants Bone and Gumm

Flight departed 14:10
Flight returned 15:55
Flight time 1:07
Landings 2
14MAY43
   Received at Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation, Fisherman's Bend, Melbourne as USAAF 41-1944 for modifications. (Some sources claim that this work was performed by A.N.A. at Essendon.) Allocated sequence number CAC 17 and was with CAC for 89 days. AHSA Journal Vol. 22 No. 4 Page 92 provides these dates which were taken from the diary of the CAC Chief Security Officer. It is also stated that C-49H-DO 41-1944 changed its radio callsign from VHCXE to VH-CXL (with a hyphen) during the mods at CAC. It is also stated that this aircraft (c/n 1944) had been General Douglas MacArthur's aircraft until the arrival and modification of C-47A-20-DL 41-23421 c/n 9283 which assumed the radio callsign VH-CXE (with hyphen) and the name "Shiny Shiela" (Photographic evidence that the name was spelled "Shiela" not "Sheila") This latter aircraft passed through the CAC programme as CAC 16, arriving on 13MAY43 and departing on 05JUN43. It is believed that some internal fittings were removed from c/n 1944 for fitment to c/n 9283. DC-3 c/n 1944 was then fitted with side-saddle seats although it apparently retained its small right hand door.
06JUN43
   C-47 VH-CXE (#2) was flown from CAC Melbourne to Archerfield by Lt. Walter Seidel (co-pilot). Presumably Maj. Godman was pilot and this was the delivery flight of the C-47 which replaced the DC-3. (Source: Log Book of Walter Seidel)
08JUN43   Prime Minister Curtin and General MacArthur met in Sydney. (Source: Photo Records of the Curtin Family. JCPML00376/69 Prime Minister John Curtin shaking hands with General Douglas MacArthur, Sydney, 8 June 1943.)
12AUG43
   Modification work completed by CAC. Returned to USAAF.
VH-CXL
15AUG43
   Taken on charge by the RAAF as VH-CXL. Operated by No 36 Sqn, Townsville on courier flights. On loan from the USAAF.
21AUG43
   First flight with 36Sqn from Townsville to Port Moresby and return (F/O McConachie and P/O Garde). During 36Sqn service VH-CXL was natural metal with USAAF stars. VH-CXL was the only aircraft in 36Sqn not camouflaged, which may be why all subsequent flights were to Horn Island.
NOV43
   General MacArthur's B-17E 41-2593 "Bataan" entered service.
1944
    
13JAN44
   Flown from Townsville to Essendon by P/O Len Ball and SGT Varney. Last flight with 36Sqn.
02MAR44
   ANA offered £5,000 for the aircraft. (Source: 3).
23MAR44
   Returned to Allied Directorate of Air Transport (ADAT).
31MAR44
   Australian National Airways Pty Ltd applied to D.C.A. for a Certificate of Airworthiness. Paperwork describes aircraft as c/n 1944, USAAF serial 41-1944 and "VH-CXL".
01APR44
   Australian CofA No. X-16 issued to Australian National Airways as VH-CXL (22 passenger seats). The aircraft did not appear on the Australian Register. This special "X" series CofA permitted carriage of civil passengers on military aircraft. Used on ANA's "Pacific Islands Courier" service out of Melbourne.
12APR44
   On 15APR44, ANA wrote to Colonel R. T. Elsmore, Director of Transport, Allied Air Force, with a carbon copy to DCA advising: On 12.4.44 CXL suffered minor damage to starboard wing tip and aileron when landing at RAAF Laverton in a strong cross wind. It was delivering a load of aero engines from Essendon. Starboard wing contacted the ground during landing. Captain S. G. Hack, F/O Bennett unhurt. Temporary repairs were effected at Laverton then flown to Essendon for formal repair by ANA. Returned to service 14.4.44. (Source: NAA via Geoff Goodall)
20APR44
 Flew Brisbane-Melbourne-Brisbane (12 hrs) in service with ANA. Crew included Captain Munro and Radio Operator R.D. Herrigan. (Source: 10)
23APR44
 Struck off charge by RAAF and returned to USAAF. (Preceding entries indicate that the aircraft was in ANA's hands much earlier so this is probably a paperwork exercise.)
25APR44
 Delivered to ANA at Essendon. (Preceding entries indicate that the aircraft was in ANA's hands much earlier so this is probably a paperwork exercise.)
44-83229
14JUN44
   Allocated USAAF serial 44-83229 as a C-49H-DO (presumably a book-keeping exercise prior to imminent disposal).
14NOV44
   A memorandum (Ref 8/115/640) from the Department of Civil Aviation to the Department of the Treasury advised that the U.S. Foreign Economic Administration had declared a number of aircraft surplus and available for disposal to Australian airlines on a cash basis. Included in the list is DC-3 PK-ALW said to be in flyaway condition after a preflight inspection. Flying time was estimated at 3500 hours. (Sister DC-3 PK-ALT is similarly listed but with an estimated flying time of 7200 hours)
VH-CXL
DEC44
   ANA were operating a daily service from Archerfield to Finschhafen and a Brisbane-Sydney-Melbourne return service every Sunday.
31DEC44
   First flight in VH-CXL recorded in the log book of ANA pilot Brian Southwell. (Source: Powerhouse Museum, Sydney)
1945
    
17MAR45
   Struck off by USAAF.
24MAY45
   As VH-CXL operated Brisbane-Melbourne-Brisbane crewed by Captain Elliot, W/O Dick Bampton and Flt Sgt Dixon. (Source: Log Book of Warrant Officer Dick Bampton assigned 4CU, Archerfield)
1946
    
21JAN46
   A new CofA was issued. (Source: 3).
06APR46
   Last flight in VH-CXL recorded in the log book of ANA pilot Brian Southwell. (Source: Powerhouse Museum, Sydney)
VH-ANR
22MAY46
   Registered VH-ANR to Australian National Airways as a DC-3-G202A. Certificate of Registration No 985, having previously been purchased from the U.S. Foreign Economic Administration.
18OCT46
  

An engraved plate fitted to the aeroplane states that it was converted by A.N.A. on this date. The conversion included relocating the main cabin door from the starboard side to the port side. The full wording of the plate is as follows:

AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL

AIRWAYS PTY. LTD.

DOUGLAS C50 A.N.A. 500

SERIAL NO. 41-1944 REGN. VH-ANR

CONVERTED 18 - 10 - 46

 

"C50" has been altered from something unknown. This plate was photographed in situ at Essendon on 27OCT64 by John Hopton. It is no longer on the aeroplane.

