Last updated 1 October 2020
DE HAVILLAND DH.104 DOVE IN AUSTRALIA

Compiled by Geoff Goodall


DH.104 Dove 5 VH-RCI (c/n 04119) of South Australian Air Taxis visits Sydney Airport in April 1965.  Photo by Mike Madden


        The all-metal construction DH.104 Dove was designed towards the end of WWII primarily as a DH.89 Rapide replacement. The prototype first flew on 25 September 1945, and the type became a successful short-haul airliner and charter aircraft.  The military transport and trainer version was named Devon, while the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm model was named Sea Devon.  Production commenced at DH's Hatfield works in 1946 and later at the Hawarden works near Chester, the last orders being completed in 1967 when a total of 542 aircraft had been delivered. 

        The Australian associate company De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd at Sydney was assigned the fourth Dove built, to be the Australian demonstrator. It was shipped out and assembled at Bankstown in October 1946 as VH-AQO. Meanwhile in Perth, Captain Charles W. Snook, founder and Manager of Airlines (WA) Ltd, known locally simply as "Airlines", had decided on the new Dove design to replace the airline's fleet of biplanes and Avro Ansons on their far-flung Western Australian routes. In a bold move, he raised the finance to place an order for a new Dove, with an option on a second.  MacRobertson Miller Aviation Co, his competitor airline in WA protested that the type was untried in Australia, would be unsuitable for WA's hot climate and that the Federal Government route subsidies to Airlines (WA) Ltd would be squandered. Snook proved MMA wrong in all aspects and went on to successfully operate a total of six Doves on WA routes. Ironically, eight years later when Airlines (WA) Ltd merged with MMA to form MacRobertson Miller Airlines Ltd in 1955, most of the Doves continued on MMA services for the next ten years, mainly on outback station runs in the Kimberley district in the far north of WA.

        DCA decreed that airline Doves required two crew for takeoffs and landings, so Airlines (WA) Ltd trained their air hostesses to be radio operators who occupied the right hand seat in the cockpit for takeoff and landing, then tended to the cabin for the rest of the flight.  This same concept was used later by Southern Airlines in Melbourne with their two Doves, although SAL employed female pilots as hostess/radio operators.

        Tragedy struck Airlines (WA) Ltd when their Dove VH-AQO suffered a structural failure of the main spar while on descent to Kalgoorlie in October 1951. The port wing broke away, the resultant crash killing all seven on board. This was an early example of metal fatigue. DCA grounded Airlines' other two early-production high hours Doves, which forced Airlines to hire DC-3s from ANA and Ansons from MMA and purchase more Ansons themselves. De Havillands at Hatfield re-designed the centre-section spar, and in December that year the modification kits were installed in Perth. Airlines (WA) went on to an all Dove fleet covering a wide route network until August 1955 when the company merged with MacRobertson Miller Aviation Co to form MacRobertson Miller Airlines Ltd.  The Doves then continued with MMA for a number of years.

Airlines (WA) Ltd Doves posed at Perth Airport for a company advertising picture.


Airlines (WA) Ltd 1955 route map.    Both via Fred Niven

       Airlines (WA) Ltd was the only Australian Dove operator until 1951 when Mandated Airlines at Lae in Australian-administered New Guinea introduced two Doves. They were purchased from East African Airways and ferried from Nairobi to Lae by MAL pilots to become VH-MAB & VH-MAL. After two years in New Guinea service, they were retired by MAL because their poor takeoff performance in New Guinea's hot and high tropical conditions reduced the passenger and cargo loads they could carry.  Both were promptly purchased by Airlines (WA) Ltd.
       MAL Senior Captain Jim Perry, who flew one of MAL's Doves from Africa on delivery, later said: "Although the Dove was the first of the mini-airliners and an absolute pleasure to fly, the performance figures as claimed did not hold true for our tropical climate. It was not, therefore, the magic replacement for our DH.84 Dragons. But for two years they flitted about the Territory skies, much admired by passengers and pilot alike."

Later Dove models
        De Havillands produced a series of improved Dove models to follow the original Dove Mk.1s already in Australia. The basic airframe remained unchanged and the new models had different models of DH Gipsy Queen engines and refinements to the cockpit layout and cabin seating.  It was not until the final development in 1960, the Dove 8, that the distinctive clear teardrop housing above the cockpit for radio antennae was replaced by a heightened smooth cockpit roof to give the crew more headroom. The Dove 8 also featured redesigned cowlings to improve air flow over the engines.

        In Australia during the 1950s, De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd continued to promote the Dove, importing a series of later models as demonstrators. The next fleet operator of the type was the Northern Territory Medical Service based in Darwin and Alice Springs. This was an Australian Department of Health operation, providing similar support to outback NT communities as the Royal Flying Doctor Service in other parts of the country. From 1957 the NTMS purchased six Doves to replace DHA-3 Drovers.  Flying operations of NTMS aircraft, including pilots and maintenance, was provided on contract by the national airline Trans-Australia Airlines.

       Despite the local De Havilland company's best sales efforts, the RFDS did not purchase Doves to replace its Drovers, taking the less costly option of having their Drover trimotors modernised with Lycoming engines and other improvements as Drover Mk.3s.  An exception was the independent RFDS (Victorian Section) which had adopted the remote Kimberley district of northern WA as its service area. MMA had operated medical services in the Kimberley on contract to the RFDS since 1935, most recently with Ansons then Doves. In 1959 RFDS (Victorian Section) purchased the Derby resident MMA Dove and operated it as VH-FDV, fitted out as an aerial ambulance.

        During 1957, new DCA regulations reduced the aircraft’s passenger capacity from 9 to 8 seats. Subsequent Dove use in Australia was mostly on charter work, although in the 1970s some were used by Third Level airlines flying supplementary airline routes under ANR Regulation 203 which allowed charter operators to fly scheduled services. Among these were the first Riley Doves to be seen in Australia, and more Riley Doves followed in the 1980s.

      Riley Doves
          Many Doves were sold in USA as corporate or small airliners.  A variety of modifications to modernise the Dove were marketed in USA, lengthening the fuselage and fitting American engines, even Garrett AiResearch turboprops in the Carstedt Jet Liner 600.  The most successful of these upgrade programs were those offered by the Riley Aeronautical Corp - improvements in stages, up to the ultimate Riley Turbo Executive 400 with two 400hp flat-eight Lycoming IO-470 series engines with Rajay superchargers, improved cockpit and cabin layout, extended nose design and a new taller swept-back fin and rudder.  A customer could specify various stages of modification, carried out over a period of time, in similar style to the many Lockheed Lodestar executive conversions popular in USA in the 1950/60s. Riley Aeronautics carried out its Dove modifications at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport in Florida.

         McAlpine Aviation Ltd at Luton was appointed Riley Aeronautics agents for Britain and Europe in July 1964.  Initial interest was high, and McAlpine rebuilt seven Doves to the Riley specifications at Luton. However the British CAA refused to certify the structure of the new swept fin, resulted in McAlpine conversions retaining the original De Havilland tailplane.  British aviation entrepreneur Mike Keegan's company Keegan Aviation was contracted by McAlpine to handle promotion and sales of the Riley conversions.

         First mention of Riley Doves in Australia came in May 1965 when Mike Keegan delivered a DC-3 G-AMZH from England to TAA at Essendon. While in Australia, Keegan met with Commonwealth Department of Health officials in Canberra, hoping to secure orders to convert the six Doves of the Northern Territory Medical Service to Riley Dove 400s.  Despite the promised improvements to range and takeoff performance, nothing further was heard.

         It was to be another eight years before an Australian operator approached DCA to discuss type certification for Riley Doves modified in England by McAlpine Aviation.  Central Australian Airways in Adelaide had an option on a pair of Riley Doves for sale at that time by McAlpine.  The British type certification data for the Riley modifications came directly from McAlpine who had carried out the engineering work, which probably smoothed the Australian "first-of-type" certification process, especially as the pair were to be used for airline services.
Australian certification was granted, and they were flown out from England to become VH-ABK & VH-ABM.


Dove variety at Adelaide Airport February 1975: Coveair's Devon VH-CJY with Lycoming-powered Riley Doves
VH-ABK & ABM
parked either side. All three were flying scheduled passenger services.   Photo by Nigel K. Daw


This listing of Australian Doves is presented in order of their delivery:


               DH.104 Dove 1     c/n 04002                 RMA Bunbury                                                                               VH-AQO
.46
Built at Hatfield by De Havilland Aircraft Co Ltd.  The second production Dove, the fourth Dove built
6.46
First flight at Hatfield
15.7.46
DH hand-over date to purchaser

Shipped to Australia as a demonstration aircraft for de Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd, Sydney
10.10.46
Australian Registration Application: De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd, Bankstown Airport, Sydney

Assembled at Bankstown by DHA
28.10.46
First flight at Bankstown after assembly, pilot DHA Chief Test Pilot Brian Blackjack Walker
29.10.46
Added to Register VH-AQO
29.10.46
Australian CofA issued by DCA

Flew as Australian demonstrator of the Dove 
19.6.47
Change of ownership: Airlines (WA) Ltd, Perth Western Australia

DHA agreed to exchange their demonstrator Dove for Airlines (WA) Ltd's first ordered Dove VH-AQP. In an embarassing incident, the Airlines (WA) Ltd's much-anticipated first new Dove VH-AQP was damaged on 17 May 1947 prior to entering service, when DHA test pilot Brian R. Walker landed it with gear retracted at Perth-Maylands Aerodrome during test flying after assembly.
VH-AQP had temporary repairs and was then ferried to Bankstown.
19.6.47
VH-AQO arrived at Perth on delivery from Sydney, flown by Brian Walker
21.6.47
Airlines(WA)Ltd held an open day at Perth-Guildford Airport to promote the Dove. Joyrides were given in the Dove and Ansons. The Dove was named RMA Bunbury in a naming ceremony before a big crowd by Lady Mitchell (wife of the WA Governor) and Captain Charles W. Snook.

Walker gave a low level flying display in the Dove and Syd Goddard flew aerobatics in a Tiger Moth owned by the airline.
29.6.47
Proving flight Guildford to Kalgoorlie and Norseman and return
1.7.47
Inaugural Dove passenger service, Perth-Kalgoorlie flown by Captain John Moore with Brian Walker

Airlines(WA)Ltd was in the process of moving from Maylands Aerodrome at Perth to the nearby Guildford Airport which had been built towards the end of WWII for RAAF.  DCA required that the Doves use the longer sealed runways at Guildford on passenger services.  Soon afterwards Airlines(WA)Ltd moved all operations across to Guildford, which is today's Perth Airport
10.4.49
Minor damage in ground taxying accident at Perth Airport, struck company Anson VH-BAU
27.9.50
Damaged on landing at Norseman WA when the aircraft struck an aerodrome boundary marker.  Port aileron and flaps as well as both propellers received damage
15.10.51
Destroyed 14 miles west of Kalgoorlie WA after port wing broke away in flight.
Location in open scrub country near Kurawang Mission

The Dove was on descent into Kalgoorlie at 3.20pm on a scheduled airline flight. Captain Charles M. Hood, hostess/radio operator Dorothy Reilly and all five passengers were killed.  The aircraft was destroyed however the detached port wing with engine and propeller was found in one piece some distance away.

The wreck was located by an aerial search by a DCA DC-3 that was refuelling at Kalgoorlie and the resident Percival Gull VH-UZH flown by its owner George Lewis.

Major investigation by DCA led to the first detailed analysis of metal fatigue considerations
4.52
Wreckage sections that were held by DCA in a hangar at Kalgoorlie Airport (the wartime RAAF Boulder) were released back to Airlines(WA) Ltd
16.5.52
Struck-off Civil Register
60
A report stated that the detached port wing of VH-AQO was still in the Royal Flying Doctor Service hangar at Kalgoorlie Airport


Airlines (WA ) Ltd's founder and Managing Director Captain Charles W. Snook assists fur-bedecked Lady Mitchell
to name VH-AQO
"RMA Bunbury" in a ceremony at Perth Airport on 21 June 1947.       Geoff Goodall collection


Kalgoorlie WA in 1948, with "AWA" and company wings on the tail with the horizontal lines.
Photo by Mike Cosgrave


Perth Airport 1951, now with airline name above the windows and revised tail lines.     Photo by John M. Smith


VH-AQO's inverted port wing and Gipsy Queen after the in-flight structural failure near Kalgoorlie WA in October 1951.
Geoff Goodall collection


              DH.104 Dove 1     c/n 04012                                                                                   VH-AQP, VH-AWB, VH-GVF
8.1.47
Built at Hatfield by De Havilland Aircraft Co Ltd.  
16.1.47
First flight at Hatfield

First of two new Doves ordered by Captain Charles W. Snook, founder and Manager of Airlines(WA)Ltd, Perth. Order placed through Australian agents De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd, Sydney
28.1.47
DH hand-over date to purchaser at Hatfield

Shipped to Australia as boxed cargo on board SS Telemachus
25.3.47
Telemachus arrived Fremantle WA. The Dove was unloaded and moved in the crates to Maylands Aerodrome by trucks the same day.

Assembly at Perth-Maylands Aerodrome by Airlines (WA) Ltd engineering staff, overseen by DHA and Jim Cameron, recently appointed by the airline from DH in England. After Snook's death the following year, Cameron took over as Manager of the airline.
21.4.47
Testflown Maylands after assembly, flown by DHA Chief Test Pilot Brian R. Walker
24.4.47
Australian CofA issued
24.4.47
Added to Civil Register VH-AQP:  Airlines (WA) Ltd, Perth WA

Brian Walker commenced training Airlines(WA)Ltd pilots.  The Dove would be operated single-pilot IFR with an air hostess acting as radio operator in the right hand seat for takeoff and landings
4.47
Snook promoted the arrival of the first of his planned fleet of modern new post-war Dove airliners, to replace their RAAF disposals Ansons on the extensive route network across WA.
Newspaper advertisements and newsreels stressed that the Dove would enter service on 18.5.47
17.5.47
VH-AQP was damaged when landed with undercarriage retracted at Maylands Aerodrome.
DHA test pilot Brian Walker was in command, with Airlines (WA)Ltd pilot Sid Goddard in the right seat, returning to land after a local promotional flight with five invited passengers on board. No injuries.
Walker admitted he had forgotten to lower the gear when delayed to follow a landing Tiger Moth.

Late that afternoon a RAAF heavy lifting crane arrived from RAAF Pearce and lifted the Dove up off the grass runway. The undercarriage was extended and the damaged aircraft was towed out of sight into a Maylands hangar.

The event attracted much adverse publicity for the airline.  DHA agreed to exchange their demonstrator Dove VH-AQO for the damaged VH-AQP so that that the airline could commence Dove services with minimum delay
(VH-AQO arrived Perth 19.6.47 from Sydney on delivery by Brian Walker)

DCA investigation report stated that test pilot Brian Walker was solely responsible and that he had displayed "gross negligence". The report noted that the aircraft had only a visual light to indicate the undercarriage was extended and recommended that all DH.104 have an audible warning alarm installed

VH-AQP had temporary repairs at Maylands. The bent propellers were sent to Sydney to be straightened and aligned in DHA's workshops. A new set of flaps ordered from England by DH were shipped to Perth and installed
17.10.47
Testflown at Maylands after repair
10.47
Ferried from Perth to Sydney where DHA made a complete repair and prepared the aircraft for resale
15.6.48
Letter to DCA from DHA: VH-AQP has nearly completed repairs at Mascot Airport. This aircraft is the property of this company and will be used for general company business and occasional demonstration flights
21.6.48
Civil Register Change of ownership: De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd, Bankstown NSW
7.7.48
Testflown Sydney-Mascot after repairs, pilot Brian Walker
9.7.48
CofA renewed
49
With no other sales prospects, it was later offered back to Airlines (WA) Ltd
7.7.49
Letter to DCA from DHA: VH-AQP has now been sold to Airlines (WA) Ltd
22.9.49
CofA renewed at Bankstown by DHA. Owner quoted as Airlines (WA) Ltd
22.9.49
Acceptance flight Bankstown by Airlines (WA) Ltd Chief Pilot Nelson Hill, with DHA's Brian Walker
24.9.49
Change of ownership: Airlines (WA) Ltd, Perth WA
27.9.49
Departed Sydney on ferry to Perth, flown by Nelson Hill, with Airlines' Chief Engineer Albert Arnfield. After stops at Camden, Wagga, Mildura, Parafield they overnighted at Ceduna SA, continuing to Perth next day
28.9.49
Delivery flight continued Ceduna to Forrest, Kalgoorlie, then Perth
16.10.51
DCA ordered the grounding of Australian-registered Doves following the structural failure of VH-AQO near Kalgoorlie the previous day.
10.51
VH-AQP's wing spar was inspected at Perth and no cracks found. Remained grounded at Perth
18.1.52
Test flown at Perth by Airlines' Chief pilot Nelson Hill after installation of a modification kit for the  mainspar received from DH in England. Then resumed scheduled service with Airlines (WA) Ltd
8.6.53
Airlines (WA) Ltd had requested DCA approval to put their Doves into the VH-AW_ sequence
Re-registered VH-AWB
23.6.55 Airlines (WA) Ltd merged with MacRobertson Miller Aviation Co to form a joint operation under the name MacRobertson Miller Airlines Ltd, based at Perth. MMA advertised some Doves for sale
16.12.55
Change of ownership and re-registered VH-GVF: Southern Airlines Ltd, Melbourne Vic

SAL commenced scheduled Avro Anson passenger services from Melbourne-Essendon Airport on 2.5.55 on routes including Balranald, Flinders Island, King Island, Launceston, Millicent, Naracoorte and Adelaide.  The two Doves replaced the Ansons, two Herons later added, but SAL ceased operations 1.11.58, claiming predatory practices by Ansett Transport Industries. Aircraft sold by the liquidators but ATI purchased the rights to the routes.
19.12.55
Departed Perth on delivery flight to Southern Airlines, arrived Melbourne-Essendon next day
8.58
Southern Airlines retired its two Doves VH-GVE & GVF, which had been replaced by DH.114 Herons VH-GVH & GVI.  The Doves were advertised for sale and both were parked at Essendon
1.11.58
Southern Airlines ceased operations
22.12.58
Ansett Transport Industries took over Southern Airlines and its route licences. The SAL aircraft were
not included in the purchase
.59
Southern Airlines' liquidators sold the two Doves VH-GVE & VH-GVF to Australian Aircraft Sales,  Sydney c/- John P. Conley
28.10.59
Registered in the name of AAS associate company: Rain Air Taxis c/- Australia Aircraft Sales,
40 Darlinghurst Road, Kings Cross, Sydney NSW

7.61
noted at Bankstown, dismantled in De Havilland Aircraft hangar.
Unconfirmed report that corrosion had been found in the airframe, uneconomical to repair
6.9.61
Struck-off Register as withdrawn from service
22.8.64
noted at Bankstown, dismantled in Bristol Aviation Services hangar: fuselage against a rear wall covered with dust wings stacked nearby. Had been moved from DHA hangar some time ago.
30.10.64
Fuselage of VH-GVF arrived at Sydney Airport from Bankstown on a truck. It had been acquired by Peter Ahrens of Avis Rent-a-Plane System, Sydney.
Reported at the time that VH-GVF was to be airfreighted to USA to Riley for use in their range of modernised re-engined Dove conversions.  However remained stored in Sydney
6.3.65
Fuselage of VH-GVF still on grass at Sydney Airport
68
Fuselage of VH-GVF reported at a house at Point Lonsdale, Victoria, used as a store shed
87
Fuselage of VH-GVF reported at a farm near Werribee Victoria
9.88
Two wings painted as VH-AWB were delivered by truck to RAAF Wagga NSW after long-term storage by Australian Research Laboratories at RAAF Stores Deport Oaklands NSW

No further reports


VH-AQP at De Havillands works at Mascot in 1948, after repairs following DHA's chief test pilot's
embarassing
wheels-up landing in Perth the previous year.                  Frank Walters collection


Back with Airlines(WA) Ltd, at Perth Airport in July 1950.          Geoff Goodall collection


Re-registered VH-AWB, heading a lineup of Airlines (WA) Ltd Doves at Perth Airport circa 1954.
Geoff Goodall collection



VH-AWB at Mount Magnet WA in 1953 on a scheduled service                              Photo by Colin Hayes


Essendon 1956 soon after delivery to South Airlines and reregistration as VH-GVF.    Photo by Barrie Colledge


VH-GVF in the final Southern Airlines scheme, Essendon 1958.                                  Geoff Goodall collection


VH-GVF's fuselage sitting on the grass at Sydney Airport in March 1965.       Photo by Peter Limon



              DH.104 Dove 1 to Series 5B    c/n 04091   RMA Busselton, RMA OrdH.V.McKay, City of Toowoomba  
              VH-AZY, VH-AWD, VH-MMO, VH-FDV, VH-TDV, VH-RUW, VH-RUN, VP-PAL

.47
Built at Hatfield by De Havilland Aircraft Co Ltd.  

The second of two new Doves ordered by Captain Charles W. Snook, founder and Managing Director of Airlines(WA)Ltd, Perth. Order placed through Australian agents De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd, Sydney
2.12.47
DH hand-over date to purchaser

Shipped to Australia as boxed cargo on board SS Tropic
2.48
Assembled at Perth Airport by Airlines (WA) Ltd
4.2.48
Added to Register VH-AZY: Airlines (WA) Ltd, Perth, Western Australia
16.2.48
First test flight at Perth Airport, pilot Brian R.Walker, de Havilland Aircraft's chief test pilot.
Named RMA Busselton in a ceremony that day
17.2.48
Australian CofA issued
22.8.51
Wing damaged on takeoff Mount Vernon Station on a flight to Wittenoom. Captain J. Ingham elected to divert and landed at Corunna Downs WA
16.10.51
DCA ordered the grounding of Australian registered Doves following the structural failure of VH-AQO near Kalgoorlie the previous day.
16.10.51
VH-AZY had flown the morning service Perth-Kalgoorlie before the grounding order was made.
That afternoon Airlines' Chief Engineer Albert Arnfield inspected VH-AZY's wing spar at Kalgoorlie. He found a crack over an inch long in the same position as VH-AQO's spar failure.
DCA Head Office refused to allow it to be ferried back to Perth without passengers
7.11.51
Arrived at Maylands Aerodrome, Perth by truck after being dismantled at Kalgoorlie.
31.12.51
Test flown at Perth by Airlines' Chief pilot Nelson Hill after installation of a modification kit for the  mainspar received from DH in England. Then VH-AQP was also modified.
1.52
Resumed scheduled service with Airlines (WA) Ltd
16.7.53
Airlines (WA) Ltd had requested DCA approval to put their Doves into the VH-AW_ sequence
Re-registered VH-AWD
23.6.55 Airlines (WA) Ltd merged with MacRobertson Miller Aviation Co to form a joint operation under the name MacRobertson Miller Airlines Ltd, based at Perth. 
4.11.55
Re-registered VH-MMO: Airlines(WA) Ltd, operated byMacRobertson Miller Airlines Ltd, Perth WA. Named RMA Ord
-
Overhaul at Perth, during which VH-MMO was upgraded from Dove 1 to Dove 5B series by replacing the original 330hp Gipsy Queen engines with 380hp Gipsy Queen 70 Mk.2 engines
4.8.58
Struck a fence landing at dusk at Fitzroy Crossing WA, causing damage to flaps and tailplane.
MMA scheduled airline service, Captain F.J.Ashelford with two passengers. No injuries.
Aircraft painted in MMA scheme, name RMA Ord
30.9.58
Change of owner's name: Commercial Aviation Pty Ltd, Perth. Continued in operatation with MMA

Book-keeping exercise: the MMA DC-3, Dove and Anson fleet was transferred to this associated holding company Commercial Aviation, which was an early company operated by MMA founder Captain Horrie Miller.
31.1.59
Change of ownership:  Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia (Victorian Section), Melbourne.
Based at Derby WA.

