DH.84 DRAGON IN AUSTRALIA

Last updated 22 August 2022

AUSTRALIAN DE HAVILLAND D.H.84 DRAGONS

A listing compiled by Geoff Goodall

PART TWO: AUSTRALIAN BUILT DRAGONS

British built Dragons imported prior to 1940 are covered in Part One

A34-13 was the first Australian-built Dragon, completed at Mascot Aerodrome, Sydney in September 1942 John Hopton Collection

RAAF Dragon at Port Moresby during the WWII New Guinea campaign. F.Heyn collection

Typical civilianised former RAAF Dragon purchased from disposals post-war: VH-BDS (ex A34-92) is seen at Adelaide Airport in March 1962 used by

South Australian Air Taxis Ltd for freight charters, newspaper deliveries to country towns and parachuting. Photo by Geoff Goodall.

DH.84A DRAGONS BUILT AT SYDNEY (MASCOT) AERODROME FOR RAAF 1942-43

87 aircraft, listed below in order of RAAF serial number A34-12 to A34-98

RAAF units and location table at bottom of this page.

A34-12 c/n 2001

43	Built Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd to RAAF order
	Not the first of the Australian production. Originally A34-1 to A34-12 were allocated to impressed civil Dragons, so first local production Dragon was allocated A34-13. However the civil Dragon planned to become A34-12 was not impressed, so A34-12 was used on a later aircraft on the Sydney production line and c/n adjusted
21.2.43	Brought on RAAF charge as A34-12. Received 2AP Bankstown ex De Havillands
7.3.43	Issued 33 Sqn ex 2AP
11.3.43	Received 12RSU ex 33Sqn
28.3.43	Received 33 Sqn ex 12RSU
28.10.43	Received 1RCS ex 33Sqn
4.11.43	Received 9CU ex 1RCS
9.12.43	Crashed on landing Berry Strip, Port Moresby. Swung off runway when landing in strong crosswind and struck a drain then hit an earth bank on edge of airstrip. 9CU. Damaged beyond capacity of unit
13.12.43	Received 15ARD ex 9CU for repairs
4.2.44	Recommended conversion to spares
30.5.44	Write off approved

A34-13 c/n 2002 VH-ASK, VH-SNB

25.9.42	Construction completed as the first Australian built Dragon by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd, Sydney.
	Constructed by DH craftsmen in the Grace Brothers building, Broadway, Sydney to the British De Havilland company blueprints. Airframe moved to Mascot for assembly.
	A34-13 was the first aircraft completed of the Australian production. Originally A34-1 to A34-12 were allocated to impressments, so first local production Dragon was allocated A34-13. However A34-12 was not impressed, so A34-12 was allocated to was allocated to a later aircraft on the production line and c/n adjusted
29.9.42	First flight Mascot (VH-ASK/A34-13 logbook). First flight of first Australian built Dragon
9.42	RAAF official photos: camouflaged top, pale fuselage sides and under surfaces
12.10.42	Brought on RAAF charge as A34-13. Received 2AD Richmond ex De Havillands. Allotted ATF ex 2AD
15.10.42	Completed ready for delivery at 2AD
24.10.42	Received 1AD Laverton ex 2AD
5.4.43	Issued ANA Essendon ex 1AD for ambulance transport modification
6.5.43	Received 1AD ex ANA
30.5.43	Received 6CF Batchelor ex 1AD. Renamed 6CU. A34-13 flew approx 700 hours with 6CU, mostly flown by Jack Slade.
11.8.44	Received De Havillands for complete airframe overhaul
23.7.45	Received 2AD Richmond ex De Havillands
26.7.45	Received CMU Evans Head ex 2AD
25.9.45	To be retained in the services. Not to be inspected by prospective buyers.
16.5.46	Approved for disposal
24.5.46	Sold by CDC for £50 to Department of Health, Canberra
4.6.46	Issued to purchaser

5.46	Purchased by Commonwealth Dept of Health for use by the proposed Northern Territory Medical Service, Darwin. A34-13 & A34-31 purchase price £50 each, plus unserviceable A34-23 at Darwin for £25. Captain Jack Slade was the first Chief Pilot, and he selected A34-13 because of his experience with this particular aircraft with 6CU during the war, which he believed to be superior to the subsequent Australian production Dragons built at Mascot.
	Jack Slade later recalled: "The two serviceable aircraft cost £50 each and A34-25 was £25. De Havillands gave us the stretcher and folding chairs, and the total cost including two Christophersen propellors was around £220. The props cost £50 each and I had a job persuading the Health Department to be so extravagant."
25.6.46	Ferried Evans Head to Mascot for CofA conversion and configuration as air ambulance by DH Aircraft Pty Ltd. It had flown only a few hours since complete overhaul
11.7.46	DCA allocated registrations VH-ASK & -ASL to A34-13 & A34-31 respectively
14.8.46	Registration application: Commonwealth Department of Health, Canberra operated by NT Medical Service, Darwin NT
19.8.46	Registered VH-ASK
19.8.46	CofA issued at Mascot
5.9.46	Arrived Darwin on ferry flight from Sydney by Captain Jack Slade
9.9.46	First NTMS medical flight, from Darwin to Millingimbi Mission to collect a seriously ill aboriginal man, Captain Jack Slade and Sister Shaw, round trip 5 hrs 50 mins.
29.9.46	Second NTMS medical flight, Darwin to Wyndham WA to transfer a patient to Darwin hospital. Capt Jack Slade with new NT Chief Medical Officer Dr.J. G. McGlashan attending to the patient.
2.10.46	Third medical flight: Darwin to Goulburn Island Mission to evacuate a pregnant woman and her two ill children. Captain Jack Slade with Sister Bulloch. 4 hours return.
9.10.46	Fourth medical flight: Darwin to Melville Island to evacuate an ill missionary. The call for help came from an aboriginal who had run 65 km to a mission station radio. Jack Slade and Dr. Alderman
13.10.46	Fifth medical flight: Darwin to Millingimbi Mission, to attend Reverend Ellemor who had an injured eye. Captain Jack Slade and Dr. Alderman.
12.11.46	Sixth medical flight: Darwin to Oenpelli to evacuate an aboriginal woman with fractured arm
24.11.46	DH84 ASK and DH83 UTF blown together by high winds at Darwin. Both housed in the DCA hangar, which did not have doors. Minor damage to both
28.12.46	Flown Darwin to Goulburn Island to evacuate an aboriginal male with badly gashed leg from a shark attack. Captain Jack Slade and Sister Kerr.
31.12.46	Flown Darwin to Newcastle Waters to collect an elderly patient. Return flight time 8 hrs 15 mins.
21.2.47	Forced landing on Casaurina Beach, no damage. Flown off beach.
26.6.47	Forced landing Darwin due engine failure on takeoff.
1.10.47	CofA renewed Archerfield by QEA. Two 15 gallon long range fuel tanks replaced by two 30 gallon tanks on instruction of pilot R. Slade
4.1.49	CofA renewed Archerfield
3.2.50	CofA renewed Archerfield
3.2.51	CofA renewed Darwin
5.9.51	CofA renewed Eagle Farm
3.52	Operations and crewing of NTMS taken over by Trans Australia Airlines
18.9.52	CofA renewed Darwin
17.10.52	Report from DCA Darwin: Dept of Health did not intend to renew the registration of VH-ASK after 9.52 but the grounding of the Drovers forced them to renew the CofA of ASK so a short-term two month CofA renewal for the period 18.9.52-17.11.52.
18.12.52	CofA renewed Darwin for 12 months
4.1.54	Retired by NTMS, replaced by a DHA-3 Drover
4.1.54	Struck-off Register as WFS
19.2.58	Registered VH-SNB J. G. & G. Schultz, “Glentor Downs”. Prairie Qld
61	Change of address: J. G. & G. Schultz c/- Lawrence Engineering & Sales Pty Ltd, Hangar 55, Camden Aerodrome NSW
29.5.60	flew at airshow Bankstown, took off and dropped 5 parachutists from Camden Parachute Club
15.10.60	visited airshow Tamworth NSW, dropped parachutists
23.10.60	visited airshow Camden NSW
62	Change of address: J. G. & G. Schultz, Sydney NSW
5.2.62	noted Bankstown, all silver, small reg on tail
16.6.62	noted Bankstown, all silver with red engine cowlings
9.62	noted Moorabbin
15.9.62	Change of ownership: Les G. Nixon, Sydney NSW Les Nixon flew the Dragon on evangelical tours of the outback, as the first aircraft of “Australia’s Outback Patrol – a Christian community service to the outback community." Nixon recalls he purchased SNB in 1961 for £1200. He paid the operating costs by doing aerial photography of properties and towns using good quality camera and processing the films himself.
5.7.63	Typical flight: Departed Toowoomba for Charleville, loaded with electrical organ and musical instruments, PA gear, books, Les’ aerial photographic camera and developing gear, and Tupperware stocks to sell.
15.9.63	noted Bankstown, now white with blue trim
10.1.64	noted Bankstown, repainted in new scheme
24.6.65	noted Camden under rebuild for an evangelist group
29.10.65	noted Bankstown, resplendent after a 2 year rebuild at Camden. Departed for Moorabbin that day.
3.11.65	arrived at Yeo airstrip, Colac Vic flown by Les Nixon.
5.2.66	visited airshow at Orange NSW, flown by Rev. Les Nixon. White and silver.
19.2.66	Arrived Cambridge aerodrome, Hobart. White & silver. Flown by Rev. Les Nixon with a group of musicians on board.
5.6.66	noted Archerfield, stayed several days
21.6.66	noted at Derby WA on an around-Australia trip, departed 23.6.66
29.8.66	Struck-off Register at owner’s request
7.9.66	noted Camden
25.10.66	Restored Register VH-SNB L. G. Nixon, Sydney
18.4.67	Flew Rawlinna-Eucla WA. Pilot Les Nixon and 5 passenger on evangelistic tour
27.5.67	noted Bankstown
25.10.67	Struck-off Register at owner’s request. Total airframe time 4150 hours.
5.4.71	noted Camden at back of hangar
19.1.72	noted Camden
18.6.72	noted Camden, in hangar
11.72	noted Camden, in hangar, good condition
7.5.73	noted Camden, in hangar
73	Acquired by Maurice J. Whittington t/a Hendon Aeroplane Company, Sydney. Whittington exported a number of Tiger Moths to USA, followed by Australian veteran aircraft to Britain. He sold Dragon VH-SNB, Hudson VH-AGJ, Short Scion VH-UUP and Firefly WD833 to Sir Willy Roberts who was building up his aircraft collection on his private airfield on his ancestral estate in Scotland.
.74	Purchased Sir William J. D. Roberts/ Strathallan Aircraft Collection, Auchterader, Scotland
4.74	Arrived Strathallan airfield by road after shipping from Australia in a container. Not assembled for display.
77	Stored dismantled on Strathallan estate in same condition as received ex Australia
20.4.80	VH-SNB noted at Strathallan
14.7.81	Sold as Lot 89 at the Christies of London auction of Strathallan museum aircraft to Royal Scottish Museum. Purchase price £7000, aircraft required a complete rebuild
	Displayed at Royal Scottish Museum of Flight, East Fortune
6.93	noted displayed complete inside museum East Fortune as VH-SNB, same colour scheme as when last flown in Australia
	Current

A34-13 in September 1942 immediately after it was constructed in Sydney. John Hopton Collection

VH-ASK at Tennant Creek NT circa 1949 with NT Medical Service. Photo by Mike Cosgrave

VH-ASK at Darwin with NT Medical Service Chief Pilot Captain Jack Slade. John Hopton Collection

VH-ASK at the Goulburn Island aboriginal mission NT circa 1950. Dr. A.H.Humphry

VH-SNB circa 1960 at an unidentified location. John Hopton Collection

Bankstown September 1963, in a new paint scheme. John Hopton Collection

Orange NSW 15 February 1966, in new silver and cream scheme. Photo by Roger McDonald

A34-14 c/n 2003

.42	Built Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd to RAAF order
12.10.42	Brought on RAAF charge as A34-14. Allotted 1R&CF ex 2AD Richmond
21.10.42	Received at 12RSU Garbutt ex 2AD, en route to 1R&CF
22.10.42	Issued Port Moresby ex 12RSU Garbutt
25.10.42	Received 1RCF ex 12RSU
17.1.43	Crashed Popondetta. Extensive damage.
20.1.43	Received 15RSU ex 1R&CF for repair and salvage
11.2.43	Approved for conversion to components

A34-15 c/n 2004

.42	Built Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd to RAAF order
25.10.42	Brought on RAAF charge as A34-15. Received 2AD Richmond ex De Havillands
29.10.42	Allotted 33Sqn ex 2AD
5.11.42	Awaiting flight test at 2AD
23.11.42	Received 33Sqn ex 2AD
18.6.43	Swung off runway on takeoff Terapo Strip, New Guinea. Swung violently on takeoff, ran on to rough ground. Extensive damage. 33 Sqn. No injuries to Pilot, and 3 Army passengers, a Major General and two Brigadiers. Accident believed caused through structural failure of undercarriage compression leg.
24.6.43	Received 15ARD ex 33Sqn for repairs and further report
5.7.43	Repairable at 15ARD
4.2.44	Recommend conversion to spares
24.5.44	Issued to Technical Salvage ex 15ARD
30.5.44	Write off approved

A34-16 c/n 2005

.42	Built Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd to RAAF order
28.10.42	Brought on RAAF charge as A34-16. Received 2AD Richmond ex De Havillands
29.10.42	Allotted 33Sqn ex 2AD
5.11.42	Awaiting flight test at 2AD
14.11.42	Received 33Sqn ex 2AD
19.6.43	Issued ANA Essendon ex 33Sqn to be fitted as ambulance transport. Aircraft will be competed approx 4 days after receipt of modification parts and require 240 hourly inspection
23.8.43	Received 1AD Laverton ex ANA
1.9.43	Received 33Sqn ex 1AD
28.10.43	Received 1RCS Port Moresby ex 33Sqn
4.11.43	Received 9CU Port Moresby ex 1RCS
6.4.44	Received 15ARD to submit recommendation as to whether aircraft would be fit for further tropical service or should be return to mainland
6.5.44	Write off approved due tropical deterioration
14.6.44	Issued to Tech Salvage ex 15ARD

A34-16 in RAAF service. John Hopton Collection

A34-17 c/n 2006 VH-AOS

10.42	Built Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd to RAAF order
30.10.42	First flight Mascot
5.11.42	Brought on RAAF charge as A34-17. Received 2AD Richmond ex De Havillands. Awaiting flight tests at 2AD
23.11.42	Received 1RCF ex 2AD
4.12.42	Damaged Wards Strip Port Moresby, on takeoff for Garing Strip, Amau to collect fresh vegetables. Swung off runway on takeoff due binding brakes and ran into a ditch on the side of the strip. Extensive damage. RAAF accident report quotes unit as “No.1 Rescue Squadron”
5.12.42	Issued 15RSU for salvage. Depot repair recommended,
27.12.42	Allotted De Havillands ex 15RSU for repair
14.2.43	Issued De Havillands ex 15RSU
14.10.43	Allotted 35Sqn ex 2AP on completion at De Havillands. To be fitted W/T equipment
27.10.43	Received 2AP Bankstown
3.11.43	Received 35Sqn ex 2AP
10.11.43	Received 7CU ex 35Sqn
20.2.44	Damaged by storm at Broome. Extensive damage, beyond capacity of unit
25.2.44	Allotted 17RSU ex 7CU for repair
13.3.44	Received 17RSU ex 7CU
30.3.44	Received 7CU ex 17RSU
9.5.44	Struck guy wires of a wireless mast while dropping mail at Minderoo WA, on a flight from Onslow to Exmouth. 7CU
6.6.44	Unserviceable due damage starboard mainplane and undercarriage
16.9.44	Received 5AD Storage ex 7CU
8.1.45	Survey report: TT 434 hours. Intended for first CDC disposals list of 20.2.45. Held at 5AD Storage Section, Cootamundra
19.9.45	Survey report submitted to CDC, aircraft for disposal
25.9.45	Aircraft frozen until disposed of
24.1.46	Aircraft has been sold by CDC to W.R.Carpenter Pty Ltd, 16 O’Connell St, Sydney for £400
5.2.46	Issued to purchaser
5.2.46	A34-17 ferried from Cootamundra to Mascot by R.A. Gray, a Mosquito test pilot for De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd, Bankstown

16.3.46	Registration application: Mandated Airlines Ltd, Lae, New Guinea
4.46	AOS & APL are under overhaul by De Havilland Pty Ltd, Sydney and due to be flown to New Guinea in mid May 46
29.4.46	Registered VH-AOS
29.4.46	CofA issued
6.46	Flown at Lae by Charles Eather who had been offered a pilot position with Mandated Airlines, he flew it again two weeks later on his last evaluation flight before resigning due his concern for the mountainous flying conditions.
29.1.47	Crashed Mount Kerigomna NG, struck ridge in cloud, totally wrecked. MAL Pilot Douglas G. Tapsall killed. Posted missing while on a freight flight from Lae to Kerowagi, no passengers. Large aerial search including RAAF Catalinas callsigns OPA & OPM based Port Moresby. Correct name of crash site - has also quoted as Mount Kerigimna
1.2.47	Wreckage located by crew of MAL DH84 VH-ARJ. Had struck the mountain at 10,500 feet elevation. Pilot D. G. Tapsell killed.
4.2.47	Ground party reached the crash site and brought out the pilot's body
5.47	Struck-off Register

A34-18 c/n 2007

	Built Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd to RAAF order
10.11.42	Brought on RAAF charge as A34-18. Received 2AD Richmond ex De Havillands
30.11.42	Received 1RCF ex 2AD
14.2.43	Failed to get airborne on takeoff, extensive damage
17.2.43	Issued 10RSU ex 1RCS
12.5.43	Issued De Havillands ex 1RCS
7.9.43	Received 2AP Bankstown ex De Havillands
10.9.43	Allotted 6CF ex 2AP. To have W/T equipment installed
4.10.43	Received 6CF ex 2AP
22.10.43	Wrecked by wind storm, Katherine Aerodrome. Flt Sgt G. N. Way of 6CF. Broke away from moorings, extensive damage.
	E. J. Connellan of Connellan Airways, Alice Springs records in his book Failure of Triumph: "One night at Katherine, two Air Force Dragons disappeared except for the lower wings, which were stayed down while the rest of the aeroplanes were in the Katherine River a mile away. Another night at Ooodnadatta two Air Force Dragons were completely blown away and disappeared." Note: the reported second Dragon wrecked at Katherine not traced.
1.11.43	Received 14ARD ex 6CF for inspection.
1.11.43	Recommended for conversion
22.11.43	Approved for conversion to components

A34-19 c/n 2008

	Built Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd to RAAF order
11.11.42	Brought on RAAF charge as A34-19. Received 2AD Richmond ex De Havillands
24.11.42	Received 35Sqn ex 2AD
29.1.43	Allotted ANA Essendon ex 35Sqn for modification to air ambulance
15.2.43	Received ANA
28.2.43	Received 1AD Laverton ex ANA Essendon
14.3.43	Issued 3CF ex 1AD
3.6.43	Received 2AAU ex 3CF
17.9.43	Crashed Toogoolawah NSW. Struck tree attempting forced landing on road in approaching darkness and poor weather. Pilot was returning to Kingaroy after carrying patients to Mascot. Pilot killed, 1 crew injured. No.2 Air Ambulance Unit. Extensive damage. Recommended conversion to salvage
24.9.43	Received 3AD ex 2AAU
23.10.43	Approved for conversion to components

A34-20 c/n 2009

	Built Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd to RAAF order
16.11.42	Brought on RAAF charge as A34-20. Received 2AD Richmond ex De Havillands
30.11.42	Issued 1CF ex 2AD
18.1.43	Serviceable at 1CF
26.3.43	Starboard compression strut collapsed on landing
4.6.43	Awaiting compression leg at 1CF
5.7.43	Issued to 1AD Laverton for issue to 6CF
16.7.43	Ensure aircraft proceed fully loaded, awaiting airfreight
11.8.43	Received 6CF ex 1AD
25.8.43	Crashed near Mataranka Station Homestead NT. Port engine failed on a flight Milingimbi to Batchelor. Pilot Flg Officer F.G. Anderson of 6CF, 1 crew and a US Padre all injured. Airframe not repairable.
29.8.43	Received 4RSU for repairs or conversion
1.9.43	Recommended for conversion.
14.9.43	Approved for conversion to components

A34-21 c/n 2010 VH-AOP

.42	Built Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd to RAAF order
14.11.42	First flight Mascot
16.11.42	Brought on RAAF charge as A34-21 Received 2AD Richmond ex DH
26.11.42	Issued to ANA Essendon ex 2AD to be fitted for air ambulance
17.12.42	Received 2AAU ex 1AD Laverton
16.11.44	Received 5AD Storage ex 2AAU for storage
9.9.45	Survey report submitted to CDC, aircraft for disposal
25.9.45	Aircraft frozen until disposed of
24.1.46	Aircraft has been sold by CDC to W.R.Carpenter Pty Ltd, Sydney for £400. CDC sales advice dated 21.1.46.
30.1.46	Despatched to purchaser ex CMU Wagga

14.3.46	Registration application: Mandated Airlines Ltd, Lae, New Guinea
14.3.46	Registered VH-AOP
14.3.46	CofA issued Mascot after civil overhaul by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd
3.46	VH-AOP testflown Mascot by R.A. Gray, a Mosquito test pilot for De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd
3.46	Two Dragons ferried from Sydney to Lae for MAL, by MAL pilots A. J. Collins & John Rose. Routed via Horne Island and Port Moresby. Almost definitely AOP & AOQ (newspaper report quotes this ferry as 2.46 but more likely 3.46)
5.46	MAL has Dragons AOP & AOQ in service
3.47	AOP due to arrive Mascot 13.3.47 for CofA renewal by De Havilland Aircraft.
24.4.47	CofA renewed Mascot
21.7.48	CofA renewed Mascot
c49	Photo in new Guinea, allover white, not titles
17.12.49	CofA renewed Lae
5.10.50	Damaged Angoram, pilot R. H. Cuthbertson. Under carriage and lower wing damaged. Back in service 12.10.50
13.12.50	CofA renewed Port Moresby
16.3.51	CofA renewal Lae
25.9.52	CofA renewed Lae
6/54	DCA Register MAL Ltd
9.8.54	Crashed Hayfield New Guinea. Swung off runway on takeoff when brakes failed, ran into a deep ditch and destroyed by fire. MAL pilot Jim Davis and 7 passengers were not injured.
10.2.55	Struck-off Register

VH-AOP in New Guinea in 1949, in service with Mandated Airlines. Ed Coates Collection

A34-22 c/n 2011 VH-AOQ

.42	Built Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd to RAAF order
18.11.42	First flight Mascot
22.11.42	Brought on RAAF charge as A34-22. Received 2AD Richmond ex DH
26.11.42	Issued to ANA Essendon ex 2AD for fitment as air ambulance
18.12.42	Received 1AD Laverton ex ANA Essendon
19.12.42	Received 2AAU ex 1AD
16.11.44	Received 5AD Storage ex 2AAU
8.1.45	Survey report: TT 741 hours. Intended for first CDC disposal list 20.2.45. Held at 5AD Storage Section Cootamundra.
9.9.45	Survey report submitted to CDC, aircraft for disposal
25.9.45	Aircraft frozen until disposed of
24.1.46	Aircraft has been sold by CDC to W.R. Carpenter Pty Ltd, Sydney for £400. CDC sales advice dated 21.1.46.
30.1.46	Despatched to purchaser ex CMU Wagga

15.3.46	Registration application: Mandated Airlines Ltd, Lae, New Guinea
15.3.46	Registered VH-AOQ
15.3.46	CofA issued Sydney, 5 passenger seats, after civil overhaul by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd
3.46	VH-AOQ testflown Mascot by R.A. Gray, a Mosquito test pilot for De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd
3.46	Two Dragons ferried from Sydney to Lae for MAL, by MAL pilots A. J. Collins & John Rose. Routed via Horne Island and Port Moresby. Almost definitely AOP & AOQ (newspaper report quotes this ferry as 2.46 but more likely 3.46)
5.46	MAL has Dragons AOP & AOQ in service
3.47	Engines from AOQ have been shipped to De Havilland Aircraft at Mascot and will be returned to MAL in VH-AOP when it flies to NG on completion of annual CofA renewal by De Havilland Aircraft.
23.10.47	CofA renewed Camden by J. Thomas
12.1.49	CofA renewed Bankstown
12.10.49	Damaged during landing Kainantu NG, on arrival from Lae. Pilot E. C. Smith uninjured
3.3.51	CofA renewed Lae
11.55	Report: MAL had two remaining Dragons AOQ & APJ in service but they were not flown often
26.6.59	Change of ownership: New Guinea Co Ltd, Rabaul (associate company of Mandated Airlines)
12.9.60	Struck-off Register as WFS
.61	Burnt for fire practice by DCA fire service Location?