26OCT46
   Named "Oana" (To Inform) in ANA service. (Source: 3). Total Time 7802:33.
02NOV46   The Barrier Daily Truth (Broken Hill) of Tuesday 5 November 1946 reported:

Plane Passengers
Guinea Airways Summer schedule for the local service came into operation on Saturday when the 21 passenger Douglas liner, OANA, operated direct from Adelaide. Captain Eric Krieg was in charge with Pilot Keith Thomas as First Officer and Miss B. Gleeson (?) was the hostess. The weather was perfect with a ground visibility of 20 miles and at (illegible) feet 50 (?) miles. The plane was quickly airborne and some beautiful sights came into view immediately. The flying time for the journey was just under ninety minutes. On the return trip Messrs. R. Strickland, R. Venary (?), F. Goninan (?), Hamilton, Mr. and Mrs. W.C. Green, Mr. and Mrs. Penny, Mesdames A. Rowe, S. Murada (?), V. Gers (?), M. Thompson, G. Oates (?), Misses W. Slattery, C. Gartner and Dr. J.B. Lewis travelled to Adelaide. The new schedule arrangements are for direct trips to and from Adelaide on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays and via Renmark on Mondays. (Transcribed with great difficulty from Trove)
23NOV46
   First flight in VH-ANR recorded in the log book of ANA pilot Brian Southwell. (Source: Powerhouse Museum, Sydney)
1947
    
14APR47   The Barrier Miner (Broken Hill) of Monday 14 April 1947 reported:

Air Travellers
Today's Guinea Airways Douglas liner, ANR, brought Mr., Mrs. and Master Bennetts, Mr. and Mrs. M.J. Lennox, Messrs. Howland, H.C. Stuck, Isaacs, Bridge, C. Thomas, J.M. Rowley, F.W. Thorpe, I. Cronenberg, Osborne-White, Mesdames B. Moyle, J. Ivery and Picken from Adelaide, and took Miss Feehan to Renmark. Mr. and Mrs. A. Hern, Messrs. J. Rew, Murgatroyd, B.G. Hendry, H. Mendelson, C.H. George, L. Dryen, Mesdames R.D. Burns, J. Baldwin, Misses D. Burns, F. Townsend and H. Cunningham to Adelaide. Captain Gillespie, First Officer Thomas and Hostess Miss Payne comprised the crew. (Transcribed with great difficulty from Trove)
19SEP47   Flown (12 hrs 20 mins) for the last time before CofA overhaul (Source: 2)
10NOV47   Completion of major overhaul for CofA by ANA at Essendon.

Removed entire 12 volt equipment and reinstalled 24 volt throughout aircraft.
Wings fitted; Port s/n 3-72, Starboard s/n 3-77.
Standard Instrument Panel removed. New Panel and new set of instruments refitted.
Engines s/n 59643 and s/n 94023 refitted.
(Source: 2)
1948
    
31JAN48
   The starboard engine backfired and lost power at 200 feet on take-off from Essendon. The failure was traced to broken teeth in the Accessory Driver Gear. (Source: 4)
08JUN48   "Flares chutes removed from port side of fuselage." (Source: 2)
11JUN48   The Barrier Daily Truth (Broken Hill) of Saturday 12 June 1948 reported:

Plane Passengers
Yesterday's A.N.A. Douglas liner OANA brought Messrs. Green, A. Argetti (?), J. Mareherani (?), Misses O'Reilly, M. Roche (?), R. Lithgow, W. Comfort and Mrs. W. Comfort from Melbourne. Miss R. Mawson, from Mildura. On the return journey Messrs. R. Argue, H. Everitt to Sydney. Mr. J. Cronenberg to Adelaide. Messrs. A.J. Steel, D. Butcher, K.D. Hume to Melbourne. Mrs. and Master Sampson, Mr. and Mrs. Eaton, Mr. E. Lee to Mildura. The crew comprised Captain Freeland, First Officer Dairmade and Hostess Miss Kesy. (Transcribed with great difficulty from Trove)
06JUL48   The Barrier Daily Truth (Broken Hill) of Wednesday 7 July 1948 reported:

Air Travellers
Yesterday's A.N.A. Douglas liner OANA brought Messrs. C.L. Sanders, H.H. McKay, J. McCoy from Melbourne. Messrs. A. Henshall, Recnner, Murdoch, Donaldson, Wrae, Dr. M. Rugless from Mildura. Mrs. R.V. Brooks from Adelaide. Mr. Robertson from Sydney. On the return journey Messrs. P. Smith, R. Tuite, went to Sydney. Mr. K. Campbell to Mildura. Messrs. H.F. Walsh, H.J. Hancock, R.W. Campbell, Cox, B.R. Gardiner, Malcolm Moor, Mrs. C. Carroll, Dr. F. Schlink to Melbourne. Captain Chapple was in charge of the crew with First Officer Russell and Hostess Miss Farrier. (Transcribed with great difficulty from Trove)
03AUG48   The Barrier Daily Truth (Broken Hill) of Wednesday 4 August 1948 reported:

Plane Passengers
Yesterday's A.N.A. Douglas liner OANA brought Messrs. Pugh, P. Colley, M. Davey, C. Brown, Mrs. A.R. West from Melbourne. C. Beore (?), L. Lees, Reynolds, McGrath from Mildura. Mr. Corkey (?) from Adelaide. On the return journey Mr. and Mrs. Abbott to Wagga. Mr. R. Clayson (?) to Adelaide. Mr. F.S. Somiffa (?) to Mildura. Miss K. Guenrey (?), Mr. E.R. Seely to Sydney. The crew comprised Captain Conroy, First Officer Bridgett and Hostess Miss Chinnery. (Transcribed with great difficulty from Trove)
12OCT48
   Operated Melbourne-Nhill-Adelaide-Melbourne crewed by Captain Riesen and F/O Dick Bampton. (Source: Log Book of Dick Bampton)
27DEC48
   Operated Brisbane-Sydney crewed by Captain Girault and F/O Dick Bampton. (Source: Log Book of Dick Bampton)
28DEC48
   Operated Sydney-Brisbane crewed by Captain Girault and F/O Dick Bampton. (Source: Log Book of Dick Bampton)
1949
    
11JAN49
   Operated Brisbane-Sydney-Brisbane crewed by Captain Mellor and F/O Dick Bampton. (Source: Log Book of Dick Bampton)
01FEB49
   Operated Brisbane-Cairns crewed by Captain Bullen and F/O Dick Bampton. (Source: Log Book of Dick Bampton)
20FEB49
   Operated Brisbane-Sydney crewed by Captain Robertson and F/O Dick Bampton. (Source: Log Book of Dick Bampton)
21FEB49
   Operated Sydney-Brisbane crewed by Captain Robertson and F/O Dick Bampton. (Source: Log Book of Dick Bampton)
28FEB49   Last flight (5 hrs 5 mins) before 4,000 hourly inspection. (Source: 2)
10MAR49   Completion of 4,000 hourly inspection. (Source: 2)
31AUG49
   Operated Brisbane-Cairns crewed by Captain Humphries and F/O Dick Bampton. (Source: Log Book of Dick Bampton)
1950
    