RFDS Victorian Section provided the funds to service 140,000 square miles of the Kimberley district of northern WA, with emergency radio service at Derby WA.  Previously MMA had conducted RFDS flights on a charter basis using Ansons.
31.1.59
Change of registration to VH-FDV
22.5.59
Dedicated in a ceremony at Derby Airport WA by the Bishop of the North West, Dr. Frewen.
Named H.V.McKay
1.8.64
VH-FDV visited Perth Airport, "Royal Flying Doctor Service - Victorian Section"titles
6.1.65
visited Perth Airport
2.66
Dove will be traded in to Hawker de Havilland (Australia) Pty Ltd on a new Beech Queenair 65
16.4.66
Change of ownership: Hawker de Havilland (Australia) Pty Ltd, Sydney-Bankstown NSW
23.4.66
Dove VH-FDV noted at Perth-Jandakot, parked alongside newly-delivered Beech Queenair VH-FDV. Reported that the Dove had logged 26,000 hours
27.4.66
Re-registered VH-TDV to allow the Queenair to take up the preferred registration VH-FDV

VH-TDV ferried Jandakot to Bankstown
28.8.66
Change of ownership and re-registered VH-RUW: Richards Rent-A-Plane t/a Unionair, Toowoomba Qld.  Named City of Toowoomba
8.66
VH-TDV ferried Bankstown-Toowoomba Qld on delivery to Richards Rent-A-Plane. 
Metal finish with white roof and tail
31.8.66
VH-RUW noted at Toowoomba Qld
3.9.66
Landed at Brisbane-Archerfield with cockpit indication that nosewheel was not locked down, however made normal landing
13.5.67
noted at Toowoomba Qld
12.7.67
VH-RUW noted at Bankstown, "Unionair" titles
5.8.67
Change of ownership and re-registered VH-RUN: Beechcraft Australia, Archerfield Qld
Traded on a new Beech Baron
68
Leased to Megapode Airways, operated by Solomon Island Airways, Honiara

Developed mechanical problems with nose gear while operating in the Solomons.
Megapode Airways' Dove VP-PAA which had beebn retired at Lae PNG was ferried back to Honiara to be stripped for parts including its nose gear assembly which was fitted to VH-RUN
2.12.68
VH-RUN noted at Bankstown, "Solair" titles.
9.7.69
VH-RUN noted at Archerfield Qld, small "Solair" titles on tail
9.9.69
Struck-off Australian Register. Sold to Solomon Islands
9.9.69
Registered VP-PAL: Solomon Island Airways t/a Solair, Honiara

Solair was a subsidiary of Macair Charters, Lae, Papua New Guinea
8.5.71
Sold to Hawker de Havilland (Australia) Pty Ltd, Sydney-Bankstown NSW
Traded on a new Beechcraft twin
.71
VP-PAL ferried Honboiata-Bankstown
26.6.71
VP-PAL noted at Bankstown, inside Hawker de Havilland hangar.
16.8.71
VP-PAL Struck-off Register as withdrawn from service
.71
Dismantled for inspection by Hawker de Havilland prior to planned sale to Ray Causer t/a GAAF Air Charter, Bankstown. Re-assembled and parked outside without engines
28.12.72
VP-PAL noted at Bankstown, "Solair"titles, engines removed. Also 25.2.73, 5.9.73, 27.3.74

Sold as scrap, moved by road to a Sydney scrap metal yard

Acquired from the scrapyard by George Greig, Wee Waa NSW

George was an aerial agricultural pilot and aviation enthusiast. He did not have plans to rebuild the Dove to fly, just wanted to save it from being scrapped.

VP-PAL airframe reportedly stored in various locations with different owners
c85
Acquired by John Viney, Werribee Vic. Moved from NSW to Werribee to be a play house for his children in the back garden of their home
7.17
Fuselage unmoved at Werribee, complete but deteriorated due weather exposure.
Retains the green Solair cheatline and "Solar"can be read on the fuselage. No wings, tail, or engines
19
Fuselage removed from the Werribee house
20
Fuselage stored pending preservation by Dion Makowski, Melbourne Vic


VH-AZY at Perth Airport in 1948 soon after assembly. This picture was attached to the initial CofA form


VH-AZY arrives back at Perth by road from Kalgoorlie on 7 November 1951 following the DCA grounding
order due VH-AQO's structural failure at Kalgoorlie the previous month.              Geoff Goodall coillection


After the MMA merger, VH-MMO seen in interim MMA markings adapted from the Airlines(WA)Ltd scheme.
MMA Chief Engineer Frank Colquoun took this photo at one of the many remote outback airstrips serviced by the Doves


Now VH-FDV with RFDS, having maintenance at its Derby WA base in 1965.       Photo by Alistair Coutts


VH-FDV at Derby WA being towed from the hangar by the RFDS base VW beetle.    Photo by Louis Barretto


At Bankstown in July 1966 repainted as VH-TDV when traded-in on a new Beech Queenair. Metallic with white top.
Note RFDS symbol on fuselage and the name H.V.McKay on the nose.           Photo by Michael Croker

                                                            
Archerfield Qld in October 1966, re-registered VH-RUW with Unionair of Toowomba.      Photo by David Thollar


Now VH-RUN on lease to Megapode Airways, at Honiara, Solomon Islands 1968.        Alan Bovelt collection


Megapode Airways Doves VH-RUN and VP-PAA off Honiara, Solomon Islands on 21 September 1968.    
Photo courtesy Graham Syphers who was flying VP-PAA from Lae on this final flight


VH-RUN at Archerfield Qld in July 1969, with small SOLAIR titles on tail.                Photo by Dave Eyre


VP-PAL at Bankstown in June 1971, back from the Solomon Islands. It never flew again. 
Photo by Roger McDonald



Two views of VP-PAL's fuselage in the backyard of a house at Werribee Vic in July 2017.     
Photos by Geoff Hearn




                 DH.104 Dove 1, to Series 5B     c/n 04119     Talio, RMA Pallinup                                                        
                 VH-MAB, VH-AWF, VH-MMP, VH-RAJ, VH-TLU, VH-RCI, VH-CTS
.48
Built at Hatfield by De Havilland Aircraft Co Ltd.  Production Dove Mk.1
1.3.48
Registered VP-KDG: East African Airways Corporation, Nairobi, Kenya.
1.3.48
DH hand-over date to purchaser
14.4.48
VP-KDG made the inaugural flight of EAAC Dove service Nairobi-Entebbe.
Named Chagga, later Wakamba
5.51
EAAC Doves VP-KEJ & VP-KDG were sold to Mandated Airlines Ltd, New Guinea via British brokers W.S.Shackleton Ltd, London
6.51
MAL Senior Captain James K. Perry and Check Captain Les Davis travelled to Nairobi to collect the aircraft and deliver them to New Guinea
7.7.51
Both Doves departed Nairobi on a 20 day ferry flight

Delivery route: via Mombassa, Mogadishu, Hagersha, Aden, Riyan Salala, Masirah, Jiwani, Karachi, Ahmadabad, Bhopal, Calcutta (Kolkata), Akyab, Rangoon, Mergui, Penang, Singapore, Indonesia, Dili & Darwin.  It returned to Darwin for repairs.  The ferry flight continued via Daly Waters, Cloncurry, Cairns, Horn Island & Port Moresby, to Lae.  Total flying time 77 hours
28.7.51
VP-KEJ & VP-KDG arrived Lae on delivery

Both used for crew training under their Kenyan registrations, pending Australian certification
19.6.51
(Back-dated by DCA): Added to Register VH-MAB: Mandated Airlines Ltd, Lae, PNG. Name Talio
Initially operated from Port Moresby on supplemental air routes connecting with the Trans Oceanic Airways flying boat services from Sydney
6.9.51
Australian CofA issued.
11.9.51
Nose undercarriage failed to retract after departure Madang. Returned and landed safely
5.52
Airlines (WA) Ltd, Perth carried out mandatory wing-spar boom modification on MAL Doves VH-MAL & VH-MAB. VH-MAL total airframe time 2,298 hrs
22.5.52
Nose undercarriage failed to retract after departure Goroka. Returned and landed safely
6.52
Ferried to Sydney for annual CofA renewal overhaul
20.8.52
CofA renewal at Bankstown by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd and repair of corrosion in wingspar and wing assembly
8.52
Returned to PNG service from Sydney.
12.53
Ferried from New Guinea to Bankstown for inspection by DHA after retired by MAL. Advertised for sale
6.1.54
Memo from DCA PNG Region to Head Office, Melbourne: VH-MAB has been sold by MAL to Airlines (WA) Ltd. The aircraft is currently at Bankstown after a maintenance inspection and it is
planned that it will depart Bankstown 16.1.54 on delivery to Perth, to be flown by Airlines(WA) Ltd Chief Pilot Nelson Hill with Chief Engineer Stan Doggett. Ferry Permit approved by DCA.
17.1.54
Change of ownership and registration VH-AWF: Airlines (WA) Ltd, Perth WA
19.2.54
Weighed at Perth for CofA renewal, however aircraft did not enter service and was parked in a hangar at Perth Airport waiting for increased passenger traffic
3.6.54
Struck-off Register, "withdrawn from service, will be used as spares"
3.55
Overhaul at Perth and installation of two replacement wings shipped from DH in England. The aircraft was modified to Dove Series 5, replacing the original Gipsy Queen engines
21.4.55
Restored to Register as VH-AWF: Airlines (WA) Ltd, Perth WA
23.6.55
Airlines (WA) Ltd merged with MacRobertson Miller Aviation Co to form a joint operation under the name MacRobertson Miller Airlines Ltd, based at Perth
11.7.55
Rest flown at Perth on completion of overhaul and conversion to Dove Mk.5B by Airlines (WA) Ltd
4.11.55
Re-registered VH-MMP: MacRobertson Miller Airlines Ltd, Perth WA. Named RMA Pallinup
3.5.58
Damaged in wheels-up landing at Derby WA on return from a scheduled MMA Kimberley stations service.  Captain D.A. Stewart and 4 passengers unhurt.  DCA accident report:
"The pilot forgot to lower the undercarriage for landing after lowering it normally and then retracting it to clear a suspected fault in the electrical position indicating equipment. The warning horn was inoperative due to a ruptured fuse."
5.58
After temporary repairs, ferried Derby to Perth
21.5.58
Returned to MMA service
30.9.58
Change of owner's name: Commercial Aviation Pty Ltd, Perth. Continued in operatation with MMA

Book-keeping exercise: the MMA DC-3, Dove and Anson fleet was transferred to this associated holding company Commercial Aviation, which was an early company operated by MMA founder Captain Horrie Miller.
-
Overhaul at Perth, during which VH-MMN was upgraded from Dove 1 to Dove 5B series by replacing the original 330hp Gipsy Queen engines with 380hp Gipsy Queen 70 Mk.2 engines
9.4.59
Change of ownership and registration VH-RAJ:  Air Charter Ltd c/- Robbys Aircraft Service,
Parafield Airport, Adelaide SA


Robbys Aircraft was an establised operated at Adelaide-Parafield Airport, conducting maintenance, aerial agricultural, flying school and aerial survey operations.  The Dove was used for charter work, including courier services from Adelaide to Maralinga, the British atomic test site in the SA desert
4.59
Ferried Perth-Parafield by a Robbys pilot and engineer
13.12.62
Change of ownership and registration VH-TLU: SA Air Taxis Ltd, Adelaide Airport, South Australia

SA Air Taxis had been founded in 1958 by the Treloar family, and used the VH-TL_ registrations
16.12.62
VH-RAJ noted at Parafield, just had "SAAir Taxi" titles painted on fuselage sides
25.9.63
Change of registration VH-RCI: SA Air Taxis Ltd, Adelaide Airport, South Australia

SAAT changed its fleet to the VH-RC_ registration series to reflect new Manager Richard Cavill
4.65
visited Sydney Airport, "SAAT" titles
65
VH-RCI then retired at Adelaide Airport, placed up for sale
13.11.65
Change of ownership and registration: VH-CTS: City Centre Air Taxi Service, Melbourne Vic

Charter operation founded by Captain Jack Ellis, Tyabb Vic, who intended operating charter and schedued airline services from the CAC airfield at Fishermans Bend on the edge of the city of Melbourne. He failed in his lengthy dispute with DCA for use of this small airfield.
For further information on Jacques Ellis, refer Piaggio file this site for his P.166 VH-ACV
2.66
VH-RCI noted at Albury NSW, completing a major overhaul
21.2.66
VH-CTS first noted at Essendon Vic,  “City Centre Air Taxi Service” titles, repainted in a dark blue & gold scheme, fresh from refurbishment at Albury
9.66
VH-CTS visited Parafield SA airshow. Dark blue & gold but no titles above windows
3.3.68
noted at Albury NSW
17.11.68
Damaged on landing at Lovely Banks airfield, near Geelong Vic. 
Pilot in command Captain Jack Ellis, SCPL total 16,200 hrs, 400 on type.
DCA accident report:  The instructor had little recent experience on the aircraft type and when demonstrating a landing in turbulent crosswind conditions, he leveled off too high. The right wing dropped and aircraft landed heavily on one wheel while drift was still present. The main spar was damaged and a wing displaced rearwards." 
17.11.68
Flown from Lovely Banks to Moorabbin Airport, Melbourne by Cpt. Jack Ellis
11.68
Inspection at Moorabbin revealed the wing damage was extensive and the aircraft was written off.
17.11.68
(Backdated by DCA) Struck-off Register
20.4.69
noted at Moorabbin. Also 15.9.70
71
Stripped airframe acquired by Pearce Dunn t/a Warbirds Aviation Museum, Mildura Vic

Moved by road from Moorabbin to Mildura, displayed assembled but without undercarriage or engines
6.72
VH-CTS noted at Warbirds Aviation Museum. Faded blue & gold paint scheme with "City Centre Air Taxis" titles.   Pearce Dunn had planned to complete the aircraft to represent a RNZAF Devon, on which he worked while a ground engineer with RNZAF, however no further work took place
90s
Warbirds Aviation Museum shut down and disposed of its aircraft collection
.92
Stripped airframe acquired from Pearce Dunn by Ted Rudge, Essendon Airport Vic. 
Rudge needed the nose section cockpit-forward to replace the nose of VH-DHI damaged in an accident at Launceston 14.9.91
5.92
A team from Rudge Air flew to Mildura in Dove VH-DHD. They disassembled VH-CTS in the Warbirds Aviation Museum compound and loaded it on a truck for road transport to Melbourne.
VH-CTS was in faded blue and gold paint scheme with "City Centre Air Taxis" titles
15.5.92
VH-CTS arrived at Essendon by truck from Mildura, unloaded at Rudge Air hangar
9.92
Nose section of VH-CTS used to repair the damaged nose of RudgeAir Dove VH-DHI at Essendon
01
VH-CTS hulk acquired by Graham White t/a Whiteblast Sandblasting, Melbourne Vic.
He wanted it for sections to be used to rebuild the wrecked Dove VH-DHD as an advertising attraction on a pole at his business.  He had earlier salvaged VH-DHD's wreck from a scrap yard, after it crashed into a house near Essendon on 3.12.93.

White had approached Ted Rudge for further parts, but Rudge did not want VH-DHD displayed after the troubles caused by the accident. An agreement was made that Rudge would supply some more parts on condition that the Dove on the pole must not look like VH-DHD
16.11.01
A Dove fuselage was inspected in a transport yard on Northbourne Road, Campbellfield, Melbourne. Painted all over khaki brown with "US Air Force" painted in white on roof.  The tail was painted red and had "C48"on fin. The nose was was the damaged nose section from VH-DHI's repair, roughly attached.  On a trailer alongside were 3 Dove wings: two from VH-CTS and a damaged wing from VH-DHD's crash.
Close inspection revealed the mid-fuselage was VH-CTS, rear fuselage VH-DHD

No reports that the display Dove was in fact rebuilt, or mounted on a pole
07
By now acquired by Ron Schneider, Rapanyup Vic.  Moved to his farm aircraft collection

Current


VH-MAB on a Mandated Airlines service to Kaiapit PNG.                                       Photo by Robert Blaikie


VH-MAB at Bankstown in January 1954 ready to depart on delivery to Airlines (WA) Ltd, Perth.
Airlines' Chief Engineer Frank Doggett (left) with Chief Pilot Nelson Hill.        Photo: Airlines (WA) Ltd


VH-MMP at Derby WA on 3 May 1958, after the gear-up landing.                           Merv Prime collection


Now VH-RAJ, at Parafield SA in February 1962.                                                      Photo by Geoff Goodall


Adelaide Airport September 1963, with SA Air Taxis Ltd as VH-TLU.              Photo by Geoff Goodall


New SA Air Taxis colour scheme and re-registered VH-RCI, Adelaide, January 1964.   Photo by Geoff Goodall


Now VH-CTS with City Centre Air Taxi Services, arriving at Parafield in September 1966 on a passenger
charter from Melbourne for the National Air Show weekend.                               Photo by Eric Allen   



VH-CTS' stripped airframe at Warbirds Aviation Museum, Mildura Vic in June 1972.    Photo by Geoff Goodall


Twenty years later at Mildura, VH-CTS is loaded on a truck for Melbourne, to donate its nose to repair VH-DHI
Photo: Daniel Sherburn



                  DH.104 Dove 1     c/n 04120         Rai                                                        VH-MAL, VH-AWE, VH-GVE, VH-DSM
.48
Built at Hatfield by De Havilland Aircraft Co Ltd.  Production Dove Mk.1
4.3.48
Registered VP-KEJ: East African Airways Corporation, Nairobi, Kenya.
Named Swahili, later Masai
4.3.48
DH hand-over date to purchaser
5.51
EAAC Doves VP-KEJ & VP-KDG were sold to Mandated Airlines Ltd, New Guinea via British brokers W.S.Shackleton Ltd, London
31.5.51
Australian Registration Application: Mandated Airlines Ltd, Lae, New Guinea
6.51
MAL Senior Captain Jim Perry and Check Captain Les Davis travelled to Nairobi to collect the aircraft and deliver them to New Guinea
7.7.51
Both Doves departed Nairobi on a 20 day ferry flight, total flying time 77 hours
28.7.51
VP-KEJ & VP-KDG arrived Lae on delivery

Both used for crew training under their Kenyan registrations, pending Australian certification
19.6.51
(Back-dated by DCA): Added to Register VH-MAL: Mandated Airlines Ltd, Lae, PNG
Named Rai, initially operated from Port Moresby on supplemental air routes connecting with the Trans Oceanic Airways flying boat services from Sydney
8.8.51
Fault in nose undercarriage latch mechanism prevented extension of the nose-wheel while on a proving flight from Madang to Lae. The co-pilot cut a hole in the metal cockpit floor  and pushed the wheel
down into locked position and aircraft landed safely. Captains Les Davis and Jack Stammer.
6.9.51
Australian CofA issued, 9 passenger seats
7.9.51
Entered MAL service after repairs following the nosewheel incident
5.52
Airlines (WA) Ltd, Perth carried out mandatory wing-spar boom overhaul on MAL Doves VH-MAL & VH-MAB.  VH-MAL had total airframe time 2,287 hrs
10.8.52
Ferried to Bankstown for annual CofA renewal inspection by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd.
16.12.52
DCA approved installation of inward-facing side-saddle seating in Doves to carry 18 native passengers
17.12.52
Annual CofA renewal by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd at Bankstown
21.5.53
CofA temporarily suspended due wrinkles in the wing skin
17.12.53
Annual CofA renewal at Bankstown by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd
1.54
Sold to Airlines (WA) Ltd, Perth, Western Australia
14.1.54
Arrived Perth on delivery from Sydney, flown by Airlines' Chief Pilot Captain Nelson Hill
10.3.54
Civil Register: Change of ownership & registration VH-AWE: Airlines (WA) Ltd, Perth WA
23.6.55 Airlines (WA) Ltd merged with MacRobertson Miller Aviation Co to form a joint operation under the name MacRobertson Miller Airlines Ltd, based at Perth. MMA advertised some Doves for sale
19.8.55
Change of ownership & registration VH-GVE: Southern Airlines Ltd, Essendon Airport, Melbourne Vic

SAL commenced scheduled passenger services from Melbourne-Essendon Airport on 2.5.55 on routes including Balranald, Flinders Island, King Island, Launceston, Millicent, Naracoorte and Adelaide.
The two Doves replaced Ansons, two Herons later added, but SAL ceased operations 1.11.58, claiming predatory practices by Ansett Transport Industries. Aircraft sold by the liquidators but ATI purchased the rights to the routes.
8.55
Repainted as VH-GVE with "Southern Airlines" titles at Perth. 
26.8.55
Arrived Essendon on delivery from Perth, flown by Southern Airlines Chief Pilot Captain Jim Darbyshire, carrying SAL founder/Managing Director Sir Reginald Barnewall and Chief Engineer R. Walton.
14.10.55
Weighed at Essendon on completion of CofA renewal inspection. CofA renewed that date.
Entry into passenger service delayed by DCA requirements
12.12.55
Commenced Southern Airlines services, operating Melbourne-Sale-Bairnsdale return
12.4.58
Damaged at Swan Hill Vic on a scheduled Southern Airlines service when nose wheel collapsed.
Chief Pilot Captain Allan Gifford was turning the aircraft under power when the nosewheel caught in a storm-water grate.
17.4.58
DCA internal memo from Essendon Airport office to Head Office regarding Southern Airlines: 
"Recent inspection of logbooks and maintenance records for DH.104 VH-GVE revealed they were incomplete and unsatisfactory. We have observed of late that the company has been operating under financial difficulties, which has been substantiated by components from overhaul organisations not being available until payment is made. We are planning to carry out a full investigation of the entire fleet and records within the next 14 days.  VH-GVF is presently grounded waiting for parts. The Herons recently commenced operations but we expect their records will be satisfactory."
8.58
Southern Airlines retired its two Doves VH-GVE & GVF, which had been replaced by DH.114 Herons VH-GVH & GVI.  The Doves were advertised for sale and both were parked at Essendon
30.9.58
Repairs to fuselage skin damage when struck by a baggage trolley
1.11.58
Southern Airlines ceased operations
22.12.58
Ansett Transport Industries took over Southern Airlines and its route licences. The SAL aircraft were
not included in the purchase
16.4.59
CofA expired
.59
SAL liquidators sold both Doves to Australian Aircraft Sales, Sydney NSW c/- John P. Conley
21.9.59
R.A.Smith, Manager of Executive Air Services at Essendon wrote to DCA advising that his company is conducting a major inspoection of VH-GVE to prepare it for renewal of CofA on behalf of Australian Aircraft Saleswho purchased it from Southern Airlines.
28.10.59
Registered in name of Rain Air Taxis, Sydney NSW c/- Australian Aircraft Sales, 40 Darlinghurst Road, Kings Cross, Sydney

Rain Air Taxis was one of a number of companies associated with Australian Aircraft Sales, specialising in finance, maintenance, aerial agriculture and charter. These companies shared the same address of 40 Darlinghurst Road, Kings Cross, Sydney.
12.1.60
Weighed at Essendon after inspection for CofA renewal. 9 passenger seats.
Owner quoted as Rain Air Taxis Pty Ltd.
15.1.60
Testflown at Essendon, pilot Joe Salfass
19.1.60
CofA renewed by DCA.  Testflown again at Essendon next day
7.8.61
Logbook paperwork quotes owner as Australian Aircraft Sales, Sydney
15.9.61
Change of ownership to another AAS associate: Consolidated Aviation Finance, Sydney NSW.
14.2.62
Weighing summary quotes 8 passenger seats, owner Executive Air Transport, maintenance by
Fawcett Aviation, Bankstown. CofA is is in the name of Marie Bennet, Woollara, Sydney
31.5.62
Change of ownership: C. G. Ring, Sydney NSW
Reported still operated by Executive Air Transport, Sydney
13.7.62
Change of ownership: Marie Bennett, Sydney NSW
10.9.62
CofA renewed by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd at Bankstown, owner quoted as Executive Airways. Total airframe time 9,164 hrs, Had flown only 16 hours since last renewal
15.9.62
noted at Bankstown outside DHA hangar
24.1.63
noted at Sydney Airport, parked on grass near Adastra hangar, no titles
13.8.63
Change of ownership: Chartwell Pty Ltd, Sydney NSW c/- Manager & Chief Pilot D. S. McKellar
20.9.63
Re-registered VH-DSM
16.10.63
Chartered for a period to Notley Aviation, Camden NSW c/- Noel Notley
17.10.63
CofA renewed. Total airframe time: 9,175 hrs. Had flown only 10 hrs since last renewal
1.11.63
Change of owner's name: D.S.M. Holdings Pty Ltd, Sydney NSW (same address as Chartwell Pty Ltd)
Based at Camden Airport, south of Sydney. Reportedly operating under name Scenic Airways
26.11.63
De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd at Bankstown located a 4 inch crack in the left front lower spar boom. This had been missed in a previous X-Ray inspection by another company. Repaired
10.1.64
VH-DSM noted at Bankstown, no titles
4-5.64
Overhaul by Hawker de Havilland Pty Ltd at Bankstown, repainted dark blue over previous pale blue.
10.5.64
noted at Sydney Airport at Flight Facilities terminal in new dark blue paintwork and registration "VH-BCB".  Reported at the time that it had been chartered by the Australian representatives of Donald Campbell's 1964 Land Speed Record attempt in his jet car Bluebird on the dry lakebed of Lake Eyre SA.  The registration VH-BDC (Bluebird Donald Campbell) was requested but it was not available.  The Dove charter fell through, and instead Campbell used Avis Rent-a-Plane Aero Commander VH-AVT
5.64
In the last week of May, the Dove was repainted as VH-DSM at Flight Facilities, Sydney Airport
30.6.64
Reported parked idle at Flight Facilties terminal, Sydney Airport all month
20.9.64
flew a charter Sydney Airport to RAAF Williamtown return, carrying enthusiasts to a RAAF airshow. Pilot was Doug McKellar
6.11.64
CofA renewal at Camden by Notley Aviation. Owner quoted on paperwork as Chartwell
21.5.65
visited Wagga bringing newspapers from Sydney
14.9.66
visited Brisbane-Eagle Farm Qld
5.66
Chartwell Pty Ltd applied to DCA for a licence to provide scheduled services Sydney-Cessnock using Dove VH-DSM.  DCA responded that such Supplementary Airline Licences were under review at that time.
(ANR Regulation 203 became effective the following year when many Australian secondary airline routes were awarded to charter operators. Chartwell was not among them)
13.5.67
noted at Tamworth NSW
9.11.67
DCA issued Permit to Fly for distinguished veteran Captain Harry Purvis to ferry VH-DSM to Camden from Port Macquarie NSW where it has been parked for 4 months at least
31.12.67
arrived at Camden, two-tone blue and white, Chartwell titles, pilot Captain Harry Purvis
6.68
noted at Camden, stored in a hangar
19.9.68
Test flight at Camden
30.10.68
Change of ownership: Nicholson's Air Service, Toowong Qld

Nicholson's Air Service was founded by former WWII RAAF pilot Tom Nicholson in 1959 at Kingaroy Qld as an agricultural operation with Tiger Moths and later Pawnees; moving to Wee Waa NSW where his company pioneered night spraying of cotton crops. The role of his Dove is not known.
12.6.69
Ownership address changed to Nicholson's Air Service, Wee Waa NSW
6.70
Logbook: total airframe time 9,580 hrs
23.9.72
noted at Bankstown, all white, no titles. Cockpit canopy had been modified, removing the teardrop antenna housing to give a lowered roof.
28.12.72
noted at Wee Waa NSW parked at Nicholson's private agricultural airstrip.
Also 27.12.74, 20.4.75, 2.6.75, 15.8.76, 25.9.76
22.2.77
Change of ownership: Swiftair Aviation Services Pty Ltd, Lismore NSW.