A34-22 in wartime RAAF service, Wirraway and Fairey Battle behind. John Hopton Collection

A34-23 c/n 2012

.42	Built Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd to RAAF order
22.11.42	Brought on RAAF charge as A34-23. Received 2AD Richmond ex DH
29.11.42	Issued 34 Sqn ex 2AD
1.12.42	Force landed 5 miles (unreadable). No damage to aircraft.
15.12.42	Allotted 6CF ex 34 Sqn.
9.1.43	On strength with 6CF
.43	Directorate of Air Transport, Allied Air Forces allocated radio callsign VHCSF, which was painted on the aircraft
30.5.43	6CF CO Flt Lt Clyde Fenton flew A34-23 to Goulburn Island NT area to inspect the wreck of A34-51 which hit trees and crashed the previous day. Reportedly Fenton landed on a nearby beach.
7.6.43	Propeller detached in flight. No airframe damage. 6CF.
5.9.43	Forced landing Goulburn Island. Aircraft partially submerged in sea water for 2 days
13.9.43	Received 14ARD ex 6CF for repair and treatment for submersion in salt water. Extensive damage
17.12.43	Received 6CU ex 14ARD
12.4.44	Flown from Batchelor to Melville Island to search for 6CU Anson MG530 which had made a forced landing two days earlier on the coast of the island. Located the Anson and crew who were collected by a launch.
28.6.44	Received De Havillands ex 6CU for inspection and report
28.1.45	Received 2AD Richmond ex DH
12.2.45	Received 5AD Storage ex 2AD
24.9.45	Received 6CU ex 5AD Storage
2.2.46	Received RAAF Darwin ex 6CU
21.3.46	Swung and crashed on takeoff at 1003 hours, extensive damage. Beyond capacity of unit. Recommend conversion to spare parts.
17.4.46	Allotted 12ARD for conversion
16.5.46	To be offered to CDC by Air Board
29.5.46	Sold through CDC to Department of Health, Canberra for £25.
25.6.46	Issued to purchaser. Damaged airframe located at RAAF Darwin
	Jack Slade later recalled "The two serviceable aircraft cost £50 each and A34-23 was £25. De Havillands gave us the stretcher and folding chairs, and the total cost including two Christophersen propellors was around £220. The props cost £50 each and I had a job persuading the Health Department to be so extravagant."
	Used as parts source for Dragons of NT Aerial Medical Service, Darwin NT

A34-24 c/n 2013

.42	Built Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd to RAAF order
25.11.42	Brought on RAAF charge as A34-24. Received 2AD Richmond ex DH
18.12.42	Received 5CF ex 2AD
7.3.43	Crashed into mountain near Cairns Qld. Missing on a flight between Cairns and Mareeba, wreck found at top of Freshwater Valley. Pilot and 3 Army personnel killed. 5CF.
12.3.43	Wreck found 2 miles above Crystal Cascades near Cairns
25.3.43	Received 12RSU ex 5CF
4.6.43	Approved for conversion to components

A34-25 c/n 2014

.42	Built Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd to RAAF order
26.11.42	Brought on RAAF charge as A34-25. Received 2AD Richmond ex DH
28.11.42	Allotted USA Horse Purchasing Board ex 2AD
3.12.42	Completed at 2AD
31.12.42	Allotment to USA Horse Purchasing Board cancelled
31.12.42	Allotted 3CF ex 2AD for exclusive use US Army Services of Supply Horse Purchasing Board
4.1.43	Received 3CF ex 2AD
15.1.43	Received 12RSU ex 3CF
17.1.43	Issued 3CF ex 12RSU. At 3CF same day.
20.2.43	Received 12RSU ex 3CF
27.4.43	Issued 3CF ex 12RSU
6.6.43	Received 5CF ex 3CF temporarily until June 12^th for use by Base Section Two USA SOS Townsville
6.12.43	Crashed Croydon Qld. Missing on a flight from Garbutt to Inverleigh transporting radar equipment. Departed Garbutt at 0627 Local, pilot and 1 crew. 5CU.
14.12.43	Request write off
20.12.43	Approved for write off

A34-26 c/n 2015

.42	Built Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd to RAAF order
3.12.42	Brought on RAAF charge as A34-26. Received 2AP Banks town ex DH
8.12.42	Completed at 2AD
16.12.42	Received 36 Sqn ex 2AP.
.43	Issued to 34 Sqn ex 36 Sqn. (Not recorded on Status Card)
.43	Directorate of Air Transport, Allied Air Forces allocated radio callsign VHCSG, which was painted on the aircraft.
15.2.43	Crashed after takeoff Oodnadatta, extensive damage, 34 Sqn. Pilot and 1 crew unhurt.
1.4.43	Issued Guinea Airways ex 34 Sqn
14.12.43	Received 6CU ex Guinea Airways
30.12.43	Departed Batchelor at first light for Cape Wessel carrying 900 lbs of cargo, fresh foods, canteen supplies and mail, flown by 6CU CO Sqn Ldr Fenton. Navy charts used to time arrival at low tide to expose as much beach as possible to use as landing strip. On arrival Fenton found the beach covered by high tide, so landed at a rough landing area previously deemed unsuitable by 6CU due narrow soft surface. After the cargo was off-loaded by military personnel, he departed for Milingimbi to refuel, but with fuel getting low made a precautionary landing on a beach at Howard Island. Nosed over when wheels sank in soft patch. Over the next 4 hours, Fenton pulled the tail down using ropes from emergency parachute, cleared sand for a taxy path. He was assisted by native boys to push aircraft from soft sand. Took off for Elcho Island Mission where stayed the night. Next morning Fenton added minimum required fuel from mission which only had motor spirit, enough to get him to Milingimbi RAAF strip to refuel with aviation fuel. Returned to Batchelor.
14.1.44	Landed on beach Maret Island, 100 mile west of Drysdale Mission, in Indian Ocean. Pilot found sand too soft to takeoff
15.1.44	6CU Walrus X9515 departed Batchelor at first light for Drysdale to rescue crew of A34-26. Pilots Flg Officer Lobwein and LAC Murgatroyd with two airframe fitters. Landed in sea on leeward side of the island and Walrus crew transferred to the beach by natives in canoes. Dragon instrument panel removed, magnetos and other parts. Dragon tied down by ropes and natives paid in trinkets to guard the Dragon until a salvage party arrived. With the extra weight of the Dragon crew on board, the Walrus had difficult water takeoff over a mile, then returned to Drysdale for the night.
19.1.44	6CU CO Sqn Ldr Clyde Fenton accompanied by 6CU Engineering Officer Flg Officer Moorfield and a fitter, departed Darwin for Maret Island on board 41 Squadron Dornier Do 24 flying board A49-5 flown by Flg Officer Wright. Passing Drysdale Mission WA, the Dornier was picked up by a RAAF radar station and Spitfires scrambled despite continuous radio communications. Spitfires failed to intercept. Dornier landed in sea at Maret Island after 4 hour flight, anchored 300 yards off shore. Natives were afraid and hid in bush until Fenton shouted the name of their tribal chief, then they paddled one small dugout canoe to get the Dornier crew ashore, then heavy rolls of cyclone fencing wire, one roll at a time. 14 return trips by the canoe.
20.1.44	The recovery team camped on the beach overnight, sheltering inside the Dragon during a violent storm at midnight. A34-26 had its instrument panel and removed parts refitted and fencing wire laid for wheels over soft sand, but they still sank. Petrol drained for just 1 hour flight to Drysdale, tyres deflated which improved their traction in the sand. Fenton took off but Dragon was extremely nose-heavy due lack of load, beyond limits of trim. Full back-pressure needed on control column. Fenton lashed the control column back to the pilot's seat using ropes from a mosquito net and completed the flight to Drysdale in relative comfort. At Drysdale the tyres were inflated fully, fuel and ballast loaded and aircraft returned to Batchelor
13.4.44	Flown by 6CU CO Sqn Ldr Clyde Fenton from Batchelor to Melville Island to retrieve 6CU Anson MG520 which had made a forced landing on a clearing near a beach 3 days earlier. The Dragon carried 6CU Engineering Officer Moorfield and a fitter, and Fenton landed on a nearby beach at low tide. Dragon flown to Gove by Flt Lt Mitchell. Anson given temporary repairs, fuel added, pushed to edge of the beach. At low tide, engines started, one propeller tip bent but vibration not excessive. Flaps damaged but considered safe for flight. Taxied on to beach with help of steel matting, and successfully took off to Gove. Remainder of the party to Gove by launch.
22.10.44	Area Engineer Officer states that extensive repairs necessary to make aircraft serviceable. Airframe beyond economical repair . Conversion recommended.
22.10.44	Allotted 8CRD ex 6CU for conversion. Converted to components

A34-27 c/n 2016

.42	Built Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd to RAAF order
30.11.42	Brought on RAAF charge as A34-27. Received 2AD Richmond ex DH
3.12.42	Completed at 2AD
16.12.42	Received 6CF ex 2AD
1.6.43	Received 14ARD ex 6CF for 240 hourly
23.6.43	Received 6CF ex 14ARD
15.9.43	Received 7RSU ex 6CF for 240 hourly
25.9.43	Request allot to Depot or Contractor for inspection and overhaul
3.1.44	Received De Havillands Mascot ex 7RSU for complete overhaul
7.4.44	Received 2AP Bankstown ex DH
12.4.44	Received 6CU ex 2AP
9.11.44	Allotted 5AD Storage ex 6CU
2.12.44	Crashed on takeoff Darwin. Wheel seized on takeoff from Darwin Civil Drome, causing groundloop on takeoff, aircraft swung violently. Pilot Warrent Officer F. C. Debenham of 6CU and 1 crew member unhurt. Extensive damage.
6.12.44	Issued 8CRD ex 6CU for survey report
19.3.44	Approved for conversion.

A34-28 c/n 2017 VH-AGI

	Built Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd to RAAF order
7.11.42	First flight Mascot
2.12.42	Brought on RAAF charge as A34-28. Received 2AP Bankstown ex DH
16.12.42	Received 5CF ex 2AP
29.12.42	Received 12RSU Charters Towers ex 5CF
8.1.43	Undercarriage damaged at Charters Towers during landing
1.2.43	Received 5CF ex 12RSU
6.4.43	Forced landing Cooktown Qld with no damage, due port propeller lost in flight. 5CF.
10.9.43	Taxying accident at Horne Island, upper & lower mainplanes extensively damaged
13.9.43	Received 1RSU Horne Island ex 5CF
1.12.43	Received 5CF ex 1RSU
6.3.44	Received De Havillands ex 5CF for complete overhaul
14.9.44	Received 2AP Bankstown ex DH
18.9.44	Received 5AD Storage Cootamundra ex 2AP
19.9.45	Survey report submitted to CDC. Aircraft for disposal.
24.9.45	Sold for £750 to Reverend T. Jones, The Bush Church Aid Society of Australia & Tasmania
4.10.45	Issued to Rev. T. Jones ex 5AD Storage Cootamundra

	Macarthur Job, pilot for Bush Church Aid Society, Ceduna later wrote: “A34-28 was personally selected for BCAS by De Havilland Australia’s Murray Jones and civilianised as VH-AGI”
9.10.45	DCA allocated registration VH-AGI to Bush Church Aid Society for Dragon ex A34-28.
11.10.45	Registration application: Bush Church Aid Society for Australia and Tasmania c/- Rev T. E. Jones, Sydney NSW. Application signed by Mr. A. E. Chadwick, Chief Pilot. To be based Ceduna SA
15.3.46	Registered VH-AGI
15.3.46	CofA issued Mascot. 6 passenger seats. Civil overhaul by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd
18.3.46	Departed Mascot on delivery fight to Ceduna SA, pilot R. A. Gray, a Mosquito test pilot with De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd, with several passengers. Mascot-Wagga-Seymour
19.3.46	Seymour-Essendon
20.3.46	Essendon-Nhill-Parafield
21.3.46	Parafield-Whyalla-Ceduna, flying time for delivery 16 hours
22.3.46	R. A. Gray gave Allan Chadwick a conversion on the Dragon. Gray then flew the Fox Moth VH-AAA from Ceduna to Sydney, the Fox Moth having been traded by BCAS on the Dragon
46/58	Based Ceduna on ambulance and medical clinic work with BCAS, which operated hospitals at Ceduna and Tarcoola. Painted on the forward fuselage: "Church of England Bush Church Aid Society, George Street, Sydney Australia for Christ Aerial Medical Service"
28.3.47	CofA renewed Mascot
31.3.48	Ferried Ceduna-Parafield by A. E. Chadwick for CofA renewal at Parafield
22.6.48	CofA renewed Parafield
12.7.49	CofA renewed Parafield
21.7.50	CofA renewed Parafield
24.9.51	CofA renewed Parafield
3.11.52	CofA renewed Parafield
31.10.53	Flew stretcher patient Coober Pedy SA to Parafield, pilot Mac Job
	Repainted, retained allover silver with new titles "Bush Church Aid Society Flying Medical Service"
.57	VH-AGI replaced by Lockheed 12A VH-BHH purchased from Zinc Corp. MacArthur Job flew the Dragon to Parafield for resale
57	Parked at Parafield pending sale
31.5.58	Change of ownership: Surfers Paradise Air Taxis, Brisbane Qld. Used for charter and joyrides.
23.9.58	Change of ownership: Lombard (Australia) Ltd, Sydney NSW. Finance company
c58	photo at Camden NSW, all silver, "Sydney Parachute Club" titles, same unusual window design
15.9.59	Struck-off Register
24.10.59	noted Bankstown, new paint scheme.
.59	Readded Register: Eddie Burke Sales, Cooma NSW
59	Macarthur Job recalls: he was now living at Merimbula and flying an Auster for charter and aerial work: ”I heard about a Dragon that was sitting at Bankstown, and on going to have a look at it, was astonished to find it was my former Ceduna mount. Enquiries from Kingsford Smith Aviation Service elicited the fact that it now belonged to a Cooma motor dealer. The Snowy scheme was at full throttle at this time and he had made a lot of money selling heavy vehicles to contractors. He was neither a pilot or using the aircraft. Cooma is not far from Merimbula by air and when I went to see him he told me he’d “got the aeroplane in a deal” and was looking for some way of putting it to work. The upshot was that I picked the aircraft up from Kingsford Smith’s at Bankstown at the end of 1959, and for about the next 18 months operated it on charter, mainly out of Merimbula. The motor dealer’s mooted “joint venture” with me never materialised, the fellow soon loosing interest. But trading as South Eastern Air Transport, I carried on, using the Dragon on an informal leasing arrangement.”
27.2.60	Change of ownership: South Eastern Air Transport, Merimbula NSW
61	Mac Job recalls: “The venture was only moderately successful. But then a Sydney finance company contacted me – their former esteemed Cooma client had mysterious disappeared, leaving various debts and as they held a hire purchase agreement over his Dragon, they intended to repossess it. They commissioned me to ferry it to Bankstown where I handed it over to De Havillands. I wasn’t really sorry – it was costly to operate and maintain, business was slow, and I was only just making ends meet with its charter work.”
11.5.61	Ferried Merimbula - Bankstown by Mac Job, handed over to De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd for inspection for the finance company
22.8.61	Change of ownership: H. W. Baldwin & T. Beverley-Smith, Sydney NSW
1.10.61	Forced landing near Batemans Bay NSW, damaged beyond repair.
	Mac Job: “Some months later a chap name Baldwin and his business partner bought it, but not long afterwards they ran into extreme turbulence while flying down the coast in high westerly wind conditions. He was flying down to Merimbula with a load of passengers to pick up some radio gear for it from me. It was a clear hot day with a strong gusty westerly winds, and he got caught in savage rotor turbulence in the lee of the Great Dividing Range. The turbulence was severe enough to crack some of the plywood fuselage skinning, and he feared the aircraft was going to break up in flight. In some consternation they attempted an emergency landing on the Batemans Bay golf course. The undercarriage was damaged when they hit a bunker, and for weeks afterwards the aeroplane sat forlornly on the golf course fairway. Finally they came down from Sydney by road and took everything away everything that could possibly be removed from the basic fuselage and centre section. So that was the inglorious end of dear old AGI. My last sight of it was the gutted fuselage sitting in someone’s back yard in Batemans Bay in 1963 for small boys to play in. I think it was eventually burnt.”
1.62	Struck-off Register

Pilot Mac Job in the cockpit while VH-AGI has a propeller hand-swing start. Macarthur Job Collection/ Civil Aviation Historical Society

VH-AGI on a clinic run at Mulgathing SA. Note the unusual window design. Mac Job Collection via Civil Aviation Historical Society

Camden NSW circa 1958 on parachuting operations John Hopton Collection

VH-AGI’s final paint scheme. Bankstown 1960 John Hopton Collection

A34-29 c/n 2018

.42	Built Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd to RAAF order
6.12.42	Brought on RAAF charge as A34-29. Received 2AP Banks town ex DH
7.12.42	Allotted 33 Sqn ex 2AP. 2AP to arrange full camouflage
9.1.43	Received 33 Sqn ex 2AP
21.6.43	Received 15ARD ex 33Sqn for 240 hourly
27.6.43	Received 33 Sqn ex 15ARD
11.9.43	Damaged in landing Terapo Strip, New Guinea. Undercarriage radius rod failed on landing, allowing undercarriage to move forward tearing away from spar attachment. Caused aircraft to swing off runway into a drain. Extensive damage, beyond capacity of unit to repair. Pilot & 2 crew unhurt. 33Sqn.
21.9.43	Received 15ARD ex 33 Sqn
30.9.43	Recovered from Terapo. Repairable at 15ARD
12.1.45	Approved for conversion to components
21.1.45	Issued Salvage ex 15ARD

A34-30 c/n 2019 Puff VH-AON

.42	Built Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd to RAAF order
8.12.42	First flight Mascot
14.12.42	Brought on RAAF charge as A34-30. Received 2AP Banks town ex De Havilland Pty Ltd.
20.12.42	Received ANA Essendon ex 2AP
29.12.42	Received 1AD Laverton ex ANA Essendon
31.12.42	Received 2AAU ex 1AD
11.3.43	Crashed on landing Cairns, starboard undercarriage collapsed. Aircraft had taken off but failed to climb, pilot landed again and executed a groundloop to avoid marshy ground at end of strip. Pilot and 3 crew plus a passenger serviceman posted to Horn Island. 2AAU, Extensive damage.
25.3.43	Received 12RSU ex 2AAU for repair
11.7.43	Received “12RSU9” ex 12RSU Charters Towers
5.8.43	Received 2AAU ex 12RSU
16.11.44	Received 5AD Storage ex 2AAU
25.9.45	To be retained in service by RAAF, not to be inspected by prospective buyers
16.5.46	Approved for disposal
27.5.46	Sold through CDC for £50 to Queensland Ambulance Transport Brigade, Brisbane Qld
11.6.46	Status Card: Delivery taken by Captain Munro ex CMU Wagga

29.1.47	Registration application: Qantas Empire Airways Ltd, Sydney NSW. Based New Guinea
3.47	CofA inspection completed at Archerfield
26.3.47	Registered VH-AON
26.3.47	CofA issued at Archerfield
1.4.47	Arrived Lae on delivery flight
10.4.47	Undercarriage collapsed on landing Kianantu NG. Damage to nose, prop, port lower wing. Ran off the end of the runway after port engine failed during attempted missed approach in wet and windy conditions on a freight flight from Lae. Captain Frank S. Furness, no passengers. Crash photos show all silver with QEA flag on tail.
7.47	Repairs completed
10.4.48	CofA renewed Archerfield. Now fitted with 5 passenger seats,
22.3.49	Struck object in low visibility near Goroka. Port mainplane and aileron damaged.
24.6.49	CofA renewed Archerfield.
3.8.50	CofA renewed Archerfield.
30.7.51	Short-term CofA renewal at Lae to allow ferry to Brisbane. Delay due lack of available crew.
19.10.51	CofA renewed Eagle Farm
18.9.52	Change of ownership: Territory Airlines Ltd, Goroka, New Guinea c/- J. Gray
17.10.52	Short-term CofA renewal at Lae. Urgently needed due QEA Drovers being grounded.
17.11.52	DCA Register date for change of ownership to TAL.
9.12.52	Testflown after CofA renewed Lae by Ray Harris
6.56	Photo Kerowagi, all silver, dark coloured engine cowls. In service with TAL, Captain W. Johns
1.12.58	Departed Port Moresby at 3.06am on ferry flight to Archerfield, pilot Dick Cresswell.
6.12.58	Arrived Archerfield, handed over to Mr. Wilson who fitted a 44 gallon drum as extra fuel tank
59	Leased to an operator and based in Queensland
5/59	DCA Register: owner Territory Airlines Ltd, Goroka: base shown as Qld Region
12.59	Balus The Aeroplane in Papua New Guinea quotes 12.59 as the date Dick Cresswell flew AON to Australia. (Did AON return to New Guinea after Queensland lease?)
10.8.60	Change of ownership: H. J. & E. Z. Hughes, “Bundah”, Talwood Qld
1.61	Leased to Robert G. Carswell, Darwin NT. To replace his DH.89 VH-AAG which was carrying buffalo meat to Darwin for processing. VH-AAG was badly damaged by fire during engine start at Banyan strip NT and not repaired until 2.61.
23.1.61	Testflown Archerfield by Ossie Osgood, pilot for Carswell.
28.1.61	Departed Archerfield on ferry flight to Darwin by Osgood. Fuel stops at Roma, Charleville, Longreach, Winton, Mount Isa, Brunette Downs. Arrived Darwin 29.1.61
30.1.61	Darwin to Timber Creek via landings at 3 station properties
30.1.61	Timber Creek to Darwin, pilot Osgood
2.61	Osgood log: flew VH-AON on buffalo meat runs on February 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 27, 28.
31.3.61	Osgood log: flew VH-AON two trips Darwin-Wolner-Banyan-Darwin
4.61	Osgood log: flew VH-AON on buffalo meat runs on April 1, 3, 4, 5, 7. For rest of that month Osgood flew DH.89 VH-AAG.
4.61	Appears to be end of lease of VH-AON by Carswell. His Rapide AAG & Lockheed 12A are used on the buffalo meat contract from Darwin.
5.63	noted Moorabbin, named “Puff”
1.6.63	Change of ownership: Aircraft Engine Overhauls & Service, Moorabbin Airport Vic. Operated by associate company Air Surveys Australia, Moorabbin Manager of both companies was Harry J. Wallace, part-owner of Flinders Island Airlines
60s	Air Surveys Australia used AON on a photographic survey of the standard gauge railway line between Melbourne and Albury
15.2.64	noted at Moorabbin now with Puff The Magic Dragon artwork painted on the nose Puff
18.7.64	noted at Moorabbin, outside on grass, engine runs, name "Puff" and dragon nose art, titles "Air Surveys Australia" on fuselage sides
6.12.70	flew at Moorabbin airshow, name “Puff” with dragon nose art
2.72	noted Moorabbin, in FIA hangar, airworthy
12.8.72	Struck-off Register as WFS
.72	Purchased by Joe G. Drage, Wodonga Vic. Based on his farm at Wodonga while he added to a collection of vintage aircraft
24.12.72	Delivered to Drage's farm strip at Wodonga on ferry permit from Moorabbin
21.2.75	Flown Wodonga-Berwick by Mac Job to attend the AHSA 50^th Anniversary of the DH.60 airshow. All silver, Puff and Dragon artwork on nose. AON flew displays at airshow, along with DH.89 Rapides VH-IAN & BGP.
6.11.76	flew at Wodonga Vic fly-in, pilot Mac Job
21.1.77	Restored to Register VH-AON: Joe G. Drage, Wodonga Vic
24.6.81	Struck-off Register as WFS
27.1.85	Flown from Wodonga to Wangaratta with other vintage aircraft from the Drage Historic Aircraft Museum. Displayed in new Drage Airworld collection hangar at Wangaratta Airport. Airworld was supported by the City of Wangaratta, who later took over the operation
1.6.85	noted displayed at Airworld Museum, Wangaratta Vic
17.8.87	Restored to Register: City of Wangaratta, Wangaratta Vic
1.02	Airworld closed in late January due falling visitor numbers and costs
8.2.02	VH-AON noted at Airworld, complete, awaiting disposal
9.03	Advertised for sale as part of Wangaratta Airworld collection: asking $150K
12.1.04	Change of ownership: Harvey D. McBain, Nelson Vic
	Vintage aircraft enthusiast Harvey McBain has owned and flown a number of prized antique aircraft, inheriting the passion from his father Don. Harvey is a licenced aircraft mechnaical engineeer who operates his aircraft maintenance business from the private airstrip at Nelson Vic.
	VH-AON given a detailed airframe inspection at Wangaratta. Port mainplanes and elevators taken to Nelson for repair
18.3.04	Test flown Wangaratta after reassembly, pilot Rob St John (previous owner of Dragon VH-AQU)
19.3.04	Ferried Wangaratta-Robe SA by Rob St John.
20.4.04	Ferried Robe to Nelson Vic by Rob St John.
	Complete restoration commemced at Nelson Vic by Harvey and Don with a team of supporters
10.19	Test flown Nelson after 15 year rebuild, pilot Don McBain
12-13.10.19	Public debut at Clare SA at Antique Aeroplane Association fly-in
20.10.19	Flown by Harvey in a vintage aircraft formation over Vickers Vimy G-EAOU in its display building at Adelaide Airport, to commemerate 100 years since Ross and Keith Smith flew the Vimy from England to Australia. The formation also overflew the Adelaide grave sites of the Smith brothers and crew member Wally Sheirs
2.11.19	Visited airshow at Nhill Vic
9-10.11.19	Flew in airshow at RAAF Edinburgh SA, marked with original RAAF serial "A34-30" and QEA flag on rudder
24.11.19	Attended Mount Gambier Aero Club function
	Current

In New Guinea with Qantas Empire Airways. Len McNeil Collection via Greg Weir

Melbourne-Moorabbin during the 1960s while with Air Surveys Australia. Civil Aviation Historical Society

Mac Job flying VH-AON from Joe Drage's Wodonga farm airstrip to an airshow at Berwick Vic in February 1975.

Macarthur Job Collection, via Civil Aviation Historical Society

At Drage’s Historic Aircraft Museum farm airstrip at Wodonga Vic 1977. Photo by John Hopton

Following restoration, Harvey McBain flies VH-AON over Adelaide Airport in a vintage aircraft formation, 20 October 2019.

Photo by Steve Nelson

VH-AON visiting an airshow at RAAF Edinburgh SA in November 2019, wearing RAAF serial A34-30 and QEA flag on rudder.

Photo by Nigel Daw

A34-31 c/n 2020 "VHCSH", VH-ASL, VH-SJW

8.12.42	Built Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd to RAAF order
10.12.42	First flight Mascot
14.12.42	Taken on RAAF charge as A34-31. Received 2AP Bankstown ex DH
16.12.42	Received 36 Sqn ex 2AP.
24.12.42	Crash landing at Tennant Creek. Extensive damage.
5.1.43	Received 1RSU ex 36 Sqn
1.2.43	Received 34 Sqn ex 1RSU
.43	Directorate of Air Transport, Allied Air Forces allocated radio callsign VHCSH, which was painted on the aircraft
26.2.43	Forced landing 1 mile from Oodnadatta due engine failure at 400 feet, struck a ditch and undercarriage destroyed. 34 Sqn.
7.6.43	Now serviceable
22.6.43	Received 6CF ex 34Sqn. Renamed 6CU 15.11.43
8.10.43	Forced landing due oil leak from engine. Further info when aircraft returns to base.
18.11.43	6CU Operations Record Book: Flown Batchelor to North Goulburn Island by 6CU CO Sqn Ldr Clyde Fenton, carrying 2 personnel, fresh meat, vegetables, butter, goods and mail forNo.309 Radar Station. Landed in small clearing in tall timber close to unit in order to get fresh food transferred with minimum delay. Fenton wrote in ORB "Pilot, faced with take-off felt like a rat in a trap. Great jubilation among troops at arrival of fresh food supplies, first in history of station. Passengers left behind plus all remaining cargo - even cross-country kit stripped to lighten aircraft. No wind, air hot and thin. Taxied to end, tail pulled back into timber to obtain every available yard of run, brakes kept on, engines revved up. Brakes released, tail rose into flying position in first few yards. Machine airborne after 300 yards but had to climb 50 foot trees, Cleared them with few inches to spare in semi-stalled condition. Pilot's morale complete stalled." The passengers off-loaded the cargo then walked to an airstrip clearing 2 miles away. Fenton flew to South Island to pick up beer supplies left there previously when the unit's launch broke down, loaded on the Dragon by native carriers. Engine failed during run-up prior to takeoff, repaired by Fenton assisted by a missionary using blacksmith tools. Flew back to North Goulburn Island to collect the men and cargo. "Another hair-raising takeoff. Thirty degree climbing turn to avoid tall trees. Lower wing tip only just made it - Moorfield says because the tree ducked. However all in a good cause. Troops received first consignment of fresh foods since station established, also a great swag of beer to wash it down." Fenton then flew to South Island to drop two personnel, departed close to dark for Batchelor.
13.7.44	Received De Havillands ex 6CU
11.4.45	Received 2AD Richmond ex DH
18.4.45	Received 5AD Storage ex 2AD
24.9.45	Received 6CU ex 5AD Storage
5.3.46	Received RAAF Station Darwin ex 6CU
16.5.46	To be offered by Air Board to CDC for disposal
17.5.46	Sold through CDC for £50 to Department of Health, Canberra. Purchased by Commonwealth Department of Health for use by the proposed Northern Territory Medical Service, Darwin. NTMS Chief Pilot Jack Slade selected A34-13 & A34-31 because he had flown them with 6CU and both had low hours after major overhauls. A damaged airframe A34-23 located at Darwin was also purchased for parts.
5.6.46	Status Card: Issued to purchaser A34-31 was located in Darwin at the time of disposal, but had low hours since major overhaul.