15FEB50
   Operated Brisbane-Cairns crewed by Captain Edgerton and F/O Dick Bampton. (Source: Log Book of Dick Bampton)
23FEB50
   Aircraft tipped on to its nose at Van Rook Station, near Normanton, Qld due to poor airfield conditions. Aircraft was commanded by Capt Maurice Bonney. This incident is described thus in Nan Whitcomb's book "Up Here and Down There":

"During the wet season when some of the airstrips became extremely soggy, the station owners had to make the decision for us whether it was safe to land. On a visit to Van Rook Station, the safety markers were out, so after a low observation run across the strip, Captain Maurie B. and First Officer Ernie S. decided it was OK to land. On touching down, all seemed well, until the Captain pulled back on the power and we came to an abrupt stop in a deep bog with the result that the aircraft ended up on its nose. For a moment, I thought we would flip right over but that sturdy old DC-3 shuddered and eventually flopped back on to its belly - lucky for us. Multipots, cutlery, dishes and food became airborne and ended up near the cockpit. As twelve of our passengers had disembarked at the stop before, we had only one delightful old bushman on board who, I am still convinced, thought it was a perfectly normal landing. The only thing he was concerned about was losing his pipe. After a very pleasant four day rest as enforced guests at Van Rook, we were flown out in the air ambulance Dragon Rapide - only to hear rumours that we had hit high tension wires and were all dead - so much for the bush telegraph!" Account contributed by Flight Hostess Mary Dulhunty (later Turbayne).
    As a result of the nose-over, both propellors were changed and "all engine controls were adjusted due to pedestal being pushed out of line." (Source: 2)
15MAR50
   The aeroplane was flown out of Van Rook by Capt P.L. "Lyn" Taylor, ANA Flight Superintendent, to Normanton where the aircraft was refuelled before flying direct to Melbourne the following day.
16MAR50
   The aeroplane was flown from Normanton direct to Melbourne in 7 hrs 35 mins. The aircraft then underwent a 7,000 hourly inspection and did not fly again until 15MAY50. (Source: 2)
The total non-stop distance of 1450 miles was claimed as a record for a DC-3 in Australia*.

* In April 1940, Captain Keith Virtue flew ANA DC-3 VH-UZJ Kyilla non-stop from Perth to Goondiwindi in 12 hrs 30 mins. Three DC-3s had departed Perth for Melbourne, Richmond (NSW) and Brisbane to demonstrate their ability to operate long-range flights in wartime conditions. At the time, the Perth-Goondiwindi flight was claimed as an Australian distance record. (Source: Joan Priest, Virtue in Flying, Angus & Robertson, 1975)
Perhaps the Normanton-Melbourne record claimed in 1950 was considered to be a peacetime record.
   
   

Australian National Airways Staff News Vol. 1 No. 4 of July, 1950 reported:

The recent widespread floods in Queensland caused heavy damage and were the cause of one of our DC3 aircraft being held up for a considerable time. In landing at the Van Rook Station VH-ANR became bogged on the landing strip; this being an outback station, there were, of course, no concrete landing strips available for landing and take-offs.

Staff were required to go out to Van Rook to get the machine into operation again. Ron Harman and Gus Torenbeek from Eagle Farm, Roy Kevill from Cairns, and Jack Turner from Essendon were sent out to work on the aircraft. The party left Cairns at 7 a.m. in VH-INE and landed at Miranda Downs. As the strip at Van Rook Station was still unserviceable for DC3's a Rapide belonging to the Cairns Flying Ambulance Service was obtained and five ferry flights were made out to Van Rook carrying engineers and equipment for the job. The engineers lived at Van Rook Station and after their completing repairs Captain L. Taylor arrived at Van Rook in the Rapide to take over VH-ANR and fly the machine back to Essendon.

The machine was moved to drier ground for take-off and with a very short run Capt Taylor lifted the machine off at 3.30 p.m., and took off for Normanton, landing at 4.30 p.m.

The next morning at 6 o'clock the machine left for Essendon and, flying non-stop arrived at 1 p.m., a feat which was given due prominence in the Melbourne daily press.


(Source: John Hewson Collection via Fred Niven)

Notes:

VH-INE was another ANA DC-3.

The Dragon Rapide was probably VH-CFA (c/n 6814) belonging to the Queensland Ambulance Transport Brigade and based in Cairns where it was maintained by ANA. On November 26 of the following year, this aircraft was forced to ditch in the sea off Cairns because of fuel exhaustion after the pilot was unable to locate Cairns aerodrome which was obscured by smoke from the annual sugar cane burnoff. Although the crew survived, sadly the patient could not be extracted from the aircraft before it sank. The patient was a stockman who had been injured in an accident - ironically at Van Rook Station.

Don Johnston knew Gus Torenbeek and Ron Harman personally and on his advice the spelling of their names has been corrected (from Torenbeck and Harmon) in the ANA Staff News report above. Don also advises that Jack "Curly" Turner was from the ANA propeller shop at Essendon.

   
    A letter to the Editor of The Cairns Post penned on 05APR50 by a Normanton resident using the nom de plume "AIR TRAVELLER" stated:
AVIATION FEAT

Sir, - Aircraft accidents are always headline news, but we do not have headlines for the other side of the aircraft activities, that is, the pilots and engineers. An incident which occurred at Vanrook Station on February 23 when an A.N.A. D.C.3 was bogged and damage done to the aircraft has shown the ability of the pilots and engineers of A.N.A. The company sent four engineers to repair the aircraft and this took four days. During this time heavy rain had set in and the problem was then how to get the plane off the ground, as the aerodrome necessitated extreme caution for the Rapide to land. The A.N.A. pilot, Captain Taylor, flew from Melbourne confident that this could be done, but no one in the district expected that this was possible for about four weeks, owing to the boggy state of the ground.

On March 15, the Rapide landed on the aerodrome with Captain Taylor and co-pilot Lee, and the difficult job began. With only a runway of about 150 yards, consisting of heavy ground. Captain Taylor lifted the D.C.3 off the ground, while station hands stood gaping with astonishment.