Swiftair was an aerial agriculture operation founded at nearby Casino by Cecil Swift. The Dove was acquired along with a Cessna 310 to build up air freight and charter, to sustain the company during low demand periods for agricultural work. Dove's logbook indicates it was only flown by Cecil Swift
19.4.78
noted at Lismore NSW, "Swiftair" titles
4.9.79
arrived Mount Isa Qld from Warwick. departed 7.9.79 to Blackall. Third recent Mount Isa visit
13.12.79
damaged on ground by a storm at Lismore NSW
19.4.80
visited Moree NSW airshow
23.4.80
noted at Lismore NSW. Also 14.8.80
13.8.80
visited Brisbane-Eagle Farm Qld. Returned to Lismore next day
20.10.80
Last flight, ferry from Lismore to Evans Head NSW, pilot Cec Swift, for storage pending sale.
Airframe total time 10,310 hrs 40 mins
28.9.81
Struck-off Register

Parked in open weather at Evans Head, paintwork deteriorated
10.86
Purchased from Swiftair by Queensland Air Museum, Caloundra Airport Qld
9-10.5.87
moved by road from Evans Head to Caloundra by Queensland Air Museum members
89
displayed at QAM painted as “VH-MAL Mandated Airlines” name "Rai" on nose      

Current


Mandated Airlines' VH-MAL at Brisbane-Eagle Farm for maintenance c1952. The name Rai is below the cockpit.
Photo by Henry W. Pryor courtesy Ron Cuskelly


Qantas DHA-3 Drover, Crowley Airways Avro Anson and Mandated Airlines Dove VH-MAL
at
Kainantu, New Guinea in 1953.                                                   Photo by Harry West


Mandated Airlines Dove VH-MAL shares the tarmac with MMA Anson VH-MMG at Halls Creek WA in 1952.
Probably during the Dove's return to New Guinea after wing spar modications in Perth.  Photo by Colin Hayes


August 1955, ready to depart Perth on delivery to Southern Airlines, Melbourne, already repainted as VH-GVE.
From left: SAL Chief Pilot Captain Jim Darbyshire, Vacuum/Mobil Aviation Officer Geoff Unmack,
SAL Managing Director Sir Reg Barnewall and SAL Chief Engineer R. Walton.      
Photo via Airlines (WA) Ltd Captain Nelson Hill, courtesy Ron Cuskelly



VH-GVE at Essendon in 1955, soon after it was delivered to Southern Airlines.        Photo by Barrie Colledge


Essendon 1958, in a later Southern Airlines red and white scheme.                           Photo by Bob McCutcheon


Essendon circa 1962, now operated by Executive Air Transport Corp.


Sydney Airport in January 1963 while owned by Australian Aircraft Sales.                     Photo by Rod Adam


Now VH-DSM with Chartwell, at Bankstown in January 1964.                                          Photo by Rod Adam


Sydney Airport 10 May 1964 repainted with bogus registration VH-BCB, returning to VH-DSM a few weeks later.
Photo by Neville Parnell


Sydney Airport in September 1965 in a stylish new dark blue scheme with Chartwell.    Photo by Geoff Goodall


Bankstown March 1967, in another variation of its paint scheme.                                 Photo by Dave Eyre


Bankstown in September 1972 after the distinctive teardrop ADF housing on the cockpit roof had been removed.
Nicholson's Aerial Services operated the Dove from their private Wee Waa ag strip.      Photo by Roger McDonald


Lismore NSW in April 1978 with Swiftair. Note the VOR aerial on the lowered cockpit roof.  Photo by Geoff Goodall


VH-DSM still with Swiftair, but in yet another paint scheme, at Moree NSW in April 1980.
Photo by Mike Vincent



VH-DSM retired at Evans Head NSW in January 1987, covered in oil to prevent corrosion.
Photo by Roger McDonald


The superb transformation back to Mandated Airlines' VH-MAL at Queensland Air Museum, Caloundra
Photo by Ian McDonell



               DH.104 Dove 1, to Series 5B   c/n 04104                                                                VH-AWA, VH-MMN, VH-DHD (2)
.47
Built at Hatfield by De Havilland Aircraft Co Ltd.  Production Dove Mk.1
1.48
Added to Indian Register VT-CQY: Airways (India) Ltd, Calcutta

Airways (India) Ltd was founded in 9.45 and commenced domestic airline services in 9.46. The operation was merged into Indian Airways Corporation effective 1.8.53
2.2.48
VT-CQY departed Hatfield on delivery flight to India
19.3.48
Arrived Calcutta after giving demonstrations en route
3.48
Entered services with Airlines (India) Ltd. The initial main route serviced was Calcutta-Dum Dum to Dacca, East Pakistan
12.48
Airframe logbook: total flying time was only 209 hrs
20.1.49
During pilot endorsement training at Calcutta-Dum Dum, the Dove had a serious birdstrike while manoeuvering to avoid a civilian Stinson Sentinel which cut in front on final approach.
The Dove sustained structural damage which took several months to repair
13.7.49
Struck by machine gun bullets from insurgents on the ground at Chau River airfield, Burma. Temporary repairs at Lanywa then flown to Rangoon the following day. However on takeoff another shot struck the mainspar. On arrival Rangoon a total of 21 bullet holes were found in the airframe. The starboard wing and engine were replaced at Rangoon by Union of Burma Airways.
4.50
Complete overhaul and extensive repairs due to the effects of tropical weather conditions and rough surfaces of many landing grounds.  Completed February 1951
14.3.51
Logbook: flew charter Dum Dum-Allahabad-Lucknow-Cawnpore-Delhi.
Then little flying for the rest of the year
12.51
Logbook: flew leaflet-dropping missions to west and south of Calcutta. Repeated 1.52
1.53
Sold to Airlines (WA) Ltd, Perth, Western Australia
1.52
Airlines(WA)Ltd's Chief Pilot Captain Nelson Hill, with company Chief Engineer Frank Doggett departed Perth to collect the Dove in Calcutta. They flew by MMA DC-3 to Darwin,  Qantas Empire Airways Constellation to Singapore, then BOAC Comet to Calcutta. They spent 10 days preparing the Dove for the ferry flight to Austgralia
9.2.53
Departed Calcutta on delivery flight to Perth. Captain Nelson Hill with Engineer Frank Doggett

Logbook: Ferry route Calcutta-Mingladon-Mergui-Butterworth-Penang-Kallang-Djakarta-Den Pasar-Koepang-Darwin-Derby-Port Hedland-Wittenoom-Meekatharra-Perth.
19.2.53
Arrived Perth Airport on delivery at 2.30pm.  Total flying time of the ferry was 37 hrs.
26.2.53
Australian Registration Application: Airlines (WA) Ltd, Perth WA

Inspection at Perth for issue of Australian CofA
10.4.53
Added to Civil Register VH-AWA: Airlines (WA) Ltd, Perth WA
10.4.53
Australian CofA issued
3.55
Reported that VH-AWA had logged 5,026 hrs in service with Airlines (WA) Ltd since May 1953, which included a major overhaul when both wings were replaced.
23.6.55 Airlines (WA) Ltd merged with MacRobertson Miller Aviation Co to form a joint operation under the name MacRobertson Miller Airlines Ltd, based at Perth
4.11.55
Re-registered VH-MMN: MacRobertson Miller Airlines Ltd, Perth WA. Named RMA Nullagine
4.57
Overhaul at Perth, during which VH-MMN was upgraded from Dove 1 to Dove 5B series by replacing the original 330hp Gipsy Queen engines with 380hp Gipsy Queen 70 Mk.2 engines
18.2.58
MMA report: VH-MMN has logged over 10,000 hours flying
30.9.58
Change of owner's name: Commercial Aviation Pty Ltd, Perth. Continued in operatation with MMA

Book-keeping exercise: the MMA DC-3, Dove and Anson fleet was transferred to this associated holding company Commercial Aviation, which was an early company operated by MMA founder Captain Horrie Miller.
12.59
VH-MMN advertised for sale by MMA: Dove 5B with 8 passenger seats, fitted with a toilet.
Total airframe time 12,336 hrs

Not sold, dropped from regualar use on WA & NT outback routes, held as standby
4.3.63
noted at Perth Airport. Also 24.3.63
27-28.6.63
Logbook: Flew Perth-Darwin. Based Darwin several months for a weekly service Darwin-Millingimbi-Yirrakala Mission while the usual DC-3 was not available
30.9.63
flew Derby-Fitzroy Crossing-Mount House Station
18-20.10.63
flew Derby-Yarraloola-Boolgeeda-Wittenoom
11.63
flewDerby-Karunjie-Wyndham, charter carrying sacks of flour due impassable wet roads
15-24.11.63
Flew Perth-Darwin then local flights on charter to WA Petroleum Co (WAPET)
5.12.63
Commenced long-term contract with WAPET: VH-MMN flew four days a week flew from Perth
to Sahara Well (300 miles east of Port Hedland). MMA also used DC-3s on this contract
14.12.63
noted at Perth Airport, landed bringing Santa Claus to MMA staff Christmas party.
Now has "MMA Air Charter" titles above the cabin windows
1.64
MMA report: newly purchased Piaggio P.166 is due to arrive in Perth in late January and will "take over the work of the Dove on WAPET charter to Swindell Field."
(The P.166 VH-MMP began MMA service in March 1964, used only for charter)
2.5.64
VH-MMN flew charter Perth-Geraldton-Perth
22.8.64
flew charter Perth-Esperance-Perth. Also 24.8.64, 28.8.64, 9.10.64, 12.10.64, 6.11.64, 19.11.64
65
MMA report: VH-MMN has been leased to NT Medical Service for a period and based in Darwin
6.7.66
noted at Onslow WA
22.12.66
Change of owner's name: MacRobertson Miller Airlines, Perth WA
27.9.67
noted at Perth Airport, parked outside MMA spare hangar. First time seen outside for some months
20.10.67
VH-MMN and Piaggio P.166 VH-MMP both parked on grass near MMA hangars, both appear retired
11.67
VH-MMN under overhaul at Perth Airport in a MMA hangar and repainted as VH-DHD
1.12.67
NTMS acceptance date on purchase
15.12.67
Change of ownership: Commonwealth Department of Health, Canberra ACT, operated by
Northern Territory Medical Service, Darwin NT
Airframe total time at sale was 15,678 hours
15.12.67
Change of Registration to VH-DHD
10.3.68
noted at Perth Airport, overhaul nearly complete, painted in the standard scheme of the Northern Territory Medical Service as VH-DHD. Also 17.3.68
7.4.68
VH-DHD noted at Adelaide Airport during ferry flight from Perth to Bankstown, where NTMS contractor Hawker de Havilland would fit out the cabin with specialised ambulance equipment
.68
Delivered Bankstown-Darwin NT
Operated by NTMS on regular clinic runs and medical evacuations from remote locations across NT

In NTMS service, twelve irregular metal patches were found along the starboard side of the fuselage,
from the ground fire during Indian service
2.71
Warwick Hentry, a TAA pilot with NTMS, wrote:
"There was once an occasion when a Dove flew with 21 people on board! In February 1971 there were a lot of aboriginals from the Docker River area, over near the WA border, who had medical treatment in Alice Springs but needed to be repatriated. With a ninth passenger seat installed in our lightest Dove VH-DHD, five light adults each nursing a baby or infant, eight infants or small children sitting two to a seat, a baby in a crib on the floor and a nursing sister attendant in the cockpit right-hand seat. With fuel for the 4 hour return flight, we were about 30 pounds below Maximum All-Up Weight."
24.12.74
VH-DHD was at Alice Springs when Cyclone Tracy struck Darwin. It was the only serviceable NTAMS aircraft due cyclone damage, so immediately flown to Darwin to operate relief flights from Darwin and Katherine NT
6.75
Retired by NTMS: their Doves were being replaced by GAF Nomads

Traded in to Hawker De Havilland, Bankstown on replacement GAF Nomads
18.6.75
Arrived Bankstown from Darwin. Parked in open near HdeH hangar
20.6.75
Official retirement date by NTMS. Total airframe time 19,036 hours
19.12.75
Struck-off Register as withdrawn from service
6.5.76
Closing date for tenders to Department of Supply for the purchase of Dove 5 VH-DHD, total hours 19,037 hrs. Available for inspection at Bankstown
12.76
Purchased by Jim Garroway & Len Watkins, Sydney t/a Ized Pty Ltd
Among plans for the Dove was a scheduled Reg.203 airline service Camden-Canberra
13.1.77
Restored to Register VH-DHD: Ized Pty Ltd, Sydney
26.4.77
noted at Bankstown in new paint scheme, no titles
6.77
Purchased by Macarthur Airways, Sydney NSW c/- Len Watkins
7.77
Testflown Bankstown after inspection by HdeH, repainted with "MacArthur Airways" titles
1.10.77
Commenced a daily third-level airline service Camden-Canberra-Camden
4.5.79
MacArthur Airways Camden-Canberra service discontinued. Used for charter only
1.12.79
noted at Bankstown, "MacArthur Airways" titles
c81
Forced landing near Oodnadatta SA when both engines affected by fuel contamination. No damage

Ferried back to Sydney, parked at Camden. No more charter flying
10.82
noted at Wedderburn airstrip, near Sydney.
82-87
Parked in open at Wedderburn airstrip, pending sale
1.1.83
Struck-off Register as withdrawn from service
.87
Purchased by Ted Rudge, Melbourne-Essendon Vic.

Rudge was a retired TAA pilot who had set up a charter business at Essendon Airport. He said that he paid $36K for VH-DHD after finding it abandoned at Wedderburn in deteriorated condition. The deal included another Dove held for spare parts for VH-DHD - probably VH-DHE
87
Made airworthy at Wedderburn, ferried to Camden NSW
11.3.87
Ferried Camden-Moorabbin for CofA renewal, pilot Ted Rudge. Paintwork faded and weathered , still had "MacArthur Airways" titles above cabin windows
4.3.88
Test flown at Moorabbin by Ted Rudge, now polished metal with blue trim.
4.3.88
CofA renewed.  Airframe total hours 19,838 hrs
4.3.88
Restored to Register VH-DHD: E. M. (Ted) Rudge, Essendon Airport Vic t/a Rudge Air
Named Desi's Dove
2.4.88
visited Kyabram Vic fly-in,  Mangalore Vic airshow next day
30.1.90
VH-DHD arrived at Perth-Jandakot from Essendon, flown by owner Ted Rudge to finalise his purchase of Devon VH-MGT which had been abandoned at Jandakot for several years. 
2.2.90
Local flying from Jandakot. Ted Rudge had invited 71-year old Nelson Hill (ex Airlines (WA) Ltd chief pilot) and five other AWA Dove pilots Sid Goddard, Ross Watts, John Bird,  Dick Lovatt and Bob Hickson, for a flight over Perth in the Dove
27.4.92
visited Temora NSW airshow
10.91
Report on Ted Rudge's operation at Essendon: he carries small parcel air freight using Doves:
VH-DHD Desi's Dove, VH-DHI Belle's Dove and VH-JGZ (no name).
7.8.92
Rudge's Doves VH-DHD, -DHA & -JGZ diverted to Wagga due fog overnight at Melbourne
3.12.93
Crashed into the roof a house after takeoff from Essendon Vic.
Pilot Ted Rudge was attempting a forced landing in a street in a residental suburb adjacent to the airport due power loss immediately after airborne. Pilot and four passengers seriously hurt. The other five passengers and one resident of the house received minor injuries.

Dept of Transport Bureau of Air Safety Investigation report:
"The flight was planned as a night charter dinner flight over Melbourne. On board were the pilot, a dinner hostess and 8 passengers.
  The pilot initiated takeoff from Essendon  Runway 17, some 23 minutes before last light. Wind conditions were light and variable.  Just as takeoff safety speed was achieved at about 50 feet, the right engine lost power and the aircraft yawed to the right. The pilot momentarilly assessed the problem as partial engine failure and selected landing gear up, but the landing gear failed to retract. However by recycling the gear selector he was able to successfully retract the landing gear.
 By this time the airspeed had decayed to well below takeoff safety speed and continued decreasing to the minimum control speed. In order to maintain directional control the pilot reduced power on the left engine but did not manage to raise the flaps or feather the right propeller before the aircraft crashed in a residential area.
 When IAS had decayed to 68 knots, the pilot reduced power on the left engine to avoid an uncontrollable roll to the right. He was able to maintain wings level and attempted to track the aircraft towards a street. The aircraft collided with power lines then struck the roofs of several houses before coming to rest on its left side againbst the front wall of the house.
 About one minute had elapsed from initation of takeoff to the impact."


The investigation found that the right Gipsy Queen engine had failed due fuel starvation because the fuel pump had suffered an internal structural failure.

Aircraft was destroyed. Total airframe time since new: 21,259 hours
01
Wreck of VH-DHD had been acquired from a Melbourne scrap metal yard by Graham White t/a Whiteblast Sandblasting, Melbourne Vic.

He had purchased from Ted Rudge the stripped airframe of VH-CTS
(less nose section from cockpit forward which had been used to repair VH-DHI)He intended to make up a Dove as an advertising attraction on a pole at his business, with missing sections of CTS to come from the wreck of VH-DHD. The composite airframe was painted in an imaginative bogus military paint scheme.
16.11.01
A Dove fuselage was inspected in a transport yard on Northbourne Road, Campbellfield, Melbourne.
It was painted all over khaki brown with "US Air Force" painted in white on roof.  The tail was painted red and had "C48"on fin. The nose was was the damaged nose section of VH-DHI, roughly attached.  On a trailer alongside were 3 Dove wings: two from VH-CTS and a damaged wing from VH-DHD's crash.  Close inspection revealed the majority of the fuselage was VH-CTS.
07
By now acquired by Ron Schneider, Rupanyup Vic.  Moved to his farm aircraft collection
14
The "USAF Air Force" Dove inspected at Ron Schneider's collection at Rupanyup.
Most of the rebuild parts are from VH-CTS. The only parts identified as from VH-DHD were the right wing, wrecked horizontal tailplane, fin control column, and, confusingly, the DH construction plate at
the cabin entry door. Both wings of CTS were also present,

Current


Handover of VT-CQY to Captain Nelson Hill and engineer Frank Follett at Calcutta in February 1953
Photo: Nelson Hill via Ted Rudge, courtesy Neville Parnell


VH-MMN at a northern WA airfield in MMA service.                                               Photo by Don Ende


RMA Nullagine at Darwin NT in July 1962.                                                           Photo by Peter R. Keating


Now with MMA Air Charter titles, at Perth Airport 1967.                             Photo by Merv Prime


VH-MMN repainted as VH-DHD in a MMA hangar at Perth Airport, April 1968.          Photo by Merv Prime


Re-registered VH-DHD, at Bankstown in December 1979 with MacArthur Airways.  Photo by Chris O'Neill


Three years later, looking neglected at Wedderburn strip near Sydney, October 1982.    Photo by Mike Vincent


Restored to her former glory with polished metal finish, Ted Rudge visits the Mangalore Vic airshow in April 1988. 
Photo by Roger McDonald


VH-DHD's unfortunate end, crashing into a house soon after takeoff from Essendon Airport on 4 December 1993. 
Photo: Bureau of Air Safety Investigation


                   DH.104 Dove Series 2A, to 2B   c/n 04400                                                                                               VH-DHD (1)
53
Built by De Havilland Aircraft Co Ltd at their Hawarden plant, Chester.  Production model Dove 2A
22.1.53
Registered G-AMXV: De Havilland Aircraft Co Ltd, Hatfield aerodrome, Herts
10.2.53
British CofA issued

Built for the US market but not delivered due slow sales.
17.9.54
Change of ownership: De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd, Sydney-Bankstown NSW

Converted by DH to Series 2B
6.10.54
DH hand-over date to purchaser
10.11.54
Application for Australian registration: De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd, Sydney-Bankstown NSW

DHA advise DCA that the aircraft will be used as a sales demonstrator and request DCA to reserve registration marks VH-DHD, representing De Havilland Dove.
11.54
Delivered by air from England as G-AMXV in command of Captain T. H. Dalton, a DH company executive pilot. Airframe all metallic, no paintwork

Commenced an Australia demonstration tour. G-AMXV visited Melbourne-Essendon
29.11.54
Testflown at Bankstown after inspection by DHA
29.11.54
Added to Register as VH-DHD: De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd, Sydney-Bankstown NSW
29.11.54
Australian CofA issued
1.12.54
Crashed after takeoff at Camden Airport NSW.  Still painted as G-AMXV

Aircraft was owned by de Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd, being flown by their pilot Captain T. H. Dalton to familiarise DCA Chief Examiner of Airmen for NSW Region Reginald C. Adsett on the type.    
The aircraft failed to climb after takeoff and crashed into a paddock half a mile from the aerodrome, port wing was torn off and wreckage strewn over a radius of 50 metres.  Dalton was injured, Adsett killed. Adsett’s assistant R.H.Jarvis was seated behind the cockpit and was injured



Note: some sources quote this aircraft's registration VH-DHD as Not Taken Up.
However the DCA File and British Registration ledger both clearly state that Australian Certificate of Registration was issued on 29.11.54.


G-AMXV at Essendon in November 1954 on Australian demonstration tour.               Photo by Ian Gunston


The wreck of VH-DHD (1 at Camden, December 1954        Photo: Harry Broe collection via Bob Livingstone


               DH.104 Dove Series 4, later Series 6  c/n  04457        Tietkins                                                             VH-DHF, VP-PAA
.55
Built at by De Havilland Aircraft Co Ltd at their Hawarden, Chester factory.  Production Dove Series 4

Ordered by the UK Ministry of Supply, to be based in Australia to support the Maralinga British atomic test grounds in the South Australian desert. The order specified Dove Series 6


14.3.55
Registered G-AOAG: De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd, Sydney NSW
British Civil Register ledger has notation "Registration for delivery flight only"
4.55
Converted to Dove Series 6, by installing 380hp Gipsy Queen 70 Mk.2 engines which improved performance and allowed an increased All up Weight of 8,800 pounds.
24.4.55
British CofA issued as a Dove 6
5.55
Delivered by air from England to Australia. All metal finish

Inspection for issue of Australian CofA by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd at Bankstown
8.7.55
Australian Registration application: De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd, Bankstown Airport, Sydney NSW
15.7.55
Added to Register VH-DHF: U.K. Ministry of Supply (Australia), Adelaide SA
later changed to U.K. Ministry of Aviation (Australia), Adelaide SA
18.7.55
Testflown Bankstown and Australian CofA issued same day
55-62
Based Adelaide Airport on regular courier services to Maralinga SA carrying personnel and equipment. Crewed and maintenance by Trans Australia Airlines on contract. Named Tieikins
1.2.63
Change of ownership:  Crowley Airways, Lae, Papua New Guinea
2.2.63
Departed Adelaide on ferry flight to Lae, pilot Laurie Crowley
2.63
Struck-off Australian Register
19.10.63
Registered VP-PAA: Megapode Airways, Honiara, British Solomon Islands Protectorate
63-68
Based at Honiara, Solomons. Megapode Airways had been established by Laurie Crowley
.68
Ferried Honiara-Lae, where retired due wingspar time limitations.
11.6.68
Change of ownership: Solomon Islands Airways Ltd - Solair, Honiara
19.7.68
Departed Lae on ferry flight to Honiara operating on an Australian DCA Ferry Permit. Pilot Graham Syphers had an adventurous flight, with numerous mechanical problems enroute.
21.7.68
VP-PAA arrived Honiara. Greeted on arrival by Solair's other Dove VH-RUW which formated. 
68
Stripped for parts at Honiara Airport. First item removed from VP-PAAwas the nosewheel undercarriage assembly, which was installed in VH-RUW which was experiencing nosewheel problems.
Then engines, ailerons, rudder, flaps were removed as spares

Stripped airframe later dumped at the undeveloped War Museum, Honiara, Solomon Islands



For much additional detail on this aircraft, refer to the story MARALINGA DOVE on this site:
under Australian Aviation - Narrative Histories


G-AOAG at Bankstown May 1955 after the delivery flight from England.                  Photo by James Dyson


Adelaide Airport 1957, with "De Havilland Dove" under the cockpit and name "Tietkins" on the nose.
Photo by Allan Fraser, courtesy Maurice Austin collection


By 1961 VH-DHF was painted in a TAA style scheme with dayglo-orange tail.             Photo by John Hillier


VP-PAA retired at Lae PNG in June 1968 with faded paint. A month later it was ferried back to the Solomon Islands.
Photo by Roger McDonald


VP-PAA's final flight 21 July 1968, on arrival Honiara from Lae to be stripped for parts. Solair's Dove VH-RUW formates.
Photo courtesy VP-PAA's pilot Graham Syphers



                 DH.104 Dove Series 6  c/n  04471                                                                                                        VH-DHE
.56
Built by De Havilland Aircraft Co Ltd at their Hawarden plant, Chester.  Production Dove 6
2.7.56
Registered G-AOTE: De Havilland Aircraft Co Ltd, Hatfield Aerodrome, Herts
16.7.56
British CofA issued

Issued to De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd, Sydney as a company transport and Australian demonstrator of the new model Dove 6
17.7.56
DH hand-over date to purchaser
8.56
Arrived Sydney after delivery flight from England, flown by Rollo Kingsford-Smith, Sales Manager of DHA.
28.9.56
Testflown at Bankstown after inspection by DHA for issue of Australian CofA
28.9.56
Added to Register VH-DHE: De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd, Sydney-Bankstown NSW
17.7.57
Leased for a month to Commonwealth Department of Health, Canberra ACT, operated by
Northern Territory Medical Service, Darwin NT.
  Lease concluded 23.8.57. 
Evaluation for NTMS medical work, which led to decision to replace their DHA-3 Drovers with Doves.
11.11.57
Sold to Commonwealth Department of Health, Canberra ACT operated by Northern Territory Medical Service, Darwin.