11.7.46	DCA allocated registrations VH-ASK & -ASL to A34-13 & A34-31 respectively
14.8.46	Departed Darwin on ferry to Sydney flown by NTAMS chief pilot Jack Slade for CofA conversion and configuration as air ambulance by DH Aircraft Pty Ltd
	Jack Slade later recalled "The two serviceable aircraft cost £50 each and A34-23 was £25. De Havillands gave us the stretcher and folding chairs, and the total cost including two Christophersen propellors was around £220. The props cost £50 each and I had a job persuading the Health Department to be so extravagant."
23.10.46	Registration application: Director-General of Health, Canberra ACT. Signed by J.W.Connell (De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd) and Jack Slade (Dept of Health). Identity quoted as "20"
22.11.46	CofA issued Mascot after overhaul by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd. Pilot and 5 passenger seats.
22.11.46	Registered VH-ASL Department of Health, Canberra. Operated as Northern Territory Medical Service, Darwin
4.12.46	First NTMS medical flight: Darwin to Roper Bar to collect the policeman's 2 year old son who had contracted highly contagious diphtheria. The last two hours of the return flight to Darwin were after dark. Captain Jack Slade
5.12.46	Second NTMS medical flight: Darwin to Groote Eylandt for a child who had almost drowned. Return trip flying time 13.5 hours. Captain Jack Slade
8.12.46	Darwin-Roper Bar with Sister Matthews who took cultures from those who had been in contact with the policeman's son. An 8 year old girl exhibited symptoms of diptheria and was evacuated to Darwin but proved to be a false alarm.
12.46	Three more medical flights before Christmas.
26.12.46	Departed Darwin for "Jindare" Station out of Pine Creek NT to evacuate a critically ill 3 month old child. The property had no airstrip nor radio or telephone contact and was cut off from Pine Creek by flooding rivers. Captain Jack Slade's report: "There is no airstrip at this station, but in view of the urgency of the call and lack of alternative transport, an attempt was made to land in a small clearing. A sudden lull in the wind caused the aircraft to overshoot into light timber and considerable damage was done to the airframe." Jack Slade and Sister Hill were not injured but the patient died an hour after their arrival. Slade and Hill were retrieved the following day by a truck when river flood levels dropped.
1.47	Wreck of VH-ASL was trucked out to Darwin. Shipped to Sydney for repair
4.7.47	CofA renewed Mascot after repair by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd
16.4.48	Landed on beach at Gunn Point when roads to Darwin were impassable
7.48	Flown to Brisbane for CofA renewal by QEA. 177 hours logged since last renewal.
11.10.48	CofA renewed Archerfield
23.12.48	Flown Darwin-Katherine-Pine Creek-Darwin by Clyde Fenton, who had not formally renewed his civil pilot licence following RAAF service in WW2. Prosecuted by DCA, fined £50: reduced to £2 on subsequent appeal, when the fine was paid by a member of the public in the court.
22.12.49	CofA renewed Archerfield
7.5.50	Major damage at Brunette Downs Station
1.51	Under accident rebuild in Brisbane by QEA, due to be completed in two weeks
20.2.51	CofA renewed at Eagle Farm
7.51	ASL short deployments to Alice Springs on 6 weekly basis by NTMS, pilot/engineer Harry Moss. Based on the military 7 mile strip, rather than Connellan’s Townsite drome
2.52	Ferried from Alice Springs to Brisbane by NTMS pilot Harry Moss for CofA renewal. TAA took over operation and crewing of the NTMS aircraft effective March 1952, so the overhaul was carried out by TAA at Eagle Farm
2.5.52	CofA renewed at Eagle Farm.
1.5.53	CofA renewed at Eagle Farm
27.7.55	Retired by NTMS, replaced by the third NTMS Drover VH-AZS
29.3.56	Change of ownership: Australian Aircraft Sales, 40 Darlinghurst Road, Kings Cross, Sydney NSW
29.8.56	Change of ownership: Lionel A. Wall, Townsville Qld
19.11.56	Reregistered VH-SJW Lionel A. Wall, Townsville Qld
21.4.57	Struck fence post while taxying, Tolworth Station Qld. DCA Accident report: Whilst taxying back to takeoff position the aircraft collided with a fence post. Carelessness on the part of the pilot in taxying too close to obstructions. Charter flight, no injuries. See photo taken by Ivan Unwin, LAME who carried out the repairs
16.8.57	Crashed Mount Douglas Qld. Crashed and burned 13 miles North East of Bullawallah Qld near Charters Towers. Pilot killed. DCA accident report: "The aircraft crashed in timbered country soon after takeoff. Cause could not be determined".
20.2.58	Struck-off Register

VH-ASL with NT Aerial Medical Service at Brisbanre-Eagle Farm Airport during one of its annual visits from Darwin for CofA renewal by Qantas and later TAA

Photo by Henry R. Pryor

VH-ASL on a medical evacuation flight at Bamboo Creek Station NT. Civil Aviation Historical Society

VH-ASL pictured on a visit to a NT mission circa 1950 Dr. A. H. Humphry

VH-SJW onTolworth Station, Queensland in April 1957 under repair after striking a fence. Photo by Ivan Unwin

A34-32 c/n 2021

.42	Built Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd to RAAF order
14.12.42	Taken on RAAF charge as A34-32. Received 2AP Banks town ex DH
24.12.42	Received 33 Sqn ex 2AP
12.7.43	Pilot of crashed 33 Sqn Dragon A34-43 at Terapo Strip NG flown to Berry Strip in Dragon A34-32
22.7.43	Minor damage to undercarriage when swung off runway during takeoff. No location quoted. Pilot & 2 crew unhurt. 33 Sqn.
28.10.43	Received 1RCS ex 33Sqn
4.11.43	Received 9CU ex 1RCS
17.1.44	Crashed during landing Bulldog Strip. Swung on landing, ran off runway, undercarriage collapsed and aircraft came to rest nose down. Extensive damage. 9CU.
20.1.44	Issued 15ARD ex 9CU
14.2.44	Approved for conversion to components

A34-33 c/n 2022 John Flynn "VHCRM", VH-ALL

1.12.42	Built Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd to RAAF order
14.12.42	First flight Mascot
16.12.42	Brought on RAAF charge as A34-33. Received 2AP Bankstown ex DH. Completed for delivery at 2AP
20.12.42	Received 1AD Laverton ex 2AP
20.12.42	Issued Parachute Training Unit ex 2AP (flown by 36 Sqn crews).
28.12.42	Serviceable at PTU
1.1.43	Allotted 7AD ex PTU for modification
1.1.43	Allotted PTU ex 7AD on completion
.43	Directorate of Air Transport, Allied Air Forces allocated radio callsign VHCRM, which was painted on the aircraft
6.4.44	Received 4CU ex PTU
29.8.44	Received 5AD Storage ex 4CU
25.9.45	Aircraft frozen until disposed of
29.9.45	Survey report submitted to CDC. Aircraft for disposal
22.2.46	Sold for £50 to Mr. K. Virtue, 5 Green St, Yerongpilly Qld
9.4.46	Issued to Mr. K. Virtue

21.11.46	Registration application: Keith A. Virtue, Brisbane Qld Application submitted by Aircrafts Pty Ltd, Archerfield. C/n quoted as “DG22” changed to 2022 & A34-33.
22.5.47	Weighed at Archerfield
23.5.47	CofA issued Archerfield, fitted with 8 passenger seats
23.5.47	Registered VH-ALL
23.5.47	CofA issued, fitted for 7 pax
1.7.47	Weighed again Archerfield
18.7.47	Change of ownership: Zinc Corp Ltd, Sydney NSW signed by Chief pilot W. W. Baker. Based Broken Hill NSW
15.8.47	Weighed again at Mascot, due errors in previous weighings
1.9.47	Damaged Palentine Mission Station, 150 miles south of Halls Creek WA. Repaired by MMA engineers from Broome
30.9.47	Ferried to Broome from Palentine after repair, then will proceed to Broken Hill
24.8.48	CofA renewed at Parafield by Robbys Aircraft
9.48	Change of owner name: Silver City Airways (Australia) Pty Ltd, Broken Hill NSW
3.9.49	CofA expired at Broken Hill. SCAW advise DCA that CofA will not be renewed as the aircraft is for sale. “Will be stored in Silver City Airways hangar at Broken Hill until it is sold.”
22.4.50	Change of ownership: Trans Australia Airlines, Brisbane Qld. Named John Flynn
22.4.50	Departed Broken Hill at 3.30pm on delivery to Brisbane, flown by Captain J. Chapman, TAA Operations Manager
23.4.50	Arrived Eagle Farm at 6.10pm.
5.5.50	TAA official acquisition date
6.5.50	Weighed at Eagle Farm after CofA renewal inspection
8.5.50	CofA renewed Brisbane, total airframe time 1282 hrs
50/51	Operated by TAA on charter to Flying Doctor Service of Australia (Queensland Section) Inc
6.2.51	Crashed Moothandilla Station Qld on takeoff, on FDS charter. TAA Captain Fred Straney unhurt. Had carried flying doctor Dr. Alan Vickers to Windorah for an urgent case. While doctor was attending to his patient, Straney commenced a shuttle between Windorah and Moothandilla Station carrying fruit and vegetables because Windorah had been cut off by flood waters for 6 weeks. After several trips, both engines failed on takeoff Moothandilla and aircraft crashed into trees at the end of the runway. Cause probably due vapour lock (temperature 108F)
27.3.51	Struck-off Register

VH-ALL at Eagle Farm Airport, Brisbane 1950 named John Flynn. Geoff Goodall collection

A34-34 c/n 2023 VH-AMB

12.42	Built Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd to RAAF order
15.12.42	First flight Mascot
17.12.42	Brought on RAAF charge as A34-34. Allotted ANA Essendon ex 2AP Bankstown
20.12.42	Received ANA Essendon
29.12.42	Received 1AD Laverton ex ANA Eseendon
1.1.43	Received 2AAU ex 1AD
4.10.43	Request allotment for compolete overhaul. This aircraft subjected to tropical conditions over last 7 months and in bad state of deterioration. Request 240 hourly.
18.10.43	Received De Havillands Mascot ex 2AAU for complete overhaul
5.1.44	Received 2AP Bankstown ex DH
7.1.44	Received 2AAU ex 2AP
25.1.44	Allotted APL ex 2AAU for inspection and repair
26.1.44	Allotment to APL deferred pending further discussion
3.2.44	Allotment to APL cancelled. Allotted to DH Mascot ex 2AAU for inspection and necessary repair
5.2.44	Issued to DH Mascot
9.3.44	Anticipate serviceable 21 March. No other aircraft available. This aircraft to be ferried to Goodenough Island immediately
4.4.44	Received 2AP ex DH
6.4.44	Received 2AAU ex 2AP
16.11.44	Received 5AD Storage ex 2AAU
8.1.45	Survey report: TT623 hours. Intended for first CDC disposals list 20.2.45. Held at 5AD Storage Section, Cootamundra
19.9.45	Survey report submitted to CDC. Aircraft for disposal.
25.8.45	Aircraft frozen until disposed of
4.10.45	Sold for £670 to Queensland Ambulance Transport Brigade, Brisbane
10.10.45	Letter to DCA from Australian National Airways advising that they have inspected A34-34 for the Ambulance and propose sending it to De Havilland Aircraft at Mascot to carry out the CofA overhaul
17.10.45	Status Card: Issued to Ambulance Transport Brigade ex 5AD

1.11.45	QATB Cairns request reg allocation for A34-34, prefer VH-AMB, -ATC or ASC.
27.11.45	Weighed Mascot for CofA issue.
28.11.45	Registered VH-AMB Queensland Ambulance Transport Brigade (Cairns Centre), Cairns Qld
28.11.45	CofA issued. Fitted as ambulance, to carry up to 2 stretchers
25.9.46	Accident at Georgetown Qld. Damage repaired and CofA suspension removed 11.10.46.
c13.3.47	ANA DH.89 Rapide VH-UVT made forced landing on Oak Beach, 23 miles north of Cairns Qld, tipped on nose in sand. QATB Dragon VH-AMB was despatched from Cairns and found UVT on the beach still on its nose. The Rapide was pushed into trees alongside the beach where fuel system was removed and returned to Cairns for inspection. A week later UVT was flown off the beach to Cairns.
5.12.47	CofA renewed Townsville
24.12.48	CofA renewed Cairns
23.2.49	Crashed into tree on takeoff Palmerville Qld. Written off, no injuries
7.4.49	Struck-off Register. Owner advises the aircraft will not be rebuilt.

VH-AMB wat Cairns Qld 1949 with QATB red cross. Note the unusual window design. Ben Dannecker collection

A34-35 c/n 2024 VH-AFK

	Built Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd to RAAF order
17.12.42	Brought on RAAF charge as A34-35. Received 2AP Bankstown ex DH
20.12.42	Issued 1CF ex 2AP
18.1.43	Serviceable at 1CF
5.7.43	Issued 1AD ex 1CF for issue to 6CF
2.8.43	Received 6CF ex 1AD
15.12.43	Partial collapse of port undercarriage at Port Keats, wings & engines damaged
4.8.44	Received De Havillands ex 6CU for inspection and report
11.5.45	Received 2AD Richmond ex DH
14.5.45	Received 5AD Storage ex 2AD
19.9.45	Survey report submitted to CDC. Aircraft for disposal
25.9.45	Aircraft frozen until disposed of
8.10.45	Sold for £750 to Bridgewater Amplivox Sound System, Sydney
22.11.45	Issued to purchaser

5.12.45	Registration application: Shark Patrol Service Co, Sydney NSW, signed E. E. McIllree
18.12.45	Testflown Mascot
12.2.46	Letter to DCA from De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd, Sydney: VH-AFK has been testflown with amplifier equipment with 3 speakers in a special box beneath the fuselage, plus a fourth speaker in rear of fuselage for Shark Patrol Service Co. Aircraft handled normally except that stalling speed with both power on and power off was 3 to 4 knots higher than normal. “In conclusion, the general flying characteristics of the aircraft have not been greatly interfered with by the fitting of this speaker box.”
7.2.46	Registered VH-AFK
7.2.46	CofA issued, 3 passenger seats. Fitted jettisonable loud speakers.
7.46	Reweighed for CofA 6 passenger seats and wireless equipment removed (speakers?)
2.8.46	Mandatory mods to fuel pumps by Airflight Pty Ltd, Mascot
4.2.47	Change of ownership: New England Aerial Ambulance and Freight Service, Sydney NSW Signed W. R. Spalding, who advises DCA he was part-owner of AFK with SPS and is a major shareholder in new England Airways.
4.6.47	Weighed Bankstown after CofA renewal overhaul. Cof A renewed 6.6.47
6.47	Change of ownership: Taylors Air Transport Ltd. Lae PNG c/- M. A. Taylor Civil Register ownership change date 10.6.47
8.6.47	VH-AFK & AHY departed Sydney on delivery flight to Lae for Joe Taylor to commence his charter business. Pilot Ralph Elphinstone remembers: "There we were in the two Dragons. Joe Taylor and myself in one, Ross Kerrick in the other, two mechanics, and a traffic clerk, all our spares, suitcases, everything to run an airline. Just arrived up in Lae unannounced one day and started flying the next."
27.7.48	CofA renewed Archerfield
6.9.48	Crashed Bena Bena NG during forced landing 10 miles south of Bena Bena due port engine failure. Aircraft completely wrecked, no injury. Milton "Joe" Taylor recalls: "Then VH-AFK was wrecked in a forced landing 10 miles south of Bena Bena. Pilot Johnny Keene lost an engine and, instead of carrying on, decided to land in the long kunai grass. We pulled the wreckage to pieces and brought it back to Lae in a DC-3 but the aircraft was not rebuilt."
4.5.51	Memo from DCA Port Moresby: Taylors Air Transport no longer in existence. Assets of the company were taken over by Guinea Air Traders Ltd who also have since liquidated. “The assets included the remains of VH-AFK and is now in no condition to be overhauled for further service.”
15.5.51	Struck-off Register

A34-35 with No.6 Comm Unit in Arhemland NT during 1943.

Lismore NSW 1947, in passenger service with New England Airways. Roger McDonald collection

A34-36 c/n 2025

.42	Built Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd to RAAF order
22.12.42	Brought on RAAF charge as A34-36. Received 2AP Bankstown ex DH
24.12.42	Allotted 1RCS ex 2AP
31.3.43	Swung off strip landing Goodenough Island and struck rocks. Port undercarriage collapsed and damage to fuselage. Pilot & 4 crew unhurt. 1RCS Gurney detachment
2.4.43	Received 10RSU ex 1RCS
21.4.43	1RCS Engineering Officer proceeding to Gurney to inspect aircraft. On receipt of spares 1RCS working party to proceed to Gurney to repair aircraft
7.7.43	Aircraft being shipped per Wanaka in anticipation of allotment for overhaul and repair
24.9.43	Received De Havillands Sydney ex 10RSU for complete overhaul
8.3.44	Received 2AP Banks town ex DH
12.3.44	Issued 5CU ex 2AP
13.5.44	Forced landing in swamp near Higgins Strip Qld. Port engine failed airborne on takeoff, pilot made forced landing in swampy ground adjacent to the strip. Wheels sank and aircraft overturned. 5CU. Pilot and 3 crew minor injuries. Extensive damage
16.5.44	Received 1RSU ex 5CU
12.6.44	Approved for write off
15.6.44	Issued 13ARD for conversion
17.7.44	Allotted 6CRD ex 13ARD for conversion to components

A34-37 c/n 2026 "VHCRN"

.42	Built Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd to RAAF order
26.12.42	Brought on RAAF charge as A34-37. Received 2AP Bankstown ex DH
27.12.42	Issued Parachute Training Unit ex 2AP
26.1.43	Received 7AD ex PTU for modification for parachute training
29.5.43	Received Paratroop Training Unit ex 7AD (flown by 36 Sqn crews) .
.43	Directorate of Air Transport, Allied Air Forces allocated radio callsign VHCRN, which was painted on the aircraft
14.10.43	Crashed Line Burner Creek NSW. In Forestry Reserve 4 miles N Line Burner Creek in the Port Stephens area. Aircraft last seen flying low then spun and dived into timber. Survey flight to select sites for training exercises for paratroop battalion. PTU. Pilot Ian Hollingdale and 2 crew killed, 2 crew seriously injured.
18.10.43	Allotted De Havillands ex PTU for repair
30.10.43	Airframe recommended for conversion
12.11.43	Received 2AD ex PTU for conversion to components

A34-38 c/n 2027 VH-BAF

.42	Built Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd to RAAF order
27.12.42	Received 2AP Bankstown ex DH
28.12.43	Completed at 2AP ready for delivery
6.1.43	Received 34 Sqn ex 2AP
11.1.43	Damaged on landing Tennant Creek to tailwheel and rear fuselage. 34 Sqn. No location quoted.
22.1.43	Received 1RSU ex 34 Sqn for salvage and repair
28.3.43	Received 34 Sqn ex 1RSU.
.43	Directorate of Air Transport, Allied Air Forces allocated radio callsign VHCSJ, which was painted on the aircraft
21.4.43	Issued to Ansetts Essendon ex 34 Sqn
30.4.43	Received 34 Sqn ex Ansetts
14.6.43	Received 3CF ex 34 Sqn to replace A34-19
23.8.43	Issued RIMU ex 3CF temporarily for special duty until 13.9.43
24.9.43	Allotment to RIMU extended to 4.11.43 for use at 53OBU
22.11.43	Returned to 3CF ex RIMU
20.7.44	Received 14ARD RP ex 3CU
26.7.44	Received 14ARD ex 14ARD RP for 80 hourly
31.7.44	Received 14ARD RP ex 14ARD
8.8.44	Approved removal of wireless and navigator equipment
26.8.44	Received 6CU ex 14ARD RP
28.1.45	Received 5AD Storage Cootamundra ex 6CU
19.9.45	Survey report submitted to CDC. Aircraft for disposal.
25.9.45	Aircraft frozen until disposed of
7.11.45	Sold by CDC to Messrs R. J. Knight & A. J. McCarthy, Brisbane.
24.3.46	Letter to DCA from R. Howard of KMH Air Service, Mackay: their firm has purchased Dragon A34-38 from RAAF Cootamundra and it has been ferried to Mackay.
9.4.46	RAAF Status Card: Issued to R. J. Knight & A. J. McCarthy

6.12.46	Registration application: KMH Air Service, Mackay Qld. Knight and McCarthy were members of the partnership of KMH Air Service.
	No CofA issued
	Sold to QEA
28.5.47	Registration application: Qantas Empire Airways, Lae, New Guinea. To be a freighter in PNG
28.5.47	Registered VH-BAF
14.7.47	Crashed near Zenag NG. Forced landing in trees in rugged terrain near the head of the Wampit River. QEA Captain Ross K. Crabbe was en route Lae to Wau with cases of supplies and two Australian passengers. Became trapped in a narrowing valley with low cloud base, deliberately put the aircraft into the spreading top branches of a tree. Crabb was hurled out of the cockpit through the nose and down to a ravine 36 metres below, injuring his back. The Dragon remained wedged in the top of the tree and his calls to the passengers were unanswered. A group of native hunters heard the crash and reported it to a nearby Government station. Two medical assistants were led to the scene, climbed the tree in the dark and administered morphine to the injured passengers and stayed with them for the night. The aircraft fabric was tearing as it moved and settled in the tree. Next day a team with a doctor arrived and the passengers were lowered in baskets. One seriously injured passenger was flown to Sydney by QEA DC-3 for plastic surgery for facial injuries.
7.47	Aircraft written off. Engines and parts salvaged.
7.11.47	Struck-off Register

Crash scene at Zenag, New Guinea July 1947, QEA flag on rudder. Len McNeil collection via Greg Weir

A34-39 c/n 2028 "VHCRO", VH-ARI

8.12.42	Built Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd to RAAF order
24.12.42	First flight Mascot
4.1.43	Brought on RAAF charge as A34-39. Received 2AP Banks town ex DH
15.1.43	Received Parachute Training Unit ex 2AP (flown by 36 Sqn crews).
26.1.43	Received 7AD ex PTU
23.3.43	Received PTU ex 7AD
.43	Directorate of Air Transport, Allied Air Forces allocated radio callsign VHCRO, which was painted on the aircraft
29.11.43	Issued 2CU ex PTU
3.4.44	Received 7SFTS ex 2CU
9.9.44	Received 14ARD RP ex 7SFTS
10.10.44	Received 6CU ex 14 ARD RP
14.8.45	Allotted CMU Evans Head ex 6CU for storage
19.9.45	Survey report issued to CDC. Aircraft for disposal.
11.12.45	Received CMU Evans Head ex 6CU
10.1.46	Aircraft frozen until disposed of
8.2.46	Sold for £150 to W. R. Carpenter Ltd, Sydney.
8.4.46	Issued to purchaser

5.7.46	Registration application: W. R. Carpenter & Co/Mandated Airlines Ltd, Lae Application form submitted by J. W. McConnell, Chief Engineer of De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd, Sydney. Application quotes ids. “2029” and A34-39 Note: Can not be 2029 which was A34-40 which crashed in RAAF Service
29.7.46	CofA issued at Sydney
29.7.46	Registered VH-ARI Mandated Airlines Ltd, Lae, New Guinea
7.46	Delivered from Sydney to Lae by MAL Manager Arthur Collins. Followed a week later by VH-ARJ flown from Sydney to Lae by newly employed Captain Dick Burt.
30.8.46	Flown Lae-Wewak by MAL Captain Dick Burt to make a series of charter flights from Wewak to Maprik and Angoram.
31.8.46	Crashed Wewak shortly after takeoff and destroyed by fire. MAL Captain Richard Burt minor injuries, 5 passengers unhurt. Dirk Burt is quoted in the book Balus The Aeroplane in Papua New Guinea: "I drained both fuel tanks for water prior to take-off, but apparently there was still water in one. I had 5 passengers on board. I took off without trouble, but the instant we were off the starboard engine began misfiring, and it lost power fast. Because of the country I commenced a left turn, into the live engine, to try to reach the beach, but I couldn't make it. I put her down on a bit of a clearing in a sacsac swamp. The starboard wing bit a coconut palm and we slewed right around. I banged my head somewhere and got a cut scalp. The passengers were alright though. She burst into flames - was a write-off."
	DCA accident investigation by Arthur Affleck found water in fuel tanks. The daily Certificate of Safety had not been signed since Lae the previous day and had expired. Only logged 78 hours since CofA issued including ferry flight to NG from Sydney. Total flying time since manufacture 780 hours.
30.9.46	Struck-off Register

A34-40 c/n 2029

.42	Built Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd to RAAF order
3.1.43	Brought on RAAF charge as A34-40. Received 2AP Banks town ex DH
13.1.43	Received ANA Essendon ex 2AP for transport ambulance conversion
26.1.43	Received 1AD Laverton en route to 1RCS
16.2.43	Received 1RCS ex 1AD
16.6.43	Crashed into hills near KB Mission, Milne Bay. Flight from Gurney strip to Ginger, crashed bear Gurney strip. Aircraft wrecked, engines salvageable. Probable cause was downdrafts while crossing a ridge. 1RCS. Pilot killed, 4 passengers injured: Lt. Colonel McLean, Australian Army Major Whitcombe, Base Engineers, US Army Col. Lee, Base Engineers, US Army Master Sgt Georges, US Army Airframe beyond salvage, engines held repairable at unit
7.8.43	Issued 15ARD ex 1RCS
26.8.43	Approved for conversion

A34-41 c/n 2030 "VHCSJ"

.43	Built Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd to RAAF order
10.1.43	Brought on RAAF charge as A34-41. Received 2AP Banks town ex DH
31.1.43	Received ANA Essendon ex 2AP for ambulance transport modification
28.2.43	Received 33 Sqn ex ANA Essendon.
.43	Directorate of Air Transport, Allied Air Forces allocated radio callsign VHCSJ, which was painted on the aircraft
9.7.43	Damaged on landing 30 Mile Strip, Papua. Swung off strip on landing, starboard wheel struck a slit trench. Extensive damage to undercarriage, lower wings and propeller. 33 Sqn.
11.7.43	Received 15ARD ex 33Sqn for salvage and repair
18.5.44	Request approval to convert. Aircraft deteriorated due service in tropics, not economically repairable as it would require extensive rebuilding
24.5.44	Issued to Technical Salvage ex 15ARD
4.8.44	Approved conversion to components

A34-42 c/n 2031 Norman Bourke VH-AYM

.43	Built Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd to RAAF order
10.1.43	Brought on RAAF charge as A34-42. Received 2AP Banks town ex DH
13.1.43	Received ANA Essendon for mods to ambulance transport
31.1.43	Received 1AD Laverton ex ANA Essendon
4.2.43	Received 35 Sqn ex 1AD
15.3.43	Damaged by high winds at Maylands
27.4.43	Swung on landing Potshot. (Exmouth WA). Ran off strip into scrub. 35 Sqn. Extensive damage.
21.5.43	Allotted 17RSU for repair
6.5.43	Received 17RSU
6.6.43	Received 35 Sqn ex 17RSU
10.11.43	Received 7CU Pearce ex 35 Sqn
24.4.44	Allotted for use by Allied Works Council
4.10.44	Received 5AD Storage ex 7CU
19.9.45	Survey report submitted to CDC for disposal
25.9.45	Aircraft frozen pending disposal
20.2.46	Sold by CDC for £50 to Royal Queensland Aero Club, Brisbane.
9.4.46	Issued to Royal Queensland Aero Club

3.9.46	Registration application: Qantas Empire Airways Ltd, Brisbane Qld. To be based in Queensland
1.11.46	Registered VH-AYM
	Operated by QEA for Flying Doctor Service of Australia (Queensland Section) Inc
	Named Norman Bourke
24.11.48	Destroyed by fire Canobie Station, 88 miles north of Cloncurry Qld. Fire broke out in port engine during engine start and unable to be extinguished. Pilot Peter Buchanan and 4 passengers escaped unhurt.
11.1.49	Struck-off Register

A34-43 c/n 2032

.43	Built Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd to RAAF order
10.1.43	Brought on RAAF charge as A34-43. Received 2AP Bankstown ex DH
21.1.43	Received ANA Essendon ex 2AP for ambulance transport modification
9.2.43	Received 33 Sqn ex 1AD
7.5.43	Damaged on landing Berry Strip. During landing struck a soft patch on strip, ground-looped and port undercarriage collapsed. 33 Sqn. Aircraft repairable within 48 hours when parts available
12.7.43	Swung off runway on landing Terapo Strip NG. Struck a drain, undercarriage torn off. Pilot Sgt S. Reading not injured. 33 Sqn. Airframe repairable but beyond capacity of unit. Damaged aircraft handed to 15ARD whose personnel were at Terapo salvaging a Moth. Sgt S. Reading then flown to Berry Strip in Dragon A34-32
18.7.43	Received 15ARD ex 33 Sqn
18.5.44	Aircraft badly deteriorated due to exposure in tropics. Not economically repairable. Request approval to convert.
24.5.44	Issued to Technical Salvage ex 15ARD
4.8.44	Approved for conversion to components