One of the engineers remarked after landing in Normanton that the station hands still cannot believe the aircraft has gone. The confidence shown by pilots in the engineers is indicated by the fact that Captain Taylor took off from Normanton the following day, on a non-stop flight to Melbourne, a journey of seven hours' flying time, with cyclones in the area

Accomplishments like these have strengthened the faith of the public in the A.N.A. pilots and engineers. The above feat is more remarkable when one considers that the aerodrome is a bush one, which is only an open piece of country, with trees all around, and bumpy ground, at the best of times. The A.N.A. D.C.3's land on these aerodromes each week as if they were landing on Mascot aerodrome.

Yours etc.
"AIR TRAVELLER"
Normanton, April 5.
   
15MAY50   Completion of 7,000 hourly inspection. R1820-G202A engines fitted; Port s/n 60117, Starboard s/n 60153.
DC-3 type fuel tanks (4 off) replaced by C-47 type fuel tanks (4 off).
Engines fitted; Port s/n 60153, Starboard s/n 60117.
VAR radio installation carried out.
Fitted with wings s/n 3-41 and s/n 3-80 (positions not stated).
Total Time: 17,741 hrs 11 mins.
(Source: 2)
15MAY50   Flown for 40 mins. Presumably a test flight after overhaul. (Source: 2)
17MAY50   Returned to service (7 hrs 50 mins). (Source: 2)
27NOV50
   Operated Brisbane-Cairns crewed by Captain Brooks and F/O Dick Bampton. (Source: Log Book of Dick Bampton)
01DEC50
   Operated Sydney-Brisbane crewed by Captain Bullen and F/O Dick Bampton. (Source: Log Book of Dick Bampton)
16DEC50
  

The Brisbane Telegraph of Saturday 16 December 1950 reported:

FATHER XMAS VISITS OUTBACK BY PLANE

Hundreds of children and adults in one of Queensland's remotest areas, the Cape York Peninsula, received Christmas presents and mail this week although all landing strips on the western side of the Cape, with one exception, had been closed by heavy rain. This was enabled by the untiring efforts and skill of the pilot, co-pilot, and hostess of an Australian National Airways skyliner. Undaunted by adverse weather, they brought the Christmas spirit to the front door of these outback people. The "Station run" has been operated by A.N.A. since 1939 on a weekly schedule with calls to nine stations as far north as the Mitchell River Mission. During the past week the crew of the plane had been busy in Cairns fulfilling orders for personal shopping which they had received from station people during their previous visit. It had been planned by A.N.A. to bring Father Christmas to children on this run but strips were waterlogged and the large DC3 was unable to land to unload freight, including perishable goods. However, the plane carried a valuable cargo of mail and when the crew were told on landing at Normanton that all the strips were "out" they decided to free drop mail and unbreakable presents to the stations. At Delta Downs before leaving Normanton at 11 o'clock on Thursday word was spread around the infant population that Father Christmas would be arriving by air about 3 o'clock and he would meet the children at the aerodrome. After refuelling in Normanton the former Air Force Lancastrian pilot Captain Don Ludbey headed north over the remote cattle country bordering .the Gulf of Carpentaria. The first drop was to be made at Delta Downs station and the first officer, Bob Rowell was harnessed to the aircraft near the rear door. Making a circuit of the strip he came in low over a group of station people standing on the edge of the runway, and as he gave the signal to drop, Bob Rowell, squatting on the floor, held the door open with one foot and pushed the mailbag out with the other. The hostess, Miss Muriel McMillan, assisted in the operation by helping to hold the rear door open. This process was repeated over the other station strips on the 500-mile return flight, except at Rutland Plains, where the plane was able to land. There the Christmas mail was handed to the manager, Mr. Jim Grogan, who with the cook are the only white people on the 9,500-square-mile station. After the last mailbag had been dropped at Miranda Station 58 miles from Normanton. First Officer Rowell donned a Father Christmas suit which had been sent specially from Brisbane. However, five minutes out of Normanton the plane ran into a tropical thunderstorm. He made an unceremonious entrance as he skipped from the plane under an umbrella to the aerodrome building where the children appeared, awe-stricken as they saw their first Santa Claus to arrive by plane. Father Christmas perspired freely as he squatted down taking orders from the youngsters whose ages ranged from two to 10 years. Typical of the orders he noted were: bridal doll, straw hat, revolver and caps, pram, racing car, bulldozer, Humpty Dumpty, bicycle, aeroplane, popgun. It was a wonderful sight to see this enthusiastic group of outback children hundreds of miles from the towns, which at present are gaily decorated with Christmas gifts and bunting. (Source: Trove)

View the front page photo.

It is traditional for historical photos of aircraft to frustrate historians by obscuring the identity of the aircraft but in this instance the photographer has commendably included just enough of the registration for us to be able to identify the DC-3 in this story as VH-ANR Oana. Well done that nameless photographer!

1952
    
05MAY52   Flown for 5 hrs 55 mins presumably terminating at Eagle Farm for overhaul. (Source: 2)
27MAY52   Completion of 4,000 hourly inspection at Eagle Farm, Brisbane.
Engine s/n 60277 removed and engine s/n 59351 fitted starboard position.
Reconditioned wing s/n 3-85 fitted starboard.
Wing s/n 3-80 removed, inspected, repaired and replaced.
Complete cabin soundproofing removed and renewed with Fireproof Tropal blanket as per ANO 105-1-0-1-2.
Old gabardine lining removed and replaced with Fireproof Light Grey 647 Vynoid.
Side panels, front bulkhead, Toilet door and Companionway Door and Hat Racks recovered with Heavy weight Grey Vynoid.
New set of floor carpets installed and reconditioned seat covers fitted.
New grey Gabardine curtains fitted.
Rear Cabin Floors and Toilet Compartment recovered with Blue Inlaid linoleum.
Top of fuselage cleaned and resprayed to ANA colour design. (Presumably this marks the introduction of the white top).
Cabin False Bulkhead repaired and Door modified to swing forward.
(Source: 2)
27MAY52   Flown for 6 hrs 15 mins. First flight after overhaul. (Source: 2)
01OCT52
   Operated Melbourne-Sydney crewed by Capt A. Hammond and F/O W.P. Lazzarini. (Source: Log Book of William Peter Lazzarini)
25OCT52
   Operated Melbourne-Sydney crewed by Capt R. Lethbridge and F/O W.P. Lazzarini. (Source: Log Book of William Peter Lazzarini)
22DEC52
   Operated Melbourne-Hobart-Melbourne crewed by Capt E. Child and F/O W.P. Lazzarini. (Source: Log Book of William Peter Lazzarini)
25DEC52
   Operated Melbourne-Hobart-Melbourne crewed by Capt J. Kemp and F/O W.P. Lazzarini. (Source: Log Book of William Peter Lazzarini)
1953
    