Prepared by DHA at Bankstown with IFR flying instrumentation, additional long-range fuel tanks and the cabin was fitted out as an aerial ambulance:oxygen supply, hot and cold water, medical equipment
15.11.57
Handed over to the Minister for Health in a ceremony at Canberra Airport. DHA Managing Director Lester J. Brain presented the logbooks to Captain Jack Slade of the NTMS.

This is the first of the Doves introduced to replace NTMS DHA-3 Drovers based at Darwin and Alice Springs, flown and maintained by TAA on contract to NTMS.
19.11.57
VH-DHE entered NTMS service at Darwin            
10.66
noted at Bankstown parked at Hawker de Havilland Australia hangar, where scheduled major overhauls were carried out on the NTMS Dove fleet. Also 9.1.67, 20.9.70
31.10.69
Damaged at Darwin NT
24.5.72
Damaged when the aircraft struck a hawk after takeoff at Kilarney Station NT 
24.12.74
On the evening before Cyclone Tracy devastated Darwin, VH-DHE carried a patient from Gove NT to Darwin. Pilot Dick Fearon had flown through heavy rain and low cloud and decided to stay the night in Darwin.  VH-DHE was parked inside the NTAMS hangar with three other Doves. During the cyclone that night, the hangar doors were blown in, damaging all four NTMS Doves.  
30.12.74
As an interim replacement for the damaged Doves, TAA Twin Otter VH-TGG arrived in Darwin, followed by VH-TGF the next day. The four Doves damaged by Cyclone Tracy were repaired and returned to NTMS service.
76
To be retired by NTMS, as part of the Dove fleet replacement by GAF Nomads.
4.11.76
Retirement date by NTMS.
VH-DHE had previously been ferried to Hawker de Havilland at Bankstown. Left parked in the open near their hangar. 
4.11.76
Struck-off Register as withdrawn from service
.77
Acquired by Sydney Technical College as an instructional airframe
12.77
VH-DHE noted parked outside Sydney Technical College hangar at Bankstown,  NTMS paint scheme and titles.
7.82
noted inside Sydney Technical College at Ultimo, Sydney, rear fuselage and tail paintwork stripped and parts repainted
23.12.85
noted at Berwick Airfield near Melbourne Vic. Re-assembled, faded NTMS paint scheme, after being recently moved here by road from Sydney Technical College. 
Ownership unknown but reportedly a rebuild to fly is planned
9.2.88
noted at Berwick, faded NTMS paintwork, paint stripped from rear fuselage. Also 16.7.88, 18.3.90
By 95
Acquired by Hans Poet / International Airliners Museum, 10 Simpson Court, Hallam Vic.
Poet was quoted in a magazine report: "the aim of this newly founded museum is to exhibit pure commercial aircraft. We presently hold one Dove and an option on a Convair 880 jet airliner in USA"
.00
Purchased by Darren Visser, Lyndhurst, Melbourne  It was for sale as scrap at Officer Vic
10.00
Moved by road from Officer to Visser's farm, property on Frankston-Dandenong Road, Lyndhurst 
11.11.01
VH-DHE noted in the side yard of a property at Lyndhurst south of the Melbourne outer suburb of Dandenong. Displayed in the front yard of the same property was the airframe of an ex-Ansett Bell 47J
14.12.01
Inspected at Lyndhurst by respected Dove sleuth Gordon Reid: the fuselage (no tail) was painted all white using house paint, wings were on ground alongside. Visser wants to swap the Dove for a vintage Indian motorcycle

to a scrap metal yard at Seaford, Melbourne
.02
Purchased from Seaford scrap yard by Ian Hayward, Penrose Court, Croydon, Melbourne. Fuselage with stub wings, engines and propellers but no outer wings.  He commenced acquiring Dove parts.
8.02
Inspected at Hayward's house. Fuselage standing on its wheels in the driveway, one wing leaning against a fence.  Newspaper coverage of neighbours' complaints that it is an eye-sore which will lower their street's housing values
3.07
Inspected at Hayward's house. The fuselage cabin is fitted with a desk, seat, bed, computer and shelves of aviation books.  An outer wing had been acquired and was in his garage
08
An outer wing marked in original paint as VH-DHE in use as a decoration inside the Technical Book Shop in Swanston Street, Melbourne city
8.09
The outer wing marked VH-DHE had moved from Technical Book Shop to decorate a bar alongside Port Melbourne Metals, 201 Normandby Road, South Melbourne
8.14
Ian Hayward at Croydon still has VH-DHE fuselage standing on its wheels with stub wings, engines and propellers . Fuselage is all silver with red nose, named Ian's Shed. Now in his backyard with old petrol station signs. He has installed a flight simulator inside the Dove's fuselage


Bankstown Airport, Sydney in January 1967, down from Darwin for major overhaul by Hawker de Havilland.  
Photo by Geoff Goodall



Bankstown December 1977, retired by NTMS and parked at the Sydney Technical College hangar.
Photo: Ben Dannecker collection


VH-DHE as an instructional airframe at Sydney Technical College at Ultimo in July 1982.   Photo by Dave Eyre


Berwick Vic July 1988 parked in the open weather.                                                Photo by Dave Eyre



                DH.104 Dove Series 6    c/n 04499                                                                                                   VH-DHH
.58
Built by De Havilland Aircraft Co Ltd at their Hawarden plant, Chester.  Production Dove Series 6

Ordered by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd, Sydney on behalf of Northern Territory Medical Service.
This was the second Dove for NTMS, to replace their DHA-3 Drovers
3.4.58
Australian Registration application: De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd, Bankstown Airport, Sydney.

DHA request DCA issue a registration in the VH-DH series which will be painted on the aircraft at the factory and it was be delivered by air under the Australian marking. Their letter states: "This Dove is an Executive Travel Version and on arrival in Sydney will be converted to an aerial ambulance for the Commonwealth Department of Health."  DCA allocated registration VH-DHH.
17.6.58
Added to Register VH-DHH: De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd, Bankstown Airport, Sydney NSW
17.6.58
CofA and CofR issued by the Civil Aviation Liaison Officer, Australia House, London and copies of the forms handed to the delivery crew
19.6.58
DH hand-over date to purchaser
6.58
Delivered by air from England to Bankstown by DHA Sales Manager Rollo Kingsford-Smith
22.6.58
VH-DHH cleared British Customs at Lympne outbound to Ausxtralia
29.6.58
Ferried via Bahrein

On arrival Bankstown, the aircraft was fitted out by DHA for aerial ambulance use, including oxygen supply for patients, wash basin, hot water supply, medical cabinets. The cabin had provision for a full-length stretcher, a chair for the doctor or nurse, also a patient reclining-chair with leg rest.
14.7.58
Change of ownership: Commonwealth Department of Health, Canberra ACT, operated by
Northern Territory Medical Service, Darwin NT
15.9.58
Handed over to NTMS by DHA Managing Director Lester Brain in a ceremony at Bankstown
18.9.58
Entered service at Darwin
16.10.64
Arrived Bankstown for a scheduled major overhaul by Hawker de Havilland, which carried out major maintenance for NTMS
11.10.67
noted at Darwin, in swervice with NTMS
4.71
noted at Bankstown under overhaul by HdeH for 3-yearly CofA renewal
1.7.71
Ferried Bankstown-Alice Springs after CofA renewal completed, pilot Warwick Henry of TAA
1.72
VH-DHH took up residence at a new NTMS base at Gove NT, pilot Captain David Joice and
base engineer Jeff Hufler transferred from Alice Srings
24.12.74
On the evening before Cyclone Tracy devastated Darwin, VH-DHH was parked inside the NTAMS hangar with three other Doves. During the cyclone that night, the hangar doors were blown in and all three NTMS Doves were damaged.  VH-DHH was least damaged and after repair was flown to Gove NT a week later to be based there due to the damage at Darwin Airport.
27.3.75
Damaged at Calvert Hills Station NT
78
To be retired by NTMS, as part of the Dove fleet replacement by GAF Nomads.
4.3.78
Official NTMS retirement date.
7.3.78
Struck-off Register as withdrawn from service
78-80
Parked at Alice Springs NT, pending disposal
.80
Sold to Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation - CSIRO, Sydney NSW
.80
Considerable maintenance work carried out at Alice Springs to prepare the aircraft for a ferry flight
9.80
Testflown at Alice Springs
9.80
Collected by a CSIRO pilot and ferried to Adelaide-Parafield SA
6.10.80
noted at Parafield, parked on grass in full NTMS markings, next to DHK in CSIRO markings
81-82
Stored in hangar at Parafield, NTMS markings

Not put into service by CSIRO

Acquired by Central Australian Aviation Museum, Townsite Aerodrome site, Alice Springs NT
20.11.82
noted at Parafield, parked outside Ansett General Aviation hangar, original NTMS markings
12.82
Ferry Permit for ferry flight from Parafield to Bond Springs airfield, 15 miles north of Alice Springs

Moved by road from Bond Springs to the old Townsite Aerodrome at Alice Springs where stored pending development of the CAAM in the old Connellan Airways hangar

Restored for display in NTMS scheme
1.03
noted inside CAAM hangar in NTMS scheme.

Current


VH-DHH at Darwin in October 1967.                                                               Photo by Peter Limon


A fine study of VH-DHH at Alice Springs NT in September 1971.                         Photo by Robert Zweck


Eleven years later, at Parafield in November 1982, still in NTMS markings after two years in storage here by CSIRO.
Two weeks later it was ferried back to Alice Springs for the Central Australian Aviation Museum.    
Photo by Michael Austin


CAAM displays VH-DHH in a former Connellan Airways hangar at the old Townsite airfield, Alice Springs.
Photo: Ben Dannecker collection



                 DH.104 Dove Series 5    c/n 04508                                                                         VH-DHK, ZK-BZP, VH-DHK
.59
Built by De Havilland Aircraft Co Ltd at their Hawarden plant, Chester. Production Dove 5
14.12.59
First flight at Chester
14.12.59
Australian Registration Application: De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd, Bankstown Airport, Sydney

DHA request DCA issue a registration in the VH-DH series which will be painted on the aircraft at the factory and it was be delivered by air under the Australian marking in January 1960.
DCA allocated registration VH-DHK

Veteran Australian pilot Harry Purvis, whose flying experience went back to Charles Kingsford Smith's Fokker trimotor Southern Cross was asked by DHA's Managing Director Lester Brain and Manager Rollo Kingsford-Smith to deliver a new Dove from England to Sydney. With the promise of no passengers to contend with, Harry quickly agreed. In January 1960 Harry and DHA staff member Ken Orham flew to London by Qantas Boeing 707.  After satisfying the Ministry of Civil Aviation in London, Purvis collected VH-DHK at DH's head office at Hatfield. Local familiarisation flying.
15.1.60
VH-DHK departed Duxford for Southend to clear customs at commencement of the delivery flight to Australia, escorted by DH officials as a courtesy to Southend in a company Heron

Safely delivered to Bankstown without a mark on the aircraft.  The flight encountered delays due snow and ice in France. and political clearance refusals in the Middle East.  At Dili, Portuguese Timor, passengers stranded by the loss of TAT Heron CR-TAI in the Timor Sea on 26 January begged to be taken to Darwin.  With DHA's approval, a full load were carried from Dili to Darwin.
The adventures on the ferry flight are described in Harry Purvis' book Outback Airman
22.1.60
noted at Bahrein on ferry
29.1.60
noted at Singapore-Paya Lebar, on delivery flight to Australia
8.2.60
DH hand-over date to purchaser

Inspection and modifications at Bankstown by DHA. Described as "Mk.5 with some Mk.8 features"
14.4.60
Added to Register VH-DHK: De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd, Bankstown Airport, Sydney
29.5.60
displayed in static park at Bankstown Air Show
12.60
Lease negotiated to Bay of Plenty Airways in NZ. 
12.60
Long-range fuel tanks being installed by DHA at Bankstown for ferry flight to NZ.
1.61
Bay of Plenty Airways founder and Chief Pilot Alf Bartlett and manager Brian Head flew by TEAL to Sydney to collect the Dove
12.1.61
Struck-off Australian registered as exported to NZ
16.1.61
ZK-BZP departed Sydney on delivery flight, pilot Alf Bartlett, with Brian Head handling the fuel transfers from the temporary long-range fuel tank installed in the cabin. Refuelled at Norfolk island then continued to Whenuapai Airport, Auckland. "Bay of Plenty Airways  Ltd" titles had been painted above the windows in Sydney
17.1.61
Arrived at the airline's home base Tauranga to a large crowd.
18.1.61
Registered ZK-BZP: De Havilland Aircraft Co, Wellington NZ,
operated by Bay of Plenty Airways Ltd, Tauranga NZ. 
1.2.61
Commenced Bay of Plenty Airways scheduled services, fitted with 9 passenger seats. Operating with the company's Aero Commander ZK-BWA on services to Wellington and Auckland (Whenuapai).

Dove was popular with passengers and pilots, but the airline was in financial difficulty and the Dove was unable to service the key town of Rotorua because the airfield was not approved for the Dove until a  sealed runway was built.  Bay of Plenty Airways was forced to cancel the lease of the Dove.
7.7.61
ZK-BZP departed Tauranga on return ferry to Sydney, via Whenuapai and Norfolk Island. 
Flown by newly appointed Bay of Plenty Airways Chief Pilot Alistair McLeod with Jack Hall handling the navigation and fuel transfers from the temporary long-range tank in the cabin.
11.7.61
Arrived at Sydney from NZ
2.9.61
noted at Bankstown at DHA factory having the cabin fitted out as an aerial ambulance for NTMS
22.9.61
Restored to Register as VH-DHK: Commonwealth Department of Health, Canberra ACT,
operated by Northern Territory Medical Service, Darwin & Alice Springs NT
30.9.61
Arrived at Alice Springs NT on delivery by senior NTMS pilot Captain Harry Moss.
It retained the executive style colour scheme from its time with Bay of Plenty Airways in NZ.

Harry Moss, in his book 10,000 Hours describes ferrying a NTMS DHA-3 Drover from Alice Springs to Brisbane for overhaul, then being sent to Sydney to take delivery of Dove VH-DHK:
"This was the latest thing in air ambulances - two stretchers, a big comfortable chair for the doctor, lock-up cabinets for medicines and drugs, washbasin and toilet; navigation equipment to airline standard, ADF, DME, VAR and 10 channel radio. The outer skin was sprayed with a white acrylic that reduced the temperature to a remarkable degree. At the factory De Havillands took full measure of publicity from the handing over ceremony.  After numerous speeches in front of a big crowd, the log books were handed to the Minister for Health who made another speech. I was then solemnly charged with the responsibility for maximum utilisation of the aeroplane and the Minister handed me the log books. I humbly thanked them all for entrusting such a beautiful aeroplane to me, and, to the cheers of the multitude, went on board and took off. After a beat-up of the factory to show them their offspring in flight, I headed off to the northwest for Alice Springs. VH-DHK's greater speed and modern equipment enabled us to knock 30% off the times the Drover took for the clinic ciruits, and allowed us to take in some additional stations."
8.63
VH-DHK visited Adelaide Airport parked overnight in TAA hangar. Still in executive style red, white and blue paint scheme with NTMS titles
12.3.65
noted at Bankstown for CofA renewal overhaul by DHA. Now in standard NTMS white & grey paint scheme
19.9.70
noted at Bankstown for maintenance by Hawker de Havilland Australia
6.71
ferried Alice Springs-Dubbo-Bankstown by NTMS Captain Warwick Henry, for CofA renewal by HdeH
22.11.71
Damaged at Warrabi NT
19.1.72
noted at Bankstown, at Hawker de Havilland hangar
24.12.74
When Cyclone Tracy devastated Darwin, VH-DHK was at Bankstown having maintenance
7.75
noted at Alice Springs in service NTMS
17.1.77
Damaged at Alice Springs
7.7.78
NTMS retirement date, their last operational Dove. Replaced by a GAF Nomad 24.
.78
Sold to CSIRO, Adelaide. Ferried Alice Springs-Parafield where a hole was cut in the floor for camera for vertical photographic survey work
9.7.78
VH-DHK noted at Adelaide-Parafield, NTMS scheme
10.7.78
Struck-off Register as withdrawn from service
20.11.79
Restored to Register: Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (Soils Division). Adelaide SA
25.11.79
noted at Parafield, in new paint scheme with CSIRO titles. Also 9.12.79, 16.12.79
29.5.83
noted at Parafield, CSIRO Soils Division markings. Reportedly had not flown for over a year, after earlier CSIRO survey flying operated on contract by Robbys Aerial Services at Parafield
28.5.84
Struck-off Register as withdrawn from service
.84
Dismantled at Parafield and moved by road to Canberra for National Museum of Australia.
Held dismantled in storage at the Treloar Technology Centre storage facility in the Canberra suburb of Mitchell. This purpose-built warehouse is used to store aircraft, vehicles and artifacts for the Australian War Memorial and National Museum of Australia
1.15
VH-DHK inspected in the Mitchell storage facility by Daniel Sherburn of the Dove Preservation Group.
He reports that the National Museum staff he met were unaware of any plans for the Dove other than to keep it in preservation


VH-DHK displayed at an airshow at Bankstown, soon after its delivery flight from England.  
Photo by Roger McDonald



Leased to NZ as ZK-BZP with Bay of Plenty Airways in 1961, seen at Tauranga.      Photo by Peter V. Lewis


Adelaide Airport August 1963 in the TAA hangar, same red, white and black  scheme but with NTMS titles.  
Photo by Geoff Goodall



At Bankstown March 1965, repainted in standard NTMS white & metallic scheme.   Barrie Colledge collection


Still in service with NTMS, seen at Alice Springs in July 1975, with some subtle changes to the paint scheme.
Photo: Ben Dannecker collection


Now with CSIRO based at Parafield SA, where photographed by Michael Austin in November 1979.
The emblem on the tail is for CSIRO Earth Resources



Parafield May 1983, by now retired and parked out in the weather.  The following year it was moved by road
to Canberra to an uncertain future with Nation Museum of Australia.                   Photo by Geoff Goodall




               DH.104 Dove Series 5  c/n 04486                                                                                          VH-DHN
.57
Built by De Havilland Aircraft Co Ltd at their Hawarden plant, Chester. Production Dove 5
20.4.57
DH hand-over date to purchaser
20.4.57
Registered PH-ION: Iraanese Aarodolie Exploratorie en Productie Mij.  Name Naft Safid
2.12.63
Registered G-ASMX: Mrs Joan M. Breedon, Ashbridhe, Herts.   Operated by Aircruise Ltd
10.4.64
British CofA issued, after inspection by Aircruise Ltd.
27.5.65
Registered I-ALGO: Soc Algenova
7.1.66
Registered G-ASMX: Shackleton Aviation Ltd, London

Shackletons were a leading aircraft brokerage firm, sold G-ASMX to Commonwealth Dept of Health
14.2.66
Shackletons sold G-ASMX to Commonwealth Dept of Health,  for NT Medical Service, Australia

Delivered from England to Sydney as G-ASMX
5.5.66
G-ASMX noted at Brisbane-Eagle Farm on final leg of ferry to Sydney
5.66
G-ASMX noted Bankstown parked outside Hawker de Havilland Australia hangar
6.66
G-ASMX noted in the HdeH hangar under overhaul
8.66
noted Bankstown in HdeH hangar, repainted as VH-DHN in NTMS scheme in
9.9.66
Official NTMS date for entering service, at Darwin
16.9.66
Added to Register VH-DHN: Commonwealteh Department of Health, Canberra ATC,
operated by Northern Territory Medical Service, Darwin NT
13.7.69
Damaged at Oenpelli NT
24.12.74
On the evening before Cyclone Tracy devastated Darwin, VH-DHN was parked inside the NTAMS hangar with three other Doves. During the cyclone that night, the hangar doors were blown in and all three NTMS Doves were damaged.  
1.75
VH-DHN ferried from Darwin to Gove NT for repair, after temporary repairs at Darwin,
7.75
During routine maintenance at Gove, serious corrosion was found in the airframe.
VH-DHN was immediately withdrawn from service
18.7.75
NTMS retirement date
-
Ferry permit issued for VH-DHN to be ferried from Gove to Bankstown for inspection by HdeH.
19.12.75
Struck-off Register as withdrawn from service
1.5.76
noted at Bankstown, retired at Hawker de Havilland hangar, full NTMS markings. 
Also 28.8.76, 1.9.76, 27.10.76, 17.9.77
6.5.76
Closing date for Department of Supply tenders for sale of Dove 5 VH-DHN (04486) TT 9665 hrs. Available for inspection at Bankstown

Parked in the open at Bankstown for many years, became very weather-beaten
87
Stored dismantled in a large igloo shed at Scheyville, western Sydney, along with a collection of u/s aircraft by the founding members of the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society
5.87
Acquired by Ted Rudge, Essendon Airport, Melbourne as a spares source
25.5.87
arrived at Ted Rudge's hangar at Essendon on a truck.
8.2.88
noted at Essendon, fuselage now moved to IPEC hangar
1.89
VH-DHN noted at Moorabbin Airport, dismantled outside a hangar where Rudge Air's Dove 8 G-ASMG was being assembled on arrival from England
14.7.89
noted at Moorabbin Airport, Melbourne, dismantled
-
Donated to Kamarooka Aviation Museum, Prairie, Bendigo Vic
20.11.01
VH-DHN noted at Caruso Road, Bendigo, with the nose section of ex-TAA DC-3 VH-TAK
06
by now with Richard Winterburn/ Arnold Aviation Museum, Arnold Vic
10
by now with Richard Winterburn/ Charlton Aircraft Museum, Charlton Vic.
Doves VH-DHN and VH-ABM on their bellies in scrub on a farm property

After the Charlton site was flooded, Winterburn moved his collection to a new site at Heathcote Vic
.10
Moved to Richard Winterburn/ Heathcote Aircraft Museum, Heathcote Vic
10.11
The sign at the entrance had been repainted as The Derelict Aircraft Museum, Heathcote Vic
Stripped airframes of Doves VH-ABM & VH-DHN were on their bellies in scrub
3.14
Heathcote Aircraft Museum has 9 aircraft on the property at Heathcote: DHN has been paint stripped
6.14
VH-DHN & VH-ABM purchased by Daniel Sherburn/ Dove Preservation Group

VH-DHN's fuselage and wings remained at Heathcote Aircraft Museum

Richard Winterburn moved his collection from Heathcote into temporary storage at Launching Place Vic pending a move to a new display site
.18
Winterburn moved his collection to Yalca Vic under new name Derelict Aircraft Museum, Yalca Vic
14.3.19
VH-DHN's fuselage and wings moved by road to Derelict Aircraft Museum, Yalca Vic.
Previous registration G-ASMX was faintly readable on the wings.
Fuselage placed against a fence with port wing in position on the ground.


Bankstown May 1966, just arrived on the delivery flight from England.                   Geoff Goodall collection


VH-DHN at Darwin NT in October 1967, in service with NT Medical Service.             Photo by Peter Limon


VH-DHN parked at Hawker de Havilland's works at Bankstown in October 1976, after it was retired by NTMS.
Photo by David Daw


VH-DHN stored dismantled in Ted Rudge's hangar at Essendon, June 1987.             Photo by Mike Madden


The stripped airframe of VH-DHN at Heathcote Aircraft Museum, Heathcote Vic in October 2011. 
Photo by Gordon Reid



VH-DHN arrives at Yalca Vic on 14 March 2019, the new site for the Derelict Aircraft Museum
Photo by Stewart Kedar


                 DH.104 Dove Series 2, to Series 6    c/n 04313                                                                            VH-MJD, PK-LEA
51
Built by De Havilland Aircraft Co Ltd at their Hawarden plant, Chester. Production Dove 2 
9.51
Registered F-BFVL: Cie Nord Africaine de l'Hyperphophate
3.9.51
DH hand-over date to purchaser
-
Registered F-OANL: Cotton Textile Industries, Dakar
8.56
Registered F-BFVL: SNCA Sud Ouest 

Modified to Dove Series 6
28.8.57
Registered G-APCZ: Ind Coope Ltd, London.  Same owner until sold to Australia
12.9.57
British CofdA issued
7.65
G-APCZ noted at Biggin Hill, having radio equipment installed for a ferry flight to Australia.
Due to depart for Australia in August 1965
-
Delivered to Australia. No details of the flight, or G-APCZ's whereabouts 1965-67, have been found
23.9.67
Struck-off British Register as sold to Australia
4.10.67
Added to Register as VH-MJD: Chartwell Pty Ltd, Sydney NSW. 
This company previously had Dove VH-DSM (04120) which had been retired earlier that year
12.11.67
VH-MJD noted at Camden Airport NSW, outside Skyservice hangar. White top, grey lower, yellow cheatline, no titles.  Unmoved 7.12.67
28.12.67
noted at Sydney Airport, no tiles. Also 6.68: based here, flying regularly
30.4.68
noted at Bankstown
24.7.68
Change of ownership: Lombard Finance, Sydney, operated by Chartair Aviation, Adelaide Airport SA
27.7.68
first noted at Adelaide Airport, same colour scheme: white top, grey lower, yellow cheatline, no titles.
2.8.68
noted at Adelaide-Parafield in a hangar having maintenance, "Chartair"now painted above windows
17.8.68
noted at Adelaide Airport, same colour scheme but with "Chartair" above the cabin windows, with an Adelaide phone number
19.5.69
noted at Adelaide Airport, same scheme "Chartair" titles
30.6.69
Change of ownership: Air Oasis Pty Ltd, Adelaide SA.