A34-44 c/n 2033

.43	Built Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd to RAAF order
15.1.43	Brought on RAAF charge as A34-44. Received 2AP Bankstown ex DH
17.1.43	Issued 34 Sqn ex 2AP.
31.1.43	Received ANA Essendon ex 34 Sqn for conversion to air ambulance
12.2.43	Allotted Broken Hill ex 1AD on loan to DCA for period of 3 months for use by the Flying Doctor Service at Broken Hill
14.2.43	Received 1AD Laverton ex ANA Essendon
28.3.43	Received 34 Sqn ex 1AD
.43	Directorate of Air Transport, Allied Air Forces allocated radio callsign VHCSK, which was painted on the aircraft
14.4.43	At present with Flying Doctor Service Broken Hill
16.4.43	Aircraft being returned to RAAF to be delivered to 2AP
24.5.43	Received 1RCS ex 2AP
25.7.43	Crashed on takeoff Berry Strip, New Guinea. Unable to climb after becoming airborne, pilot made forced landing on a rough track at the end of the runway. Undercarriage collapsed, spun around on its belly. Pilot unhurt. No.1 Rescue & Communication Sqn Berry Detachment. Extensive damage. Accident report states cause: “inability of aircraft to cope with Papuan conditions at this loading owing to insufficient power” (788lb freight, auxilliary fuel tanks full)
28.7.43	Received 15ARD ex 1RCS for complete repair
12.1.45	Approved for conversion to components
21.1.45	Issued to Salvage ex 15ARD

A34-45 c/n 2034 “VHCSL”

	Built Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd to RAAF order
17.1.43	Brought on RAAF charge as A34-45. Received 2AP Bankstown ex DH
21.1.43	Received ANA Essendon ex 2AP for conversion to transport ambulance
9.2.43	Received 1AD Laverton ex ANA Essendon
15.2.43	Received 34 Sqn ex 1AD.
.43	Directorate of Air Transport, Allied Air Forces allocated radio callsign VHCSL, which was painted on the aircraft
43	Photo of A34-45: olive drab with light blue undersides, VHCSL painted on fuselage & rudder, code letter “J” next to roundel
1.4.43	Forced landing 35 miles north of Tennant Creek, destroyed by fire. Starboard engine shed its propeller and aircraft unable to maintain height to reach North-South road. Forced landing in clearing close to road. Aircraft caught fire and after landing. 34 Sqn.
10.4.43	Issued 1RSU ex 34 Sqn for collection
5.5.43	Approved for conversion to components

A34-45 radio callsign "VHCSL" at Mount Eba SA with 34 Squadron in 1943. John Hopton Collection

A34-46 c/n 2035

.43	Built Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd to RAAF order
17.1.43	Brought on RAAF charge as A34-46. Received 2AP Bankstown ex DH
31.1.43	Received ANA Essendon ex 2AP for conversion to transport ambulance
16.2.43	Received 1AD Laverton ex ANA Essendon
19.2.43	Allotted 1RCS ex 1AD ex replace Anson AX266, to be fitted with altitude control before issue
8.4.43	Issued 1RCS ex 1AD
13.4.43	Crashed Hope Island, Coomera
15.4.43	Received 3AD ex 1RCS for repairs
22.4.43	Received 1RCS ex 3AD
25.7.43	Crashed on takeoff Wedau Mission NG. Starboard engine lost power when airborne, starboard wing struck a tree and aircraft crashed. Pilot, 2 crew and the Senior Chaplain of NG forces received minor injuries. 1 Rescue & Communications Sqn. Extensive damage. Recommend conversion
29.7.43	Received 10RSU ex 1RCS for salvage
18.8.43	Approved for conversion to components

A34-47 c/n 2036 “VHCSN”

.43	Built Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd to RAAF order
19.1.43	Brought on RAAF charge as A34-47. Received 2AP Bankstown ex DH
31.1.43	Received ANA Essendon ex 2AP for conversion to transport ambulance
16.2.43	Received 1AD Laverton ex ANA Essendon
24.2.43	Received 34 Sqn ex 1AD.
.43	Directorate of Air Transport, Allied Air Forces allocated radio callsign VHCSN, which was painted on the aircraft
15.4.43	Lost without trace enroute Sydney-Wagga. Last report in Goulburn area. 34 Sqn 3crew and 2 passengers. Large air and ground search found nothing.
	Crew were pilot Sgt Douglas B. Doyle, Sgt Francis J. Doyle (no relation), Flying Officer Hugh Lester, and passengers US Marine Corps Lieutenants Umstead (USMC) and Teague (USMC)
4.5.43	Approved for conversion to components
	Court of Enquiry found that engine vibrations had been reported 5 times and on the previous day Sgt Douglas Doyle had reported magneto problems. On the morning of its disappearance Doyle had requested mechanics to check both magnetos, control wires and propeller bolts. Aircraft had no radio and no parachutes were carried.
11.99	RAAF Historical Section historian Bob Piper wrote several articles on this missing Dragon: he had personally searched from air and on ground for remains of A34-47 for over 20 years without success

A34-48 c/n 2037 “VHCSM”

.43	Built Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd to RAAF order
22.1.43	Brought on RAAF charge as A34-48. Received 2AP Banks town ex DH
25.1.43	Received 34 Sqn ex 1AD.
26.1.43	Undershot strip on landing approach (no location quoted). Landed on sandy patch inside airfield boundary, starboard undercarriage sank in soft ground and aircraft damaged. 34 Sqn
.43	Directorate of Air Transport, Allied Air Forces allocated radio callsign VHCSM, which was painted on the aircraft
11.3.43	Dived into ground Parafield after appearing to stall at low height 1 mile east of the airfield shortly after takeoff at 7.15am. Two on board both killed: Pilot P/O Milton H. Conkey and passenger Leading Aircraftsman Bernard J. Hovey. 34 Sqn
4.4.43	Approved for conversion to components

A34-49 c/n 2038

	Built Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd to RAAF order
31.1.43	Brought on RAAF charge as A34-49. Received 2AP Banks town ex DH
14.2.43	Received 4CF ex 2AP for use by Army
2.3.43	Crashed and burnt “Redwood Park”, Toowoomba Qld. On a flight from Archerfield to Toowoomba to pick up air force and army personnel. The pilot was maintaining visual contact under low cloud, and attempted to turn back in a valley and struck trees and crashed to the ground. Fire broke out immediately and aircraft destroyed by fire. Pilot and 1 crew injured. No.4CF
5.3.43	Received 3AD ex 4CF
15.3.43	Approved for conversion to components

A34-50 c/n 2039 (VH-ASN), VH-ASX

.43	Built Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd to RAAF order
29.1.43	Brought on RAAF charge as A34-50
29.1.43	Allotted 3CF ex 2AP for use by GOC of 5^th Division – allocation cancelled
31.1.43	Received 2AP Bankstown ex De Havillands
31.1.43	Re-allotted 4CF ex 2AP for use with 5^th Army
11.2.43	Issued 4CF ex 2AP
14.2.43	Received 5CF ex 4CF for GOC 3^rd Division
21.3.42	Received 12RSU ex 5CF
8.4.43	Received 5CF ex 12RSU
26.4.44	Received DH Mascot ex 5CU for airframe repairs
7.11.44	Received 2AP Bankstown ex DH
15.11.44	Received 5AD Storage ex 2AP
4.1.45	Received 3CU Mascot ex 5AD until 31.1.45, to replace Norseman A71-11
31.1.45	Allotment to 3CU extended for a further 6 weeks
7.3.45	Request overhaul ex 3CU. Needs undercarriage overhaul, has logged 234 hours since last overhaul, and replacement aircraft urgently needed for the Dubbo-Mascot AOG Stores run.
12.3.45	Issued 2RSU ex 3CU for 240 hourly overhaul. To be allotted to 3CU on completion
5.5.45	Received 3CU ex 2RSU
10.9.45	Received 5AD ex 3CU for storage
25.9.45	To be retained by RAAF, not to be inspected by prospective buyers
16.5.46	Approved for disposal
27.5.46	Sold through CDC for £50 to Flying Doctor Service of Australia, Perth
26.6.46	Issued to purchaser ex CMU Wagga

46	Civil conversion Sydney by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd. To be ferried to WA
5.7.46	Registration application: Flying Doctor Service of Australia (WA Section) Inc, Perth WA
7.46	Registration VH-ASN allocated
27.7.46	Departed Mascot Airport, Sydney on ferry flight to Perth, no CofA issued. Refuelled at Cootamundra, Narromine, Mildura, Renmark, Port Pirie, Ceduna, Forrest, Kalgoorlie to Perth. Pilot Dr. Harold G. Dicks of the FDS.
29.7.46	Arrived at Guildford Aerodrome, Perth. It will have its camouflage paintwork removed and converted to an aerial ambulance
46	Appears stored Port Hedland WA pending entering service
3.1.47	FDS Dragon VH-AGJ crashed on takeoff at Port Hedland WA. Repaired at Port Hedland using many parts from VH-ASN including fin, rudder, parts of wings, propellers.
10.49	Fuel tank from ASN fitted to AGJ by Cyril Flood of Aero Service Pty Ltd, Maylands
51	FDS Dragon AGJ purchased from FDS by D. J. Craig, Carnarvon WA, along with the remains of ASN which were stored at Maylands. He intended building a Dragon from, the two aircraft.
29.1.52	Registration application: D. J. Craig, "Marron" Station, Carnarvon WA The original registration VH-ASN had now been reallocated to a Norseman, DCA allocated new reg VH-ASX.
3.52	Craig’s wife’s brother Bill French killed in crash of Auster VH-ASP on 30.1.52 at "Cardabia" Station and Craig asked by his wife not to fly. Craig sold his DH.82 VH-BNW to Aero Service Pty Ltd at Maylands on 16.4.52.
8.4.52	Testflown Maylands after CofA rebuild by Aero Service Pty Ltd
8.4.52	CofA issued Maylands
9.4.52	Registered VH-ASX D. J. Craig “Marron” Station, Carnarvon WA
4.52	Dragon held by Aero Service Pty Ltd at Maylands pending Craig’s instructions
5.52	Advertisement in Aircraft magazine placed by Aero Service Pty Ltd, Maylands: Dragon just completed CofA, semi freighter but fitted 3 chairs. Freight door. Sale includes a spare Dragon less engines and cowlings. (AGJ)
8.4.53	CofA expired. Stored Maylands.
12.9.53	Ray Harris of Territory Airlines testflew ASX at Maylands and purchased it on behalf of TAL
15.9.53	Change of ownership: Territory Airlines Ltd, Goroka, New Guinea Sale included spare Dragon AGJ
15.9.53	Departed Maylands on delivery flight to New Guinea. Route taken was Adelaide, Broken Hill, Sydney, Queensland coast, Horn Island to Goroka. Pilot Ray Harris later said "ASX was the worst Dragon I have flown. The pilots and myself always called her "The Reluctant""
1.10.53	Arrived Goroka
28.8.54	Ray Harris' logbooks show this date as his last flight in ASX for Territory Airlines
9.54	CofA expired
14.9.54	Change of ownership: Mandated Airlines Ltd, Lae, New Guinea Purchased by MAL for use as spare recovery for their Dragon fleet.
1.11.56	Struck-off Register as WFS

A34-51 c/n 2040

.43	Built Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd to RAAF order
29.1.43	Brought on RAAF Charge as A34-51. Received 2AP Banks town ex DH
10.2.43	Received ANA Essendon ex 2AP for conversion to transport ambulance
23.2.43	Received 1AD Laverton ex ANA Essendon en route to 6CF
28.2.43	Issued 6CF ex 1AD
29.5.43	Crashed near Goulburn Island NT 6CF pilot F/O Jack Slade had flown freight and personnel from Darwin to Goulburn Island. On the return flight to Darwin, a lugger was spotted partially hidden up a tidal creek. While circling for a closer inspection, the Dragon clipped a tree and crashed to ground. Pilot was seriously injured, 1 crew killed, 1 crew injured. The Dragon was not equipped with radio but it is reported that the lugger was crewed by Dutch servicemen who had sailed from NEI, and made radio contact with Darwin to report the crash. The next day 6CF CO Flt Lt Clyde Fenton flew Dragon A34-23 to inspect A34-51's crash site and is reported to have landed on a nearby beach.
1.6.43	Received 4RSU ex 6CF
19.6.43	Approved for conversion to components

A34-52 c/n 2041

.43	Built Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd to RAAF order
4.2.43	Brought on RAAF Charge as A34-52. Received 2AP Banks town ex DH
15.2.43	Received ANA Essendon ex 2AP for transport cum ambulance modification
28.2.43	Received 1AD Laverton ex ANA Essendon
3.4.43	Received 6CF ex 1AD
15.10.43	Crashed on landing Gorrie strip. Aircraft ground looped in strong winds when landing on strip obstructed by repair works. 6CF. Extensive damage
19.10.43	Received 14ARD ex 6CF for repair
25.11.43	Received 6CU ex 14ARD
7.12.43	Force landing Port Keats NT due engine failure, minor damage
5.1.44	Allotted 5CU ex 6CU for exclusive use Allied Works Council appears not actioned
17.1.44	Allotted De Havillands Mascot for complete overhaul
9.2.44	Grounded at 5EFTS en route De Havillands, unairworthy
3.3.44	Received De Havilland ex 6CU
2.8.44	Received 2AP Bankstown ex DH
9.8.44	Issued 14ARD RP ex 2AP
25.8.44	Received 6CU
3.9.44	Crashed in sea off Mindle Beach, Darwin. On a flight Bathurst Island to Darwin, crashed near shore due engine failure. Pilot S/Ldr Clyde C. Fenton was slightly injured, 3 crew minor injuries. 6CU. Extensive damage
4.9.44	Allotted 4RSU ex 14 ARD RP for collection and report. Recommend be salvaged as soon as possible owing complete immersion in salt water
11.9.44	Received 8CRD ex 4RSU for conversion. Airframe beyond economical repair.

A34-53 c/n 2042 VH-AOR

7.1.43	Built Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd to RAAF order
20.1.43	First flight Mascot
4.2.43	Brought on RAAF charge as A34-53. Received 2AP Bankstown ex DH
15.2.43	Received ANA Essendon ex 2AP for transport cum ambulance modification
21.3.43	Received 1AD Laverton ex ANA Essendon
24.3.43	Received 2AAU ex 1AD
1.3.44	Request allot for 240 hourly, fabric and woodwork show deterioration as result of tropical service
2.4.44	Issued Guerney en route Kingaroy for overhaul
14.12.44	Received 5AD Storage ex 2AAU
19.9.45	Survey report submitted to CDC. Aircraft for disposal.
25.9.45	Aircraft frozen until disposed of
24.1.46	Aircraft has been sold by CDC for £400 to W. R. Carpenter Pty Ltd, Sydney. CDC Sales advice dated 21.1.46. RAAF markings to be obliterated before issue.
5.2.46	Issued to purchaser

11.3.46	DCA allocated registrations VH-AOS, AOP, AOQ, AOR to W.R.Carpenter for A34-17, -21, -22, 53.
.46	Sold by Carpenters to R. L. Farquharson, Brisbane
25.6.46	Registration application: Reg L. Farquharson, Brisbane Qld
30.8.46	Registered VH-AOR
30.8.46	CofA issued Archerfield
47	Photo at Archerfield, “Farquharson Bros Brisbane” titles on nose
21.5.47	Letter to DCA from R. L. Farquharson c/- Farquharson Bros: have been operating VH-AOR for the past few months on “tourist flights”, one hour sightseeing flights for 25 shillings from Archerfield. Fitted with 6 pax seats and a roomy luggage compartment. Requests DCA approval to remove luggage compartment and convert to 10 pax seats. DCA reply requiring engineering of floor strength. No further correspondence on the matter.
26.8.47	Change of ownership: Qantas Empire Airways Ltd, Sydney NSW. To be based New Guinea
10.10.47	CofA renewal Archerfield
13.10.47	Due to depart Brisbane on delivery to New Guinea
3.48	DCA investigation into DCA Surveyor’s inspection of AOR reporting wood deterioration due to the tropical weather, cabin floor particularly bad,
c48	Photo at Lae, all silver QEA flag on tail. GAT Ansons derelict on airfield boundary in background
14.1.49	CofA renewed Archerfield by DCA Surveyor L. C. Dobbin
27.1.50	CofA renewed Archerfield by DCA Surveyor L. C. Dobbin
11.8.50	Nosed over on landing, Wabag NG. Dented nose, strained undercarriage. Pilot R. Christenson unhurt.
25.4.51	Repairs completed and CofA renewed Eagle Farm
9.3.53	Change of ownership: Air Express Co, Archerfield c/- A. L. McLachlan, Manager
17.4.53	CofA renewed Archerfield
16.7.54	Change of ownership: Flying Doctor Service of Australia, Brisbane Qld
16.8.54	Change of ownership: Stanley J. Porter, Tingalpa Qld
24.10.54	Crashed Tingalpa, Brisbane Qld Took off at 6.10pm from Stan Porter’s farm strip at Tingalpa, then on the outskirts of Brisbane. Stan (41) has his sons as passengers Keith (13) & Des. The flight was to scatter a deceased neighbour’s ashes over the neighbour’s property. Five minutes after takeoff the Dragon struck a tree and crashed into Bulimba Creek. Stan and Keith were killed instantly, and the aircraft settled in a nose down attitude. Des was in a rear passenger seat and water level in cabin was rising. He was unable to reach the Qantas modified cabin door, which was a standard Qantas modification further to rear than standard door. As water reached his head two residents who saw the crash reached the scene and hacked into the fuselage with an axe and Des was pulled from the wreck.
4.5.55	Struck-off Register
	In 2003 Des Porter completed restoration of VH-UXG c/n 6077 also owned by his father Stan Porter

Under construction in the Mascot DH hangar late 1942. The white chalked "42" at the top of the RAAF roundel is the last two digits of the construction number.

John Hopton Collection

VH-AOR at Archerfield in 1947 with "Farquarson Bros Brisbane" on the nose. John Hopton Collection

VH-AOR at Lae, New Guinea 1948 now with Qantas Empire Airways. Behind are grounded Guinea Air Traders Ansons and wartime sunken Japanese ship Tenyo Maru.
Al Bovelt collection

A34-54 c/n 2043 (VH-API), CR-ABT

.43	Built Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd to RAAF order
4.2.43	Brought on RAAF charge as A34-54. Received 2AP Bankstown ex DH
15.2.43	Received ANA Essendon for transport cum ambulance modifications
27.3.43	Received 2AAU ex 1AD Laverton
1.4.43	Pilot Log Flt. Lt. Hill: departed Archerfield for Amberley at 11.30am, departed Amberley at 1.00pm on return flight to Archerfield
c43	Photo at Mareeba: khaki with pale undersurfaces, large red cross next to roundel
16.11.44	Received 5AD Storage ex 2AAU
19.9.45	Survey report submitted to CDC. Aircraft for disposal
29.9.45	Aircraft frozen until disposed of
8.2.46	Sold by CDC for £50 to Royal Aero Club of NSW, Mascot
9.4.46	Issued to purchaser

11.3.46	DCA allocated registrations VH-API & -APJ to the Aero Club for A34-54 & -75 respectively
.46	Sold to Captain Costa of Portuguese Government Air Force, Portuguese Timor
6.46	Captain Costa purchased an Avro Anson in Sydney, which was given civilian overhaul at Mascot and painted as CR-AAT. He also purchased 3 ex RAAF DH.82s. These aircraft will be used for ambulance flying in Timor.
11.6.46	RAAF Care & Maintenance Unit, Tamworth Operations Record Book 11.6.46: “Captain Costa and another pilot of the Portuguese Government Air Force arrived this morning from Mascot in DH.84 A34-54. They tested Tiger Moth A17-43 which has been purchased by the Portuguese Government and later both machines were flown to Williamtown en route to Sydney.”
	Captain Costa departed Sydney in the Anson for Timor on 16.7.46
14.12.46	Registered CR-ABT Transportes Aereos de Timor
	Fate unknown

A34-54 at Mareeba Qld in 1943 with No.2 Air Ambulance Unit. The factory paint scheme has been replaced by jungle green camouflage with red and white ambulance cross.

Frank F. Smith collection

A34-55 c/n 2044 VH-BJH

.43	Built Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd to RAAF order
7.2.43	Brought on RAAF charge as A34-55. Received 2AP Bankstown ex DH
15.2.43	Issued ANA Essendon ex 2AP for transport cum ambulance modification
12.3.43	Allotted 35 Sqn ex 1AD for use of GOC 3^rd Australia Corps
22.3.43	Received 1AD Laveron ex ANA Essendon
28.3.43	Received 35 Sqn ex 1AD for use of GOC 3^rd Australian Corps. Code "BK-D"
10.11.43	Received 7CU Pearce ex 35 Sqn
19.9.44	Received 5AD Storage ex 7CU
19.9.45	Survey report submitted to CDC. Aircraft for disposal
25.9.45	Aircraft frozen until disposed of
20.2.46	Sold by CDC for £50 to Aircrafts Pty Ltd, Archerfield
4.3.46	Issued to APL

14.9.48	Registration application: Aircrafts Pty Ltd, Archerfield Aerodrome, Brisbane Qld To be used as a freighter
28.9.48	Weighed at Archerfield on completion of CofA overhaul
28.9.48	CofA issued
28.9.48	Registered VH-BJH
48	Photo Archerfield, appears airworthy, APL logo on nose. Rear windows on right side covered over.
14.10.48	Letter to DCA from M. A. Taylor of Taylors Air Transport Ltd, Lae: “APL have Dragon VH-BJH ready for dispatch to us. Unfortunately we can’t afford to send our pilot J. Keene down to collect the machine and I am awaiting APL obtaining a suitable pilot to ferry it from Brisbane.”
18.10.48	Change of ownership: Taylors Air Transport Ltd, Lae, New Guinea c/- M. A. Taylor. Agents for the sale were Paul & Gray (Queensland) Pty Ltd.
23.10.48	Milton "Joe" Taylor recalls: "I had bought another Dragon VH-BJH from Aircrafts Pty Ltd. It was flown from Brisbane by Jack Stammer on 23rd Octoberr, arriving at Lae on 27th and he was employed."
1.3.49	Change of ownership: Guinea Air Traders Ltd, Lae, New Guinea Taylors Air Transport and its aircraft was taken over by GAT
9.49	flown from PNG to Archerfield for CofA renewal by Carswell & Dagleish
17.10.49	CofA lapsed
14.5.51	DCA memo from Brisbane office: BJH is undergoing maintenance for CofA renewal at Brisbane
6.8.51	Struck-off Register as WFS 27.9.49
5.9.51	DCA memo from Brisbane office: BJH was "ferried to Brisbane about 18 months ago and is at present in a unairworthy condition at the workshops of Messrs Carswell & Dagleish at Archerfield. This aircraft is still owned by Guinea Air Traders Ltd, or their receivers, who it is believed intend to dispose of it."
1.52	DCA Report: still in the hangar of Carswell & Dagleish at Archerfield. There has been no contact with the owner.
2.12.54	Restored to Register VH-BJH: A. Earle, Dalby Qld
5.9.56	Change of ownership: C. R. Laver, Mackay Qld t/a Mackay Air Charter Service
13.9.60	Struck-off Register as withdrawn from service

Archerfield 1948 with Aircrafts Pty Ltd winged emblem on the nose. Photo by Eddie Coates

Archerfield 1957, with "Mackay Air Charter Service" on the nose. Photo by Bob Hitchings

A34-56 c/n 2045 VH-ASO, VH-FDA, VH-AGC

4.2.43	Built Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd to RAAF order
6.2.43	First flight Mascot
11.2.43	Brought on RAAF Charge as A34-56. Received 2AP Banks town ex DH
16.2.43	Received ANA Essendon ex 2AP for transport cum ambulance modification
28.3.43	Received 1AD Laverton ex ANA Essendon
9.4.43	Received 6CF ex 1AD, renamed 6CU
	Photo: tropic area, allover dark khaki , white “56” on nose
3.2.44	Request allotment to southern unit for complete airframe overhaul
26.4.44	Received De Havillands ex 6CU for complete overhaul
20.10.44	Received 2AP Bankstown ex DH
15.11.44	Received 5AD Storage ex 2AP
21.8.45	Allotted 12ARD RP ex 5AD Storage
10.5.46	Approved for disposal
27.5.46	Sold through CDC to Flying Doctor Service, Sydney.
26.6.46	Issued to purchaser: Status Card indicates ex CMU Wagga

11.7.46	DCA allocated registration VH-ASO
22.10.46	Registration application Flying Doctor Service of Australia (NSW Section), Broken Hill NSW To be based Broken Hill. Identity quoted as “45”
2.47	Aero Club of Broken Hill who operate Dragon VH-URE for FDS advise DCA that a second Dragon will soon be based at Broken hill for FDS
10.3.47	Registered VH-ASO
15.3.47	CofA issued Mascot. Cabin fitted with stretcher and 2 passenger seats
6.47	By now based at Broken Hill with FDS
9.47	FDS Dragons URE & ASO based Broken Hill
1.6.48	CofA renewed at Mascot
15.9.48	DCA wrote to FDS requiring a change of registration for VH-ASO because of possible communication confusion with “SOS”. Marking may be changed at the next CofA overhaul. FDS replied requesting registrations VH-FDA, VH-FDB (Flying Doctor) or VH-AFD (Australian Flying Doctor) for both of their Dragons: DCA approved VH-ASO reregistered VH- FDA and VH-URE to VH-FDB.
19.11.48	Reregistered VH-FDA DCA Register ledgershows rereg date as 30.9.48
3.49	VH-FDA the only FDS aircraft at Broken Hill since the crash of VH-URE at Innamincka
6.49	FDA undergoing CofA renewal at Bankstown by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd
11.8.49	CofA renewed Bankstown
5.10.49	Overshot airstrip on landing “Westwood Downs” Station, struck a dray, minor damage to starboard wing. Flight from Broken Hill, pilot V. Cover. Repaired on site 7.10.49 and flown out.
31.12.49	Propeller struck a stump while taxying after landing “Pine View” Station, pilot A. J. Polkinghorne. Port brakes failed while taxying in strong winds.
12.10.50	CofA renewed Bankstown
29.2.52	CofA renewed Bankstown
9.52	Advertised for sale in Aircraft magazine: VH-FDA CofA expires 28 February 1953, flown 137 hours since last CofA, fitted as ambulance
1.6.53	Change of ownership: Adastra Airways Pty Ltd, Mascot NSW
27.10.54	Struck-off Register as WFS
22.6.56	Photo at Mascot, all silver, parked outside Adastra hangar with engineers working on aircraft
7.8.56	Registered VH-AGC Adastra Airways Pty Ltd, Mascot NSW
	Purchased by Adastra for photographic survey contracts. By 1958 it was parked in the Adastra hangar at Mascot and rarely flown because of its poor performance. However maintained in immaculate condition by the company engineering chief who had worked for De Havillands
58	The Dragon was now rarely used by Adastra, although maintained in excellent condition by their Mascot hangar foreman who had previously worked for De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd. One of its last charters was to carry an automotive products team in support of the 1958 Mobile Around Australia car trial. The pilot engaged for the charter was Nancy Leebold-Ellis. The cars departed Bondi Beach, Sydney heading for Victoria, but VH-AGC only reached Goulburn the first night because its Gipsy Major engines were running rough. The following day they only reached Parkes NSW. An Adastra engineer was dispatched to Parkes where a batch of faulty sparkplugs were diagnosed. These plugs came from the international automotive parts company whose team were on the Dragon. By this time the cars were so far ahead that the charter was abandoned and Nancy Leebold ferried VH-AGC back to Mascot.
2.9.58	Change of ownership: R. S. & S. R. McDonald, “Muirdart” Station, Clermont Qld
3.9.58	Delivered from Mascot to Camden by Adastra pilots Bruce Sellick & Kevin Pavlich.
20.7.62	Struck-off Register as Withdrawn from Service
28.11.63	Restored to Register as VH-AGC: Queensland Airplanters Pty Ltd, Bundaberg Qld
24.9.64	Dragons VH-AGC & APJ noted at Bundaberg, used as seeders by Queensland Airplanters
9.12.65	Change of ownership: Newcastle Sport Parachute Club, West Maitland NSW
3.9.66	noted Pokolbin NSW (near Cessnock). Allover silver with red & black trim.
10.66	noted West Maitland “Newcastle Sport Parachute Club” titles
3.12.66	noted West Maitland-Rutherford, “Newcastle Sport Parachute Club” titles
11.2.67	noted West Maitland-Rutherford, flying. All silver.
14.9.68	noted West Maitland-Rutherford, in hangar
1.11.68	noted West Maitland-Rutherford
3.11.68	noted West Maitland-Rutherford
1.12.68	Crashed on takeoff West Maitland-Rutherford. During takeoff in slight downwind, became airborne prematurely and commenced a swing to the right which pilot could not control. He abandoned the takeoff and the aircraft ground-looped into trees. Both undercarriage legs were torn off. Pilot and 6 parachutists unhurt. Owned by Newcastle Sport Parachute Club.
1.12.68	Struck-off Register
	Wreck purchased by Bill Miller, Geelong Vic
	Wreck purchased by Keith Hatfield, Berwick Vic
	Wreck purchased by Jim O’Connell, Melbourne Vic. Rebuilt at Point Cook.
7.12.74	noted Point Cook in hangar, wings attached, allover red dope
14.3.76	noted Point Cook, engine runs after complete restoration, allover grey with thin red cheatlines.
12.4.76	Restored to Register VH-AGC: James O’Connell, Melbourne Vic
3.10.76	noted Point Cook, flying
6.11.76	Visited Wodonga Vic fly-in. Allover grey with thin red cheatlines.
12.76	Visited point Cook fly-in
3.4.77	Visited Sunbury Vic fly-in
19.11.77	flying at Point Cook Vic fly-in
13.12.79	Crashed on takeoff Point Cook Vic. Destroyed by fire. Owner Jim O’Connell killed
12.79	Mac Job recalls: “Jim O’Connell appointed me “honorary chief pilot” of his Dragon VH-AGC based at Point Cook, that he had so painstakingly restored to mint condition over several years. I flew VH-AGC on various outings and displays, including the AHSA’s first National Conference at Wodonga in 1976 (notable passengers included Air Commodore A. H. Wheeler of the Shuttleworth Trust, Group Captain Clive Caldwell and racing driver Alf Barrett). I also gave endorsements to several would-be Dragon pilots, including VH-AGC’s proud owner. Tragically, some time later, he killed himself in it one hot day of violently gusting northerly winds at Point Cook, when he was two years out of flying practice.”
15.12.79	Struck-off Register

A34-56 in the Darwin area while with No.6 Communications Unit. Frank F. Smith collection

VH-FDA at an airshow at Broken Hill in 1950, while all eyes are on a Zinc Corp Noorduyn Norseman dropping parachutists. John Hopton Collection

Magazine Advertisement September 1952. There were no takers at that time.