11AUG53
   Operated Sydney-Brisbane-Rockhampton-Mackay crewed by Captain Brian Southwell and F/O MacPherson. (Source: Log Book of Brian Southwell held by the Powerhouse Museum, Sydney)
12AUG53
   Operated Mackay-Rockhampton-Brisbane-Sydney crewed by Captain Brian Southwell and F/O MacPherson. (Source: Log Book of Brian Southwell held by the Powerhouse Museum, Sydney)
1954
    
29JAN54
   Operated Sydney-Canberra-Sydney crewed by Capt H. Fieldhouse and F/O W.P. Lazzarini. (Source: Log Book of William Peter Lazzarini)
29MAY54   Wing s/n 3-80 removed and replaced with s/n 3-22. (Source: 2)
07JUN54
   Operated Sydney-Mount Isa-Sydney crewed by Capt B. Southwell and F/O W.P. Lazzarini. (Source: Log Book of William Peter Lazzarini)
31AUG54
   Operated Sydney-Melbourne crewed by Capt H. Fieldhouse and F/O W.P. Lazzarini. (Source: Log Book of William Peter Lazzarini)
01SEP54
   Operated Melbourne-Sydney crewed by Capt H. Fieldhouse and F/O W.P. Lazzarini. (Source: Log Book of William Peter Lazzarini)
16SEP54
   Operated Sydney-Canberra-Wagga crewed by Capt D. Patrick and F/O W.P. Lazzarini. (Source: Log Book of William Peter Lazzarini)
1955
    
APR55
   Major overhaul (9,000 hours) by Fairey Aviation, Bankstown. Total time 26,623 hours.
02SEP55
   Operated Melbourne-Adelaide crewed by Capt R. Sands and F/O W.P. Lazzarini. (Source: Log Book of William Peter Lazzarini)
03SEP55
   Operated Adelaide-Kangaroo Island-Adelaide crewed by Capt K. Thomas and F/O W.P. Lazzarini. (Source: Log Book of William Peter Lazzarini)
28DEC55
   Operated Sydney-Melbourne crewed by Capt A. Hammond and F/O W.P. Lazzarini. (Source: Log Book of William Peter Lazzarini)
1956
    
30JAN56
   Operated Melbourne-Wynyard-Melbourne-Devonport-Melbourne crewed by Capt C. Griffin and F/O W.P. Lazzarini. (Source: Log Book of William Peter Lazzarini)
13FEB56
   Operated Melbourne-Sydney crewed by Capt D. Patrick and F/O W.P. Lazzarini. (Source: Log Book of William Peter Lazzarini)
24JUL56
   Operated Melbourne-Canberra-Sydney-Canberra-Sydney crewed by Capt N. Ahern and F/O W.P. Lazzarini. (Source: Log Book of William Peter Lazzarini)
09AUG56
   Operated Melbourne-Canberra-Sydney-Canberra-Sydney crewed by Capt R. Ottaway and F/O W.P. Lazzarini. (Source: Log Book of William Peter Lazzarini)
28AUG56
   Operated Sydney-Canberra-Melbourne crewed by Capt J. Wilson and F/O W.P. Lazzarini. (Source: Log Book of William Peter Lazzarini)
13DEC56
   Skin repaired on main cabin door adjacent to door handle. (Source: 1).
31DEC56
   Operated Melbourne-Sydney crewed by Capt D. McBurnie and F/O W.P. Lazzarini. (Source: Log Book of William Peter Lazzarini)
1957
    
04JAN57
   Operated Melbourne-Sydney crewed by Capt W. Small and F/O W.P. Lazzarini. (Source: Log Book of William Peter Lazzarini)
05JAN57
   Local flight ex Sydney (nil destination shown) crewed by Capt A. Rees and F/O W.P. Lazzarini. (Source: Log Book of William Peter Lazzarini)
16JAN57
   CofA renewed until 15JAN58. (Source: 1).
16JAN57
   Operated Melbourne-Sydney crewed by Capt W. Small and F/O W.P. Lazzarini. (Source: Log Book of William Peter Lazzarini)
25MAY57
   Operated Sydney-Canberra-Melbourne crewed by Capt A. Rees and F/O W.P. Lazzarini. (Source: Log Book of William Peter Lazzarini)
10JUN57
   Operated Sydney-Canberra-Melbourne crewed by Capt F. Sawtell and F/O W.P. Lazzarini. (Source: Log Book of William Peter Lazzarini)
14JUN57
   Operated Melbourne-Canberra-Sydney crewed by Capt F. Sawtell and F/O W.P. Lazzarini. (Source: Log Book of William Peter Lazzarini)
26JUL57
   Operated Sydney-Canberra-Sydney crewed by Captain Brian Southwell and F/O McDonald. (Source: Log Book of Brian Southwell held by the Powerhouse Museum, Sydney)
27JUL57
   Operated Sydney-Canberra-Sydney crewed by Captain Brian Southwell and F/O McMahon. (Source: Log Book of Brian Southwell held by the Powerhouse Museum, Sydney)
21OCT57
   ANA was renamed ANSETT-ANA.
1958
    
14JAN58
   CofA renewed until 13JAN59. (Source: 1).
18FEB58
   Ansett Transport Industries gained control of Butler Air Transport.
APR58
   Leased to Butler Air Transport Pty Ltd, Sydney as VH-ANR.
17JUL58   Commencement of 5,000 hourly inspection. Work included:
Structural modifications carried out on fuselage for picture window installation according to Airesearch Aviation Service Co. drawings 16002-1 and 16022.
28-Seat Conversion carried out according to E.N. 2366 and AA 2041.
Carry on baggage rack manufactured and fitted according to ANA 7208.
Exterior paint work carried out according to ANA 7228.
Engine s/n 59522 removed and reinstalled Port.
Engine s/n 94083 removed and replaced by s/n 152805 Starboard.
(Source: 2)
01OCT58   Completion of 5,000 hourly inspection and "Viewmaster" conversion. This work is documented on an Ansett Airways Pty. Ltd. Daily Mechanical Summary which casts doubt on reports that the "Viewmaster" conversion was performed by Fairey Aviation at Bankstown. Nowhere in this nine page report is there any mention of Fairey Aviation. (Source: 2)
    It is believed that VH-ANR was the first "Viewmaster" conversion performed in Australia.
OCT58
   Returned to service with Butler Air Transport after modifications.
1959
    
17FEB59
   Registered to Airlines of New South Wales as VH-ANR although operated by Butler Air Transport in Butler colours.
19DEC59
   Airlines of NSW commenced operations.
1960
    