Air Oasis was an associated company of South Australian and Territory Air Services - SAATAS.

30.6.69
(Same day) Struck-off Australian Register
8.7.69
VH-MJD noted at Parafield now with SAATAS in red above the windows. In a hangar undergoing an overhaul

Not seen at Adelaide after 7.69, probably delivered to Darwin and cancelled from register during  overhaul and preparation for new work in Indonesia
7.70
Registered PK-LEA: SAATAS East Indonesia P.T.   Named Mother Goose

Associate company of SAATAS, based in Darwin for charter operations in East Indonesia (Seulawesi to Bali to Timor) mainly in support of oil exploration and ocean oil drilling rigs. Fleet grew to 4 Beech Queenairs, Cessna twins and several Grumman Gooses
1.72
PK-LEA noted at Darwin Airport, "SAATAS East Indonesia" titles. Also 21.7.73, 1.8.74
6.4.72
PK-LEA noted at Singapore-Seletar
25.12.74
Wrecked by Cyclone Tracy while parked at Darwin NT
14.10.75
PK-LEA noted at East Point Military Museum, Darwin: stripped damaged airframe on belly on the ground. Other cyclone damaged aircraft were moved here from Perth Airport
23.11.78
noted at Darwin Airport, at the Airport Fire Service: complete fuselage with mock-up outer wings, no undercarriage, dolly wheels. Painted all white with pseudo registration "VH-DOT" and "Rescue Training Unit" above windows.
(Airport Fire Service was employed by Department of Transport, successor to DCA). Also 12.12.78
9.86
noted in a remote spot on Darwin Airport. Very poor condition, paint fading and peeling, cockpit windows had been smashed during an emergency exercise. PK-LEA visible through paint on rear fuselage side.

Fate unknown


VH-MJD at Bankstown NSW in April 1968.                                                               Photo by Dave Eyre


Adelaide Airport in August 1968, white & grey with yellow cheatline.                        Photo by Geoff Goodall


When purchased by SAATAS, VH-MJD commenced a major overhaul at Parafield, where seen in July 1969.
This "for the record" hangar shot was taken by John M. Smith


PK-LEA at Darwin in January 1972.  A classic study by the great photographer Mike Madden


Darwin Airport January 1975, after Cyclone Tracy wrecked 100 aircraft.         The Collection p1234-0997


Darwin Airport early 1975 after the Dove had been lifted back on to its undercarriage.       Paul Howard collection


After undercarriage, engines, props and other parts had been removed, the stripped hulk was moved by road from
Darwin Airport
to East Point Military Museum, Darwin, along with other aircraft wrecked by the cyclone.     
Photo by Geoff Goodall



Back at Darwin Airport by December 1978, in use as "Rescue Training Unit" with false registration "VH-DOT".
It had outer wing sections only and was moved on dolly wheels.                            Photo by Robert Zweck


Parked in a remote corner of Darwin Airport in September 1986, the fading paint revealing PK-LEA on rear fuselage.
The cockpit canopy has been cut open during an emergency exercise.                          Photo by Gordon Reid



              DH.104 Dove Series 6  c/n 04514                                                                                                VH-DHA, N104DV
.61
Built by De Havilland Aircraft Co Ltd at their Hawarden plant, Chester. Production Dove 6 
25.4.61
Registered G-ARMT:  Clarke, Chapman & Co Ltd, Durham
5.7.61
British CofA issued
8.7.61
DH hand-over date to purchaser
20.11.70
Change of ownership: Air Associates Ltd, London
21.1.71
Change of ownwership: Hawker De Havilland Australia Pty Ltd, Bankstown Airport, Sydney NSW

Purchased in England by Hawker De Havilland Australia on behalf of NT Medical Service, which wanted to add another Dove to its fleet, to be basxed at Gove-Nhulunbuy NT.
.71
G-ARMT delivered from England to Sydney by Australian pilot Max Hazelton
24.2.71
G-ARMT noted at Bankstown
4.71
noted in HdeH hangar Bankstown having Australian CofA inspection. VH-DHA has been reserved
28.6.71
NTMS acceptance date
30.6.71
Added to Register VH-DHA: Commonwealth Department of Health, Canberra ACT, operated by
Northern Territory Medical Service, Darwin NT
1-2.7.61
VH-DHA delivered Bankstown-Alice Springs-Darwin by TAA Captain Ken Assender, accompanied by another NTMS Dove VH-DHH as far as Alice Springs. DHH was returning to NTAMS service after its 3 yearly CofA renewal inspected by HdeH at Bankstown
12.6.73
Damaged at Roper Valley Station NT
23.2.74
noted at Bankstown, undergoing maintenace at Hawker de Havilland hangar
24.12.74
On the evening before Cyclone Tracy devastated Darwin, VH-DHA was parked inside the NTAMS hangar with three other Doves. During the cyclone that night, the hangar doors were blown in and all three NTMS Doves were damaged.  NTMS leased TAA Twin Otters while their Doves were repaired.
31.1.77
visited Adelaide Airport
26.5.77
NTMS retirement date.  Replaced by a GAF Nomad
1.6.77
Struck-off Register as withdrawn from service. Parked in open at Bankstown near HdeH hangar
10.11.77
Closing date for Department of Supply tenders for Dove VH-DHA (04514) Total time 6716 hrs. Available for inspection at Bankstown
23.2.78
Restored to Register:  A.J. Aviation Services (Westernport) Pty Ltd, Moorabbin Airport, Melbourne Vic 
4.1.79
noted at Moorabbin, new paint scheme, no titles
29.4.80
noted at Essendon
11.12.80
Change of ownership: Airlines of Tasmania Pty Ltd, Moorabbin Airport, Melbourne
23.11.82
Change of ownership:  Ross K. Crabbe, Melbourne Vic
1.12.82
Struck-off Register as withdrawn from service
22.12.82
noted at Kyneton Vic, parked outside. Later stored in a hangar on the airfield where it was covered with bird droppings from the rafters
89-91
Restored to airworthy at Kyneton
8.1.89
noted at Kyneton Vic, both engines removed, registration painted over. Aircraft externally in poor condition. It was reported that Ross Crabb had sold the Dove to a new owner at Tooradin Vic and it was being prepared for ferry to Tooradin.
28.11.91
Finally left Kyneton, ferried to Essendon
24.12.91
Restored to Register: E. M. (Ted) Rudge, Essendon Airport, Melbourne Vic t/a Rudge Air

Rudge Air operated Doves on night freight work from Essendon for Ansett Airlines of Australia
7.8.92
Ted Rudge's Doves VH-DHA, DHD & JGZ diverted to Wagga NSW due fog overnight at Melbourne
9.92
VH-DHA noted at Essendon, same polished metallic and blue finish as Rudge's VH-DHD
24.1.93
Damaged at Hobart, Tas
27.6.01
VH-DHA noted at Essendon, under maintenance in Rudge hangar. "Rudge Air" titles now removed
18.7.01
Test fight at Essendon by Ted Rudge and new owner Paul Gillies. It was the Dove's first flight in over two years.
11.8.01
Change of ownership: Paul A. Gillies, Gympie Qld
14.8.01
Departed Essendon on delivery to Caloundra Qld for new owner, flown by Ted Rudge
24.1.03
Arrived Essendon from Gympie via Parkes. Delivered for lease by Gillies to:
Damien Fitzgerald t/a Northwestern Aerial Work, Kyneton Vic.

Lease for planned passenger charters from Bendigo and Essendon. Damien was formerly an IPEC DC-9 pilot, who flew DC-3 VH-AGU for Air Charter Centre in Qld
04
Paul Gillies is working as a commercial pilot in Denver, Colorado flying exec jets. He will have VH-DHA shipped to USA.
3.04
Dismantled and crated at Redcliffe Qld for shipping to USA
6.1.05
Struck-off Australian Register as exported to USA
5.3.05
VH-DHA noted at Denver-Front Range Airport, Colorado assembled in a hangar but not yet flown.
In the same hangar were Doves N111ZE airworthy, N33AE dismantled and N6307T dismantled
7.8.06
Registered N104DV: Paul A. Gillies, Parker, Colorado
.15
Address changed to Paul A. Gillies, Riverside, California
8.6.16
Change of ownership: World Aviation Museum, Westcliffe Colorado
16.8.18
Change of ownership: James B. Christian, Peyton Colorado


G-ARMT visiting Glagow-Renfrew in Scotland circa 1964.                             Photo by Gordon Reid


Now VH-DHA with NT Medical Service, at home base Darwin in 1971.      Civil Aviation Historical Society


VH-DHA at Kyneton Vic in December 1982. It was stored here for eight years before returning to airworthy.
Note the previous Department of Health coat of arms retained beneath the cockpit.   Photo by Mike Vincent



              DH.104 Dove Series 6  c/n 04509                                                                                                           VH-WST

Built by De Havilland Aircraft Co Ltd at their Hawarden plant, Chester. Production Dove 6
10.12.59
Registered G-APVX: Leyland Motors Ltd, Leyland, Lancashire
7.1.60
First flight
16.3.60
British CofA issued
17.3.60
DH hand-over date to purchaser
30.12.61
Damaged in undershoot while landing at Yeadon in snow storm
62
Rebuilt at Leavesden
8.7.65
G-APVX noted at London-Gatwick, also 12.5.66, executive paint scheme
2.12.68
Sold to Leichtenstein. Did not leave UK
7.3.69
Restored to Register G-APVX: J. C. Bamford Excavators Ltd, Lakeside, Staffs
31.1.71
Sold, no owner quoted in British Register
10.71
Skyways Pty Ltd, Wee Waa NSW took delivery of G-APVX in England in late 10.71.

delivered by air from England to Australia
5.11.71
G-APVX noted at Singapore-Paya Lebar on ferry flight to Australia
72
G-APVX had Australian CofA inspection carried out by Airland Pty Ltd, Cootamundra NSW.

Dove owner Alan Baker was joint owner of Airland at Cootamundra with company founder Les Ward
9.4.72
noted at Cootamundra, now painted as VH-WST
25.4.72
Struck-off British Register as sold to Australia
4.5.72
Added to Register VH-WST: Alan  H. Baker, Wee Waa NSW trading as Skyways Pty Ltd

Commenced Third Level airline services between Gunnedah and Wee Waa to Sydney in 1971 with leased twins, added Cootamundra and later Quirindi. Restructured 5.73 as Skyway Airlines Pty Ltd
18.6.72
VH-WST visited Essendon, Skyways titles
13.3.74
Destroyed in mid-air collision with PA-30 Twin Comanche VH-WWB near Bankstown Airport, Sydney. 2 occupants in each aircraft were killed

The PA-30 was departing Bankstown following an IFR procedure with windscreen panels up for training and was in contact with Sydney Departures. The Dove was flying a wide visual circuit at Bankstown while a radio problem was being checked. The wreckage struck the ground among houses, marginally outside the 3 NM radius Bankstown Control Zone. No injuries on the ground.
13.3.74
Struck-off Register


G-APVX at London-Gatwick in May 1966.  Note the teardrop housing on the cockpit roof has been removed 
The empty car park behind is in stark contrast to road traffic at Gatwick today.


Cootamundra NSW early 1972, in the same paint scheme, during Australian CofA inspection. 
  Photo by Ben Dannecker



VH-WST at Bankstown in June 1973                                                                       Photo by Dave Eyre



               DH.104 Series Dove 1, to Devon Mk.1, to Dove Mk.1B     c/n 04050                                               NZ1801, VH-MGT
47
Built at Hatfield by De Havilland Aircraft Co Ltd.  Production Dove Series 1B

To be a demonstrator for New Zealand. Allocated registration ZK-AQV

Painted in the factory with incorrect registration "ZK-AOV"
8.12.47
Shipped from England to NZ

Assembled at DH Aircraft Co of NZ's hangar at Rongotai Airport, Wellington. Registration corrected to ZK-AQV. Aircraft in polished metal finish with red cheat lines and registration.
9.2.48
First flight after assembly at Wellington, flown by Mr. J. Kerr, company General Manager.  Made a low pass at Rongatai Airport then flew to Paraparaumu and landed at Nelson
16.2.48
Registered ZK-AQV: De Havilland Aircraft Co (New Zealand) Ltd, Wellington NZ
9.4.48
NZ CofA issued

Demonstrations made to the domestic airline NZ National Airways Corp, which DH hoped would choose the Dove for its many short routes then serviced by Lockheed 10s, Lodestars and DC-3s. No order was forthcoming.
By early June ZK-AQV was loaned to RNZAF and based at RNZAF Station Ohakea for evaluation, by military pilots and ground engineers.
12.6.48
RNZAF Group Captain A. E. Clouston, CO of Ohakea, flew ZK-AQV to RNZAF Station Whenuapai carrying senior Government ministers.
15.6.48
Brought on charge by Royal New Zealand Air Force as NZ1801, redesignated Devon VIP Mk.1
17.6.48
Minister for Aviation announced that the Government had decided to purchase two Doves to replace the two DH.89 Dominies presently in use by the RNZAF General Purpose Flight to transport the Prime Minister and senior Government officials.

RNZAF subsequently placed orders for 29 more Devons, serial range NZ1801 to NZ1830

NZ1801 assigned to RNZAF General Purpose Flight for VIP duties, later issued 42 Squadron, Ohakea
6.63
Retired by RNZAF, placed in long-term storage at RNZAF Woodbourne 
24.4.70
4 Devons offered for disposal by tender by NZ Government Stores Board: NZ1801, NZ1814, NZ1817, NZ1818.  Tenders closed 28.5.70.
NZ1801 total airframe time 4,003 hrs 30 mins. Fitted with 8 passenger seats

Sold by Government Sales Board to Peter Hookway, Melbourne Vic

Peter Hookway formed Hookway Aviation to specialise in acquisition and resale of retired military aircraft, including RAN Trackers and RAAF Canberras
7.7.70
Peter Hookway letter to DCA: requesting import permits for four ex RNZAF Devons:
NZ1801  total time 4003.30 hrs. Previous use VIP transport
NZ1814  total time 3924.30 hrs. Previous use navigation trainer
NZ1817  total time 1692.20 hrs. Previous use navigation trainer
NZ1818  total time 2997.10 hrs. Previous use navigation trainer and VIP transport
Devons have had the mandatory wingspar modification except NZ817. Hookway advises he is in discussion with Hawker De havilland Pty Ltd, Sydney regarding certification as civil Doves.
11.9.70
DCA replied granting import permission


22.3.71
Added to Register as Dove Mk.1B VH-MGT: Peter Hookway, Melbourne Vic
23.3.71
VH-MGT departed Blenheim for Auckland, where it was prepared for ferry flight to Australia
3.4.71
Ferried Auckland-Norfolk Island-Sydney, owner listed as Australian Helicopters, Adelaide.
4.4.71
VH-MGT noted at Sydney Airport
10.4.71
VH-MGT arrived at Adelaide-Parafield. Previous serial NZ1801 readable through the civil paintwork.
Parked in Robbys Aerial Services hangar for the remainder of April for engine and airframe inspection.
Titles painted on: "Personnel Air Transport operated by Australian Helicopters" above windows,
"PAT" on tail;
1.6.71
Change of ownership: Australian Helicopters Pty Ltd, Parafield Airport, Adelaide SA
4.7.71
Flew Port Hedland WA to Perth. Departed 6.7.71 for Forrest, then Adelaide
24.12.72
noted at Sydney Airport
5.1.73
Change of ownership due merger: Airfast Helicopter Utilities Pty Ltd, Sydney Airport
20.5.73
noted at Sydney Airport
11.73
noted at Bankstown, titles "Personnel Air Transport operated by Australian Helicopters". Also 27.3.74
20.11.74
Change of owner's name: Airfast Helicopters Pty Ltd, Sydney Airport
10.74
Sale to Altair Pty Ltd, Jandakot Airport, Perth fell through when Altair forced to cease operations due to the loss of major oil drilling personnel transport contracts in WA
18.4.75
Change of ownership: Armor Coatings (Australasia) Pty Ltd, Adelaide SA

The directors of this company were involved in the re-financing of Adelaide airline Coveair Pty Ltd which operated from Adelaide Airport to Kangaroo Island and other SA ports.
29.6.75
Delivered Bankstown-Parafield for overhaul by Robbys Aerial Services prior to being operated by
Coveair, Adelaide Airport.
26.7.75
noted Parafield in Robbys hangar, all paint stripped off. Devon VH-CJX also in hangar
13.9.75
noted Parafield in Robbys hangar: overhaul nearly complete, now painted white & orange (same as Heron VH-CJS).  MGT rolled out 8.11.75 and ferried to Adelaide Aiport for use by Coveair
12.75
Coveair ceased operating. VH-MGT was leased to Port Augusta Air Service - PAGAS, which took over the former Coveair route Adelaide Airport-Yorketown-Kangaroo island
17.2.76
Arrived Jandakot on delivery from Adelaide, for lease to United Air Services, Jandakot WA.
Included in the deal was Dove VH-CJY & Heron VH-CJS
2.76
A new charter company was formed in Perth: Amalgamated Air Services, Jandakot WA
Managing Director Michael D. Rainsford, Perth. AAS took over the lease of Doves VH-CJY & MGT, and Heron VH-CJS from United Air Services for a contract to carry mining workers from Perth to the gold mine operation at Telfer in the Pilbara district of northern WA
12.3.76
VH-MGT test flight at Jandakot after maintenance prior to entering AAS service
15.3.76
VH-MGT and Heron VH-CJS noted at Jandakot, now with titles "Amalgamated Air"
Amalgamated Air Services commenced operations at Perth in March 1976, also have Dove VH-CJY.
Main charter contract is to carry mining workers to the Telfer gold mine, 1000 miles north of Perth.
16.3.76
VH-MGT made it first Jandakot-Perth Airport-Telfer run for Amalgamated Air Services. Returned next day, then operated the route on a regular basis
22.4.76
Change of ownership: M.D. Rainsford, Perth WA t/a Amalagmated Air Services
21.5.76
Damaged landing at Perth Airport. Nosewheel collapsed on touchdown at night on Runway 20.
The aircraft had refuelled at Meekatharra while en route Telfer-Perth and nose gear would not retract on departure Meekatharra. Pilot deciced to continue to Perth where airport fire service was available.
Operator: Amalgamated Air Services
9.7.76
Ferried Perth Airport-Jandakot after damage repair
26.8.76
noted Jandakot in main parking area: MGT no propellers, alongside Dove CJY and Heron CJS.
8.76
Amalgamated Air Services ceased operations
2.8.76
DCA changed the registration category of Doves VH-CJY & MGT and Heron VH-CJS from Charter to Private, at the request of owner Amalagamated Air Services
10.9.76
Struck-off Register at owner's request. Also Dove VH-CJY and Heron VH-CJS
4.10.76
noted Jandakot, MGT moved to Bernies Aviation mainrenance hangar; CJY & CJS had moved to a remote dirt parking area in the past week. MGT had propellers refitted by 8.10.76
20.12.76
noted at Jandakot: MGT parked near fire station, externally complete; CJY & CJS still in the dirt park
76-80
stored Jandakot. MGT, CJY & Heron CJS never flew again, falling into poor condition. Amalgamated Air Services was involved in legal action with Armor Coatings and other parties.
.80
VH-MGT acquired by Brian Mickleberg, Perth WA

Brian operated Cessna 185 VH-FLU from Jandakot. He and two brothers were later sentenced to lengthy jail  terms in Perth for swindling the Perth Mint of $600K gold bullion in June 1982. After a long controversy regarding the police investigation, they were released. Brian died 27.2.86 when the survey Aero Commander he was flying crashed near Perth
The conviction of the 3 brothers was finally overturned in 2004 in a matter known as "The Mickleberg Stitch".
9.80
VH-MGT towed from the Jandakot general aircraft parking area to the Bernies Aviation hangar.
Work commenced on a CofA renewal overhaul for planned use on charter work, to be operated by  Western Airlines. By 11.80 the Dove was all metal finish after all paint had been stripped.
14.6.84
By now VH-MGT had joined Dove VH-CJY and Heron VH-CJS in a remote parking area at Jandakot, with retired PA-31 VH-RTN, Beech 58 VH-EZA and Aero Comamnder VH-EXU.
.89
Acquired for parts by E. M. (Ted) Rudge/ Rudge Air, Essendon Airport, Melbourne Vic

Ted Rudge stated at the time that he acquired MGT from "the Micklebergs" in Perth. Three Mickleberg brothers had been charged by WA Police in 1982 for stealing $650K of gold bullion, in what was widely known as the Perth Mint Swindle. They were jailed, despite accusations of fabricated evidence by Police, bashed by fellow inmates but after some years the convictions were quashed. Two of the brothers were involved in aviation, Brian Mickleberg being killed flying an Aero Commander after his release from jail
2.90
Ted Rudge flew his Dove VH-DHD from Essendon to Jandakot to remove the components of MGT he required and arrange their transport to Melbourne
.90
Stripped airframe loaned to aviation enthusiast Lincoln Nitschke, Adelaide who was establishing his aircaft museum at Greenock in the Barosa Valley SA
90-96
VH-MGT stripped airframe stored at the Lincoln Nitschke Military and Historical Aircraft Collection, Greenock SA
.96
Ted Rudge sold VH-MGT to Colin Jones, Macdonald Park, Adelaide SA.
Moved by road from Greenock to Jones' home.
At the same time Jones also purchased the stripped airframe of NZ1817 from Mildura Vic
20.11.01
VH-MGT noted at Colin Jones' home at Spencer Street, McDonald Park SA.
Painted black with red sharks teeth on nose, mounted on three poles. Serial NZ1801 readable under the black paint on the fuselage.  His other Devon NZ1817 was also there, still in RNZAF markings.
07-08
VH-MGT all black and NZ1817 both stored at Wooma Road, Penfield, Adelaide

Reportedly now with an owner in NSW


Rare picture of the NZ demonstrator Dove ZK-AQV in 1948, polished metal with red trim and registration letters.
Courtesy Ed Coates Collection


In June 1948 ZK-AQV became RNZAF Devon Mk.1 NZ1801, seen here in gleaming polished metal VIP finish.   
Geoff Goodall collection



VH-MGT at Bankstown in November 1973.                       Photo by Chris O'Neill


Retired at Jandakot WA, November 1977.   Photo by Chris O'Neill



               DH.104 Devon Mk.1, to Dove Mk.1B   c/n 04397                                                       NZ1814, (VH-RTY), VH-CJX
.53
Built by De Havilland Aircraft Co Ltd at their Hawarden plant, Chester.
Built to RNZAF order as Devon Mk.1
3.53
Assigned serial NZ1814
26.3.53
DH hand-over date to purchaser

Delivered from England to NZ by a RNZAF crew
4.5.53
Brought on RZNAF charge at Wigram as Devon C.1 NZ1814

Operated by No.42 Squadron, Ohakea
7.68
Log book entry: retired by RNZAF and stored at RNZAF Station Wigram
24.4.70
4 Devons offered for disposal by tender by NZ Government Stores Board: NZ1801, NZ1814, NZ1817, and NZ1818.  Tenders closed 28.5.70.
NZ1814 total airframe time 3,924 hrs 30 mins. Cabin fitted with 1 observer seat only
7.70
NZ1814, NZ1817, NZ1818 have been purchased by Hookway Aviation, Melbourne Vic
7.7.70
Peter Hookway letter to DCA: requesting import permits for four ex RNZAF Devons:
NZ1801  total time 4003.30 hrs. Previous use VIP transport
NZ1814  total time 3924.30 hrs. Previous use navigation trainer
NZ1817  total time 1692.20 hrs. Previous use navigation trainer
NZ1818  total time 2997.10 hrs. Previous use navigation trainer and VIP transport
Devons have had the mandatory wingspar modification except NZ817. Hookway advises he is in discussion with Hawker De havilland Pty Ltd, Sydney regarding certification as civil Doves.
11.9.70
DCA replied granting import permission

Hookway sold NZ1814, NZ1817, NZ1818 to Cliff J. Brown t/a Airborne Consulting Service, Perth WA

Brown was an experienced aircraft engineer who established several aircraft sales coperations at Jandakot Airport, Perth during the 1970-1990s

The three RNZAF Devons were dismantled and transported from NZ to Perth, Western Australia

Brown negotiated sale of the three as a package to Murchison Air Services Pty Ltd, Perth Airport WA

Murchison was founded as a charter company by Robert T. Oliver, using the VH-RT series. Associate companies Southern Airlines and Murchison Airlines operated Third Level airline services in WA with a variety of types.  Murchison intended to convert the Devons to passenger Doves for these air routes.