(Courtesy David Vincent)

VH-AGC at Essendon in 1957 while operated by Adastra Aerial Surveys. Photo by Eddie Coates

West Maitland NSW November 1968, "Newcastle Sport Parachute Club". Photo by John Hopton

Based at RAAF Point Cook Vic in September 1976. Ben Dannecker collection

Pilot and aviation historian Ben Dannecker takes VH-AGC for a local flight from Point Cook in 1976. Photo by John Hopton

Pilot Macarthur Job turns VH-AGC on to final to the Drage Historical Aircraft Collection farm strip at Wodonga Vic November 1976.

Photo by David Anderson 708127611S

A34-57 c/n 2046 Allan R. Vickers VH-AGJ

.43	Built Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd to RAAF order
11.2.43	Brought on RAAF charge as A34-57. Received 2AP Bankstown
16.2.43	Received ANA Essendon ex 2AP for mods to transport cum ambulance
5.4.43	Received 1AD Laverton ex ANA
10.4.43	Issued 1RCF ex 1AD
15.4.43	Received 12RSU(G) ex 1AD
16.5.43	Received 1RCS ex 12RSU(G)
5.11.43	Received 8CU Goodenough Island ex 1RCS
12.11.43	Issued 9CU (Local Air Supply) ex 1RCS
15.11.43	Received back at 8CU
23.11.43	Received 9CU ex 8CU
14.12.43	Received 15ARD ex 9CU for overhaul
6.2.44	Received 9CU ex 15ARD
21.3.44	Received 2AAU ex 9CU
27.3.44	Aircraft no longer fit for tropical service due deterioration. Request allot to mainland.
30.3.44	Received 10RSU ex 2AAU for temporary repairs
2.4.44	Despatched Gurney en route Kingaroy for overhaul
26.4.44	Received De Havillands Mascot ex 2AAU
21.12.44	Received 2AP Bankstown ex DH
26.12.44	Received 5AD Store ex 2AP
19.9.45	Survey report submitted to CDC. Aircraft for disposal.
24.9.45	Sold for £750 to Flying Doctor Service (WA). Total airframe time 334 hours.
11.10.45	Issued to purchaser ex CMU Wagga

10.45	Civil conversion at Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd, fitted with stretchers. Red crosses painted on aircraft
11.10.45	Registration application: Flying Doctor Service of Australia (WA Section) Inc. Perth WA
15.10.45	Registered VH-AGJ
15.10.45	CofA issued at Mascot
16.10.45	1 hour local flying Mascot on pilot training for Dr. Harold G. Dicks, Vice President of the FDS (WA Section). 3 lightly loaded landings.
17.10.45	1 Hour local flying Mascot on pilot training for Dr. Harold G. Dicks. 3 full loaded landings. Then departed Mascot on delivery to Perth, pilot Dr. Dicks. Mascot-Cootamundra-Narrandera.
18.10.45	Ferried Narrandera-Mildura-Parafield-Ceduna
19.10.45	Ferried Ceduna-Forrest-Kalgoorlie
20.10.45	Ferried Kalgoorlie-Pearce-Maylands. Total ferry flying time 24 hrs 45 mins
26.10.45	2 Hours local flying Maylands on familiarisation/demonstration flights by pilot Dr. Dicks
27.10.45	1 Hour local flying Maylands on familiarisation/demonstration flights by pilot Dr. Dicks
28.10.45	1.5 Hours local flying Maylands on familiarisation/demonstration flights by pilot Dr. Dicks
12.1.46	Seriously damaged at Marble Bar WA by willy willy while stationary on the aerodrome at 7.45am. Pilot John H. Williams
.46	Aircraft moved to Port Hedland for rebuild.
9.46	Assembled by MMA engineers from Perth
27.10.46	Test-flown Port Hedland after repair, pilot Cyril Kleinig of MMA
3.1.47	Hit fence during takeoff Port Hedland Four Mile aerodrome, with serious damage. Pilot was Captain George J. Meadows, passenger Len Taplin of Pt Hedland who was the aircraft engineer who had signed the aircraft off for the flight, a nursing sister and two aboriginals
47	Repaired at Port Hedland using many parts from VH-ASN including fin, rudder, parts of wings, propellers. Sprayed allover silver.
5.11.47	DCA approved H.C.Miller to ferry AGJ from Roy Hill to Maylands
30.11.47	Forced landing 9 miles west of Roy Hill WA. No damage, pilot Alan Thompson of FDS
8.12.47	AGJ at Maylands for CofA renewal by MMA. Flew to Guildford that day, pilot Horrie Miller
16.1.48	Testflown after CofA renewal, pilot H.C.Miller
18.1.48	Flown Maylands-Port Hedland by Dr. Harold Dicks
3.48	AGJ had flown 75 hours Jan-March 1948 based Port Hedland, with DH.83 USJ 163 hours
2.49	CofA renewal at Guildford by MMA
18.2.49	Testflown Guildford ater renewal by FDS pilot Alan Thompson
9.49	FDS report to DCA: AGJ has been u/s several times and current FDS doctor at Port Hedland refuses to fly in it due engine troubles and refuses to allow his patients to fly in it. When the DH.83 USJ was in Perth for maintenance he drove his car to urgent cases or used Father Bryan’s DH.82
10.49	Fuel tank from VH-ASN fitted to AGJ by Cyril Flood of Aero Service Pty Ltd, Maylands
17.2.50	CofA expired. FDS advise they will renew CofA the following year. (Not done)
4.50	DCA Perth had received several reports of AGJ’s poor flying characteristics, particularly longitudinal control. An unconfirmed report stated that the aircraft had rolled inverted and control was only recovered at low altitude.
14.6.51	Struck-off Register as WFS
.51	Change of ownership: Douglas J. Craig, "Marron" Station, Carnarvon WA AGJ was included in the sale of FDS stored Dragon VH-ASN. ASN had CofA renewed at Maylands 8.4.52 as VH-ASX but Craig did not take delivery of it because his family did not want him to fly following the death of his wife’s brother Bill French in crash of Auster VH-ASP on 30.1.52 at "Cardabia" Station.
5.52	Advertisement in Aircraft magazine placed by Aero Service Pty Ltd, Maylands: Dragon just completed CofA, semi freighter but fitted 3 chairs. Freight door. Sale includes a spare Dragon less engines and cowlings. (AGJ)
1.53	AGJ noted Maylands in hangar in poor condition
9.53	Ray Harris of TAL arrived in Perth to inspect airworthy ASX. Purchased it with AGJ as spare. Total cost of both was £1,500.
15.9.53	Change of ownership: Territory Airlines Ltd, Goroka, New Guinea
9.53	Ray Harris recollects that AGJ was "in very dilapidated state but with quite a few repairable parts". AGJ's fuselage was cut at back of the pilot's cabin and behind the rear bulkhead, and the undercarriage, cowlings and elevators were packed inside the fuselage section. Shipped from Perth to Lae. then taken to Goroka.
	Airframe parts used by TAL as spares

A34-58 c/n 2047

	Built Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd to RAAF order
2.3.43	Brought on RAAF charge as A34-58. Received 2AP Bankstown ex DH
4.3.43	Allotted 5OTU ex 2AP
19.3.43	Issued De Havillands ex 5OTU
6.4.43	Received 5OTU ex DH
4.11.43	Forced landing 6 miles from Tocumwal due engine failure. Pilot and 2 crew unhurt. 5OTU.
21.12.43	Received 4CU ex 5OTU
20.3.44	Crashed and burned Toowoomba Qld. Landed with strong downwind, pilot attempted a go-around but struck aerodrome fence then struck trees, crashed and burned. Completely burnt out on edge of Toowoomba aerodrome. Pilot and 3 crew killed. 4CU.
23.3.44	Received 3CRD for conversion to serviceable and economically repairable components
19.4.44	Approved for conversion to components

A34-59 c/n 2048 (VH-AOF), VH-AQU, VH-DHX, G-ECAN

28.1.43	Built Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd to RAAF order
2.3.43	First flight Mascot
2.3.43	Brought on charge as A34-59. Received 2AP Bankstown ex DH
3.3.43	Issued 5OTU ex 2AP
19.3.43	Issued De Havillands ex 5OTU
6.4.43	Received 5OTU ex De Havillands
28.12.43	Received 2CU ex 5OTU
3.2.44	Taxying accident in gusty conditions. Struck aerodrome boundary light, starboard lower wing damaged. 2CU. No location quoted.
14.3.44	Received 5SFTS ex 2CU
9.9.44	Received 14ARD RP ex 5SFTS
14.9.44	Received 6CU ex 14 ARD RP
5.12.44	Received 5AD Storage ex 6CU
19.9.45	Survey report submitted to CDC. Aircraft for disposal
25.9.45	Aircraft frozen until disposed of
11.12.45	Sold through CDC for £300 to S. D. Marshall, 52 Villiers Street, Rockdale NSW
1.1.46	Despatched to purchaser. Status Card indicates ex CMU Wagga

11.3.46	DCA allocated registration VH-AOF, ntu
24.5.46	DCA allocated registration VH-AQU
2.9.46	Registration application: S. D. Marshall/ Marshall Airways, Mascot Aerodrome, Sydney NSW To be used for ambulance, charter and passenger charter. Fitted for 7 passengers.
27.9.46	Registered VH-AQU
27.9.46	CofA issued at Mascot
26.9.47	CofA renewed Mascot
25.9.48	CofA expired, stored Mascot
28.9.48	Struck-off Register as WFS
14.4.49	Restored to Register: S. D. Marshall t/a Marshall Airways, Mascot NSW
14.4.49	CofA renewed
27.4.49	Ferried Mascot-Bankstown by Sid Marshall, due lack of room at Mascot. Stored in his allocated hangar at Bankstown. Marshall advises DCA he expects an early sale.
11.1.55	Struck-off Register as WFS
19.9.57	Restored to Register: Marshall Airways, Bankstown
28.12.61	noted The Entrance NSW, conducting joyrides with Marshall Airways DH.80 VH-UQB
10.62	noted Bankstown, outside "Marshall Airways Charter Service" on tail
5.63	noted Bankstown in Marshall Airways hangar
27.10.63	noted Bankstown outside Marshall hangar, "Marshall Airways Charter Service" on tail
10.1.64	noted Bankstown in Marshall Airways hangar
3.2.67	noted Banks town in Marshall Airways hangar with wings folded
12.8.70	Struck-off Register as WFS
2.77	Purchased ex Sid Marshall by Rob Fox & Partners, Adelaide. Total airframe time 1915 hrs.
77	CofA renewal at Bankstown after long period of storage in Marshall Airways hangar
14.4.78	noted Bankstown in Jack Davidson's hangar (old Marshall Airways hangar), restoration almost completed: silver with blue & white trim, due to fly in two weeks then be delivered to a SA owner
14.11.79	Restored to Register: R J. Fox, Adelaide. Partnership comprises Bob Fox, Ron Smith, Ian Douglas, John Eastgate, Frank Fisher and John Eastgate, an RFDS pilot based at Broken Hill
17.11.79	Departed Bankstown on delivery flight to Adelaide
80	flown at Broken Hill by John Eastgate for scenes in a TV production of Nevil Shute's book A Town Like Alice. Broken Hill Airport was presented as Cairns Airport for the filming.
2.3.80	visited airshow Broken Hill, silver with blue trim
2.6.80	Change of ownership: R. J. St. John, Adelaide SA (change of name)
25.10.81	noted at Aldinga SA, flying. "A34-59 XJ-A" over white & blue scheme
19.12.81	noted at Parafield, white with pale blue trim scheme but RAAF roundel & fin flash “A34-59/XJ-A”
12.3.82	Struck-off Register as WFS
29.5.83	noted at Parafield in one of the large DAP hangars, with Drover FDU & Southern Cross replica
18.11.83	Restored to Register: Robert J. St. John, Adelaide SA
29.1.84	visited fly-in Aldinga SA "A34-59/XJ-A"
4.3.84	visited Mount Gambier SA airshow, red/white "Coca Cola" colour scheme
17.11.84	Damaged in forced landing at Beachport SA. While on a ferry flight from Strathalbyn SA to Portland Vic, an engine began to run roughly followed by dual engine failure. Rob St John made a forced landing in a paddock. The surface was rough and aircraft bounced heavily then ground-looped causing the right landing gear to collapse.
15.5.85	Change of ownership: Hawker De Havilland Ltd, Bankstown Airport, Sydney NSW
6.85	noted at Bankstown, at Hawker De Havilland military hangars, white with pale blue scheme, VH-AQU. Had been repainted by John Gallagher.
13.10.85	noted Bankstown at Hawker De Havilland hangar. pale blue & white.
2.9.86	noted at Bankstown, stripped down for complete rebuild at Hawker De Havilland, who were reportedly unsatisfied with standard of previous repair
19.11.86	Reregistered VH-DHX: Hawker De Havilland Ltd, Bankstown NSW
93	Held at Bankstown dismantled, pending restoration
4.93	Purchased by Peter, Nick & Greg Challinor/Mothcair, Murwillumbah NSW. Purchased from Hawker De Havilland at Bankstown as a complete aircraft but dismantled
25.8.94	Register change of ownership date: N. P. Challinor c/- Mothcair Aviation Services, Murwillumbah
	Restoration begun with woodwork renewal at Murwillumbah by Peter Challinor, using one of 4 new-build DH.84 fuselages constructed by Mothcair
.00	Partially restored Dragon sold to Torquil Norman and shipped to England, where restoration was completed by Cliff Lovell's Hampshire Light Aviation Services. Norman also owns ex-Australian DH.90 Dragonfly G-AEDT and DH.85 Leopard Moth G-ACOJ. Torquil Norman said "The Dragon is a machine I have always loved and regard it as the most important commercial aeroplane of its era. I thought it sad that there wasn't a flying example in Britain, and am thrilled to be able to bring one back."
28.12.00	Struck off Australian Register
11.1.01	Registered G-ECAN. C/n quoted as 2048
	Registration requested because closest to prototype Dragon's registration G-ACAN in 1932
29.11.01	Change of ownership: Alexander J. Torquil Norman c/- Norman Aeroplane Trust, Chilbolten
28.5.03	First flight Chilbolton airfield, silver with red trim “Railway Air Services Ltd” titles on nose. Pilot for the first flight was Henry Labouchere
	Currently flying

Bankstown October 1962, "Marshall Airways Charter Service" on rudder. Photo by Brian Baker

VH-AQU at Marshall Airways hangar 1962, Short Scion VH-UUP behind. Photo by Roger McDonald

Visiting an airshow at Broken Hill NSW in March 1980. Photo by Nigel Daw

VH-AQU at Aldinga SA November 1981 with RAAF markings "A34-59 XJ-A". Photo by Nigel Daw

Mount Gambier SA in March 1984 wearing a temporary advertising paint scheme. Photo by Nigel Daw

Flying near Richmond NSW on 26 July 1985. Photo by Bob Livingstone

After restoration as G-ECAN of Railway Air Services, flying in England. Photo by Jacques Guillem

A34-60 c/n 2048 (VH-GAU), VH-BMX

.43	Built Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd to RAAF order
5.3.43	Brought on RAAF charge as A34-60. Allotted 5OTU ex 2AP
7.3.43	Received 2AP Bankstown ex DH
11.3.43	Received 5OTU ex 2AP
19.3.43	Issued De Havillands ex 5OTU
6.4.43	Received 5OTU ex De Havillands
23.9.43	Allotted 5CF ex 5OTU for exclusive use of Allied Works Council
11.10.43	Aircraft to proceed via 2AP for fitment AT10/AR14 W/T equipment
17.10.43	Received 5CF ex 5OTU
6.9.44	Received 5AD Storage ex 5CU
19.9.45	Survey report submitted to CDC. Aircraft for disposal.
25.9.45	Aircraft frozen until disposed of
20.12.45	Sold for £50 to Mr. S. D. Marshall, Kingsford Smith Drome, Mascot
4.3.46	Issued to S. D. Marshall ex CMU Wagga

5.10.48	R. Burt of GAT visited DCA Mascot to submit Registration Application forms for the Dragon
8.10.48	Registration application: Guinea Air Traders Ltd, Lae, New Guinea. Application signed by FAT pilot Dick Burt
2.11.48	Letter to DCA from Guinea Air Traders Director J. Jamieson: advising that they have recently purchased a DH.84 Dragon from Marshall Airways for service in New Guinea.. It was expected that the overhaul will be completed by 16.11.48. Requested allocation of registration VH-GAU and permission for the ferry flight from Sydney to Lae.
23.11.48	DCA reply to letter, confirming VH-GAU has been allocated
27.1.49	Letter to DCA from Marshall Airways signed by Sid Marshall: “negotiations for the sale were entered into with Guinea/Australian Air Traders who did not complete the purchase of this aircraft from me. I am now arranging to sell the aircraft to the Catholic Mission of Madang.” No transfer of ownership was ever signed by him and GAT had no right to register the aircraft in their name. The Dragon is in his hangar at Mascot, painted as VH-GAU. DCA responded that the aircraft was not registered. Internal memos stated that the Dept did not want to become involved with an ownership dispute.
3.2.49	Registration application: Catholic Mission of Holy Ghost, Alexishaffen, Madang, New Guinea Application signed by C.H. Gatenby, on behalf of Mission of Holy Ghost and Father Henry Hoff.
24.2.49	Weighed at Mascot after CofA inspection
24.2.49	Registered VH-BMX
24.2.49	CofA issued
14.4.49	Change of ownership: William Charles Gatenby, Cairns Qld
14.4.49	Change of ownership: Guinea Air Traders Ltd, Lae PNG
7.9.49	Crashed at Yangoru PNG. Written off by GAT
	Rebuilt
14.2.50	Crashed Atembe airstrip.
2.50	Dragon stored in damaged condition under cover at Atembe, waiting for suitable weather to move it
By 9.50	Still stored at Atembe, but has been purchased in damaged condition by Roman Catholic Mission of the Holy Ghost, Alexishaffen, Madang
By 2.51	Wreck has been moved to mission at Alexishaffen and is stored under cover.
8.51	Still stored Alexishaffen, may be rebuilt some time in the future
6.8.51	Struck-off Register

A34-61 c/n 2050 VH-AOT

43	Built Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd to RAAF order
1.3.43	First flight Mascot
9.3.43	Received 2AP Bankstown ex DH
27.5.43	Modified W/T equipment at DH
28.5.43	Received 1AD Laverton ex 2AP for trial modification W/T installation for WAGS use
26.6.43	Received 7AD ex 1AD to assist modification for WAGS
16.8.43	Received 3WAGS ex 7AD
19.9.44	Received 5AD Storage ex 3WAGS
19.9.45	Survey report submitted to CDC. Aircraft for disposal
25.9.45	Aircraft frozen until disposed of
24.1.46	Aircraft has been sold by CDC for £570 to Mr. Howard K. Morris, Sydney CDC Sales advice dated 18.1.46. RAAF markings to be obliterated before issue
25.1.46	Despatched ex CMU Wagga

21.3.46	Registration application: Howard K. Morris, Sydney NSW
21.3.46	Registered VH-AOT
21.3.46	CofA issued
20.3.47	CofA renewed at Mascot
1.10.47	New Registration application: Morris Air Service, Bankstown c/- Howard K. Morris
2.2.48	Change of ownership: Sepik River Trading Co, Madang, New Guinea
11.2.48	Sepik River Trading Co, Madang trading as Sepik Air Transport Co (Manager Benjamin W. G. Hall) write to DCA stating they have purchased AOT which is due for delivery next week. Their pilot is Charles Gatenby
17.6.48	CofA renewed Port Moresby
28.10.48	CofA renewed Port Moresby
1.1.49	Change of ownership: Qantas Empire Airways Ltd, Lae, New Guinea
14.2.50	CofA renewed Archerfield
9.3.51	CofA renewed Eagle Farm
52	Leased to TAA, Brisbane. Based in Queensland
29.5.53	Change of ownership Highland Traders, Chimbu, New Guinea c/- William E. Passlow. Purchased with expired CofA from 7.12.52
29.5.53	DCA Register change of ownership from QEA to Riverlea Market Gardens Ltd, Madang, New Guinea
2.8.55	Crashed near Togoba NG. On a charter flight from Madang to Seventh Day Adventist mission at Togoba in Western Highlands. Carrying three SDA priests and a full load of supplies. The aircraft failed to climb after takeoff and struck the side of a high mountain gorge. and struck trees. Aircraft destroyed and pilot W. E. (Bill) Passlow killed, 1 passenger seriously injured, 2 passengers minor injuries. DCA investigation found that the aircraft was overloaded on takeoff. Reported after the event that SDA were known to load more supplies than the load sheet recorded to save costs for air freight. Location also quoted as Wapenamunda.
2.8.55	One of the injured pastors later said from his Sydney hospital bed: "Bill Passlow definitely sacrificed his life so that we, his passengers, could live. He could see the crash coming and planned his actions to the last degree. He flew the plane on the port side of the gorge, thus giving security to the passengers strapped on the starboard side. He tried everything he knew. He at last said "Gentlemen, hang on tightly. We are not going to make it."
6.12.55	Struck-off Register

VH-AOT at Mascot after civil conversion by Morris Air Service in March 1946. It is being hand started outside the original De Havilland hangar,

still in wartime camouflage. Photo: Howard Morris

A34-62 c/n 2051 VH-APL

	Built Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd to RAAF order
7.3.43	First flight Mascot
21.3.43	Brought on RAAF charge as A34-62. Received 2AP Bankstown ex DH
29.3.43	Received 5SFTS ex 2AP
18.9.44	Issued 14ARD RP ex 5SFTS
26.9.44	Received 1AD Laverton ex 5SFTS for camouflage
4.10.44	Received 6CU ex 1AD
24.11.44	Received 5AD Storage ex 6CU
19.9.45	Survey report submitted to CDC. Aircraft for disposal
25.9.45	Aircraft frozen until disposed of
15.2.46	Sold for £50 to W. R. Carpenter Pty Ltd, Sydney
15.2.46	A34-62 ferried Cootamundra to Mascot by R.A. Gray, a Mosquito test pilot for De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd, Bankstown
11.3.46	DCA allocated registrations VH-APL & -APK to W.R.Carpenter for A34-62, & -72
9.4.46	RAAF Status Card: Issued to purchaser

4.46	Registration application: Mandated Airlines Ltd, Lae, New Guinea
4.46	VH-AOS & APL are under overhaul by De Havilland Pty Ltd, Sydney and due to be flown to New Guinea in mid May 46
29.4.46	Registered VH-APL
29.4.46	CofA issued
5.46	Delivered to New Guinea
2.47	Starboard undercarriage collapsed on landing at Lae, pilot MAL Manager Arthur Collins. The lower wing had suffered a structural failure due metal fatigue of the round bracing strut between upper and lower wings. Investigation found that wartime supply difficulties forced De Havilland Aircraft at Mascot to replace the streamlined strut with a strut of round section with a wooden streamlined fairing attached. DCA ordered inspections of the round section struts of all Dragons.
3.47	DCA reprimanded MAL over the poor condition of Dragons APL & ARJ, both have been grounded pending rectification of faults.
20.8.47	CofA renewal at Camden NSW
8.47	Ferried Camden to New Guinea late in month
13.12.49	CofA renewed at Bankstown by De Havilland Aircraft (MAL’s ARJ renewed at same time)
5.12.50	CofA renewed Port Moresby. Seating in cabin for 12 passengers.
3.1.51	Swung on takeoff Bulolo, minor damage. Pilot A. C. Lumme.
15.12.51	Change of ownership: John A. W. Gray, Lae t/a Territory Airlines
23.9.52	Crashed Chimbu NG during an attempted missed approach after baulked landing. TAL pilot Noel Peacock was carrying a full load of supplies on a Government charter from Madang to Chimbu. He was experienced with the difficult Chimbu approach, but an updraft and tailwind caused the go-around, during which it hit a hill. Pilot was badly injured and brought out to Lae then sent to hospital in Australia.
2.53	Ray H. Harris, Managing Director of Territory Airlines advises DCA that VH-APL has been reduced to scrap
12.2.53	Struck-off Register

A34-63 c/n 2052

	Built Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd to RAAF order
15.3.43	Brought on RAAF charge as A34-63. Received 2AP Bankstown ex DH
26.3.43	Received 7SFTS ex 2AP
9.9.44	Received 14ARD RP ex 7SFTS
19.9.44	Allotted 6CU ex 14ARD RP for 240 hourly. 4RSU to assist with 240 hourly
10.10.44	Received 6CU ex 14ARD RP
9.11.44	Allotted 5AD Storage ex 6CU. Not issued
12.3.45	Forced landing on beach Melville Island NT. Soon after takeoff from Bathurst Island where it had refuelled on flight Cape Fourcroy to Batchelor. 6CU. Nosed over on to back with nose submerged in mud. 6CU pilot Warranty Officer R.A.Henry received minor injuries, two passengers unhurt, aboriginal child passenger died. Completely submerged at high tide. Salvage will be difficult due to deep mud. Request writeoff
21.3.45	Approved for write off