02FEB60
   Modifications commenced at Essendon "to standardise as Viewmaster". The forward bulkhead was moved from Station 177.5 to Station 146.5 to permit the installation of an extra row of seats. An additional (small) window was installed on both sides of the fuselage in accordance with Airesearch Drawing No. 16002. Numerous other modifications were made to the cabin in connection with the fitment of the extra seats. (Source: 1)
09FEB60
   Above modifications were completed. (Source: 1)
29APR60

Gough Whitlam travelled on VH-ANR:

DEP
FROM
TO
DAY
NIGHT
1105
MASCOT
DUBBO
1:20
-
1240
DUBBO
BOURKE
1:30
-
1720
BOURKE
DUBBO
0:20
1:10
1900
DUBBO
MASCOT
-
1:15

 

 

 


After serving as a navigator on Venturas in 13SQN during the war, Gough Whitlam continued to log his flying as a passenger in remarkable detail. At the time Whitlam was deputy leader of the ALP opposition. (Source: 8)

1961
    
29MAY61
   Withdrawn from service for a complete overhaul. (Source: 1).
11SEP61
   Departure from Sydney delayed because of a bomb hoax. (Source: 3)
29NOV61
   Photographed at Forster, NSW. (Source: Warwick Henry)
1962
    
02DEC62

Gough Whitlam travelled on VH-ANR:

DEP
FROM
TO
DAY
NIGHT
1530
GRIFFITH
SYDNEY
2:00
-

 


After serving as a navigator on Venturas in 13SQN during the war, Gough Whitlam continued to log his flying as a passenger in remarkable detail. At the time Whitlam was deputy leader of the ALP opposition. (Source: 8)

1964
    
64-68
   Airlines of NSW operated a series of "Jolly Swagman" outback tours organised by Neville Salisbury. Although several DC-3s were used, VH-ANR was the preferred aircraft because of its Viewmaster windows. Tours of this type subsequently became more widely known when operated by Bill Peach using Fokker Friendships. (Source: Bill Bray)
31MAY64  

VH-ANR operated a "Jolly Swagman" tour from Dubbo on this date. The itinerary was:

Sun 31MAY64 Dubbo - Walgett - Charleville - Longreach - Mount Isa
Mon 01JUN64 Mount Isa
Tue 02JUN64 Mount Isa - Brunette Downs - Katherine - Darwin
Wed 03JUN64 Darwin
Thu 04JUN64 Darwin - Daly Waters - Tennant Creek - Alice Springs
Fri 05JUN64 Alice Springs - Ayers Rock - Alice Springs
Sat 06JUN64 Alice Springs - Oodnadatta - Leigh Creek - Broken Hill
Sun 07JUN64 Broken Hill - Dubbo. Total flying hours 23.1
1968
    
JUN68
   Airlines of NSW became Ansett Airlines of NSW.
23JUL68
   Arrived Essendon from Sydney.
02AUG68
   Extensive wing work commenced at Essendon. Both wings were removed during corrosion repairs. The port wing (s/n 3-40) was repaired and refitted but the starboard wing (s/n 3-77) was replaced with the starboard wing (s/n 3-97) from VH-ANQ. The starboard wing from VH-ANR was fitted to VH-ANQ which was retired to the "graveyard" and subsequently scrapped. A report that the wing centre sections were also swapped is evidently incorrect. (Source: 1)
View the log book entry.
23AUG68
   Above wing work was signed off. (Source: 1)
01NOV68
   ANSETT-ANA became Ansett Airlines of Australia.
1969
    
23SEP69
   Ferried Sydney to Melbourne for overhaul.
28OCT69
   Ferried Melbourne to Sydney after overhaul and modifications.
18DEC69
   Registered to Ansett Transport Industries (Operations) Pty. Ltd. (Source: 3).
1971
    
MAR71
   Used on food/fodder drops during the NSW floods. (Source: Bill Bray)
11MAR71
   Dropped hay bales at Walgett. (Source: Bill Bray)
1972
    
23JUL72
   The aircraft operated a series of joy flights out of Albion Park (Wollongong, NSW). Newspaper cutting.
24JUL72
   Ferried Sydney to Schofields for storage. Aircraft was leased for ten years for a token price of one dollar per year to two ANSW pilots who intended to operate the aircraft as a flying museum.
14AUG72
   Struck off Register. Owners shown as Capt Alex Garriock and F/O John Wilson of Sydney.
1974
    
14JUN74
  

Final entry in log book No. 11

Time Since Overhaul:
6 599 hrs 03 mins
Time Since New:
48 774 hrs 13 mins
14DEC74
   Ferried to Camden (wheels down) by Alex Garriock and John Wilson and parked.
It was later reported (Source: 6 of June 1982) that Alex Garriock and John Wilson had a problem with what to do with the aeroplane and that they were introduced to the Scouts by Miro Vitek of Camden Tower.
1977
    
MAR77
   It was announced in Windsock, the newsletter of Scouts NSW, Air Activity Centre that Alex Garriock and John Wilson had come to an arrangement with the Scouts to make VH-ANR available for inspection by the Scouts and their visitors. The Scouts also announced an intention to house the DC-3 in a proposed fenced enclosure at Camden Airport. (Source: 6)
30JUL77
   Alex Garriock was killed in the crash of Piper Tri-Pacer VH-KKL near Camden, NSW.
30OCT77
   John Wilson, accompanied by several engineers, attempted to run the engines of the DC-3 but this was abandoned when the battery cart failed. Earlier the engineers had performed checks and cleaning of the engines and undercarriage. (Source: 6)
1978
    
JUN78
   By this date the aircraft had been moved on to concrete pads within the Scouts enclosure. (Source: 6)
19NOV78
   The Scouts Air Activities Base at Camden was officially opened. Mrs Margaret Garriock and family attended to unveil a memorial to Alex Garriock and son Andrew who were killed in the crash of Tri-Pacer VH-KKL on 30JUL77 "almost in the circuit area" while on their way to visit the base at Camden. Later the engines of the DC-3 were run by John Wilson and Lex Garriock (Alex Garriock's son). (Source: 6)
1979
    
FEB79
   It was reported that "late last year" VH-ANR suffered hail damage to both ailerons and the starboard side of the rudder. It was also reported that there was a corrosion hole in the skin in front of the co-pilot's window. (Source: 6)
1980
    
JUL80
   It was reported that VH-ANR is held in trust jointly by John Wilson and Lex Garriock (Alex Garriock's son) and the Scout Association. Under the terms of the Trust Deed with Ansett, the aircraft must not be flown again. (Source: 6)
NOV80
   It was reported that the engines were run recently by Bob Dix and Bill Gray. (Source: 6)
1981
    