On request from Murchison Air Services, DCA allocated registrations:
VH-RTX to NZ1818
VH-RTY to NZ1814
VH-RTZ to NZ1817
10.2.71
NZ1814, NZ1817, NZ1818 arrived by road at Perth Airport, where Murchison Air Services commenced assembly at its hangar. All were soon standing on their undercarriages, in faded RNZAF markings
22.3.71
Letter from Murchison Air Services Chief Engineer C. Sommer to Hants & Sussex Aviation Ltd, Portsmouth UK: requesting quote for modification kits to allow Murchison to put them into civil service:
VH-RTY & RTZ: will retain their existing Gipsy Queen 70-4 engines and run-out the remaining hours, after which the engines will be given overhaul and modifed to 70-Mk.11.
RTZ will have the wing spar modification, and progressively modifed as a Dove Series 5
5.7.71
Murchison Air Services announced that it had merged with Trans West Air Charter Pty Ltd, Perth. 
The following day 50 Murchison employees were dismissed
5.71
Trans West Air Charter used late model Cessna, Piper and Beech twins. The veteran Devons had no place in their business plan. Work stopped on their assembly at Perth Airport .

Ownership of the three Devons reverted to Cliff J. Brown, Perth WA
23.12.71
The 3 Devons noted at Perth Airport, unmoved outside the MAS/TWAC hangar. They were standing
on their undercarriages but engines, props and various panels not attached.

Cliff Brown negotiated their sale to Altair Pty Ltd, Perth-Jandakot Airport

Altair Pty Ltd was founded by Perth pilot William J. Anderson, who became Manager & Chief Pilot. Commenced charter services at Jandakot in 1968 with PA-31 Navajo VH-CJB,  and won a lucrative contract with WA Petroleum Pty Ltd (WAPET) to carry personnel from Perth to Barrow Island, off Damper on the WA Pilbara coast to support extensive oil drilling operations. Two Mitsubishi Mu-2s were used because of their high speed over the 1,500 Km route,  but high seating capacity aircraft  were urgently needed to carry oil workers. Speed and comfort was not a priority. Altair extended oil industry contracts to Broome and Timor in 1974 and three Cessna 500 Citration jets were introduced.

(In November 1972 Altair's MU-2G VH-CJP had carried 6,000 passengers and 150,000 lbs of freight to Barrow Island during its first 15 months with Altair. It was the beginning of today's jet Fly-In-Fly-Out services (FIFO) to remote mining sites across Australia)
3.72
Work on NZ1814 and NZ1818 at Perth Airport to get them airworthy for ferry to Jandakot Airport
29.3.72
NZ1814 ferried from Perth Airport to Jandakot, using ferry radio callsign "PTT"
31.3.72
NZ1814 noted at Jandakot, engines removed, outside Agricultural & General Aviation Pty Ltd hangar. Altair Pty Ltd operated from an office in this hangar and AGA carried out their maintenance.
4.4.72
NZ1814 noted at Jandakot being stripped of all paintwork at the agricultural aircraft wash-down bay
11.4.72
NZ1814 noted at Jandakot, inside AGA hangar having maintenance
21.5.72
First test flight at Jandakot, painted orange and white with black trim as VH-CJX
24.5.72
Added to Civil Register as Dove 1B VH-CJX: C. J. Brown, Perth WA

At that time the VH-CJ_ registration block was issued to DCA WA Region for new allocations
24.5.72
Log book entry: assembled at Jandakot Airport by Agricultural & General Aviation Pty Ltd.
27.5.72
VH-CJX flew its first passenger service, Jandakot-Geraldton-Barrow Island for WA Petroleum
29.5.72
Change of ownership: Altair Pty Ltd, Jandakot Airport, Perth WA
26.11.72
noted at Jandakot, in service with Altair. Also 24.3.73, 15.6.73 landed from Barrow Island.
11.73
Withdrawn from service at Jandakot WA
6.12.73
Logbook entry: airframe total time 5,125 hrs
17.12.73
VH-CJX noted at Jandakot, retired, parked near AGA hangar. Unmoved 22.12.73
16.2.74
VH-CJX noted at Jandakot outside AGA hangar, both engines have been removed for the past two months. By 23.3.74 panels and parts had been removed. Then moved into AGA hangar to be stripped
25.5.74
noted at Jandakot parked on tarmac near the Civil Flying Service hangar, only port engine installed. It had been towed from the AGA parking area several days earlier.
Unmoved 7.6.74, 15.6.74, 22.9.74, 23.11.74
10.6.74
Struck-off Register at owner's request
10.74
Altair ceased operations due financial problems
2.11.74
Doves VH-CJX, VH-CJY, Heron VH-CJS, PA-31 VH-CJB were noted parked on tarmac near CFS hangar with Altair markings removed. Each had a legal notice from a Perth firm of solicitors dated 23.10.74 stating no admittance to the aircraft, which was the property of Lease Industrial Ltd, Sydney.
30.11.74
VH-CJX noted at Jandakot, now parked at a dirt parking area, unmoved by 14.12.74, 6.4.75
1.75
Advertisement published offering the following aircraft for sale: apply to a Perth PO Box:
DH.104-1B Dove VH-CJX total time 5,126 hrs
DH.104-1B Dove VH-CJY total time 4,500 hrs
DH.104-1B Dove: airframe only, low time, partially stripped (NZ1817 loaned to AFA Museum, Perth)
1.75
The 3 Doves were acquired by Armor Coatings (Australasia) Pty Ltd, Adelaide SA. The directors of this company were involved in the refinancing of Coveair, which flew secondary airline services from Adelaide Airport to Kangaroo Island and other SA ports.
13.5.75
Loaded on truck at Jandakot and departed for road trip to Adelaide
5.75
Unloaded at Parafield Airport, Adelaide.  Stored dismantled in the rear of the Air Mist hangar, where maintenance of the Coveair DHA-3 Drovers was carried out.
Also dismantled in the hangar were Devon NZ1817 and two retired Coveair Drovers VH-EOO & FDC. VH-CJX & NZ1817 had been transported from Perth as a parts source for Devon VH-CJY.
.77
VH-CJX acquired "as is" by Lincoln Nitschke, Adelaide. He was a engineer with Robbys Aerial Services at Parafield and had been collecting a variety of aircraft and components for a planned museum
18.7.77
Lincoln Nitschke moved VH-CJX from the former Air Mist hangar (now Robbys) where it had been unmoved for the past two years. It was moved next-door to Robbys Aerial Services' large hangar, where the fuselage was placed on the floor at the rear, with wings leaning against the wall alongside.
8.11.80
noted at Parafield, dismantled outside, fuselage on belly, faded orange & white "Altair" titles
30.1.82
noted at Parafield, having yellow lining painted on starboard side
1.2.82
noted at Parafield, having "NZ1814" painted on fuselage
29.5.83
"NZ1814" noted at Parafield, in an open compound with other Lincoln Nitschke's aircraft:
RAAF yellow Anson fuselage recovered from aa SA farm, Cheetah engine, P-39 from PNG held for another collector, and an EP-9 fuselage frame. Parked on the main tarmac was his Canberra WH700
-
Moved by truck from Parafield to Greenock SA in the Barossa Velley, where Nitschke had established his air museum
by 2001
displayed at the Lincoln Nitschke Military and Historical Aircraft Collection, Greenock SA.
Painted as RNZAF "NZ1814"

Current


NZ1814 at RNZAF Station Whenuapai in February 1962, all silver.  Photo by Mike Madden


NZ1814 in later RNZAF paint scheme, at RNZAF Station Ohakea circa 1967. Ray Deerness collection


NZ1814, NZ1817 and NZ1818 partly assembled at Perth Airport in December 1971, outside the
Murchison Air Services hangar.   Photo by Geoff Goodall


NZ1814 at Jandakot Airport, Perth in March 1972, after delivery flight to Altair from Perth Airport.
The tail had been painted in the Trans West Air Charter fleet scheme of red tail.    Photo by Geoff Goodall


Two months later, NZ1814 looks like new as VH-CJX in orange and white with black trim.
The Altair name was added above the windows later.      Photo by Geoff Goodall


Jandakot October 1974, parked retired. Altair ceased operations that month.             Dave Eyre collection


Jandakot the following year. VH-CJX's cabin door is taped shut and a solicitors' letter in the window
proclaimed the aircraft to be the property of a Sydney finance company.
     Photo by Geoff Goodall


Parafield SA in July 1977.  The dismantled VH-CJX is stored by Lincoln Nitschke for his planned museum.
Photo by Michael Austin


Parafield May 1983 in Lincoln Nitschke's storage compound, repainted as a RNZAF Devon.
Photo by Geoff Goodall


Displayed inside Lincoln Nitschke's collection at Greenock SA, January 2019.                Photo by Russell Legg


                   DH.104 Devon Mk.1, to Dove Mk.1B    c/n 04404                                                  NZ1818, (VH-RTX), VH-CJY
53
Built by De Havilland Aircraft Co Ltd at their Hawarden plant, Chester.
Built to RNZAF order as Devon Mk.1
7.5.53
DH hand-over date to purchaser

Shipped from England to NZ.  Assembled at Wellington by De Havilland Aircraft Co of NZ
23.8.53
Brought on charge Royal New Zealand Air Force as Devon C.1 NZ1818

Operated by No.42 Squadton, RNZAF Station Ohakea
1.7.58
Damaged, wheels-up landing. Total time 1737 hrs. Fuselage repairs by DH at Wellington
6.63
Retired by RNZAF. Stored at RNZAF Station Woodbourne
24.4.70
4 Devons offered for disposal by tender by NZ Government Stores Board: NZ1801, NZ1814, NZ1817, NZ1818.  Tenders closed 28.5.70.
NZ1818 total airframe time 2,997 hrs 10 mins. Fitted with 8 passenger seats

From 7.70 to end 1971: details covered in NZ1814/VH-CJX:  see previous listing
.72
Ownership of the three Devons at Perth Airport reverted to aircraft dealer Cliff J. Brown, Perth WA

Cliff Brown negotiated their sale to Altair Pty Ltd, Perth-Jandakot Airport
7.4.72
NZ1818 noted at Perth Airport, complete and looking airworthy. Basic RNZAF  scheme.
c5.72
Flown from Perth Airport to Jandakot on a ferry permit
19.9.72
noted at Jandakot, in Agricultural & General Aviation Pty Ltd hangar, just spray-painted in allover grey undercoat
30.9.72
Added to Civil Register as Dove 1B VH-CJY: Altair Pty Ltd, Jandakot Airport, Perth WA
8.10.72
First service on the Altair contract Jandakot-Barrow Island, carrying WA Petroleum personnel
30.10.72
Flew Jandakot to Melbourne-Essendon via a refuelling stop at Forrest. Returned two days later
26.12.72
noted at Jandakot, parked at AGA hangar
27.1.73
Flew Jandakot to Esperance WA and return on Weekend News BP Air Trial.
Trial No.32, flown by Altair pilot Roger F. Ruddock
10.7.73
noted at Dampier WA (airport later renamed Karratha), operating a regular run from nearby Barrow Island.  Also seen at Dampier on 12.9.73
8.3.74
noted at Jandakot, parked at Bernies Aviation with rest of Altair fleet which had moved from the AGA hangar due to a financial dispute
10.74
Altair ceased operations due financial problems
24.10.74
Ferried empty Barrow Island-Carnarvon-Jandakot due collapse of Altair
2.11.74
Ex-Altair Doves VH-CJX, VH-CJY, Heron VH-CJS, PA-31 VH-CJB were noted parked on tarmac near CFS hangar, with Altair markings removed. Each had a legal notice from a Perth firm of solicitors dated 23.10.74 stating no admittance to the aircraft, which was the property of Lease Industrial Ltd, Sydney.  Unmoved 14.12.74, 30.12.74
1.75
Advertisement published offering the following aircraft for sale: apply to a Perth PO Box:
DH.104-1B Dove VH-CJX total time 5,126 hrs
DH.104-1B Dove VH-CJY total time 4,500 hrs
DH.104-1B Dove: airframe only, low time, partially stripped (NZ1817 loaned to AFA Museum, Perth)
1.75
The 3 Doves were acquired by Armor Coatings (Australasia) Pty Ltd, Adelaide SA. The directors of this company were involved in the re-financing of Coveair, which flew secondary airline services from Adelaide Airport to Kangaroo Island and other SA ports.
15.1.75
VH-CJY departed Jandakot for Adelaide, refuelling at Kalgoorlie, Forrest and Ceduna, pilot Owen Bradbury. Arrived Adelaide Airport next day
18.1.75
noted at Adelaide-Parafield, parked outside Air Mist hangar where Coveair had maintenance carried out on its DHA-3 Drovers.
2.75
Operated by Coveair on passenger services from Adelaide Airport
28.4.75
Civil Register change of ownership: Armor Coatings (Australasia) Pty Ltd, Adelaide SA
27.5.75
noted at Adelaide Airport, "Coveair"titles
27.6.75
Minor damage at Adelaide Airport
12.75
Coveair ceased operations due financial difficulties.
6.2.76
Arrived Jandakot from Adelaide for lease to United Air Services,  Jandakot WA
The lease from Armor Coatings included ex-Coveair Heron VH-CJS & Dove VH-MGT.
22.2.76
VH-CJY noted Jandakot under overhaul in Hawker de Havilland hangar
2.76
A new charter company was formed: Amalgamated Air Services, Jandakot WA
Managing Director Michael D. Rainsford, Perth. AAS took over the lease of  Doves VH-CJY & MGT, and Heron VH-CJS from United Air Services for a contract to carry mining workers from Perth tothe gold mine operation at Telfer in the Pilbara.
3.76
Leased from Armor Coatings (Australasia) Pty Ltd by Amalagamated Air Services.
VH-CJY & MGT commenced regular flights Jandakot to Telfer.
VH-CJY retained its original blue and white paint scheme, with no titles
25.6.76
Change of ownership: Michael D. Ransford c/- Amalgamated Air Services, Jandakot WA
8.76
Amalgamated Air Services ceased operations
2.8.76
DCA changed the registration category of Doves VH-CJY & MGT and Heron VH-CJS from Charter to Private, at the request of owner Amalagamated Air Services
26.8.76
VH-CJY noted at Jandakot, in the general parking area, alongside Dove MGT and Heron VH-CJS.
10.9.76
Struck-off Register as withdrawn from service
11.9.76
noted at Jandakot: CJY, MGT & CJS unmoved but with propellers removed.Unmoved 21.5.77
4.10.76
noted at Jandakot: CJY & CJS moved to dirt parking area, and MGT moved to Bernies Aviation
27.12.76
noted at Jandakot: CJY & CJS unmoved in dirt parking area
1.77
Financial dispute winding up AAS: solicitors reports quote that AAS has a lean on VH-MGT,
AAS & Armor Coatings have a dispued lean on Heron VH-CJS. Significant sums are also owned by AAS to United Air Services and by Armor Coatings to AAS. Matters reach WA Supreme Court

The two Doves and Heron CJS are "frozen"by court proceedings, as the only assets of AAS
14.6.84
By now VH-MGT had joined Dove VH-CJY and Heron VH-CJS in a remote parking area at Jandakot, with retired PA-31 VH-RTN, Beech 58 VH-EZA and Aero Commander VH-EXU
c87
VH-CJY & VH-CJS have been acquired by West Australian Museum of Aviation, Perth.
This was a group of enthusiasts with plans for a new museum in Perth with different objectives to the existing WA Aviation Heritage Museum at the Airforce Association estate in Bateman, Perth
87
CJY & CJS stored dismantled in a compound behind the AGA hangar. Both are badly weathered.
c98
Airport management needed the compound area for development. The Heron was moved by road to the
WA Aviation Heritage Museum, on a loan arrangement.
VH-CJY was moved by road to Northam WA, on loan to a  local museum
18.10.99
VH-CJY noted at North airfield, dismantled set of diapidated parts, fuselage on oil drums. Also 10.00

The elderly chap behind the Northam museum project died soon afterwards. It was reported that parts of VH-CJY were stolen bit by bit over the next year or so. Soon there was nothing left.


NZ1818 at Rotorua in March 1963.  Ray Deerness collection


NZ1818 partially assembled at Perth Airport in August 1971.  Photo by Geoff Goodall
Despite spray-painting to cover RNZAF markings, the last two of the serial "18" can be seen at the top of the fin


NZ1818 now civilianised as Dove VH-CJY at Jandakot WA in December 1972. 
Paint scheme was blue and white with black trim.  Photo by Geoff Goodall


Coming over the fence at Narrogin WA in January 1974 while competing in the popular annual WA air trial.
It wears trial entry number 32.  Photo by Geoff Goodall


VH-CJY at Adelaide Airport in May 1975, when in service with Coveair.    Photo by Geoff Goodall



              DH.104 Devon Mk.1  c/n 04403                                                                                                  NZ1817, (VH-RTZ)
53
Built by De Havilland Aircraft Co Ltd at their Hawarden plant, Chester.
Built to RNZAF order as Devon Mk.1
7.5.53
DH hand-over date to purchaser

Shipped from England to NZ.  Assembled at Wellington by De Havilland Aircraft Co of NZ
23.8.53
Brought on charge Royal New Zealand Air Force as Devon C.1 NZ1817
15.8.58
Damaged in landing accident. Total time 949 hrs. Repaired by RNZAF Woodbourne
8.67
Logbook entry: retired by RNZAF. Stored at RNZAF Station Wigram
24.4.70
4 Devons offered for disposal by tender by NZ Government Stores Board: NZ1801, NZ1814, NZ1817, and NZ1818.  Tenders closed 28.5.70.
NZ1817 total airframe time 1,692 hrs 20 mins. Cabin fitted with 1 observer seat only

From 7.70 to end 1971: details covered in NZ1814/VH-CJX:  see above
.72
Ownership of the three Devons at Perth Airport reverted to aircraft dealer Cliff J. Brown, Perth
.72
Cliff Brown negotiated their sale to Altair Pty Ltd, Perth-Jandakot Airport

Altair's engineering assessment of the three Devons was that NZ1814 and NZ1818 could be economically brought up to civil certification standard. However NZ1817 did not have a mandatory wingspar modification and would require extra maintenance and parts. Altair decided that NZ1817 would not be given civil conversion overhaul, but retained as a parts source for the other two Devons

Altair Pty Ltd Manager & Chief Pilot Bill Anderson made an agreement with the Air Force Association Aviation Historical Group, AFA Estate, Bateman, Perth to loan them NZ1817 until further notice.
This group was collecting aircraft and aviation artifacts for a planned aviation museum, which was later built on the AFA Estate as the Aviation Heritage Museum of WA. 
1.10.72
NZ1817 was moved dismantled by truck from Perth Airport to the AFA Estate in Bateman, Perth. Altair engineers re-assembled the Devon on land levelled as an aircraft storage area for the museum project.
Retained its basic RNZAF paint scheme
9.1.73
A windstorm turned the Devon around on its undercarriage, while parked in the aircraft storage compound at the AFA estate. No external damage 
10.74
Altair Pty Ltd ceased operations due financial problems
1.75
Advertisement published offering the following Altair aircraft for sale: apply to a Perth PO Box:
DH.104-1B Dove VH-CJX total time 5,126 hrs
DH.104-1B Dove VH-CJY total time 4,500 hrs
DH.104-1B Dove: airframe only, low time, partially stripped (NZ1817)
1.75
The 3 Doves were acquired by Armor Coatings (Australasia) Pty Ltd, Adelaide SA. The directors of this company were involved in the re-financing of Coveair, which flew secondary airline services from Adelaide Airport to Kangaroo Island and other SA ports.

Ex Altair Dove VH-CJY (ex NZ1818) departed Jandakot on delivery flight to Adelaide.
VH-CJX (ex NZ1814) had been retired at Jandakot with expired CofA. Armor Coatings arranged to have VH-CJX and NZ1817 moved to Adelaide by road, as a parts source or possible future restoration
13.5.75
VH-CJX was loaded on a truck dismantled at Jandakot and departed for Adelaide by road
5.75
NZ1817 was dismantled at the AFA Estate and sent to Adelaide by truck.

Unloaded at Adelaide-Parafield Airport at the Air Mist hangar, where Coveair's maintenance was carried out.  Stored dismantled in the rear of the hangar, with dismantled Dove VH-CJX and two retired Coveair DHA-3 Drovers VH-EOO & FDC.
17.5.78
NZ1817 departed Parafield by road for Mildura, acquired by Pearce Dunn, Warbirds Aviation Museum, Mildura Airport Vic.
Assembled inside the museum compound at Mildura, still in basic RNZAF paintwork.

Pearce Dunn had worked on RNZAF Devons as a ground engineer before moving to Australia. He had earlier acquired the damaged and stripped airframe of Dove VH-CTS, planning to restore it for static display to represent a RNZAF Devon.
11.3.79
noted at Warbirds Aviation Museum, assembled, in original RNZAF markings.
92
Photo shows NZ1817 at Warbirds Museum, complete less control surfaces standing on its undercarriage, with nose into a small igloo hangar

Sold by Pearce Dunn to Colin Jones, Spencer Street, McDonald, Adelaide SA.
The Warbirds Aviation Museum had closed and Pearce was disposing of his aircraft collection
11.01
NZ1817 still in original RNZAF livery noted at Colin Jones' property on the outskirts of Adelaide.
Also there mounted on a pole was Dove VH-MGT (ex NZ1801) painted all black with sharks teeth omn the nose
07/08
NZ1817 & VH-MGT stored at Womma Road, Penfield SA. NZ1817 still in faded RNZAF scheme.

NZ1817 acquired by Colin Rebaux, Kapatree, Blue Mountains NSW.
The Devon was assembled and parked in a bush setting on his property with two stripped Cessna 310s VH-REK & VH-RCP.
10.13
Report that NZ1817 recently sold by Colin Rebaux to a collector near Horsham Vic.

New owner probably Ron Schneider, Rupanyup Vic, for his farm aircraft collection


NZ1817 while in service with the RNZAF Transport Wing.                                  Geoff Goodall collectio


NZ1817 partially-assembled at Perth Airport in June 1971, outside the Murchison Air Services hangar.
The cabin was packed with cowlings and other parts.                        Photo by Geoff Goodall


NZ1817 loaded on a truck at Perth Airport on 1st October 1972, bound for the AFA estate in the Perth suburbs.
Photo by Geoff Goodall


NZ1817 stored at the Air Force Association's estate in Bateman, Perth on New Years Day 1973.
Photo by Geoff Goodall


NZ1817 displayed at Warbirds Aviation Museum, Mildura Vic in May 1983.        Photo by Geoff Goodall



               DH.104 Dove Series 1, to Series 5    c/n 04107                                                                                              VH-CLD
.48
Built by De Havilland Aircraft Co Ltd at Hatfield. Production Dove 1

Registered CS-TAC  Sociedade Açoreana de Transportes Aéreos - SATA, Azores

SATA commenced airline services in June 1947 between the Azors islands off Portugal, and ordered four new Doves. The airline still operates today
14.4.48
DH hand-over date to purchaser
4.3.72
CS-TAC arrived at Coventry on delivery from SATA to aircraft brokers Shackleton Aviation

Overhaul and modification to Dove Series 5
31.10.72
Registered as Dove 5 G-BAHB: Shackleton Aviation Ltd, London
27.3.73
noted at Biggin Hill still painted as CS-TAC
14.3.73
Sold by Shackletons to Bassair Pty Ltd, Launceston Tasmania
15.3.74
Added to Register as Dove 5 VH-CLD: Bassair Pty Ltd, Launceston Tas
18.6.74
VH-CLD departed Biggin Hill on ferry flight to Australia

Based at Melbourne-Moorabbin, operating to Bass Strait islands and Tasmania

Tom Maggs recalls hitching rides on this Dove from Moorabbin to King Island during 1976:
"I remember the old-school feel of the cockpit - I enjoyed being given the right hand seat, as the rear was full of sacks of crayfish heading north, or newspapers and packages heading south.  The pilot was a great bloke, totally at ease with the aircraft, and on one trip over Bass Strait he walked to the rear of the aircraft to show me how effective the autopilot was at retrimming. And the sound of the airbrakes.  Beautiful machine."
12.3.76
Change of ownership: A. J. Aviation Services (Westernport) Pty Ltd, Moorabbin: operated by Bassair
28.3.76
noted at Moorabbin "Bassair" titles. Also 13.9.76, 16.9.76, 6.12.76
.77
Grounded at Moorabbin when severe corrosion found in rear fuselage structure
10.5.77
Struck-off Register at owner's request. Retired at Moorabbin
9.3.79
VH-CLD noted at Moorabbin, retired, parked on airfield southern boundary. Also 4.9.79
3.81
moved dismantled to Moorabbin Air Museum, Moorabbin Airport, Melbourne Vic
5.6.81
noted in Moorabbin Air Museum compound
05
Held in storage by South Australian Aviation Museum, Port Adelaide SA

Fuselage had been cut forward of the wings. SAAM restored the stripped cockpit with instrumentation and fittings
.05
Sold to Andrew Heighway, Cowan NSW.  Moved by road from Adelaide to his property at Cowan

Forward fuselage with restored cockpit sold back to Australian National Aviation Museum, Moorabbin Airport Vic (the renamed Moorabbin Air Museum)

The nose section displayed inside the museum hangar, allowing visitors to enter via steps
10.12
forward fuselage noted at ANAM, external paintwork being restored
1.19
Tailplane sections, ailerons and other parts of VH-CLD noted in rafters of the engine shed at
Lincoln Nitschke Military and Historical Aircraft Collection at Greenock SA. Stored pending use to complete the airframe of the collection's displayed DH.104 Devon NZ1814.