A34-64 c/n 2053 Rosevale VH-AYZ

12.2.43	Built Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd to RAAF order
11.3.43	First flight Mascot
16.3.43	Brought on RAAF charge as A34-64. Received 2AP Bankstown ex DH
12.4.43	Received 4CF ex 2AP for use of Australian Army
6.9.44	Received 5AD Storage ex 4CU
19.9.45	Survey report submitted to CDC. Aircraft for disposal
25.9.45	Aircraft frozen until disposed of
14.2.46	Sold through CDC for £50 to Mr. K. A. Virtue, Brisbane CDC Sales advice dated 8.2.46
9.4.46	Issued to K.A.Virtue ex CMU Cootamundra

4.7.46	Registration application: Keith A. Virtue, Brisbane Qld
1.11.46	Registered VH-AYZ
1.11.46	CofA issued
1.1.47	Change of ownership: Edward D. Hill, Rosevale Station, Wyandra Qld also Natal Downs Station, via Charters Towers Qld
47	Damaged early 1947
3.4.47	CofA renewed after accident repairs to wing and undercarriage
8.47	Owner name changed to Edward D. Hill & Co, Rosevale Station, Wyandra Qld
48/49	CofA maintained current, renewals at Archerfield
11.11.49	Blown into trees while taxying for departure near Charleville, pilot Hill. Repaired by 22.11.49.
6.5.50	Testflown Eagle Farm after CofA renewed by ANA at Eagle Farm
28.10.50	Minor damage on takeoff Kilcummin Station Qld. Repairs completed 14.11.50 by ANA.
20.9.51	CofA renewed by ANA at Eagle Farm
12.52	CofA renewed by ANA at Eagle Farm
24.11.61	Change of ownership: H. W. Baldwin & T. Beverly-Smith, Sydney
5.2.62	noted Bankstown, silver with lightning strike trim, Rosevale on nose
31.3.62	noted Cootamundra, then Camden. Silver with red trim, Rosevale on nose
1.4.62	noted Bankstown, Rosevale on nose
11.4.62	Change of ownership: H. W. Baldwin, Sydney NSW
20.8.62	Change of ownership: Aerial Work Co, Temora NSW
28.10.62	visited airshow at Orange NSW
17.11.62	visited Bankstown
11.1.63	noted Camden
19.9.63	Change of ownership: North Queensland Air Transport Co, Mareeba Qld
22.6.64	Struck-off Register as Withdrawn from Service.
9.9.67	noted at Mareeba Qld complete but derelict, parked in high grass on the airfield.
	Broken up for parts at Mareeba
74	Collection of Dragon parts ex AYZ from Mareeba owned by Ivan Unwin, Mackay Qld: rudder, nacelle fittings, 2 fuel tanks, tailwheel assembly, struts.
	Two sets of wings marked VH-AYZ collected from Mackay by pilot from RAAF Amberley, then sent to RAAF Richmond on a RAAF C-130 for Ken L. Howard. RAAF Richmond NSW (Howard restored Tiger Moth VH-KLH in 1975)
80	Howard sold the set of wings ex AYZ to John Alsop, Dural near Sydney NSW. Alsop has a long-term Dragon rebuild project
81	Wings of AYZ stored at Joe Drage’s Historic Aircraft Museum at Wodonga Vic. At that time John Alsop intended to have his Dragon rebuild carried out at nearby Albury Airport, but that did not occur.
92	John Sinclair, Brisbane purchased the DH.84 parts gathered over many years by a retired Qantas Captain John Alsop, Dural NSW. Included airframe parts of VH-AYZ, a total of 27 wings, a set of inner stub planes, undercarriage assemblies, wing struts etc.
92	Challinor brothers of Mothcair, Murwillumbah NSW acquired half of the Dragon parts collection recently purchased by John Sinclair from John Alsop for Sinclair’s rebuild project of VH-ABK. Parts exchanged in return for a new-build fuselage constructed by Mothcair for Sinclair's Dragon project

VH-AYZ at Hughenden aerodrome, Qld circa 1960. Paul Howard collection

Bankstown February 1962, name "Rosevale" still on nose. Photo by Brian Baker

The sad end for VH-AYZ, retired in the open at Mareeba Qld, September 1967. Photos by Lindsay Nothrop

A34-65 c/n 2054

	Built Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd to RAAF order
19.4.43	Brought on RAAF charge as A34-65. Received 2AP Bankstown ex DH
27.5.43	Modified W/T fitment at De Havillands
25.6.43	Received 5OTU ex 2AP
23.9.43	Allotted 6CF for exclusive use of Allied Works Council
11.10.43	Aircraft to proceed via 2AP for fitment AT10/AR14 W/T equipment
19.10.43	Received 6CF ex 5OTU
9.5.44	Received 5CU ex 6CF
29.5.44	Received De Havillands, Mascot for complete overhaul. Aircraft badly deteriorated due tropical conditions
5.1.45	Crashed in forced landing near Plumpton Road, Mount Druitt NSW. Stalled while attempting to reach a small clearing after engine failure on a travel flight. Flown by RAF Pilot Officer George Ashurst, passengers RAF Pilot Officer Kenneth Biggs, RAF Warrant Officer Ian Powell, RAAF Cpl Bruce Brownjohn and Leading Aircraftsman Henry Taylor. All 5 were killed. Aircraft totally destroyed.
23.1.45	Received 2CRD ex De Havillands
23.1.45	Approved for conversion to components

A34-65 at De Havilland Aircraft's Mascot hangar undergoing complete overhaul during 1944. Jungle green camouflage and Pacific Theatre roundels.

John Hopton collection

A34-66 c/n 2055 (VH-ASM), VH-BAH

16.2.43	Built Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd to RAAF order
16.3.43	First flight Mascot
28.3.43	Brought on RAAF charge as A34-66. Received 2AP Bankstown ex DH
20.5.43	Modification W/T equipment at De Havillands
30.6.43	Received 7AD ex 2AP for modification for use in Wireless Air Gunner schools
9.8.43	Received 3WAGS ex 7AD
19.9.44	Received 5AD Storage ex 3WAGS
25.9.45	To be retained in service by RAAF. Not to be inspected by prospective buyers
16.5.46	Approved for disposal
24.5.46	Sold through CDC for £50 to Namoi-Walgett District Ambulance Service, Narrabri NSW
26.6.46	Issued to purchaser. Status card indicates ex CMU Wagga

6.46	DCA approved fuel allocation for A34-66 (VH-ASM allocated) to be ferried RAAF Cootamundra-Sydney-Narrabri-Archerfield.
11.7.46	DCA allocated registration VH-ASM Narrabri-Namoi-Walgett District Ambulance Service.
2.10.46	Registration application: Queensland Aerial Ambulance & Taxi Services Pty Ltd, Archerfield Managing Director Bruce W. Munro
	Legal dispute over which ambulance service owned the aircraft. NNWDAS had purchased the aircraft from CDC with donated public funds. Agreement with QAATS who would pay all costs of civil conversion and provide it when needed by NNWADAS.
23.12.46	Interim CofA issued. Expired 24.2.47.
24.2.47	QAATS telegram to DCA requesting 7 day CofA extension to allow an urgent ambulance flight Brisbane-Cloncurry-Sydney. Approved, CofA now expired 3.3.47.
22.5.47	NNWDAS submit declaration that they transfer all rights and title of VH-BAH to QAATS.
23.5.47	Registered as VH-BAH Queensland Aerial Ambulance & Taxi Services Pty Ltd, Archerfield Qld
23.5.47	CofA renewed
21.3.48	CofA expired
6.5.48	CofA renewed Archerfield
26.5.48	Change of ownership: Qantas Empire Airways, Brisbane. To be based in Queensland.
7.48	QEA operating Dragons BAH & ASU on regular air routes in Queensland
1.4.49	Change of ownership: Trans Australian Airlines, Brisbane. Based Queensland BAH & ASU taken over as part of TAA taking over QEA Queensland routes
2.4.49	TAA official acquisition date
6.49	Weighed at Archerfield for CofA. Configured for passengers, or fitted dingo bait dropping equipment.
10.49	Report: Operated by TAA, fitted 6 passenger seats
5.50	Operating on dingo baiting
30.7.52	CofA renewed Eagle Farm, configurations for passenger, ambulance or dingo baiting equipment
52	Photo Eagle Farm in TAA hangar, full TAA scheme and titles
19.2.55	Change of ownership: Royal Newcastle Aero Club, Broadmeadow NSW
1.7.56	Crashed at Brewarrina NSW. Engaged on flood relief work, aircraft destroyed and pilot Mick Hart was pulled clear from the burning aircraft but later died from his injuries. DCA accident report: "Aircraft became airborne in semi-stalled condition after abnormally long run then stalled and crashed from a height of 75 feet. Probably due to deterioration in handling characteristics resulting from overloading."
11.7.56	Struck-off Register

VH-BAH at Cloncurry Qld 1948 on Qantas outback Queensland services. John Hopton Collection

Eagle Farm Airport, Brusbane circa 1950 while operated by TAA. Photo by Henry R. Pryor

A rare colour shot of VH-BAH in outback Queensland. John Hopton Collection

A34-67 c/n 2056 VH-AOK

.43	Built Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd to RAAF order
23.2.43	Brought on RAAF charge as A34-67. Received 2AP Bankstown ex DH
20.5.43	Modified W/T fitment at De Havillands
30.6.43	Received 7AD ex 2AP for modification for use in Wireless Air Gunners schools
17.7.43	Allotted 1WGS ex 7AD
20.7.43	Undercarriage collapsed after swung on landing Tocumwal. Air test at 7AD of W/T installations. Pilot & 4 crew. Repairable at unit
27.7.43	Allotment to 1WGS cancelled
15.12.43	Issued 3WAGS ex 7AD. Unit alternatively named 3WGS &3WAGS on Status Card
19.9.44	Received 5AD Storage ex 3WAGS
8.1.45	Aircraft Survey Report: held at 5AD Store, Cootamundra: TT 432 hrs. Intended for first CDC disposal list 20.2.45.
19.9.45	Survey report submitted to CDC. Aircraft for disposal
25.9.45	Aircraft frozen until disposed of
20.11.45	Sold for £590 to Newcastle Aero Club, Broadmeadow NSW
11.3.46	DCA allocated registrations VH-AOK & -AOL to A34-67 & A34-57 respectively
9.4.46	Issued Newcastle Aero Club. Status Card indicates “5AD Cootamundra”

3.7.46	Registration application: Newcastle Aero Club, Broadmeadow NSW To be used for twin engine training and general club flying.
4.7.46	Registered VH-AOK
4.7.46	CofA issued. 6 passenger seats.
22.7.46	Minor damage on landing Broadmeadow airfield, Newcastle. Structural failure of undercarriage leg due to locking pin dislodging during flight. Damage to undercarriage, prop & aeleron. Pilot W. W. Davis, during conversion on to the type.
28.7.46	Repairs completed
6.3.47	Change of ownership: Queensland Flying Services, Brisbane. Signed for QFS by Mr. Temerman
11.7.47	CofA renewed at Archerfield. 6 pax seats. QFS representative at DCA weighing is K.J. Murphy
15.7.48	CofA renewed at Archerfield
19.3.49	visited airshow at Casino NSW
30.9.49	CofA renewed at Archerfield
5.4.50	Change of ownership: Qantas Empire Airways Ltd. Sydney NSW. Based New Guinea.
15.11.50	CofA expired, stored Brisbane
5.51	Overhaul to renew CofA has commenced at Eagle Farm
6.8.51	Struck-off Register at 1951 Census
8.51	DCA Memo: "AOK held in reserve by Qantas Empire Airways in Brisbane to be given overhaul for renewal of CofA if, and when, the aircraft is required by Qantas for operations in New Guinea"
19.10.51	DCA memo: "QEA have advised that they do not intend to rebuild VH-AOK"

VH-AOK with Queensland Flying Services at an airshow at Casino NSW 1949. Roger McDonald collection

A34-68 c/n 2057 Puff, Taniwha VH-AEF, ZK-AXI

43	Built Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd to RAAF order
20.3.43	First flight Mascot
24.3.43	Brought on RAAF charge as A34-68. Received 2AP Bankstown ex DH
20.5.43	Modified W/T equipment at DH
29.6.43	Received 7AD ex 2AP for modification for use in Wireless Air Gunners Schools
2.8.43	Received 1WAGS ex 7AD
3.8.43	Crashed on landing. Allotted VIA for repair
16.8.43	Issued to VIA ex 1WAGS
22.10.43	Waiting undercarriage repairs
11.7.44	Received 1AD Laverton ex VIA
3.8.44	Received 1WAGS ex 1AD
30.10.44	Received 5AD Store ex 1WAGS
8.1.45	Aircraft Survey Report: held at 5AD Store, Cootamundra: TT 174 hrs. Intended for first CDC disposal list 20.2.45.
17.2.45	DCA memo: Butler Air Transport Co advise that they have purchased A34-68 and desire to ferry it from Cootamundra on 20.2.45. Head Office approves the ferry subject to aircraft being certified fit to fly by a RAAF engineering officer or a BAT ground engineer.
17.2.45	Status Card: Authority granted to issue to BAT Co who have purchased through Commonwealth Disposal Commission.
21.2.45	Taken delivery by BAT ex 5AD Storage
	Ferried from RAAF Cootamundra to Sydney for civil conversion

	This was the first Australian-built Dragon sold by CDC and was the first civil aircraft registered at the end of WWII.
5.4.45	Registration application: Butler Air Transport Co, Mascot Aerodrome, Sydney NSW. Identity quoted as “DH2057”, Application signed by C.A.Butler.
11.4.45	CofA issued Mascot. 8 passenger seats.
29.4.45	Registered VH-AEF
4.45	Photos show white civil reg over RAAF camouflage
17.4.46	CofA renewed Mascot
15.6.46	phto at Mascot, in service with BAT, all over dark paint scheme
15.4.47	CofA renewed Mascot
5.5.48	CofA renewed Mascot
17.6.48	Change of ownership: Qantas Empire Airways Ltd, Lae, New Guinea
6.48	Testfown by Qantas pilot Bob Gray after purchase by QEA from Butler. Gray then ferried VH-AEF from Mascot to Archerfield, stopping at Coffs harbour en route.
21.7.48	DCA memo: QEA Dragons AEF & BDS are in QEA workshops at Archerfield undergoing complete overhauls for CofA renewals
18.11.49	CofA renewed Archerfield
28.12.50	CofA renewed Eagle Farm
12.51	Ferried Lae to Brisbane late December
1.52	Unairworthy 7.1.52 to 19.9.52 when returned to QEA airline operations in NG
14.5.53	Change of ownership: Fawcett Aviation Pty Ltd, Bankstown NSW
25.6.53	CofA amended from 5 pax seats to nil. Private Category
.53	Shipped to NZ. Imported by Cliff Rolfe who operated charters with Proctors as Rolvin Airways. The name was a combination of his and his wife’s maiden name Vincent.
9.7.53	First flight in NZ after assembly
14.7.53	Registered ZK-AXI Rolvin Airways Ltd, Palmerston North
17.5.54	Change of ownership: Nelson Aero Club, Nelson Used for charter and as aerial ambulance
11.7.55	Finally struck-off DCA Register: Fawcett Aviation.
57	Photo: all silver, single fuselage flash line, "Nelson Aero Club" on nose
29.3.58	ZK-AXI was among civil aircraft visiting Ohakea RNZAF Base for a military airshow
17.11.61	noted Nelson in service, “Nelson Aero Club” on nose
7.63	Change of ownership: A.J. Bradshaw, Nelson. Named Puff Bradshaw was a veteran NZ airline pilot
1.6.65	First flight after overhaul, painted red with a white dragon on nose, named Puff
	Reportedly flew 500 hours on aerial mapping
5.4.67	Change of ownership: E. Cox &J. Bergaman/ Auckland Flying School Ltd, Auckland
23.4.67	Crashed after takeoff Auckland-Ardmore. Forced landing in field after engine failed on takeoff at 3.45pm while carrying a load of parachutists. Undercarriage struck a fence post, aircraft violently ground-looped, went through another fence then tipped on its nose. No injuries but major damage.
67	Damaged aircraft stored Ardmore. Declared a writeoff.
68	Donated to Museum of Transport & Technology, Auckland. Not displayed, stored
8.68	Under restoration for display by MoTaT
72	reported displayed at MoTaT, Western Springs, Auckland
.82	Swapped by MoTaT in return for a restored DH.83 Fox Moth to G. S. "Stan" Smith & G.A. "Gilly" Smith, Dairy Flat
85/96	Under rebuild to fly at Dairy Flat. Completed 1996.
3.3.97	Restored to Register ZK-AXI Stan & Gilly Smith/ Tech-Air NZ Ltd, North Shore airfield, Auckland. Name Taniwha (Maori name for a mythical monster, equivalent to a Dragon)
8.3.97	Rolled out of hangar at Dairy Flat-North Shore airfield. Restoration almost completed
22.4.97	First flight Dairy Flat after rebuild.
1.04	noted at Auckland-North Shore, based here, airworthy, owned G. S. & G.A. Smith
03/07	Airworthy, owned G.S. & G.A. Smith, Auckland. Silver with two tone blue trim, name "Taniwha" on nose.
11	Currently registered: G. S. & G. A. Smith t/a Smiths Tech-Air NZ Ltd, North Shore Airfield

Sydney Airport in 1945 with civil registration over RAAF camouflage. Ed Coates Collection

Sydney Airport 15 June 1946 in service with Butler Air Transport. John Hopton Collection

In New Guinea with Qantas Empire Airways. Len McNeil Collection via Greg Weir

ZK-AXI at Paraparaumu NZ in April 1963, "Nelson Aero Club" on nose. Photo by Murray Whitehead

In a new paint scheme later in the 1960s, named Puff. John Hopton Collection

A34-69 c/n 2058 VH-AOE

.43	Built Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd to RAAF order
24.3.43	Brought on RAAF charge as A34-69. Received 2AP Bankstown ex DH
20.5.43	Modified W/T fitment at DH
30.6.43	Received 7AD ex 2AP for modification for use in Wireless Air Gunners schools
2.8.43	Received 1WGS ex 7AD
30.10.44	Received 5AD Storage ex 1WAGS
19.9.45	Survey report submitted to CDC. Aircraft for disposal
25.9.45	Aircraft frozen until disposed of
13.12.45	Sold by CDC for £300 to Mr. S. D. Marshall, 52 Villiers Street, Rockdale NSW CDC Sales Advice dated 11.12.45
7.1.46	Issued to S. D. Marshall ex 5AD Storage

4.3.46	Registration application: S. D. Marshall, Mascot Aerodrome, Sydney NSW
5.3.46	Registered VH-AOE
24.3.46	First flight after civil conversion
14.11.47	Change of ownership: Catholic Mission of Holy Ghost, Alexishaffen c/- Reverend Henry Hoff Purchased through Scott Henderson Pty Ltd, Importers & Merchants, Sydney
12.47	Ferried from Sydney to NG on delivery by the mission's Father John Glover
12.47	Commenced mission flying in the Highlands, first pilot Charles Gatenby
12.48	At Mascot for CofA renewal
17.2.49	AOE, another DH84 and Auster KSQ delayed at Cairns due weather en route to New Guinea
3.3.54	Change of ownership: Madang Air Charters, Madang, New Guinea
29.10.55	Crashed Madang Harbour. Pilot Dave Robertson ditched following engine failure after takeoff at Madang on a charter flight with two European passengers and a load of building timber. Turned upside down on ditching, pilot punched a hole in a perspex window of the cabin. Pilot was scratched by jagged perspex but no other injuries. He and the two passengers climbed on to a wing and were quickly picked up by boats. Investigation found cause was water in the fuel. Date also quoted as 8.11.55
10.55	The intact Dragon was upside down in the water. Salvaged by a large boat alongside lifting it with slings, but the airframe collapsed and it was wrecked. Not rebuilt.
.56	Change of ownership: Madang Air Services Ltd, Madang, New Guinea
25.7.57	Struck-off Register as Withdrawn from Service

A34-70 c/n 2059 Norman Bourke VH-AMN

2.4.43	Built Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd to RAAF order
8.4.43	Brought on RAAF charge as A34-70. Received 2AP Bankstown ex DH
30.5.43	Modified W/T fitment at DH
30.6.43	Received 7AD ex 2AP for W/T modificate for use in Wireless Air Gunners Schools
2.8.43	Received 1WAGS ex 7AD
30.10.44	Received 5AD Storage ex 1WAGS
19.9.45	Survey report submitted to CDC. Aircraft for disposal
25.9.45	Aircraft frozen until disposed of
24.10.45	Sold by CDC for £480 to Mr. Keith Virtue, Brisbane Qld. RAAF markings to be obliterated before issue to purchaser
24.11.45	Issued to K. Virtue

4.12.45	Registration application: Keith A. Virtue, Brisbane Qld
4.12.45	Registered VH-AMN
22.2.46	CofA issued Archerfield
7.7.46	Accident Archerfield, minor damage to undercarriage & wing. Repaired on 11.7.46
31.7.46	Change of ownership: Qantas Empire Airways Ltd, Brisbane Qld. Based Archerfield
22.11.46	Refuelled at Townsville en route to Port Moresby. Reported by DCA memos that it was a charter flight carrying bidders to Commonwealth Disposals Commission sales at Lae, Rabaul and Milne Bay. 6 Ansons also flew via Townsville to Port Moresby that same week for the sales.
4.47	By now based New Guinea
17.6.47	CofA renewed Archerfield
19.7.48	CofA renewed Archerfield
23.3.49	CofA renewed Archerfield
2.4.49	Change of ownership: Trans Australia Airlines, Brisbane Qld. Based Cloncurry Qld
2.4.49	TAA official acquisition date
7.49	Report: all Dragons operated in Queensland by QEA are now owned by TAA: VH-AMN, ASU, BAH, URY
	Name Norman Bourke on nose. Same name previously carried by QEA Dragon VH-AYM
6.6.50	CofA renewed Eagle Farm. Testflown same day, fitted for ambulance or passengers
6.6.51	CofA renewed Eagle Farm
52	Ed Coates photo at Eagle Farm, full TAA scheme with titles
6.4.52	Based in Darwin on loan by TAA to NTAMS for 7 months
6.6.52	CofA renewed Eagle Farm
16.12.52	Returned to TAA from NTAMS
19.4.53	Based Alice Springs on loan by TAA to NTAMS for three weeks
7.5.53	Returned to TAA from NTAMS
16.6.53	Based in Darwin on loan by TAA to NTAMS for a month
26.6.53	CofA renewed Eagle Farm
15.7.54	Returned to TAA from NTAMS
11.55	TAA official disposal date to Schutt Airfarmers
14.12.55	Change of ownership: Schutt Airfarmers Pty Ltd, Moorabbin Airport Vic Mods for agricultural work, strengthened floor. Used to spread superphosphate.
8.9.59	noted Moorabbin, in Schutt hangar
10.59	noted Moorabbin, in Schutt hangar
7.12.59	Change of ownership: Bob Couper & Co, Cunderdin WA DH.82 VH-FBO purchased at the same time by Bob Couper ex Schutt Airfarmers
8.12.59	Bob Couper & Co applied for charter licence to operate VH-AMN
6.60	Bob Couper & Co letter to WA Transport Board: Dragon AMN has only 25 hours flying since purchased, which includes its ferry flight from Moorabbin
5.6.60	Change of ownership: Ross International Fisheries Pty Ltd, Perth WA
9.60	CofA renewal at Maylands by WA Aircraft Service Co. Cabin flooring modified and cabin side panelling installed to transport live crayfish.
27.10.60	Application to WA Transport Board by Blaxell & Grummels c/- Kwinana Chemical Co, Perth to commence operating AMN to transport crayfish under contract to Ross International Fisheries Pty Ltd. Due to commence 15.11.60 and crayfish will be transported from various points along the coast between Perth and Geraldton, to Jurien Bay
4.11.60	Testflown Maylands by Robert Hickson after CofA renewal and mods. DCA inspector’s report states that aircraft has only flown 25 hours since the last renewal, just the ferry flight from Melbourne, and that the aircraft is in exceptionally good condition.
11.60	DCA inspection report: AMN is in exceptionally good condition and only 25 hours since last overhaul
11.60	Operated by Blaxell & Grummels, Perth on behalf of Ross International Fisheries.
12.11.60	Crashed landing at rough strip at Jurien Bay WA. Pilot Ian Blaxell lost control due strong cross-wind gust, causing severe groundloop which collapsed the undercarriage. He had only 2 hours experience on the type and was using a new strip near the town. Aircraft was an insurance write-off. No crayfish had been carried before this accident.
	Ross International Fisheries then let the contract to Air Culture, Perth who leased the Carsair Avro 19 VH-BIX until it made a forced landing while carrying crayfish, and was replaced by Carsair Lockheed 12A VH-ASG.
25.7.61	Struck-off Register

Brisbane-Eagle Farm 1950, with TAA and Flying Doctor Service of Australia titles. Photo by Gus Grulke

VH-AMN at Charleville Qld, operated for RFDS by TAA. Ben Dannecker collection

Moorabbin late 1955 in Schutt Aircraft's hangar, VH-AMN just delivered from TAA in Queensland prior to being converted for cropdusting. Photo by Eddie Coates

Moorabbin 1958 as a duster with Schutt Airfarmers, hopper visible in the cabin. Photo by Eddie Coates

A34-71 c/n 2060

.43	Built Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd to RAAF order
8.4.43	Brought on RAAF charge as A34-71. Received 2AP Bankstown ex DH
30.5.43	Modified W/T fitment at DH
29.6.43	Received 7AD ex 2AP for W/T modification for use in Wireless Air Gunners Schools
2.8.43	Received 1WAGS ex 7AD.
3.3.44	Heavy landing Ballarat aerodrome, undercarriage collapsed. Extensive damage. Pilot & 3 crew. 1WAGS
9.5.44	U/S at 1WAGS awaiting parts
21.7.44	Crashed into hill Kingston, 12 miles SW Daylesford, extensive damage. Crash in low cloud during a W/T cross-country exercise. Pilot & 3 crew. 1WAGS.
24.7.44	Request allotment of airframe. Engines practically undamaged
7.8.44	U/S at 1WAGS
21.8.44	Converted to components

A34-72 c/n 2061 (VH-APK), VH-AKX

.43	Built Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd to RAAF order
1.4.43	First flight Mascot
8.4.43	Brought on RAAF charge as A34-72. Received 2AP Bankstown ex DH
20.7.43	Allotted 1AD SDF Laverton ex 2AP for trial installation W/T modification and nose heaviness
24.7.43	Received 35 Sqn ex 1AD SDF
19.8.43	Issued MMA ex 35 Sqn for repairs
11.10.43	Received 35 Sqn ex MMA
10.11.43	Received 7CU Pearce ex 35 Sqn
6.6.44	Allotted 6CU ex 7CU – allotment cancelled, aircraft unsuitable for tropics
22.8.44	Allotted 5AD Storage Reserve ex 7CU
4.9.44	Ready for ferrying
16.9.44	Received 5AD Storage ex 7CU
8.1.45	Aircraft Survey Report: held at 5AD Store, Cootamundra: TT 661 hrs. General condition good but subject to a long list of defects needing repair
19.9.45	Survey report submitted to CDC. Aircraft for disposal.
25.9.45	Aircraft frozen until disposed of
15.2.46	Sold by CDC for £50 to W. R. Carpenter Pty Ltd, Sydney
21.2.46	Issued to purchaser

11.3.46	DCA allocated registrations VH-APL & -APK to W.R.Carpenter for A34-62, & -72
10.3.47	Registration application: Mandated Airlines Ltd, Lae, New Guinea
24.3.47	Registered VH-AKX
24.3.47	CofA issued at Mascot, pilot plus 2 passenger seats
3.47	Ferried from Sydney to Lae
11.5.48	Departed Lae on ferry flight to Sydney for annual CofA renewal, flown by MAL pilot John Spiers
12.5.48	Crashed during forced landing Turnagain Island, Torres Strait Departed Daru for Horn Island. Halfway across Torres Strait he encountered a severe rain storm and turned back to Daru. At low level over sea pilot saw a small low mudflat island, so made a forced landing there, wrecking the Dragon. No radio on the aircraft, so Spiers waited to be found. A search was made by a MAL C-47 with pilots Brian Carpenter and Tom Deegan as far south as the Australian Gulf country for 3 days, When returning to Daru from Horn Island they spotted the Dragon on the mudflat island with Spiers sitting on the roof of the aircraft. He had been unable to find food and at high tide the island was mostly under water so he stayed in the cabin of the Dragon while the sea gradually broke up the aircraft for 6 days without food, surviving by drinking rainwater. RAAF Catalina from Port Moresby landed off Turnagain Island, sent a crew member ashore in a rubber dinghy to collect Spiers. A storm blew up so Catalina returned to Moresby, leaving the two men on the island. They were rescued by a pearling lugger sent from Thursday Island
17.5.51	Struck-off Register