24JAN81
   Ownership transferred from Airlines of NSW to George Markey, Sydney.
21JUN81
   The rudder fabric was removed and the rudder sent away for repairs. (Source: 6)
1982
    
MAR82
   It was reported that the repaired rudder was back on the aircraft. The restoration was a joint project by the Scouts and Guides and the Manly Branch of the Australian Air League with the latter organisation contributing the cost of materials at $158.50. (Source: 6)
1983
    
APR83
   It was reported that VH-ANR was to appear as a static backdrop in a movie being made at Camden. For the purposes of the movie, Camden was to be renamed Bullamakanka Airport and VH-ANR was intended to carry Bullamakanka Airlines titles. (Source: 6)
The production referred to is probably At Last ... Bullamakanka The Motion Picture which was not released in theatres and went straight to video release in June 1985. Although the movie featured many pop music stars of the time it was panned by critics. It is not known if VH-ANR actually appeared in the movie. (Source: 7)
JUN83
   Source: 6 "thanks John Skidmore and his helpers for the work they are doing on the DC-3." (Source: 6)
1984
    
05AUG84
   The 3M company held a staff picnic at Camden and at least one engine of the DC-3 was run by Russ Eyers and John Fuller and "once again Camden Tower disappeared in a cloud of smoke." (Source: 6)
1987
    
24JAN87
   Restoration work commenced with view to flying aircraft under ANR108a.
08OCT87   Letter from Project DC-3, Restoration Officer (R.W. Livingstone) to Senior Airworthiness Engineer (J. Christie) Department of Transport and Communications requesting a waiver to enable VH-ANR to fly under the provisions of ANR108a. (Source: 2)
16DEC87  

Response from Supervising Airworthiness Surveyor (C.F. Shipway) Department of Transport and Communications. (Source: 2)

The policy in regard to the issue of Historic Permits to Fly, as outlined in AW13-4 issue 4, requires that the aircraft concerned should not be eligible for an Australian C of A. Clearly the aircraft in question was operated for many years with full transport category certification and is eligible for re-issue of C of A. Therefore, by definition, this aircraft cannot be considered for operation on an Historic Permit to fly.

1994
    
18FEB94
 Donated to Queensland Air Museum by George Markey. QAM member, Bob Livingstone, who was then OIC Camden and Bankstown ATC, and who had acquired a half share in the aeroplane with his friend George Markey, suggested to him that he donate the aeroplane to QAM. George Markey (1932-2012) passed away in Bundaberg on 22 July 2012.
23APR94
   Aircraft inspected at Camden by QAM member who changed the lock on the cabin door.
28AUG94
   QAM recovery crew arrived Camden.
15SEP94
   Arrived at Caloundra on two semi-trailers.
19OCT94
   Fuselage and centre section re-attached at Caloundra.
QAM
    
03JUL04
   QAM's Hangar 2 was opened at Caloundra. DC-3 VH-ANR was amongst the first aircraft to be moved inside.
NOV09
   Replacement tailplane fillets, which were missing from the aircraft when acquired by QAM, were sourced and fitted.
25APR10
   QAM was visited on ANZAC Day 2010 by Walter Seidel who flew this aircraft when it was attached to General MacArthur's GHQ in 1943. Full story here.

 

 

In April 2037, this aeroplane will be 100 years old. In 2022 we cannot imagine whose responsibility it will be to celebrate her centenary, so please do not let us forget.

 

 

C-47 Shiny Shiela - The Other VH-CXE
See inside this Aircraft

 

 

FURTHER READING

Doug's Doug
John Gyzemyter (1915-1999)
Walter Seidel - One of MacArthur's Pilots Visits QAM
Major Ruben Donkervoort's story
Inside General MacArthur's C-47
The Sherr Photographs
KLM/KNILM Flying Personnel in the NEI on 8 December 1941

 

 

SOURCES
1
 Aircraft Log Books held by QAM.
2
 Subsequent review (SEP16) of Aircraft Log Books held by QAM.
3
 Fred Niven, Ansett Historian.
4
 NAA: Report on investigation into aircraft accident to Lockheed Hudson VH-ALA at Lae, TNG [Territory of New Guinea] on 18 April 1948. Series number A8325
5
 The Depot Squadron of the KNIL Army Aviation Corps and the Java-Australia airlift in the period February-March 1942 By Dr. P. C. Boer (2010, revised 21 June 2012) (C) P.C. Boer.
6
 Windsock, the newsletter of Scouts NSW, Air Activity Centre, Camden. Contributed by Graham Godwin.
7
 https://www.ozmovies.com.au/movie/at-last-...-bullamakanka-the-motion-picture
8
 Whitlam Institute: RAAF Observer's, Air Gunner's and W/T Operator's Flying Log Book maintained by Gough Whitlam from 1942 to 1964.
https://rosetta.westernsydney.edu.au/delivery/DeliveryManagerServlet?dps_pid=IE31972
9
 Mary Van Hummel, February 2023.
10
 Log book of R.D. Herrigan. Log book endorsed by ANA Senior Route Captain P.L. Taylor) accessed by Don Johnston, February 2023.

 

 

Compiled by Ron Cuskelly

 

 

 

 

Issue Date Remarks
54 29OCT24
Added a newspaper report from 16DEC50 describing the use of VH-ANR as Santa's sleigh.
53 30JUN24
Added an image of the aircraft landing at Schofields on 24JUN72 thanks to Tony Arbon.
52 31MAY23
Added a list of KLM/KNILM flying personnel in the NEI on 08DEC41. Thanks to John Gyzemyter.
51 07FEB23
Added entry at 20APR44 thanks to Don Johnston.
50 05FEB23
Added an image of the aircraft being unloaded at Rotterdam in 1937 thanks to John Gyzemyter.
Added information from Source: 9 at 07MAR42.
49 17JUL22
Added flights on VH-ANR by Gough Whitlam on 29APR60 and 02DEC62.
48 11JAN22
Clarified details at 18FEB94.
47 13DEC21
Added three images from the State Library of NSW.
Image 1 Image 2 Image 3
46 04SEP21
Added details of the aircraft's time in the care of Scouts NSW Air Activity Centre thanks to Graham Godwin. These references are appended Source: 6.
45 01DEC20
Added two images thanks to Eric Allen.
Image 1 Image 2
44 15SEP20
Added five images courtesy of Graham Godwin of Scouts NSW Air Activity Centre.

Scouts at Camden
Scouts at Camden
Scouts at Camden

Added from the same source two photos of a Jolly Swagman tour that departed on 31MAY64 and the itinerary of that tour. Graham's parents were passengers on this tour.