Moorabbin March 1976 in the original Bassair paint scheme.                          The Collection p1234-0534


Moorabbin December 1976, after a repaint.  It was grounded the following year when corrosion was found.
Photo by Robert Zweck


VH-CLD's nose section as an Australian National Aviation Museum travelling exhibit.
Photographed at ANAM Moorabbin Airport, Melbourne in February 2016 by Peter Nelson.


                Dove Series 1, to Riley Dove 2     c/n 04113                                                                                      VH-ABK
47
Built at Hatfield by De Havilland Aircraft Co Ltd.  Production Dove 1
12.47
Registered YI-ABL: Iraqi Airways Ltd. Named Um El Rabeen
30.12.47
DH hand-over date to purchaser
.52
Registered TJ-ACB: Jordan National Airlines
-
Transferred to Jordanian Air Force as D-101
12.7.65
Registered G-ATGJ: Sir Robert McAlpine & Sons Ltd, Luton Airport, trading as McAlpine Aviation

McAlpine Aviation were European agents for the Riley Dove conversion kits and carried out the conversions themselves on a number of Doves. However certification problems with the British CAA for the distinctive modernised swept tailplane structure resulted in most Riley Turbo Executive 400 conversions by McAlpine retaining the originala DH tailplane. These were designated Riley Dove 2
.65
McAlpine Aviation purchased the two Jordan Air Force Doves as G-AGTI & G-AGTJ for Riley conversions
31.8.65
G-ATGJ arrived at Luton on delivery flight from Jordan.
5.9.65
G-ATGI & G-ATGJ noted at Luton, both with hand-painted registration.
1.11.65
Struck-off British register. Stored at Luton pending decision on its future.
69
Work commenced at Luton by McAlpine  to convert to Riley Dove, retaining DH original tailplane
9.10.69
Restored to British Register G-ATGJ: Sir Robert McAlpine & Sons Ltd, Luton Airport
17.2.70
First test flight at Luton as a Riley Dove
27.2.70
G-ATGJ CofA issued after conversion to Riley Dove 2.  Two 400hp Lycoming IO-720-AIA engines.
(G-AGTI was completed 11.70)
20.5.70
Ownership transferred to: McAlpine Aviation Ltd, Luton Airport

Sales potential for two newly-rebuilt Riley Doves was by now minimal. McAlpine Aviation converted the pair to use with their own charter business. G-ATGI & G-ATGJ were used on VIP contracts for large British companies
.73
McAlpine retired G-AGTI & G-AGTJ when they were replaced by PA-31 Navajos
.73
The McAlpine pair of Riley Doves were sold to Central Australian Airways Pty Ltd, Adelaide SA
29.11.73
G-ATGJ departed Luton on delivery flight to Australia    

Delayed at Surabaya, Indonesia due unavailability of fuel
1.2.74
G-AGTJ arrived at Parafield on delivery. Basic McAlpine Aviation paint scheme, no titles
5.2.74
G-ATGJ noted Parafield.
2.74
G-ATGJ flown Parafield-Alice Springs NT for Australian certification inspection by Connair.
11.4.74
Registered as DH.104/2/A1 Riley Dove VH-ABK: Central Australian Airways Pty Ltd, Adelaide SA

This commuter airline was financed by William Charlick Ltd, Adelaide. CAA began in December 1970 operating scheduled passenger services from Adelaide to Wudinna and Streaky Bay, later extended to Minnipa, Cleve, Ceduna, replacing Airlines of SA F.27 services
29.5.74
VH-ABK arrived Parafield from Alice Springs. Entered CAA service.
9.7.76
Change of owner's name: William Charlick Ltd, Adelaide, operated by Central Australian Airways
2.10.76
VH-ABK & -ABM noted visiting Mildura Vic, both blue & white with CAA titles
30.11.76
CAA ceased operations. Their routes were taken over by Williams Airlines, Adelaide
.77
VH-ABK & ABM were leased to North Coast Airlines and repainted at Parafield in North Coast Airlines colour scheme.

North Coast Airlines commenced Reg.203 supplemental airline services in 1973 between northern NSW towns and Brisbane, adding Coffs Harbour-Lord Howe Island in 1976. Later renamed Air Eastland and became East Coast Airlines in 1978.
29.1.77
noted at Parafield repainted in North Coast Airlines markings, brown, yellow & white.
.77
North Coast Airlines cancelled the lease due to a dispute with CAA over the number of passengers allowed. The two Doves were not delivered and remained parked at Parafield for the next 3 years
8.7.79
VH-ABK noted at Parafield, parked outside in faded North Coast Airlines markings
10.10.79
Struck-off Register as withdrawn from service
.80
VH-ABK & VH-ABM sold to Colin Pay/ Pay's Air Service Pty Ltd, Scone NSW

Reported at the time that Col Pay purchased the two Doves at a low price, because other sales options were minimal. He initially planned to remove the Lycoming engines and systems and scrap the airframes. However work was found for both aircraft and they were maintained airworthy for periods, based at Scone
7.5.80
VH-ABK noted at Parafield in Rossair hangar, maintenance by engineers from Pays Air Service to prepare it for ferry to Scone.  They returned 25.8.80 to complete the work
1.10.80
Departed Parafield on ferry permit to Scone, using tradeplate callsign "CRX"
19.4.81
noted at Scone NSW parked outside both engines removed, faded North Coast Airlines paint scheme
26.1.82
Restored to Register VH-ABK: Pay's Air Service Pty Ltd, Scone NSW
9.2.82
noted at Bankstown, local flying
29.7.83
noted at Scone, yellow & white, no titles. Also 1.9.83
1.84
noted at Bankstown, yellow & white, no titles
19.10.84
Struck-off Register. Withdrawn from service at Scone, stripped for engines and parts
11.84
noted at Scone, parked outside complete, yellow & white, no titles
.86
VH-ABK stripped airframe included in sale of airworthy VH-ABM to Moloney Aviation, Melbourne
4.86
Arrived Melbourne-Essendon Airport by truck for Moloney Aviation to use for parts for VH-ABM
21.4.86
noted at Essendon, dumped dismantled in the northern "graveyard" parking area: stripped fuselage painted yellow & white on the ground on its belly, wings alongside with engines and undercarriage removed.  Had arrived from Scone about 2 weeks earlier. Unchanged by 8.9.86
21.2.87
noted at Ballarat dismanted. Has been acquired by Eureka Aviation Museum, Ballarat Airport Vic
05
Renamed Ballarat Aviation Museum. Only nose section, forward of the wing displayed in their hangar

Current
              

G-ATGJ at Luton in September 1965, with civil registration hand-painted over the Jordan air force roundel.           
Photo by Mike Madden


Now a Riley Dove, G-ATGJ at Parafield on 5 February 1974, a few days after its delivery from England.
Photo by Nigel K. Daw


VH-ABK at Parafield SA in September 1974 with Central Australian Airways.   Photo by Chris O'Neill


VH-ABK with VH-ABM behind, visiting Mildura Vic in October 1976 in new CAA blue and white scheme.
Photo by Nigel K. Daw


Retired at Parafield, November 1979 in North Coast Airlines paint scheme. It was never delivered.    
Photo by Chris O'Neill



Scone NSW in April 1981 while retired with both Lycoming engines removed.        Photo by Mike Vincent


Scone NSW September 1983, returned to service with Pay's Air Service.                  Photo by Roger McDonald


The end of VH-ABK's flying days, stripped for parts. Essendon Airport, June 1986.    Photo by Paul C. Daw


VH-ABK's nose section at Ballarat Aviation Museum in February 2016.                Photo by Peter Nelson


                  Dove Series 1, to Series 5, to Riley Dove 2     c/n 04097                                                                            VH-ABM
47
Built at Hatfield by De Havilland Aircraft Co Ltd.  Production Dove 1
11.47
Registered YI-ABK: Iraqi Airways Ltd. Named Al Faihaa
25.11.47
DH hand-over date to purchaser
.52
Registered TJ-ACA: Jordan National Airlines
-
Transferred to Jordanian Air Force as D-100
12.7.65
Registered G-ATGI: Sir Robert McAlpine & Sons Ltd, Luton Airport, trading as McAlpine Aviation

McAlpine Aviation were European agents for the Riley Dove conversion kits and carried out the conversions themselves on a number of Doves. However certification problems with the British CAA for the distinctive modernised swept tailplane structure resulted in most Riley Turbo Executive 400 conversions by McAlpine retaining the originala DH tailplane. These were designated Riley Dove 2
.65
McAlpine Aviation purchased the two Jordan Air Force Doves as G-AGTI & G-AGTJ for Riley conversions
5.9.65
G-ATGI & G-ATGJ noted at Luton, both with hand-painted registration
1.11.65
Struck-off British register. Stored at Luton pending decision on its future.
69
Work commenced at Luton by McAlpine to convert to Riley Dove, retaining DH original tailplane
9.10.69
Restored to British Register G-ATGI: Sir Robert McAlpine & Sons Ltd, Luton Airport
20.5.70
Ownership transferred to: McAlpine Aviation Ltd, Luton Airport

Sales potential for two newly-rebuilt Riley Doves was by now minimal. McAlpine Aviation converted the pair to use with their own charter business. G-ATGI & G-ATGJ were used on VIP contracts for large British companies
10.70
First test flight at Luton as Riley Dove
2.11.70
G-ATGI CofA issued after conversion to Riley Dove 2.  Two 400hp Lycoming IO-720-AIA engines.
(G-AGTJ was completed 2.70)
.73
McAlpine retired G-AGTI & G-AGTJ when they were replaced by PA-31 Navajos
.73
The McAlpine pair of Riley Doves were sold to Central Australian Airways Pty Ltd, Adelaide SA


11.4.74
G-ATGI departed Luton on delivery flight to Australia
26.4.74
G-AGTI arrived Adelaide-Parafield on delivery. After an overnight stop, continued to Alice Springs NT next day for Australian certification inspection by Connair
26.7.74
Registered as DH.104//R1 Riley Dove VH-ABM: Central Australian Airways Pty Ltd, Adelaide SA
1.8.74
VH-ABM noted at Parafield
2.4.76
Minor damage at Adelaide
9.7.76
Change of owner's name: William Charlick Ltd, Adelaide, operated by Central Australian Airways
2.10.76
VH-ABK & -ABM noted visiting Mildura Vic, both blue & white with CAA titles
30.11.76
CAA ceased operations. Their routes taken over by Williams Airlines, Adelaide
.76
VH-ABM & ABK were leased to North Coast Airlines and repainted at Parafield in North Coast Airlines colour scheme.

North Coast Airlines commenced Reg.203 supplemental airline services in 1973 between northern NSW towns and Brisbane, adding Coffs Harbour-Lord Howe Island in 1976. Later renamed Air Eastland and became East Coast Airlines in 1978.
18.12.76
VH-ABM noted at Parafield repainted in North Coast Airlines markings, brown, yellow & white
.77
North Coast Airlines cancelled the lease due to a dispute with CAA over the number of passengers allowed. The two Doves were not delivered and remained parked at Parafield for the next 3 years
17.11.79
VH-ABM noted at Parafield, faded North Coast Airlines markings
.80
VH-ABM & ABK sold to Colin Pay, Pay's Air Service Pty Ltd, Scone NSW

Reported at the time that Col Pay purchased the two Doves at a low price, because other sales options were minimal. He initially planned to remove the Lycoming engines and systems and scrap the airframes. However work was found for both aircraft and they were maintained airworthy for periods, based at Scone
12.3.80
VH-ABM being made airworthy at Parafield by engineers from Pays Air Service
28.3.80
Civil Register Change of ownership: Pay's Air Service Pty Ltd, Scone NSW
4.80
Delivered Parafield-Scone
5.7.80
VH-ABM noted at Scone, complete, in faded North Coast Airlines scheme. Also 16.8.80
23.9.80
Struck-off Register at owner's request
28.1.81
Restored to Register VH-ABM: Pay's Air Service Pty Ltd, Scone NSW
21.3.81
noted at Bankstown, yellow and white, no titles
7.3.82
Undercarriage collapsed landing at Belmont-Aero Pelican NSW
12.5.85
arrived Peth Airport WA from Leinster mining site northern WA, depared for Geraldton 15.5.85
Operator: Pay's Air Service
2.11.85
visited Parafield, yellow and white, no titles
7.3.86
Change of ownership: Sixth Canus Pty Ltd t/a Moloney Aviation, Melbourne-Essendon Airport Vic
Manager Maurice Moloney.  The sale of airworthy VH-ABM included stripped airframe of VH-ABK
2.4.86
first noted at Essendon, in Pacific Aviation hangar for a repaint
11.4.86
noted at Essedon in Pacific Aviation hangar, being resprayed pale blue and white with titles "Penguin Express"
5.5.86
Entered service with Moloney Aviation at Essendon, carrying tourists to Phillip Island to see the nightly Penguin Parade of baby penguins
17.5.86
noted at Essendon, blue & white "Penguin Express" titles, named Lady Di. Also 8.9.86, 8.2.88, 16.2.89
7.12.89
noted at Bankstown, having inspection in Aerial Agriculture hangar
24.10.92
Maloney Aviation Riley Doves VH-ABM & VH-NBM visited airshow at Avalon Vic
3.4.94
visited Mangalore Vic airshow, bue & white, "Penguin Express" markings
00-07
VH-ABM retired at Melbourne-Moorabbin Airport, parked in open
22.10.03
parked in open at Moorabbin, weathered paintwork
-
Donated to Kamarooka Aviation Museum, Prairie, near Bendigo Vic.  Never collected
21.6.06
Struck-off Register as withdrawn from service
06
Donated to Australian National Aviation Museum, Moorabbin Airport Vic

Because ANAM already had Dove VH-CLD, the airframe of VH-ABM was traded to Richard Winterburn
10.06
Collected at Moorabbin by Richard Winterburn's Arnold Aviation Museum, Arnold Vic.
Removed from Moorabbin dismantled on a truck
8.08
Advertised for sale on EBay: complete fuselage with tail, blue & white, located Arnold Victoria

Winterburn moved his collection to Charlton Vic, renamed Charlton Aircraft Museum
Included stripped Dove airframes VH-ABM & VH-DHN

After the Charlton site was flooded, Winterburn moved his collection to a new site at Heathcote Vic
.10
By now Richard Winterburn/Heathcote Aircraft Museum, Heathcote Vic 
10.11
The sign at the entrance had been repainted as The Derelict Aircraft Museum, Heathcote Vic
Stripped airframes of Doves VH-ABM & VH-DHN were on their bellies in scrub
3.14
Derelict Aircraft Museum at Heathcote now has 9 aircraft
c6.14
VH-ABM & VH-DHN purchased by Daniel Sherburn/ DH104 Preservation Group


G-AGTI at Luton in September 1965, soon after delivery from Jordan.             Photo by Mike Madden


G-ATGI at Parafield 26 April 1974 on arrival from England, wearing basic McAlpine paint scheme.
The McAlpine Riley Dove conversion included replacing the cockpit teardrop housing with smooth raised roof
Photo by Paul C. Daw


VH-ABM arriving from a Central Australian Airways service at Adelaide Airport September 1974.
Photo by Chris O'Neill


Wudinna SA September 1975, VH-ABM in revised CAA scheme, with stylised "C" for airline owner William Charlick Ltd.
Photo by Chris O'Neill, who was the only passenger on the multi-stop service to Ceduna


Repainted in a new CAA blue and white scheme, Adelaide Airport November 1976.     Photo by Nigel K. Daw


Retired at Parafield in October 1979, faded North Coast Airlines paint scheme.       Photo by Chris O'Neill


Scone NSW in July 1980 after ferrying from Parafield for Pay's Air Service.             Photo by Peter Anderson


Visiting Sydney-Bankstown in March 1981.                                                           Photo by David Daw


Essendon May 1986 with Maloney Aviation as the "Penguin Express", taking tourists to Phillip Island.
Photo by Roger McDonald



               DH.104 Dove Series 2A to Series 6A, to Riley Dove 6A   c/n 04416                                                     VH-NBM
53
Built by De Havilland Aircraft Co Ltd at their Hawarden plant, Chester. Production Dove 8
53
Registered XB-TEZ: Ing Jose Villanueva Aquillera, Mexico 
15.4.53
DH hand-over date to purchaser
20.12.58
Registered N5553V: J. E. Boscards, operated for Alder Creek Cattle Co

Sold to Sardia Airways

Converted to Dove Series 6A
63-66
USCAR:  Texas State General Land Office, Austin, Texas

Converted to Riley Dove with swept back tail
69-72
USCAR: William K. Kraft, Peoria, Illinois
77
USCAR: B. W. King, Harbour Island, Bahamas

Re-registered as N711BK: B. W. King, Harbour Island, Bahamas
.87
Sold to Moloney Aviation, Melbourne Vic c/- Maurice Maloney
8.87
Ferried across Pacific Ocean from USA to Australia by ferrying specialist company Southern Cross Air,
Santa Paula, California. Pilot Denny Craig departed from Camarillo, California with refuelling stops at Honolulu, Tarawa, Honiara, Brisbane.
29.8.87
N711BK arrived at Brisbane Airport Qld on delivery flight.
30.8.87
N711BK arrived at Essendon Airport, Melbourne.  The large temporary ferry fuel tank installed in the cabin required the pilot to climb on to the top of the tank, lie on his back and push himself along against the cabin roof to reach the cockpit

Inspection at Essendon for issue of Australian CofA. It required additional CASA certification because it was first-of-type of the full Riley Dove modification with swept tail
18.11.87
Added Australian Register as Riley Dove 6A VH-NBM: Sixth Canus Pty Ltd, trading as
Moloney Aviation,
Essendon Airport, Melbourne Vic
8.2.88
VH-NBM noted at Essendon, not yet in charter service awaiting completion of certification
88
Commenced on charter and daily flights to Phillip Island carrying tourists to see the nightly Penguin Parade of baby penguins
24.10.92
visited Avalon Vic airshow
98-07
Retired at Wallan airfield, north of Melbourne.  Condition deteriorated due exposure to weather
21.6.06
Struck-off Register as withdrawn from service

Purchased from Maloney by Ron Schneider, Rupanyup Vic for his farm collection of retired aircraft
.07
Moved by road from Wallan to Rupanyup
15
Held in Schneider's collection of retired and derelict aircraft

Current



Two retired US registered Riley Doves with swept tails were imported by Maloney Aviation in 1990 for parts to support their two Maloney Riley Doves VH-ABM & NBM. They are listed next below.


N711BK clears customs at Brisbane Airport on 29 August 1987, on its delivery flight from USA to Melbourne.
Photo by Ron Cuskelly


Now VH-NBM with Moloney Aviation, at Essendon in April 1988.           Photo by Roger McDonald
 

This view accentuates the rakish lines of the full Riley Dove conversion.                   Photo by Geoff Goodall



                 DH.104 Dove Series 2A, to Dove 6A, to Riley Dove  c/n 04327         Parts airframe only                          N673R
51
Built by De Havilland Aircraft Co Ltd at their Hawarden plant, Chester. Production Dove 2A
1.52
Registered CF-GYR: De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Ltd, Downsview Ontario
3.1.52
DH hand-over date to purchaser
15.1.52
Re-registered CF-IPC: Inter Provincial Pipeline Patrol Co

Modified to Dove 6A
.66
Registered as Dove 6A N673R: Traders Leasing Ltd
5.10.66
US CofA issued

Converted to Riley Dove with swept tail fin
66-72
USCAR: Modern Plastics Corp, Benton Harbor, Michigan
77
USCAR: Fischer Brothers Aviation, Galion, Ohio
-
Operated by Southeastern Commuter Airlines, Atlanta, Georgia.
Blue & white paint scheme, "SE" on swept tail, "Southeastern" on nose
7.3.84
Sold to Robert M. Terry, Dania, Florida.
4.87
N673R & N808RH both noted at Long Beach Airport, California, parked together, blue & white.

Riley Doves N673R & N808RH purchased in USA for spares by Moloney Aviation, Melbourne Vic
8.90
Both arrived in crates at Tyabb Airport, near Melbourne
18.9.90
N673R noted at Tyabb, removed from its crate. Blue and white "Southeastern" titles

The two Doves were stripped for needed parts, then left dismantled in grass at Tyabb airfield
1.11.99
Both noted still dumped outside at Tyabb, two fuselages side by side with wing sections
2.01
Both removed from airfield by truck to be scrapped
1.5.13
Struck-off USCR by FAA during an exercise to cancel thousands of non-airworthy aircraft from the US Civil Aircraft Register


N673R (foreground) and N808RH dumped at Tyabb Vic in July 1998.
Both in the same Southeastern Commuter Airlines paint scheme.  Photo by Roland Jahne


              DH.104 Dove Series 1, series 6A, to Riley Dove  c/n 04040                                                                       N808RH
6.8.47
Built by De Havilland Aircraft Co Ltd at Hatfield. Production Dove 1
47
Allocated CF-DJO De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Ltd, Downsview ONT. Not Taken Up
8.47
Registered NC4950N: Riley Aircraft Inc
15.8.47
DH hand-over date to purchaser
49
To revised US registration series as N4950N
16.12.50
Sold to Lewis Drilling Co
-
Sold to General Mills Inc
-
Modified to Dove 6A
-
Re-registered N777RS:  Fargo Oils
-
Sold to David E. Douglas Co
-
Sold to Superior Airways
63
USCAR: Angels Aviation Inc, Tampa, Florida
64
USCAR: Riley Aeronautics Corp, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Converted to Riley Dove with the swept tail fin
28.3.66
US CofA re-issued as Riley Dove
66
USCAR: K. R. Cravens Corp, Ashland, Oregon
.66
Sold to Associated Farms Inc
.67
Sold to Sun Airlines Inc
69-70
USCAR: Re-registered N711BB: Ben Burch, Las Vegas, Nevada
-
Re-registered N711BF
77
USCAR: Aerofin Inc, San Jose, California
-
Re-registered N808RH
-
Operated by Southeastern Commuter Airlines, Atlanta, Georgia
Blue & white paint scheme, "SE" on swept tail, "Southeastern" on nose
7.3.84
Sold to Robert M. Terry, Dania, Florida
4.87
N808RH & N673R both noted at Log Beach Airport, California, parked together, blue & white

Riley Doves N673R & N808RH purchased in USA for spares by Moloney Aviation, Melbourne Vic
which operated Riley Doves VH-ABM & VH-NBM on the Penguin Express tourist contract
8.90
Both arrived in crates at Tyabb Airport, near Melbourne
24.8.91
N808RH noted at Tyabb, dismantled behind hangars, blue & white "Southeastern" on nose.
DH Plate quoted construction number 04040, built 6.8.47

The two Doves were stripped for needed parts, then left dismantled in grass at Tyabb airfield
1.11.99
Both noted still dumped outside at Tyabb, two fuselages side by side with wing sections
2.01
Both removed from airfield by truck to be scrapped
13.5.13
Struck-off USCR by FAA during an exercise to cancel thousands of non-airworthy aircraft from the US Civil Aircraft Register



                DH.104 Dove Series 8A  c/n 04525                                                                                                      VH-OBI

Built by De Havilland Aircraft Co Ltd at their Hawarden plant, Chester. Production Dove 8A
13.7.61
Registered G-ARSN: De Havilland Aircraft Co Ltd, Hatfield
1.7.63
Change of owner name: Hawker Siddeley Aviation Ltd, Hatfield

Stored 61-67 pending sale
9.8.67
Struck-off Register as sold to Ireland
16.8.67
Registered EI-ARV: Irish Department of Transport and Power

To be used for radio navigation aid and radar calibration duties. Work to fit out the aircraft for this task began by a contractor which went into liquidation before the work was completed.
10.70
Delayed delivery to Ireland
8.12.70
Transferred to Irish Air Corps as serial 201
7.10.80
Restored to British Register G-ARSN: Staravia Ltd, Ascot, Berks
13.1.83
Change of ownership: Aces High Ltd, Fairoaks Airport
8.3.83
Change of ownership: Acme Jewellery Ltd, Belbroughton, West Midlands
16.6.83
Change of registration to G-LIDD: Acme Jewellery Ltd, Belbroughton, West Midlands
10.87
G-LIDD noted at Staverton being prepared for ferry flight to Australia
30.10.87
Struck-off British Register as sold to Australia
30.10.87
Added to Australian Register  as Dove 8 VH-OBI: Airmariner Consultants Pty Ltd, Sydney NSW
1.11.87
Test flight at Staverton, now repainted as VH-OBI
4.11.87
Departed Staverton on ferry flight to Australia
17.12.87
Flew Gladstone Qld to Coffs Harbour NSW on ferry flight.
23.12.87
VH-OBI noted at Sydney Airport, all yellow with white top
15.10.88
in static display at RAAF Richmond airshow, all yellow
2.91
static display at Bankstown airshow, now painted white and dark blue, with red trim
24.10.92
visited Avalon Vic airshow, white and dark blue with red trim
24.2.94
noted at Bankstown, operated by Dave Pryett, who is a shipping pilot, using name Dove Air
17.4.97
Change of ownership: George C.A. Schuit, Tocumwal NSW
17.2.98
Change of ownership: Air Champagne Pty Ltd, Tocumwal NSW
10.2.02
noted at Tocumwal, in Sportavia glider hangar, some parts removed. Reportedly not flown for two years
17.4.02
Change of ownership: Copper Creek Pty Ltd, Tocumwal NSW
30.7.02
Change of ownership: Titan River Pty Ltd, Tocumwal NSW
8.6.06
Change of ownership: Lawsey Aviation Pty Ltd, Tocumwal NSW