A34-73 c/n 2062

	Built Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd to RAAF order
8.4.43	Brought on RAAF charge as A34-73. Received 2AP Bankstown ex DH
30.5.43	Modified W/T fitment at DH
13.9.43	Received 3WAGS ex 7AD
18.9.43	Crashed on takeoff Maryborough Qld. Stalled into ground, groundlooped on aerodrome, caught fire. 3WAGS. Extensive damage
9.43	Diary of Leading Aircraftsman Les Sullivan based at 3WAGS Maryborough on fire crew duties: "A Dragon ground-looped when caught by a gust of wind as it was landing and landed heavily, tearing off the undercarriage and one engine, which caught fire. We raced to the scene in the fire tender and began to hose the wreckage with foam just as the pilot and three trainee WAGs scrambled to safety. We hacked off the wing with a fire axe and stopped the fire from spreading to the fuselage. I was soaked with foam and had to receive attention from the medical section for acid burns from the foam mixture." Ref: Not to be shot at or exported - RAAF Heritage Series 1995
20.9.43	Allotted 3AD ex 3WAGS for conversion.
4.10.43	Under conversion at 3WAGS
14.10.44	Approved for conversion
19.9.45	Survey report submitted to CDC. Aircraft for disposal.
25.9.45	Aircraft frozen until disposed of
21.2.46	Sold by CDC for £50 to W. R. Carpenter Pty Ltd, Sydney
7.3.46	Issued to purchaser
	Assumed broken up for spare parts for Mandated Airlines

A34-74 c/n 2063 VH-BDB

.43	Built Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd to RAAF order
8.4.43	Brought on RAAF charge as A34-74. Received 2AP Bankstown ex DH
18.5.43	Allotted 3CF for special tests under direction of S/L McGilvery. To be returned to 2Ap on completion. Allotment cancelled, A34-90 allotted in lieu
1.6.43	Modified W/T fitment at DH
30.6.43	Received 7AD ex 2AP for modification for Wireless Air Gunners schools
16.8.43	Received 2WGS ex 7AD
6.1.44	Issued 3WAGS ex 2WAGS
30.8.44	Request allotment for complete overhaul
31.8.44	To be held at 3WAGS pending further advice re disposal
19.9.44	Received 5AD Storage ex 3WAGS
19.9.45	Survey report submitted to CDC for disposal
25.9.45	Aircraft frozen until disposed of
21.2.46	Sold for £50 to W. R. Carpenter Pty Ltd, Sydney
4.3.46	Issued to purchaser ex 5AD Storage

20.5.47	Registration application: Mandated Airlines Ltd, Lae, New Guinea Serial number quoted on application as “3047”. Civil Register quotes 2063.
20.5.47	Weighed Mascot on completion of CofA overhaul
20.5.47	CofA issued
20.5.47	Registered VH-BDB
26.8.48	Weight Bankstown after CofA renewal overhaul. CofA renewed that day.
12.5.49	Crashed during crosswind landing Arona NG. Substantial damage, no injury. Repaired and ferried to Lae for CofA renewal overhaul
8.7.50	CofA renewal Port Moresby (probably actually at Lae)
2.4.51	Crashed on takeoff at Kerowagi NG. Written off. MAL pilot John M. Jenkins and 2 of the 8 passengers were seriously injured. DCA investigation found that the aircraft was overloaded by at least 18 kilograms and had 8 passengers when only certificated to carry 6 passengers. Only 4 seatbelts were fitted and no passengers were wearing seat belts. Unsecured freight was carried behind the passengers, moving forward on impact. The pilot had not completed a load sheet or calculated the Centre of Gravity. The tailwind on takeoff exceeded the maximum allowable for Kerowagi. The official cause of accident was stated as "the aircraft failed to become airborne when taking off from an airstrip at high density altitude due to incorrect technique on the part of the pilot in that he failed to adjust the mixture controls to obtain maximum engine power."
6.51	MAL advise DCA that BDB will not be returned to service
14.6.51	Struck-off Register

With Mandated Airlines in New Guinea, parent company W.R. Carpenter’s “C” star on rudder. Photo by Eric Noble

A34-75 c/n 2064 VH-APJ(1), VH-RSZ, VH-PSZ

43	Built Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd to RAAF order
11.4.43	Brought on RAAF charge as A34-75. Received 2AP Bankstown ex DH
20.5.43	Modified W/T fitment at DH
29.6.43	Received 7AD ex 2AP for modification for Wireless Air Gunners schools
30.8.43	Received 2WGS ex 7AD
9.12.43	Forced landing 2 miles south of Condobolin NSW, no damage. 2WAGS. Pilot & 3 crew, forced landing due engine failure.
6.1.44	Issued 3WAGS ex 2WAGS
19.7.44	Held 3WAGS Storage
10.8.44	Allotted 3WAGS strength ex 3WAGS Storage Reserve
19.9.44	Received 5AD Storage ex 3WAGS
19.9.45	Survey report submitted to CDC for disposal
25.9.45	Frozen until disposal
1.2.46	Sold by CDC for £50 to Royal Aero Club of NSW, Mascot aerodrome, Sydney
11.3.46	DCA allocated registrations VH-API & -APJ to the Aero Club for A34-54 & -75 respectively
9.4.46	Issued to Royal Aero Club

1.10.47	Registration application: Royal Aero Club of NSW, Mascot Aerodrome, Sydney NSW
28.10.47	Registered VH-APJ
	Mac Job writes about his introduction to Dragons in the early 1950s: “The RAeCNSW where I learnt to fly Tiger Moths had a rather tired looking Dragon in their fleet. Registered VH-APJ, it was formerly A34-75, and with twin-engined training in mind, the workshop had modified it to incorporate dual controls. The instructor’s seat was immediately behind the cockpit on the centreline of the fuselage in place of the front pair of passenger seats. The club’s rather gluggy colour scheme of dull gold and blue with wavy stripes down the sides of the fuselage, did not seem an appropriate livery for an aeroplane to be taken seriously. Inside however all looked more professional. My eagerly awaited endorsement training proved disappointing. For reasons that escaped me at the time, the club instructors seemed no more anxious to fly VH-APJ than members who had to foot the bill. At the completion of 4 hours dual with 3 different instructors. I was signed out as competent to act as pilot in command of DH.84 aircraft.” A fortnight later at Ceduna I made my first acquaintance with BCAS Dragon VH-AGI and was to fly her for the next 4 years.”
c49	photo at Bankstown, silver, in service, Aero club insignia on tail
c54	photo at Bankstown, now allover navy blue Aero Club fleet scheme. Enlarged sloping rimmed cabin windows.
12.6.57	Reregistered VH-RSZ Royal Aero Club of NSW, Sydney-Bankstown
6.58	VH-RSZ noted Bankstown under overhaul in Aero Club hangar
1.9.58	Reregistered VH-PSZ Royal Aero Club of NSW, Sydney-Bankstown
9.58	Leased to South Australian Air Taxis Ltd, Adelaide. SAAT history states that this was the only dual-controlled Dragon remaining in service in Australia at the time.
58	visited Mallala RAAF Station for airshow, no titles
3.59	VH-PSZ lease to SAAT ended, returned to Sydney. SAAT commenced operating Dragon VH-BDS the same month
3.3.60	Change of ownership: H. W. G. (Warren) Penny, Sydney t/a Independent Air Charter
15.3.60	Delivered from Adelalde to Sydney by Warren Penny
	Warren Penny recalls: "I remembered that when I was in Adelaide to ferry Conley's Tiger Moth, I had seen a very nice Dragon VH-PSZ, with two boosted-up Gispy Major engines. I reckoned I could make some money with it, so I wired Adelaide and asked for a price, and then financed it through Lombards. I went to Adelaide on 14th March 1960 to pick it up, returning the next day. It carried 8 passengers and a pilot, and had previously belonged to the Royal Aero Club of NSW. I registered the name Independent Air Charter to operate the Dragon, had some special cushions and head-rest covers made for it, and then I approached some land developers to take clients to their various coastal resort developments. Nichols & Burrow, an estate agency working from Bankstown, came to the party and I did several trips to Moruya, Canberra and Cooma for them. I then got in touch with C. H. Degotardi Real Estate Pty Ltd. They chartered the Dragon from me to have a look up the coast as far as Laurieton. I also did a number of trips for them to Forster with buyers, and then talked them into buying a bigger and faster aircraft than the Dragon ..... I looked around and finally came up with a Lockheed 10 which was based at Charleville....It was decided to form a separate company , C. H. Degotardi Air Services Pty Ltd, to operate the Lockheed, with me as Aviation manager."
23.10.60	flew at air show Camden NSW
c5.61	Forced landing near Quirindi, pilot Penny unhurt, minor damage. Warren Penny describes the events. "The Lockheed 10 was having maintenance when Degotardis asked me to collect a party of prospective customers at Gunnedah and take them to Forster. So I jumped into my Dragon and set off. At Quirindi I blew a cylinder head and had to force land in a paddock just near the town. I had just about had a kneck-full by this time. I still owed a few hundred pounds on the Dragon, but I realised that the land-selling business was not for me, particularly in small aircraft. I saw the finance company and told them the sad story. They took over ownership of thge Dragon and eventually got their representative, Gordon Greig, to go up to Quirindi and have it fixed. Gordon retained Joe Palmer to fly it back to Sydney. On 10th June 1961, Joe ran out of petrol just half a mile short of West Maitland aerodrome, landed in a paddock and damaged the aircraft. He was lucky not to get hurt, but the Dragon was written off. The onus was on the finance company, as I had offered to fly it back for them. As a matter of fact I still have the cushions out of the aircraft."
10.6.61	Crashed near Maitland NSW in forced landing. Location Lochinvar NSW. Pilot Joe Palmer, aged 60, TT 9050 hrs, 560 hrs on type. Was on a flight from Quirindi to Sydney. DCA Accident report: “Following an engine power failure arising from fuel exhaustion, the pilot landed the aircraft on a downhill slope in a paddock. The aircraft was damaged when it ran into a dry creek bed.”
1.9.61	Struck-off Register

VH-APJ at Mascot 1948 with Royal Aero Club of NSW wings emblem on rudder. John Hopton Collection

VH-APJ is seen at the rear of this group at the opening of Holbrook aerodrome NSW circa 1948. Photo Arthur Schutt via Ben Dannecker

Bankstown 1954, now repainted by the Royal Aero Club of NSW in a dark blue scheme with black registration.
Note the unusually shaped framed cockpit and cabin windows. Photo by Eddie Coates

VH-APJ at Cootamundra NSW 1957. Photo by Ben Dannecker

Now reregistered VH-RSZ and looking immaculate in silver with red trim. Bankstown 1958. John Hopton Collection

Visiting RAAF Mallala SA for an airshow in September 1958, leased to SA Air Taxis. Photo by John M. Smith

VH-PSZ wrecked in a gully after a forced landing near Maitland NSW 10 June 1961. Note the "I" insignia on the rudder for its last operator Independent Air Charter.

John Hopton Collection

A34-76 c/n 2065 VH-AYB

43	Built Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd to RAAF order
15,4.43	Brought on RAAF charge as A34-76. Received 2AP Bankstown ex 2AP
1.6.63	Modified W/T fitment at DH
2.7.43	Received 7AD ex 2AP for modification for Wireless Air Gunners schools
16.8.43	Received 2WGS ex 7AD
6.1.44	Issued 3WAGS ex 2WAGS
14.2.44	Diary entry of Leading Aircraftsman Les Sullivan at 3WAGS: "I had my first flight in a DH Dragon A34-76 flown by Flying Officer Don Cameron and although he threw her around, for the first time I was not airsick"
19.9.44	Received 5AD Storage ex 3WAGS
19.9.45	Survey report submitted to CDC for disposal
25.9.45	Frozen until disposal
21.2.46	Sold for £50 to W. R. Carpenter Pty Ltd, Sydney
9.4.46	Issued to W. R. Carpenter ex CMU Cootamundra

21.10.46	DCA allocated registration VH-AYB to W.R.Carpenter for A34-72
21.2.47	Registered VH-AYB: Mandated Airlines Ltd, Lae, New Guinea
20.8.47	Crashed in sea off Lae NG. MAL Captain John Rose QEA pilot Len McNeil who was a passenger, and gives this account in the book Balus The Aeroplane in Papua New Guinea: "I had the day off and Johnny Rose was doing a trip to Kokoda and Popondetta. I'd never been there and when he offered me a seat I jumped at it. He had another passenger on board, engineer Fred Starr. We took off and headed across the Huon Gulf in the general direction of Salamaua. Then bang, the starboard engine went. I wasn't too worried, we were only a few minutes out of Lae and John was a good pilot. Then bang, the port engine cut. Must have been water in our fuel. I said to John "How are we going?” he said "Not a hope in Hades". We hit the water with a tremendous splash, right alongside the Tenyo Maru. My seat belt snapped and I was hurled forward. My head went through the top of the cabin, right between the two metal spars. The hole was big enough to let me climb out as the Dragon settled in the water. I helped Fred Starr out and looked around for Johnny. There he was, still sitting in the cockpit with his head just above the water, fishing around for his camera. We persuaded him to join us on the upper wing." The three men were rescued by a local fisherman.
8.47	Damaged Dragon hauled to shore close to the wreck of the Japanese wartime ship Tenyo Maru on edge of Lae aerodrome. Aircraft was intact but had large fabric tears on fuselage sides.
20.8.47	Struck-off Register

A34-77 c/n 2066 VH-AOM

15.4.43	Built Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd to RAAF order
15.4.43	First flight Mascot
15.4.43	Brought on RAAF charge as A34-77. Received 2AP Bankstown ex DH
4.6.43	Modified W/T fitment at DH
2.7.43	Received 7AD ex 2AP for modification for Wireless Air Gunners schools
9.8.43	To be kept stored until further advice
30.8.43	Received 1WGS ex 7AD
30.10.44	Received 5AD Store ex 1WAGS
19.9.45	Survey report submitted to CDC for disposal
25.9.45	Frozen until disposal
1.11.45	Aircraft has been sold by CDC for £520 to Mr. K. Virtue, Brisbane.
29.11.45	RAAF Status Card: Issued to Mr. K. Virtue

28.2.46	Registration application: Raymond T. Knight & Ronald J. McCarthy, Mackay Qld, trading as KMH Air Services, Mackay Qld.
28.2.46	Weighed for CofA at Mascot
28.2.46	CofA & CofR issued VH-AOM. Fitted with 7 passenger seats.
23.3.46	Arrived Mackay after ferry flight from Sydney by R. J. McCarthy
21.4.46	Flew Mackay-Ayr
22.4.46	Flew Mackay-Rockhampton
24.4.46	Flew Mackay-Bowen
1.6.46	Flew Mackay-Capella
2.6.46	Flew Mackay-Townsville
5.6.46	Flew Mackay-Capella
8.6.46	Flew Mackay-Capella
9.6.46	Flew Clermont-Mackay
24.6.46	Flew Mackay-Proserpine-Mackay
25.6.46	Flew Mackay-Proserpine
28.6.46	Flew Mackay-Proserpine-Mackay
29.6.46	Flew Mackay-Proserpine-Mackay
30.6.46	Flew Mackay-Townsville
1.7.46	Flew Townsville-Mackay
2.7.46	Flew Mackay-Proserpine-Mackay
8.7.46	Flew Mackay-Proserpine-Mackay
9.7.46	Flew Mackay-Proserpine-Mackay
10.7.46	Flew Mackay-Proserpine-Mackay
18.7.46	Flew Mackay-Proserpine-Mackay
20.7.46	Flew Mackay-Proserpine-Bowen-Proserpine-Mackay. Engines left running at all stops while passengers loaded
20.7.46	Crashed Mackay Qld. Struck power lines during forced landing in Peel Street and then struck house when returning from Proserpine with 6 female passengers. Aircraft wrecked, pilot Raymond Knight and one passenger killed, the 5 passengers seriously injured.
	DCA investigation finds no proof of the company’s allegation that fuel was stolen from the aircraft at Proserpine and determined that the accident was caused by the pilot allowing the aircraft to run out of fuel while inbound to Mackay on the return flight.
9.5.47	Company advises DCA that the wreck was scrapped.
21.5.47	Struck-off Register

VH-AOM crashed into a house at Mackay Qld 20 July 1946. State Library of Queensland

A34-78 c/n 2067 VH-AMO

43	Built Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd to RAAF order
20.4.43	Brought on RAAF charge as A34-78. Received 2AP Bankstown ex DH
11.5.43	Allotted 5CF ex 2AP for use of Allied Works Council. To be fitted W/T at 2AP
18.5.43	Received 5CF ex 2AP
5.43	Allied Works Council, Department of Interior report states AWC received A34-78 in May 1943, based at Townsville, operated by RAAF 5CF on behalf of the AWC. The Waco VH-UVW/A54-1, which had been impressed by AWC in 2.43 was then released to RAAF.
20.9.44	Allotted 14ARD RP ex 5CU
20.9.44	Received 6CU ex 5CU en route 14ARD RP
21.9.44	Allotted 6CU ex 14ARD RP for check and inspection. Reallotted 14ARD RP on completion.
9.11.44	Allotted 5AD Storage ex 6CU
14.11.44	Allotment to 14ARD RP cancelled
13.7.45	Survey report received from NW Area
23.8.45	Allotted CMU Evans Head ex 6CU for storage
5.9.45	Received CMU Evans Head ex 6CU
19.9.45	Survey report submitted to CDC for disposal
25.9.45	Frozen until disposal
5.10.45	Sold for £520 to Mr. N. H. Blackman, Brisbane

23.10.45	Mr. N.Blackman wrote to DCA requesting approval to ferry A34-78 from Evans Head to Archerfield
28.10.45	Civil inspection report at Evans Head: fit for ferry flight
15.11.45	DCA approved ferry flight from Archerfield to Cairns where it will have CofA overhaul
12.45	Registration application: Thomas H. McDonald, Cairns Qld To be used for commercial operations. Quoted as ex RAAF aircraft purchased at Archerfield
23.12.45	Registered VH-AMO: Thomas H. McDonald, Cairns Qld
29.1.47	Change of ownership: Catholic Mission of Holy Ghost, Alexishafen
6.47	Mission priest Father John Glover flew VH-AMO on a search for Bobby Gibbes who was unreported on a MAL Dragon flight to from Wewak to Yangoru, taking Gibbes' wife Jean. They saw the MAL Dragon on the airstrip at Yangoru with minor damage. Glover, who did not much flying experience, landed VH-AMO on the short and difficult strip after a missed approach. Glover asked Gibbes to fly his Dragon back to Wewak.
31.12.48	Crashed, destroyed by fire on landing Mingende, New Guinea. Mission pilot Father John Glover was killed
16.3.49	Struck-off Register
68	Sections of Dragon VH-AMO were still stored in rafters of the Catholic Mission hangar at Madang

VH-AMO at Alexishafen, New Guinea in 1947 with the Catholic Mission. Al Bovelt collection

A34-79 c/n 2068 VH-AQW

26.3.43	Built Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd to RAAF order
16.4.43	First flight Mascot
20.4.43	Brought on RAAF charge as A34-79. Received 2AP Bankstown ex DH
14.6.43	Modified W/T fitment at DH
28.6.43	Received 2CF ex 2AP
5.11.43	Crashed while taking off, struck boundary fence and trees. 2CF, 3 passengers. No location quoted. Extensive damage
20.12.43	Issued De Havillands, Mascot ex 2CU for repairs
19.6.44	Received 2AP Bankstown ex DH
14.7.44	Received 6CU ex 2AP
9.11.44	Allotted 5AD Storage ex 6CU
14.8.45	Allotted CMU Evans Head ex 6CU for storage
5.9.45	Received CMU Evans Head
9.9.45	Survey report submitted to CDC. Aircraft for disposal.
25.9.45	Aircraft frozen until disposed of
15.10.45	Aircraft sold for £750 to The Zinc Corporation Ltd, 360 Collins St, Melbourne
15.10.45	DCA wrote to Zinc Corp approving ferry flight for A34-79 Evans Head-Moree-Bourke-Wilcannia-Broken Hill, pilot Mr. Woolcock
25.2.46	RAAF Status Card: Issued to purchaser ex CMU Evans Head

24.5.46	DCA allocated registration VH-AQW
27.6.46	Registration application: Zinc Corp Ltd, Broken Hill NSW Signed by J.M.Connell of De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd, Mascot
1.7.46	Registered VH-AQW
1.7.46	CofA issued at Mascot. 4 passenger seats
6.47	Flew Broken Hill to Wyndham WA
6.47	CofA extended from 30.6.47 to 20.11.47 with DCA approval
5.12.47	CofA renewed at Mascot
9.48	Change of owner name: Silver City Airways (Australia) Pty Ltd, Broken Hill NSW
5.1.49	Change of ownership: Qantas Empire Airways, Lae, New Guinea
7.3.49	QEA official acquisition date & DCA Register date
9.8.49	CofA renewed at Archerfield
23.8.50	CofA renewed at Archerfield
c50	Photo at Eagle Farm, all silver, large fuse reg, QEA flag on tail
22.8.51	CofA renewed at Lae
2.1.53	CofA renewed at Eagle Farm
18.2.53	Log: flew Lae-Bulolo, Captain T.E.W.Howes QEA
23.4.53	Change of ownership: Madang Air Charters, Madang, New Guinea c/- Mrs. June L. Robertson & Mrs. Hilda L. Ferguson
9.56	Change of company name: Madang Air Services Ltd, Madang
4.60	Reported date of sale from Madang Air Services to MAL
16.12.60	Change of ownership: New Guinea Co Ltd, Rabaul (associate company of Manadated Airlines)
.61	Sold by MAL to Territory Airlines, Goroka, New Guinea as spares
	Ray Harris, DCA Superintendent of Operations for PNG recalls "AQW was with Madang Air Services. Purchased by MAL. Ran out of CofA and gradually disappeared."
19.6.61	Struck-off Register as Withdrawn from Service

VH-AQW at Innamincka SA while with Zinc Corp. David Vincent collection

Zinc Corporation pilot Dudley Hart with VH-AQW at Westwood Downs Station NSW. David Vincent collection

VH-AQW now with Qantas, at Eagle Farm Airport, Brisbane circa 1951. Photo by Gus Grulke

A34-80 c/n 2069

43	Built Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd to RAAF order
22.4.43	Brought on RAAF charge as A34-80. Received 2AP Bankstown ex DH
7.6.43	Modified W/T fitment at DH
16.7.43	Received 5CF ex 2AP
11.8.43	Damaged at Cooktown, lower wing damage
21.9.43	Crashed during forced landing Wentlock Strip Qld. 5CU. Struck trees during precautionary landing due pilot lost. Extensive damage.
22.10.43	Centre-section split, both lower mainplanes damaged. Repair will take 5 weeks after arrival of materials. Undercarriage damaged beyond repair. Under condition of transportation prevailing and oncoming wet season strongly recommend conversion.
22.11.43	Approved for conversion to components

A34-81 c/n 2070

43	Built Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd to RAAF order
26.4.43	Brought on RAAF charge as A34-81. Received 2AP Bankstown ex DH
7.6.43	Modified W/T fitment at DH
23.8.43	Received 1RCS ex 2AP
5.11.43	Received 8CU ex 1RCS
22.12.43	Crashed on takeoff Vivigani Strip, Goodenough Island NG. Operated by 8CU & 2 Air Ambulance Unit. Port engine failure after takeoff, struck a tree and crashed. Pilot injured, extensive damage to airframe and engines. RAAF accident report states “complete loss”
23.11.43	Received 9CU ex 8CU
28.12.43	Received 26RSU ex 9CU for conversion
7.1.44	Approved for conversion

A34-82 c/n 2071 VH-AXL

	Built Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd to RAAF order
28.4.43	Taken on charge as A34-82. Received 2AP Bankstown ex DH
16.7.43	Received 5CF ex 2AP
30.11.43	Landing accident Mount Crank. Undercarriage damaged
3.12.43	Received 1RSU ex 5CU for repair
30.12.43	Received 5CU ex 1RSU
c44	Photo: khaki, Pacific roundel, “KF-H”
28.2.44	Forced landing between Iron Range and Cairns. Landed in scrub due loss of power. Pilot and passenger rescued 2 days later
4.3.44	Issued 13ARD ex 5CU for salvage and repair. Minor damage
15.5.44	Received 5CU ex 3ARD to replace A34-60
27.7.44	Request allotment for complete overhaul
8.8.44	Received De Havillands ex 5CU for complete overhaul
27.6.45	Received 2AD Richmond ex DH
5.7.45	Received 5AD Storage ex 2AD
25.9.45	To be retained in service by RAAF, not to be inspected by prospective buyers
5.11.45	Received 6CU ex 5AD Storage
5.3.46	Received RAAF Station Darwin ex 6OTU (Status Card error for 6CU?)
16.5.46	Approved by Air Board for disposal by CDC
14.6.46	Sold through CDC for £50 to Flying Doctor Service, Adelaide
5.8.46	Issued to purchaser

46	E .J. Connellan, founder of Connellan Airways, Alice Springs NT was refused permission by DCA to import Beech 18s for post-war services. He wrote: “Irrespective of my own wishes, DCA told me that I should use the 8 passenger DH.84 Dragon. They had the Air Force sell me one for £50 and told me to use it. I argued that it was ridiculous to try to carry on with an 8 passenger aeroplane of 260hp, against the 900hp in the Beech 18 and that the best thing that they could do with the enormous fleet of Air Force Dragons was to put them all in a heap and burn them. I told them it would not be long before our Dragon would sink back into the ground after take off. In fact this happened at Hermannsburg in September 1946. No blame could be attached to the pilot: the aircraft simply had insufficient power to stay in the air in hot conditions. In its wisdom, DCA said we should use 680hp Avro Anson air force training aircraft, of which there was a large surplus, to carry 8 passengers. In the meantime, I had replaced the Dragon with a Dragonfly, similar but smaller 4 passenger De Havilland biplane with the same engines.“
	Civil overhaul by Connellan Airways at Alice Springs.
1.9.46	Registration application: Edward J. Connellan, Alice Springs NT
1.9.46	Registered VH-AXL
9.46	CofA issued. Forwarded windows on starboard side (at least) faired over and replaced by two small port holes.
17.9.46	Crashed on takeoff Hermannsburg airstrip, Connellan Airways pilot Sam Calder. Failed to become airborne, ran into trees and scrub. Lengthy rebuild
.46	Damaged aircraft trucked back to Alice Springs by truck contractor Ray Brummel who recovered several aircraft for Connellan. Eddie Connellan recalls "Perhaps his worst trip was the shortest, from Hermannsburg with the Dragon that crashed in the timber after takeoff because of inadequate power. This was only about 90 miles, but the winding narrow track of those days was through thick scrub nearly all the way, which required many days of cutting down or lopping trees to let his truck through with its wide load."
47	CofA renewed after repair at Alice Springs
9.5.47	Change of ownership: Qantas Empire Airways Ltd, Lae, New Guinea
c50	Photo in service in New Guinea, allover silver, Qantas flag on tail. Standard cabin window glasshouse.
17.2.50	Damaged on landing Banz
4.4.50	Damaged in accident at Gusap
21.9.51	Crashed Karanka NG. QEA Captain pilot Frederick G. Barlogie of Sydney was sole occupant and was killed instantly. At 7.30AM crashed on a mountain ridge 5 Km north east of Karanka airstrip, on a scheduled RPT flight from Lae to Wabag, but only carrying freight. Aircraft was a total loss. DCA investigation found that the pilot continued the flight under conditions of reduced visibility in severe smoke haze so that flight in sight of ground could only be maintained at a dangerously low altitude.
19.10.51	Struck-off Register

A34-82 with No.5 Comm Unit, Townsville with code KF-H. Frank F. Smith collection

Connellan Airways' VH-AXL damaged in the trees after failing to get airborne at Hermannsburg NT in September 1946. Note the unusual widely-spaced round cabin windows.