Jolly Swagman Tour 1964
Jolly Swagman Tour 1964
43 04JAN20
Added three images of VHCXE from the MacArthur Memorial Archives. This completes the set of six images from this source. All six images have been grouped as The Sherr Photographs. The three images shown previously were said to have been taken at Archerfield but high ground in one of the added images suggests otherwise.

Also added an image of the other Dutch DC-3 VHCXD showing the rear vision mirror which was also fitted to VHCXE.
42 08OCT19
Added a new photograph of Staff Sergeants Bone and Gumm who crewed the DC-3 and C-47 with GHQ as Radio Operator and Engineer respectively. Thanks to Michael Bone.
41 13AUG19
Added a new page of photographs of the cabin of General MacArthur's C-47.
40 02AUG19
Added a reference to General MacArthur moving his headquarters to Brisbane in JUL42.
Added a photograph of Prime Minister John Curtin with General MacArthur. This photograph was taken on 08JUN43. Thanks to Sally Laming of the John Curtin Prime Ministerial Library
39 22JUN19
Added contemporary press reports on General MacArthur's meeting with Prime Minister Curtin on 17JUL42.
38 14JUN19
Added John Best's painting of VH-ANR at the head of the page.
37 01MAY19
Added two images of VH-ANR in service with Airlines of New South Wales thanks to Eric Allen.

Mascot 03DEC64

Mascot 25FEB68
36 28APR19
Added seven images taken during a series of joy flights from Albion Park on 23 July 1972. Thanks to Eric Allen for these wonderful images, five of which are air-to-air.

Image 1 Image 2 Image 3 Image 4 Image 5 Image 6 Image 7
34 05APR19
Added John Best's painting of VHCXE at the head of the page.
33 01FEB19
Added a reference to Alex Garriock's death on 30JUL77.
32 01JAN19
Added an image of the aircraft at Camden on 10JUN94 thanks to Geoff Goodall.
31 29JUL18
Added an extract from MacArthur's office diary which confirms that he flew from Melbourne to Canberra to meet with Prime Minister Curtin on 17JUL42. Thanks to Peter Dunn.

Added further details of the aircraft's use during the evacuation of the NEI. With thanks to Peter Boer (Source: 5)
30 22JUL18
Added a colour profile of PH-ALW thanks to Eric van Rootselaar.
29 27JUN18
Added more detail of the camouflage applied by KNILM in December 1941. Thanks to Peter Boer.
28 21NOV17
Added a 1937 KLM poster promoting the Batavia service.
27 18FEB17
Added a newspaper cutting on the joy flights at Albion Park on 23JUL72.
26 05FEB17
Added a reference to an engine failure on 31JAN48.
25 03NOV16
Added two images of PH-ALW thanks to Noel Jackling.
Image 1 Image 2
24 12SEP16
Added information from Source 2.
23 11SEP16
Added three images of the C-47 VH-CXE #2 from the collection of the late Henry Godman.
Image 1 Image 2 Image 3
22 06SEP16
The page for VH-ANR has undergone a major refurbishment. VH-ANR was actually the first QAM aeroplane to have a web presence and in fact it had its own website before QAM itself had a website! Consequently, the pages for VH-ANR had a format which was different from the pages of all the other QAM aircraft. With this update, VH-ANR is now presented in the same format as the rest of the collection.
21 13AUG16
Added sightings at Zerka, Jordan in May-June 1941 thanks to Geoff Goodall and the source quoted.
20 27NOV14
Added a photograph of the ANA conversion plate. Thanks to John Hopton.
19 28OCT14
Added a qualification to the distance record claimed in 1950 for the Normanton-Melbourne flight by VH-ANR.
18 27OCT14
Added an account of the recovery of the aircraft from Van Rook Station. This account is extracted from the ANA Staff News of July 1950. Thanks to the John Hewson Collection and Fred Niven.
17 26OCT14
Added an account of the recovery of the aircraft from Van Rook Station in March 1950. It is now known that the aircraft was flown out of Van Rook to Normanton on 15MAR50 and flown from Normanton to Melbourne the following day. Thanks to Don Johnston for sourcing the newspaper cutting from which this information is drawn.
16 01SEP14
Added several newspaper reports from 1946-1948 listing flights and passenger lists to and from Broken Hill. Thanks to Don Johnston for sourcing these reports from a time when there was no such thing as privacy legislation!
15 21AUG13
Added flights in VH-ANR (01OCT52 to 14JUN57) from the log book of William Peter Lazzarini held in the QAM library. This is an RAAF branded log book which opens on 01SEP52 with a flight in ANA DC-3 VH-ANQ. His last recorded flight for ANA was in DC-4 VH-INX on 21SEP57. He then went on to fly in general aviation.
14 04JUN12
Added more details of the "Jolly Swagman" tours in the late sixties and the fodder drops in 1971. Thanks to Bill Bray.
13 08MAY12
Expanded on the events at 14NOV44.
12 26AUG11
Added a reference to camouflage and markings in DEC41.
11 31JUL11
Added a reference to an accident on 12APR44. Thanks to Geoff Goodall.
10 30JUL11
Added a link to a story by Major Ruben Donkervoort, Royal Netherlands Air Force.
9 22MAY10
Added a detailed description of KNILM operations in FEB42 thanks to Peter Ingman. Also added a reference to a flight on 25MAR42 from the same source.
8 21MAY10
Recorded a visit to QAM by Walter Seidel who flew this aircraft with MacArthur's GHQ in 1943. Also added several of his log book extracts on 29MAR43, 02APR43 and 06JUN43.
7 07NOV09
Added a reference to joy flights ex Albion Park on 23JUL72. Also added references to the aircraft being moved under cover and the addition of tailplane fillets.
6 02JUL09
Added movements from the log book of Brian Southwell held by the Powerhouse Museum, Sydney and sourced by Nigel Daw.
5 25SEP07
Added movements from the log book of Dick Bampton courtesy of his son, Chris.
4 09JUN04
Added several extracts from the aircraft logs. See:
13DEC56
16JAN57
14JAN58
29MAY61
3 06JUN04
The discovery of several log books for VH-ANR has yielded more detail of the following:
The nose-over at Van Rook on 23FEB50.
Further Viewmaster mods on 02FEB60.
The wing swap on 02AUG68.
Total times in log book.
Also added details of the plate fitted by ANA in OCT46.
Also several additions thanks to Fred Niven.
2 08SEP02
Corrected the registration of the DC-5 which flew under the Sydney Harbour Bridge from PK-ADG to PK-ADC. Refer entry under 14MAY42.