Principal of the various Tocumwal companies believed to be George Schuit, who operated as

Australian National Air Guard. Schuit imported Grumman HU-16C Albatross VH-MAH in December 1997 reportedly for proposed coastal surveillance, which did not eventuate
28.10.06
Change of ownership: Geoffrey Hunt, Darwin NT

On the same date George Schuit's Grumman Albatross VH-MAH was sold to Hunt
10.07
VH-OBI noted at Tocumwal NSW, not moved to Darwin.
9.14
noted at Tocumwal, stored in a hangar with plastic sheeting over props and engines

Currently registered to Hunt, Howard Springs NT

VH-OBI at Sydney Airport in December 1987 a few weeks after its arrival from England. 
Photo by Tony Arbon



In a much more attractive paint scheme, at Bankstown in November 1996.                 Photo by Dave Eyre



              DH.104 Dove Series 8  c/n 04533                                                                                      VH-JGZ, VH-DHQ
.63
Built by De Havilland Aircraft Co Ltd at their Hawarden plant, Chester. Production Dove 8
10.10.63
Registered G-ASMG: BSR Ltd, Old Hill, Staffordshire
18.11.63
British CofA issued
22.11.63
DH hand-over date to purchaser
19.2.65
Change of ownership: Hawker Siddeley Aviation Ltd, Hatfield Aerodrome
26.7.65
Change of owner name: Hawker Siddeley Aviation Leasing Ltd, Hatfield Aerodrome
6.8.65
Change of owner name: British Aerospace, Brough Division, Kingston-upon-Thames, Surrey

Operated as corporate transport in British Aerospace house colours, white with orange & red
 26.6.86 Change of ownership: Hall and Clarke (Insurance Consultants) Ltd, Harrow
.88
Ted Rudge, Melbourne was successful bidder for G-ASMG at an auction in UK
28.11.88
Sailed from Tilbury Docks as cargo on board S.S.Pozan for Australia
6.12.88
Struck-off British Register as sold to Australia
6.1.89
SS Pozan docked at Melbourne
12.1.89
G-ASMG arrived Moorabbin Airport, Melbourne by road, dismantled
1.89
Assembled at Moorabbin
20.3.89
G-ASMG noted at Moorabbin assembled, Hall & Clarke Insurance titles still on tail
5.4.89
Added to Australian Register as VH-JGZ: E M. (Ted) Rudge, Essendon Airport, Melbourne Vic
14.7.89
VH-JGZ noted at Tamworth NSW
14.4.90
visited Kyabram Vic fly-in
10.91
Report: Ted Rudge is operating a small parcels night freight business from Essendon with Doves
VH-DHD Desi's Dove, VH-DHI Belle's Dove and VH-JGZ no name.
7.8.92
Doves VH-DHD, DHI & JGZ were diverted to Wagga due fog overnight at Melbourne 
12.11.92
Re-registered VH-DHQ at request of Ted Rudge, to fit in with his other Doves
3.4.94
VH-DHQ visited Mangalore Vic airshow,"Rudge Air" above the windows
23.2.95
VH-DHQ noted at Essendon, "Rudge Air" above windows
13.3.95
Minor damage to nosewheels doors and nose skin at Essendon. Due brake failure, the taxying aircraft rolled down the sloping ramp and struck a metal railing at the hangar.
.01
Sold by Ted Rudge to Ray Trubuhovich, Auckland NZ
23.2.01
noted at Belmont-Aero Pelican NSW, planned to depart for NZ shortly
27.4.01
Arrived Auckland NZ on ferry flight from Melbourne, refuelling at Port Macquarie, Lord Howe Island, Norfolk Island on standard fuel tanks, flown by Ray Trubuhovich
26.2.02
VH-DHQ noted at Auckland-Dairy Flat airfield
19.4.02 Struck-off Australian Register as sold to NZ
4.11.02
VH-DHQ noted at Auckland-Dairy Flat airfield, still wearing the BAe white, orange & red scheme
27.1.03
Registered ZK-DHW Ray Trubuhovich, Auckland
4.7.06
Change of ownership: Devon 21 Syndicate, Auckland
8.14
Devon 21 Syndicate place ZK-DHW up for sale due corrosion found in wingspar and repair beyond their means. Included in the sale are 3 shipping containers of DH.104 parts
15.6.15
Struck-off NZ Register as exported overseas


G-ASMG at West Malling, England in 1986, with Hall and Clarke Insurance titles on the tail.  
Photo by Roland Jahne


G-ASMG arrives at Moorabbin in January 1989 after shipping from UK.  Mike Madden was there


The scene at Moorabbin in January 1989. Rudge Air engineers have arrived from Essendon in VH-DHD to
commence assembly of G-ASMG, with the spares ship VH-DHN on the left.         Photo by Mike Madden


Moorabbin 20 March 1990.                                                                    Photo by Roland Jahne


Now registered VH-JGZ, at Tyabb Vic in December 1989.                                Photo by Geoff Goodall


Now re-registered VH-DHQ, visiting Mangalore Vic in April 1994.                       Photo by Dave Eyre


Essendon 23 February 1995 when VH-DHQ rolled down the sloping ramp due to brake failure.
The damage was quickly repaired.                     Photo: Daniel Sherburn


                  DH.104 Devon C.1, to Devon C.2, to Dove 8  c/n 04209                                                                    VH-EOB
48
Built by De Havilland Aircraft Co Ltd at Hatfield
Built to RAF order for 30 Devon C.1s in serial block VP-962-VP981
24.9.48
DH hand-over date to purchaser
9.48
Taken on RAF charge as Devon C.1 VP958
55-68
Operated by RAF Metropolitan Communications Squadron
23.7.68
Damaged when nose wheel collapsed

Modified to Devon C.2 standard

Operated by 21 Squadron

Retired by RAF.  Listed for civil disposal
21.6.90
Registered in Australia as Dove 8 VH-EOB: Emmert O'Brien, Mackay Qld
17.7.91
VH-EOB noted at Mackay Qld, in full RAF markings as "VP958"
16.4.92
Minor damage at Lindeman Island Qld
c95-12
Parked in open at Mackay, ceased being flown. RAF paintwork deteriorated and became faded
c12
Anecdotal report: aircraft needed maintenance on a wing structural problem. The previous year O'Brien had acquired the wings of RNZAF Devon NZ1826 which had been used as decoration at the McDonalds Restaurant at Auckland International Airport. They were transported to Australia with a plan to fit to VH-EOB. Not carried out and the wings were seen at Sims Metal scrapyard, Brisbane in 2014
c12
Reported that Emmert O'Brien sold the dismantled Dove to a farmer in the Mackay area, who trucked it to his property where the fuselage used as a chicken house


VH-EOB looking very smart in RAF markings at Mackay in February 1994.             Photo by Geoff Goodall


By 2005 the Devon had become a sad sight, in faded weather-beaten paintwork.       Photo by Ian McDonell



           DH104 Dove Series 2, to Sea Devon C.20, to Dove 5 c/n 04410                                                           VH-DHI
53
Built by De Havilland Aircraft Co Ltd at their Hawarden plant, Chester. Production Dove 2
22.1.53
Registered G-AMXZ: De Havilland Aircraft Co Ltd, Hatfield
10.2.53
British CofA issued

Built for the US market, but not delivered due drop in orders

Stored at Hatfield
23.9.54
Sold to Royal Navy as part of an order for 10 Sea Devon C.20s
Modified to Sea Devon C.20 standard
3.5.55
Handed over to Royal Navy by De Havillands
5.55
Taken on charge Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm as Sea Devon C.20 XJ324

Operated by RNFAA 781 Squadron based at Lee-on-Solent, Hants. Fitted with upholstered interior as
an Admirals Barge

Retired by Royal Navy.  Listed for civil disposal

Acquired from a British aircraft dealer by Ted Rudge, Melbourne

Shipped dismantled to Australia
1.6.90
XJ324 arrived dismantled on a truck at Essendon Airport, Melbourne. Assembled at Essendon
28.12.90
Added to Australian Register as Dove 5 VH-DHI: E. M. (Ted) Rudge, t/a Rudge Air, Essendon Vic

Ted Rudge operated a night air freight service from Essendon with Doves VH-DHD and VH-JGZ
29.5.91
noted at Essendon, has recently been painted as VH-DHI
19.6.91
First flight Essendon, pilot Ted Rudge

Operated by Rudge Air, retained military paintwork "Royal Navy", named Belle's Dove
14.9.91
Damaged when ran off runway landing at Launceston Tas while carrying freight on charter to Ansett
Air Freight
9.10.91
VH-DHI noted in Rudge hangar at Essendon, dismantled and damaged after being shipped back from Tasmania
13.9.92
noted at Essendon, work continuing on accident repair. The nose section of VH-CTS (04119) was being fitted from a join in the airframe behind the cockpit.

(The original damaged forward fuselage section of VH-DHI was later used in a composite Dove rebuild based on the crashed VH-DHD (04104) at Campbellfield, Melbourne)
26.2.98
Minor damage at Essendon
7.99
noted Charlton Vic, parked on runway threshold. Royal Navy paint scheme but no titles above windows
25.5.01
Test flown at Essendon by Ted Rudge. First flight since the engines were damaged by the Australia-wide contaminated Avgas supplies in late 1999
4.04
VH-DHI advertised for sale by Ted Rudge: quoted as a Dove 5B c/n 04410 built in 1955, retains Royal Navy paintwork, 6 club seats, 2 crew cockpit, ex admirals barge XJ324. Flew 8,993 hours with Royal Navy, now has total time of 10,562 hours. Gipsy Queen 70 Mk.2 engines.
5.04
Sold to Russell Mann, Redcliffe Qld trading as Vintage Airways with Beech H18 trigear VH-ATX
c6.04
Ferried from Essendon to Redcliffe by Ted Rudge on delivery
19.6.04
VH-DHI noted at Redcliffe, "Royal Navy" added above the windows, plus roundel

Extensive overhaul at Redcliffe
17.7.06
First flight Redcliffe after overhaul and refurbishment
16.8.06
Register change of ownership: Russell Mann, Woody Point Qld
26.8.06
visited Watts Bridge Qld fly-in
7.12.07
noted at Redcliffe in hangar, grounded while waiting for parts
9.14
noted at Redcliffe, flying in Royal Navy markings
late 2016
moved base to Caboolture Qld with new owner Kewfern Pty Ltd
6.1.17
Change of ownership: Kewfern Pty Ltd,  Caboolture Qld.
17-19
Based at Caboolture Qld in same Royal Navy paint scheme
5.19
Reported sold to Britain. To be dismantled and packed for shipping at Caboolture.
By 9.19 VH-DHI still parked at Caboolture.


VH-DHI at Essendon in 1992 having its damaged nose replaced with the nose section of VH-CTS. 
Photo by Daniel Sherburn


VH-DHI at Charlton Vic in July 1999.                                                                       Photo by Phil Vabre

 a
Redcliffe Qld September 2014, being washed after a flight. "Royal Navy" and roundel have been added.
Photo by Ian McDonell


VH-DHI at its new home Caboolture Queensland in March 2017.                   Photo by Ian McDonell


               DH.104 Dove Series 2A, to Sea Devon C.20, to Dove 5   c/n 04420                                                          VH-DVE

Built by De Havilland Aircraft Co Ltd at their Hawarden plant, Chester. Production Dove 2A
5.1.53
Registered as Dove Series 2A G-AMXP: De Havilland Aircraft Co Ltd, Hatfield

Built for the US market, but not delivered due drop in orders

Stored at Panshanger until sold
21.10.54
Sold to Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm. Order for 10 Sea Devon C.20s

Modified to Sea Devon C.20 standard, with dual cockpit controls
5.55
Taken on RNFAA charge as Sea Devon C.20 XJ319
55
Operated by RN 781 Squadron based at RNAS Lee-on-Solent, where it was used to convert RN pilots on to Sea Devon, Sea Prince and Sea Heron types. It also flew 781 Squadron's twice-daily courier service to connect naval air stations

Served with 781 and 771 Squaxdrons, also Station Flights at Prestwick, Yeovilton and Culdrose
80s
Based at RNAS Culdrose, Cornwall in the role of communications, fishery protection, coast watch and sonar buoy detection
87-88
Royal Navy placed its remaining Sea Devons up for civil disposal
89-90
Stored at RAF Shawbury
3.90
Listed in RAF aircraft auction
3.4.90
Registered as Sea Devon C.20 G-AMXP  Michael A. Knowles, Westcliffe-on-Sea
Stored at Bournemouth-Hurn
.92
Sold to Australia
3.6.92
Departed Felixstowe Docks as crated cargo on a ship bound for Melbourne via Japan
18.9.92
XJ319 arrived crated at Essendon Airport, Melbourne. Assembled in Ted Rudge hangar
16.10.92
Added to Australian Register as Dove 5 VH-DVE: Mike Norton, Melbourne Vic
8.12.92
VH-DVE noted at Essendon, Royal Navy markings "XJ319"
2.4.94
visited Mangalore Vic airshow
29.6.95
Change of ownership: K. Harrison, Melbourne Vic
3.7.95
Minor damage at Carnarvon WA
1.8.95
noted at Jandakot Airport, Perth, having maintenance on an engine. Still Royal Navy scheme XJ319
8.9.95
Change of ownership: J. J. Rundell, Jandakot Airport, Perth WA trading as Devonair
1.98
VH-DVE operating from a gravel airstrip at Scott River Farm, Karridale, near Margaret River WA.
Conducting parachute dropping and scenic flights
5.12.01
Change of ownership: Bernhardt Stevermuer, Tarrawanna NSW
07
Report: VH-DVE has been parked at Warnervale airfield, north of Sydney for some years. It has deteriorated due weather exposure and has been vandalised
.07
Acquired by Australian Aviation Museum, Bankstown Airport, Sydney
1.08
Moved from Warnervale airfield to Bankstown by AAM
3.15
VH-DVE noted in Bankstown Museum's storage area, tarpaulins covering cockit and fuselage, rudder removed. Paintwork faded from weather exposure.
.18
AAM closed down. The majority of its collection advertised for sale
.19
Acquired by Robert Walker/ Walker's Aviation Museum, Barellan NSW.
Museum display of aircraft and aviation models established in a large shed on the owner's farm near Griffith NSW.
5.19
Dismantled Devon VH-DVE and Twin Pioneer VH-EVC had arrived at the Barellan property after being dismantled at Bankstown and moved by road transport.

Robert Walker plans to restore the Devon for display in a Crowley Airways paint scheme as a tribute to New Guinea post-war pioneer aviator Laurie Crowley. Crowley retired to a farm in the district and became Walker's friend and mentor.


VH-DVE at Melbourne-Moorabbin January 1995, still in Royal Navy markings.        Photo by Roland Jahne


Roland Jahne photographed VH-DVE's cockpit while it was parked at Perth-Jandakot in August 1997


VH-DVE in the storage yard of the Australian Aviation Museum, Bankstown Airport in March 2015.
Photo by Ian McDonell


                 DH.104 Dove Series 1B, to Devon C.1, C.2  c/n 04435                                                                 G-ANDX
53
Built by De Havilland Aircraft Co Ltd at their Hawarden plant, Chester. Production Dove 1B
28.9.53
Registered G-ANDX: De Havilland Aircraft Co Ltd, Hatfield
19.2.54
British CofA issued
6.54
Sold to Royal Air Force. Converted to Devon C.1
21.7.54
Handed over to RAF by De Havillands
7.54
Taken on RAF charge as Devon C.1 XG496

Operated by Royal Aircraft Establishment, Farnborough

converted to Devon C.2
85
Retired by RAF. Offered for civil disposal
11.8.86
G-ANDX noted at Newcastle, civil reg over RAF scheme, "RAE" titles taped over
2.10.86
Registered as Dove 7XC G-ANDX: Leslie R. Kenmuir, Newcastle

Civil registration painted on the RAF "raspberry ripple" red, blue & white scheme
24.2.99
Cancelled from British Register

Purchased at auction by Ted Rudge, Essendon Airport, Melbourne Vic
20.4.99
noted at Newcastle, parked outside with tailplane and propellers removed, faded RAF paintwork
12.8.99
no change
18.9.99
Shipped ex Southampton as cargo on board the ship Nedloyd Normandy
11.99
Arrived crated at Essendon after shipping from UK. Rudge said that he purchased it for the engines and parts, did not intend to make the aircraft airworthy

Stored dismantled in a hangar at Essendon Airport for some years, along with 12 RAF packing cases of Dove parts.  Cases marked 16MU RAF Sealand, or Hants & Sussex Aviation.
22.10.03
Fuselage G-ANDX noted in Rudge hangar
5.04
When Rudge sold airworthy Dove VH-DHI to Russell Mann at Redclife Qld, the airframe of G-ANDX was included in the sale, for use as a parts source
04
G-ANDX moved by road from Essendon to Redcliffe. Fuselage on floor at back of hangar with wings stacked alongside, with a collection of spare parts and engines
04-14
Stored dismantled in hangar at Redcliffe, same RAE "raspberry ripple" paint scheme with registration G-ANDX
c14
Sold to a collector in NSW.  No further details as yet


G-ANDX stored in a hangar at Essendon in November 1999, with RAE titles above the windows.
RAF serial XG496 has been taped over on rear fuselage.                  Photo by Roland Jahne


Outside at Essendon in July 2004, shortly before it was moved to Redcliffe, Qld.  Photo by Roland Jahne




FOOTNOTE:  PORTUGUESE TIMOR DOVES

The two Doves of Transportes Aereos De Timor flew domestic services in Timor until the Indonesian invasion in 1975
They were familiar sights in Australia, visiting for scheduled maintenance at Bankstown and later Perth

               DH.104 Dove Series 1B   c/n 04373           Manatuto                                                                             CR-AGT, CR-TAG
.52
Built by De Havilland Aircraft Co Ltd at their Hawarden plant, Chester. Production Dove 1B
7.12.52
Registered CR-AGT: Transportes Aereos De Timor, Dili

Named Manatuto after a town in Timor
3.57
CR-AGT noted at Bankstown on overhaul in De Havilland Aircraft hangar
.59
Portugal changed the Timor registration series. CR-AGT was changed to CR-TAG
7.67
CR-TAG noted at Bankstown for overhaul by Hawker de Havilland. Also 27.3.74
29.7.75
Arrived Perth-Jandakot for overhaul by Agricultural and General Aviation (AGA) who had bid for maintenance work based on their experience with Altair's Doves VH-CJX & CJY
12.75
Reportedly flown as a "bomber" for Timor resistance fighters, who rolled home-made bombs out the cabin door against Indonesian forces which had invaded Portuguese East Timor
 12.75
Flew Dili to Darwin under guise of a medical emergency flight, carrying Timorese who were escaping Indonesian forces. Reportedly flown by an Australian charter pilot who had been on Timor flying for the Timor Sea ocean oil drilling rigs.

Abandoned at Darwin. Parked in the open at Darwin Airport
21.5.78
noted at Darwin parked on General Aviation ramp, faded TAT paintwork.  Also 26.11.78, 19.1.79
82
Acquired by Aviation Historical Society of NT/ Darwin Air Museum group. Stored dismantled, poor condition, in an open compound at the Naval Victualling Yards, Darwin
1.86
noted partially assembled in a storage yard at Stuart Park, Darwin, with other aircraft and wartime wrecks collected by the Darwin Air Museum.  CR-TAG was readable through the faded paint. Unchanged 9.86
89-90
Restored for static display in TAT paint scheme
14.12.90
Presented to Australian Aviation Heritage Centre, Darwin NT along with an ex RAAF Sabre
Displayed as TAT CR-TAG

Current


Bankstown July 1967, CR-TAG at Hawker De Havilland's hangar for a major inspection. 
Photo by Geoff Goodall


Darwin January 1979, abandoned after a clandestine escape from Timor.                   Photo by Geoff Goodall


Looking very rough, in the Darwin Air Museum storage yard at Suart Park, Darwin in September 1986
Photo by Gordon Reid


CR-TAG impressively restored at the Australian Aviation Heritage Centre, Darwin in October 2005.
Photo by Roger McDonald


              DH.104 Dove Series 2A   c/n 04393           OeCusse                                               CR-AHT, CR-TAH
52
Built by De Havilland Aircraft Co Ltd at their Hawarden plant, Chester. Production Dove 2A

Reserved as (N1562V): Riley Aircraft Co. Sale to USA not completed
21.1.53
Registered G-AMXU: De Havilland Aircraft Co Ltd, Hatfield
7.2.55
Registered CR-AHT: Transportes Aereos De Timor, Dili
.59
Portugal changed the Timor registration series. CR-AHT was changed to CR-TAH. Named OeCusse
16.10.64
CR-TAH departed Bankstown on return to Timor after overhaul by Hawker de Havilland
2.12.65
noted at Bankstown outside HdeH hangar
26.6.71
noted at Bankstown in HdeH hangar on overhaul. Departed on return to Timor 13.8.71
18.4.75
CR-TAH arrived Perth-Jandakot from Timor for overhaul by Agricultural and General Aviation (AGA) who had bid for maintenance work based on their experience with Altair's Doves VH-CJX & CJY.
CR-TAH was repainted in July in a new red and white scheme, retaining name OeCusse on the nose
1.8.75
CR-TAG & CR-TAH were parked outside the AGA hangar at Jandakot.
CR-TAH departed 4.8.75 on return flight to Timor, via Meekathara and Derby
12.75
Reportedly flown as a "bomber" for Timor Fretilin resistance fighters, who rolled home-made bombs out the cabin door against Indonsian forces which had invaded Portuguese Timor.
12.75
Assumed abandoned in Timor following the Indonesian invasion of Portuguese East Timor.

No further reports


CR-TAH at Hawker De Havilland hangar at Bankstown in December 1965.          Photo by Roger McDonald


Same parking spot, new TAT paint scheme. Bankstown July 1971.                                    Photo by Dave Eyre




Reference sources:
- Australian Civil Aircraft Register, Department of Civil Aviation and its successors
- DCA Annual Accident Summaries, 1958-1970
- DCA Aircraft files, National Archives of Australia: inspected at Melbourne, Sydney and Perth NAA offices
- National Library of Australia - Trove newspaper archive website
- British Civil Aircraft Register: G-INFO website
- US Civil Aircraft Register, FAA, printed editions 1963-1972 held by compiler
- The DH.104 Dove and DH.114 Heron, Air Britain, 1973
- British Civil Aircraft Since 1919, A. J. Jackson, Putnam, London 1973
- British Military Aircraft Serials 1911-1979, Bruce Robertson, Patrick Stephens, Cambridge 1979
- De Havilland Aircraft Since 1909, A. J. Jackson, Putnam, London 1978
- Flypast A record of Aviation in Australia, Neville Parnell & Trevor Boughton, CAA 1988
- Taking Off, Pioneering Small Airlines of New Zealand 1945-1970, Richard Waugh 2003
- Balus - The Aeroplane in Papua New Guinea, Volume 1, James SInclair, Robert Brown & Associates, 1986
- Air Crash, The story of how Australia's Airways were made Safe, Volume 2, Macarthur Job, Aerospace Publications, 1992
- Aviation Historical Society of Australia Journal, monthly journal 1960-75
- Aviation Historical Society of New Zealand Journal, The DH.104 Dove in NZ, October 1963
- Air Britain Digest & Air Britain News, 1948 onwards, references to Australian Doves
- Complete Civil Registers: Portuguese Timor, Air Britain Archive, quarterly journal, February 1982 and updates
- South Australian Air Journal, monthly journal, 1963 to date
- Australian Air Log, monthly journal, 1965-1968
- NSW Air Log, monthly journal, June-November 1964
- Essendon Newsletter, monthly journal,
- Airlines and Aircraft of the Ansett Group 1921-2002, Fred Niven, Edition 9, 2013
- Forgotten Flyer: The Story of Charles W. Snook, Brian Hernan, Tangee Publishing 2007
- Outback Airman, Harry Purvis with Joan Priest, Rigby 1979
- An Inconic Airline, the story of Airlines of SA, Jim Evans & Nigel Daw, self-published, 2012
- NT Medical Service, Warwick Henry, Aviation Heritage Vol.26 No.3, Aviation Historical Society of Australia
- Maralinga Dove VH-DHF, Geoff Goodall: this website under Australian Aviation
- Investigation Report VH-DHD crash Essendon 3.12.93: Dept of Transport Bureau of Air Safety Investigation
- The Riley Dove 400, Terry Sykes, Air Britain Digest, July-August 1986
- In Australian Service: The DH.104 Dove, Eric Allen, Australian Aviation magazine, January 1986
- NZ Civil Aircraft Series No.39: DH.104 Dove, Aviation Historical Society of NZ Journal, July 1963
- VH-CJX logbooks with letters enclosed - courtesy Melvyn Davis
- VH-DSM logbooks held by QAM - courtesy Ron Cuskelly
- Daniel Sherburn, Dove Preservation Group: updates on current status of surviving Doves

Special thanks to Nigel Daw and Gordon Reid for the time spent searching their records and photographs for this listing

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