Photo E. J. Connellan

VH-AXL at Archerfield 1947 with QEA soon after it was acquired from Connellan Airways, still with the round window panels. Ray Vuillermin collection

VH-AXL with Qantas in New Guinea, standard cabin glasshouse "QEA" flag on tail. John Hopton Collection

Formating on another QEA Dragon in New Guinea. Len McNeil collection via Greg Weir

A34-83 c/n 2072 VH-APP, VH-CPP, VH-DMB

4.43	Built Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd to RAAF order
27.4.43	First flight Mascot
28.4.43	Brought on RAAF charge as A34-83. Received 2AP Bankstown ex DH
16.6.43	Modified W/T fitment at De Havillands
16.7.43	Received 5CF ex 2AP
2.11.44	Received 5AD Storage ex 5CF
19.9.45	Survey report submitted to CDC. Aircraft for disposal
25.9.45	Aircraft frozen until disposed of
22.2.46	Sold by CDC for £50 to Shark Patrol Service, Sydney.
9.4.46	Issued to purchaser

5.7.46	Registration application: New England Airways, Mascot Aerodrome, Sydney Application submitted by Airflite Pty Ltd, Mascot on behalf of New England Airways
6.7.46	Registered VH-APP
6.7.46	CofA issued
6.8.46	Mandatory fuel pump mods by Airflite Pty Ltd
26.3.47	Change of ownership: Brown & Dureau Ltd, Essendon Aerodrome, Melbourne Vic
19.9.47	CofA renewed at Mascot
2.48	Based in Tasmania, due to return to Essendon later
27.2.48	Overturned during takeoff on soft ground Bathurst Harbour Tasmania
9.6.48	CofA renewed at Essendon after repairs
c48	VH-APP photo at Essendon, all silver, no titles, in service. Parked at old aero club hangar
26.11.48	Letter from DCA to Brown & Dureau Ltd advising that a series of registrations conflicted with standard radio callsigns, or "Q" Code groups: VH-APP was on the list with proposed change of registration to VH-CPP to keep repainting to a minimum
26.8.49	CofA renewed at Essendon
1.9.49	Reregistered VH-CPP
26.8.50	CofA renewed at Moorabbin
6.8.51	Commenced a 2 week survey contract for Victoria Railways, operating between Mildura & Ballarat
8.51	VH-CPP photo at Mildura Vic, all silver
55	Ed Coates photo Moorabbin: in hangar all silver, no titles. Beech C18S KFD behind
7.1.56	Change of ownership: Douglas C. Muir t/a Muir Aviation, later Muir Airlines of NT, Darwin NT
7.57	Reregistered VH-DMB Douglas C. Muir, Darwin NT
26.2.58	Arrived Oenpelli NT with port engine shut down. Pilot E. C. Osgood
11.4.58	Starboard brake failed on landing Darwin, pilot S. Koronkerioius
23.12.58	Brake failure taxying at Shady Camp. Pilot E. C. Osgood.
26.2.59	Crashed Darwin NT. Badly damaged when overran runway on landing, pilot K.Kevicius DCA Accident Report: "Whilst overflying the landing strip, the starboard engine power failed for reasons undetermined and the aircraft ran through the airport boundary in the ensuing emergency landing. Nil injuries."
-	Reported that remains of Muir’s Dragons DMA & DMB were burnt as a bonfire at Darwin
22.9.59	Struck-off Register

VH-APP at Essendon c1949, with small Brown & Dureau titles on the nose. John Hopton Collection

Now re-registered VH-CPP, at Moorabbin Airport, Melbourne. John Hopton Collection

A34-84 c/n 2073 VH-AHY

43	Built Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd to RAAF order
1.5.43	Brought on RAAF charge as A34-84. Received 2AP Bankstown ex DH
16.6.43	Modified with W/T fitment at De Havillands
16.7.43	Received 5CF ex 2AP
7.7.44	Received De Havillands ex 5CF for complete overhaul
1.3.45	Received 2AD Richmond ex DH
29.3.45	Received 3CU ex 2AD
19.6.45	Received 5AD Storage ex 3CU
19.9.45	Survey report submitted to CDC. Aircraft for disposal
25.9.45	Aircraft frozen until disposed of
8.10.45	Sold for £750 to Bridgewater Amplifier Sound System, Sydney
30.11.45	Issued to purchaser

21.5.46	Registration application: Shark Patrol Service Co c/- Airflite Pty Ltd, Mascot NSW Identity quoted “4266”
24.5.46	Registered VH-AHY
47	Shark Patrol Service absorbed into New England Airways, Sydney
6.47	Change of ownership: Taylors Air Transport Ltd, Lae, New Guinea Civil Register change of ownership date 10.6.47
8.6.47	VH-AFK & AHY departed Sydney on delivery flight to Lae for Joe Taylor to commence his charter business. Pilot Ralph Elphinstone remembers: "There we were in the two Dragons. Joe Taylor and myself in one, Ross Kerrick in the other, two mechanics, and a traffic clerk, all our spares, suitcases, everything to run an airline. Just arrived up in Lae unannounced one day and started flying the next."
20.5.48	Crashed Hope Creek NG. Undershot on landing Slate Creek PNG
.48	Insured by Lloyds of London, who took over the ownership of the wreck
	Disposed as salvage
16.8.48	Struck-off Register

Casino NSW August 1947, New England Airways, with a "NE" coat of arms on nose. Roger McDonald collection

A34-85 c/n 2074 VH-AVU

43	Built Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd to RAAF order
7.5.43	Brought on RAAF charge as A34-85. Received 2AP Bankstown ex DH
20.6.43	Modified W/T fitment at De Havillands
16.7.43	To be modified to DH84 Order No.22 strengthening of floor
3.11.43	Received 6CF ex 2AP
30.11.44	Received 5AD Storage ex 6CU
19.9.45	Survey report submitted to CDC. Aircraft for disposal
25.9.45	Aircraft frozen until disposed of
15.2.46	Sold for £50 for Butler Air Transport Co, Sydney
21.2.46	Issued to purchaser

26.2.46	C.A.Butler pilot log book: flew A34-85 Mascot-Tooraweenah NSW-Mascot.
21.11.46	Registered VH-AVU Butler Air Transport Co, Sydney NSW
27.6.47	C.A.Butler pilot log book: flew VH-AVU Tooraweenah-Coonamble
11.8.48	Change of ownership: Catholic Mission of Holy Ghost, Alexishaffen, Madang, New Guinea
23.5.51	Struck-off Register as withdrawn from service

Lismore NSW 17 February 1947 in passenger service with Butler Air Transport. Roger McDonald collection

A34-86 c/n 2075

43	Built Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd to RAAF order
17.5.43	Brought on RAAF charge as A34-86. Received 2AP Bankstown ex DH
16.6.43	Modified W/T fitment at De Havillands
14.7.43	To be modified in accordance with DH84 Order No.22 strengthening of floor
3.11.43	Received 6CF ex 2AP
23.11.43	Starboard lower wing struck parked vehicle. No location quoted.
17.4.44	Accident
27.10.44	Received 2CRD ex 6CU for survey report
14.11.44	Allotted 5AD Storage ex 2CRD
18.11.44	Aircraft to be transported by road to 5AD Storage
27.11.44	Received 5AD Storage ex 2CRD
19.9.45	Survey report submitted to CDC. Aircraft for disposal
25.9.45	Aircraft frozen until disposed of
22.2.46	Sold by CDC for £50 to Queensland Ambulance Transport Brigade, Brisbane Qld CDC Sales Advice dated 20.2.46
9.4.46	Issued to purchaser

A34-87 c/n 2076

43	Built Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd to RAAF order
18.5.43	Brought on RAAF charge as A34-87. Received 2AP Bankstown ex DH
14.7.43	To be modified in accordance with DH84 Order No.22 strengthening of floor
24.11.43	Received 6CU ex 2AP.
23.12.43	Departed Batchelor for Wyndham WA then Drysdale Mission (Kalumburu), flown by Flg Officer Jenkins to assist search for pilot of Spitfire A58-51, who had made forced landing in a mangrove swamp. Next morning Jenkins departed Drysdale at first light and located the pilot in a dinghy, and Spitfire seen under the water. Jenkins dropped messages then landed at nearby Kunmunya Mission, avoiding anthills on the landing strip. Sent radio message to Darwin using station pedal radio, returned to the pilot and dropped him food and water. Spent the night at Drysdale, where joined that night by a 6CU Walrus and early on 25.12.43 the Walrus landed on water next to the sunken Spitfire and rescued the pilot. Dragon and Walrus arrived back at Batchelor that evening in time for the 6CU Christmas Dinner.
6.12.44	Allotted 5AD Storage ex 6CU
19.9.45	Survey report submitted to CDC. Aircraft for disposal
25.9.45	Aircraft frozen until disposed of
21.2.46	Sold for £50 to W. R. Carpenter Pty Ltd, Sydney
4.3.46	Issued to purchaser
	Assumed broken-up for spare parts for Mandated Airlines

A34-88 c/n 2077

43	Built Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd to RAAF order
13.5.43	Brought on RAAF charge as A34-88. Received 2AP Bankstown ex DH
14.7.43	To be modified in accordance with DH84 Order No.22 strengthening of floor
22.12.43	Issued 5CU ex 2AP
23.12.44	Crashed on takeoff Coffs Harbour NSW. Struck overhead wires shortly after takeoff, crashed near jetty. 2 injured, extensive damage. 2AP accident occurred on ferry flight
1.1.44	Received 3AD ex 12OBU for conversion
7.1.44	Approved conversion
8.2.44	Received 3CRD ex 3AD

A34-89 c/n 2078

.43	Built Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd to RAAF order
20.5.43	Brought on RAAF charge as A34-89. Received 2AP Bankstown ex DH
14.7.43	To be modified in accordance with DH84 Order No.22 for strengthened floor
16.12.43	Realloted 7CU Pearce ex 2AP. DH84 Order No.21 to be incorporated before issue
2.2.44	Received 7CU ex 2AP
1.7.44	Received 6CU Batchelor ex 7CU as replacement
9.11.44	Allotted 5AD Storage ex 6CU. Not delivered
3.2.45	Crashed after takeoff Batchelor NT. Crashed 1 mile NE of airfield, on travel flight to Cape Fourcroy, 6CU pilot Pilot Officer R. H. Stinton was hurt. Extensive damage. Recommended issue 8CRD for conversion
5.2.45	Allotted 8CRD ex 6CU for conversion
27.2.45	Approved for conversion

A34-90 c/n 2079 VH-ASU, VH-APJ (2)

.43	Built Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd to RAAF order
20.5.43	Brought on RAAF charge as A34-90. Received 2AP Bankstown ex DH
7.6.43	Received 33 Sqn ex 2AP
28.10.43	Received 1RCS ex 33 Sqn
4.11.43	Received 8CU ex 1RCS
14.12.43	Damaged on landing Bulldog strip. Tipped on nose. Undercarriage and engines damaged. Repairs can be carried out in unit.
17.2.44	Received 15ARD ex 8CU for 240 hourly overhaul
4.4.44	Received 9CU ex 15ARD
19.5.44	Received 8CU ex 9CU
21.11.44	Received 5AD Storage ex 8CU
8.1.45	Survey report: TT 355 hours. Intended for first CDC disposals list of 20.2.45. Held at 5AD Storage Section, Cootamundra
19.9.45	Survey report submitted to CDC. Aircraft for disposal
25.9.45	Aircraft frozen until disposed of
21.2.46	Sold for £50 to W. R. Carpenter Pty Ltd, Sydney
6.3.46	Issued to purchaser

26.9.46	Registration application: Inter State Air Services Pty Ltd c/- Airflite Pty Ltd, Mascot Aerodrome, Sydney NSW Identity quoted as “DG79” ex A34-90
27.9.46	Registered VH-ASU
27.9.46	CofA issued, 7 passenger seats
17.11.46	Change of ownership: Arthur B. Browning, Sydney NSW
26.9.47	Cof R and CofA expired
19.12.47	Struck-off Register as WFS
1.6.48	Registration application: Qantas Empire Airways Ltd, Sydney NSW To be based Queensland operating scheduled public transport
6.48	ASU undergoing CofA overhaul at Archerfield by QEA
11.6.48	Restored to Register as VH-ASU
1.7.48	CofA renewed Archerfield
7.48	QEA operating Dragons BAH & ASU on regular air routes in Queensland
2.4.49	Change of ownership: Trans Australian Airlines, Brisbane Qld. Based Queensland. BAH & ASU taken over as part of TAA taking over QEA Queensland routes effective 1.4.49
13.5.49	Civil Register change of ownership date & TAA official acquisition date
3.10.49	CofA renewed Archerfield, 7 passenger seats
7.11.50	CofA renewed Eagle Farm
14.12.51	CofA renewed Eagle Farm
52	Ed Coates photo Eagle Farm, full TAA scheme with titles
13.2.53	CofA renewed Eagle Farm
11.55	Change of ownership: Schutt Airfarmers Pty Ltd, Moorabbin Airport, Melbourne Vic
56	Used to spread superphosphate. Based at Moorabbin, basic TAA paint scheme, "Schutt Airframers" titles on fuselage.
14.12.55	Register Change of Ownership date to Schutt Airfarmers
15.12.56	noted Moorabbin, “Schutt Airfarmers” titles
21.7.59	Change of ownership: Queensland Airplanters Pty Ltd, Childers, later Bundaberg Qld
13.5.60	Reregistered VH-APJ
24.9.64	Dragons VH-AGC & APJ noted at Bundaberg, used as seeders by Queensland Airplanters
9.10.64	Struck-off Register as Withdrawn From Service
c65	Reported burnt at Bundaberg along with Dragon AIA. Alternative report says that Airplanters had a collection of Dragon components which were later acquired principally for the rebuild of VH-UXG
17.3.68	Wings and other parts of Dragon VH-APJ in the rafters of hangar at Hervey Bay-Pialba Qld. Alongside a Tiger Moth fuselage.

VH-ASU in a TAA hangar at Eage Farm Airport, Brisbane in 1952. Photo by Eddie Coates

VH-ASU at Moorabbin as a crop duster with Schutt Airfarmers. John Hopton Collection

Rare colour view of VH-ASU at Broken Hill NSW while with Schutt Airfarmers, still in TAA paint scheme. Peter Kelly collection

A34-91 c/n 2080 VH-ARJ

30.4.43	Built Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd to RAAF order
14.5.43	First flight Mascot
25.5.43	Brought on RAAF charge as A34-91. Received 2AP Bankstown ex DH
14.7.43	To be modified in accordance with DH84 Order No.22 for strengthened floor
24.1.44	Received 6CU ex 2AP
9.11.44	Allotted 5AD Storage ex 6CU. Not delivered
5.10.45	Received CMU Evans Head ex 6CU for storage
10.1.46	Aircraft frozen until disposed of
10.2.46	Sold to W. R. Carpenter Pty Ltd, Sydney CDC Sales Advice dated 8.2.45
11.3.46	Collected by purchaser

5.7.46	Registration application: Mandated Airlines Ltd, Lae, New Guinea. Signed by J.McConnell of De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd for W.R.Carpenter & Co. Application form submitted by J. W. McConnell of De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd, Sydney quotes ids. 2080 and handed added “A34-39” Historian John Hopton surmised from this that 2080 was originally allotted VH-ARJ then the registration allocation changed to A34-39 and that 2080 was then among the Dragons broken up for parts to be shipped from Sydney to MAL for spares.
18.7.46	Registered VH-ARJ Mandated Airlines Ltd, Lae, New Guinea
18.7.46	CofA issued Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd. Seating for 12 passengers
8.46	Delivered to New Guinea by newly appointed pilot Dick Burt (ex KNILM, Qantas, RAAF) a week after VH-ARI flown by MAL Manager Arthur Collins
1.2.47	Crew of ARJ located wreckage of missing MAL Dragon VH-AOS on Mount Kerigomma
10.3.47	Inspection report at Lae. Had flown 610 hours since CofA issued
11.3.47	Landed Lae with fabric under fuselage in tatters. Grounded by DCA.
3.47	DCA reprimanded MAL over the poor condition of Dragons ARJ & APL, both have been grounded pending rectification of faults.
3.9.47	CofA renewal at Mascot
1.12.48	CofA renewal Bankstown
20.2.50	CofA renewal at Bankstown by De Havilland Aircraft (MAL’s APL renewed at same time)
3.50	Inspection at Madang by DCA Surveyor: Wood deterioration and dry rot, fabric sagging, only 1 week after return from CofA renewal at Bankstown by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd. DCA send list of defects to De Havilland who reply protesting that aircraft was in good condition when it left Bankstown on the ferry flight to New Guinea
3.9.51	CofA renewal at Lae
9.9.52	CofA renewal at Lae
9.5.53	Damaged during landing Yangoru, NG. Pilot F. S. Straney uninjured, owner MAL. Repaired.
11.55	Balus The Aeroplane inPapua New Guinea states: MAL had two remaining Dragons in service AOQ & APJ (sic) but they were not flown often. APJ was sold in 1957.
1.9.60	Struck-off Register as withdrawn from service

A34-92 c/n 2081 (G-AJKF), VH-BDS, VH-AML

43	Built Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd to RAAF order
1.5.43	First flight Mascot
30.5.43	Brought on RAAF charge as A34-92. Received 2AP Bankstown ex DH
14.7.43	To be modified in accordance with DH84 Order No.22 for strengthened floor
2.11.43	Allotted 5CF ex 2AP to replace A34-80
25.12.43	Received 5CF ex 2AP
29.5.44	Logbook extract: A34-92 "KF-T" flew Townsville-Bowen-Townsville, pilot Flying Officer T. V. Watts
28.8.44	Allotted 5AD Storage Reserve Wagga ex 5CU (unit renamed). Aircraft to be made serviceable for ferrying only.
6.9.44	Received 5AD Storage Reserve ex 5CU
19.9.45	Survey report submitted to CDC. Aircraft for disposal
25.9.45	Aircraft frozen until disposed of
11.2.46	Sold by CDC for £50 to W. R. Carpenter Pty Ltd, 16 O’Connell Street, Sydney
9.4.46	Issued to purchaser

28.3.47	Registered G-AJKF Butlin’s Ltd t/a Butlin’s Holiday Camps Planned to be used for joyriding at Butlin holiday camps at various locations across Britain
	Sale cancelled, not exported to England. British reg cancelled 8.48.
	Air Britain British Civil Aviation News 12.9.59 gave this summary: "The immediate post-War years saw the employment of a sizeable number of aircraft by that doyen of the holiday camps, Mr. Billy Butlin. Conspicuous by a rather bilious colour scheme of light blue and yellow, they were used to provide joy~riding at the camps, and communications between camps and the head office in London. The camps so favoured were those at Pwllheli, Skegness and Filey, and the adjacent airfields of Broom Hall, Ingoldmells and Speeton were maintained by the company for the use of its aircraft. Those based on London were housed at Luton and later at Elstree. The first acquisition was the Proctor 5 G-AGTE, delivered on 15.3.46, and this was followed in November by a new Consul, G-AIKU. March 1947 saw the registration G-AJKF allotted to an Australian-built D.H.84 Dragon VH-BDS, ex A34-92 - but like so many exotic prospects, it failed to arrive." The Butlin fleet included 3 Fairchild Argus and 3 Rapides and reached its peak in the summer of 1948 but then steadily declined until the last aircraft were sold in July 1950.
22.4.48	Registration application: Qantas Empire Airways Ltd, Sydney NSW. Based Queensland
28.4.48	CofA issued. 7 pax seats.
28.4.48	Registered VH-BDS
28.4.48	CofA issued, 7 passenger seats
21.7.48	DCA memo: QEA Dragons AEF & BDS are in QEA workshops at Archerfield undergoing complete overhauls for CofA renewals
9.48	Two 15 gallon auxiliary fuel tanks installed at Archerfield, increasing fuel capacity from 60 to 90 gallons. Passenger load reduced from 7 to 5 due extra fuel weight.
13.10.48	CofA renewed Archerfield
27.10.49	CofA renewed Archerfield. 5 passenger seats
21.11.50	CofA renewed Eagle Farm
c50	Photo at Archerfield, all silver, reg on fuselage, parked outside QEA hangar
14.11.52	Change of ownership: Eric E. Condon c/- Wagga Flying School, Wagga NSW
18.11.52	DCA Brisbane memo: Approval given for BDS to be ferried from Brisbane to Wagga where CofA renewal will be carried out.
18.12.52	CofA renewed Wagga. Charter Category.
19.8.54	Change of ownership: N. R. Thompson c/- North Australian Aviation Service, Darwin NT
5/59	DCA Register: N. R. Thompson, Hendra Qld: Based SA/NT Region
3.59	Reportedly commenced operation by SA Air Taxis, Adelaide, the same month that the lease of Dragon VH-PSZ by SAAT ended.
17.6.59	Change of ownership: South Australian Air Taxis Ltd, Adelaide SA
60	Flown on daily newspaper contract Adelaide to Port Pirie and Whyalla, and freight charters. When this contract ended, used for parachuting by SA Skydivers Club. All silver with blue registration and cheat line and “SA Air Taxis” on side.
2.6.62	noted Moorabbin "SAAT" titles
24.6.62	noted Parafield
4.8.62	noted Parafield
28.9.62	noted Parafield, "SAAT" titles
9.11.62	Change of ownership: Rostrevor Building Co, Adelaide SA
62/63	Used on a weekly run between Adelaide and Coober Pedy SA carrying fresh meat and perishables, replacing the SA Air Taxis Lockheed 12A VH-TLX, which had been damaged.
29.1.63	noted Parafield
4.2.63	noted Parafield
8.6.63	noted Parafield, flying
29.7.63	arrived Adelaide Airport and parked
31.7.63	departed Adelaide Airport for Parafield at 5pm
3.8.63	noted Parafield in Aviation Services(SA)Ltd hangar
4.8.63	noted Parafield in Aviation Services(SA)Ltd hangar
10.8.63	noted Parafield in Aviation Services(SA)Ltd hangar
5.9.63	VH-BDS noted Parafield in Aviation Services(SA)Ltd hangar
19.9.63	Change of ownership: Bob Couper & Co, Cunderdin WA
19.9.63	Reregistered VH-AML Bob Couper & Co, Cunderdin WA The company was a pioneer aerial agricultural operator in WA. Reportedly used for general work including running drums of fuel and chemicals to Tiger Moths in the field
9.1.64	VH-AML noted Cunderdin, allover silver.
7.5.65	Change of ownership: Robert S. Couper, Cunderdin WA Registration changed from Airwork Category to Private Category
26.3.66	noted Cunderdin
8.67	By now is based at Busselton
1.12.67	Change of ownership: Neville J. Hyder, Busselton WA Based on Hyder's farming property which includes the WW2 Busselton airstrip, Dragon kept inside a wartime bomb-proof concrete hangar
5.5.68	noted Busselton, local flying. pilot Neville Hyder
19.10.68	flew in 2 day Weekend News Air Trial as #2, pilot Hyder
18.9.69	Change of ownership: Harry W. Hockin c/- Western Titanium N.L., Capel WA Sold to Hockin for nominal amount as part of a partnership between Hockin and Hyder in PA-24 Comanche VH-PAO.
21.9.69	noted Busselton at Hyder's hangar, under maintenance for CofA renewal
5.4.70	noted Busselton at Hyder's hangar, dismantled pending more work to renew CofA
9.4.72	noted Busselton at Hyder's hangart, reassembled but still on extended overhaul
25.1.73	Arrived Jandakot on ferry from Busselton for CofA renewal and repaint at Bernies Aviation
2.2.73	noted Jandakot in Bernies Aviation hangar, being worked on by Lindsay Harboard
21.2.73	noted Janadakot, repaint commenced in Bernies Aviation hangar
24.3.73	noted Jandakot, repaint in green and cream scheme nearly completed
4.4.73	noted Jandakot, new paint scheme, parked outside Bernies Aviation, also 19.4.72
3.6.73	noted Jandakot, parked in main aircraft parking area, also 15.6.73, 8.7.73
21.7.73	noted Jandakot, being refurbished in open by engineer Lindsay Harboard. Aircraft has a current CofA
28.7.73	noted Jandakot, also 4.9.73
17.12.73	noted Jandakot, parked in main aircraft parking area after work in CFS hangar. Silver fuselage
22.12.73	noted Jandakot, being resparayed in Bernies Aviation hangar
4.1.74	noted Jandakot, parked outside Bernies Aviation hangar
16.1.74	noted Jandakot, parked in main aircraft parking area, all work completed, also 23.1.74
12.10.74	Flew in 3 day Weekend News Air Trial Jandakot-Geraldton-Carnarvon-Exmouth-Carnarvon. Pilot Neville Hyder, passenger Hockin.
10.11.74	visited Beverley WA airshow. Pilot Neville Hyder, passenger Hockin.
76	parked for long period in CFS hangar Jandakot
29.10.76	Change of ownership: J. S. Hockin, Perth WA
5.78	noted Jandakot in CFS hangar, flat tyres
11.80	visited fly-in at Beverley WA, green with cream trim
.84	Restored at Jandakot by Lynton Forster for flying scenes in TV movie Flight Into Hell. All over silver with large fuselage registration VH-AML in black. Flown from Perth to Broome by Lyn Forster, Mike Hockin and Neville Hyder to take part in filming.
1.7.85	Change of ownership: Mrs. M. C. Hockin, Perth, later Melbourne
28.2.87	Attended a fly-in on Perth Esplanade grass area
29.10.87	VH-AML refuelled at Adelaide-Parafield en route WA to Melbourne where owner now lives. All silver.
87-98	Based at RAAF Point Cook Vic on loan to RAAF Museum
15.10.88	Flew in RAAF Richmond airshow, all silver, RAAF roundel "A34-92" on fuselage sides
27.3.98	Change of ownership: M. W. Hockin, Sydney, later Brisbane
.04	Purchased from the Hockin Family by RAAF Museum, Point Cook Vic Register change of ownership date to RAAF Museum 19.9.05
08	Displayed in RAAF museum Point Cook in silver scheme, white roof, “A34-92”, Pacific theatre blue & white roundels
	Current

Archerfield Qld 1950. Photo by Eddie Coates

Adelaide Airport March 1962 in use as a freighter by SA Air Taxis Ltd. Photo by Geoff Goodall

VH-AML at Busselton WA 5 May 1968, owner Neville Hyder ready to make a local flight. Photo by Geoff Goodall

Near Mullewa WA in October 1974 enroute Carnarvon to Perth after the 1974 annual WA Air Trial, flown by Neville Hyder. Photo by Geoff Goodall

Visiting Beverley WA for a fly-in November 1980. Photo by Geoff Goodall

VH-AML at an airshow at RAAF Richmond, repainted silver with RAAF markings. Photo by Geoff Goodall

A34-93 c/n 2082 VH-AGM

5.5.43	Built Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd to RAAF order
21.5.43	First flight Mascot
30.5.43	Brought on RAAF charge as A34-93. Received 2AP Bankstown ex DH
14.7.43	To be modified in accordance with DH84 Order No.22 for strengthened floor
13.2.44	Issued to School of Photography, Canberra ex 2AP
27.8.44	Received 5AD Storage ex School of Photography
8.1.45	Survey report: TT 162 hours. Intended for first CDC disposals list of 20.2.45. Held at 5AD Storage Section, Cootamundra
19.9.45	Survey report submitted to CDC. Aircraft for disposal
25.9.45	Sold for £750 to Flying Doctor Service (NSW Section)
4.10.45	Issued to purchaser

11.10.45	DCA Parafield request Head Office approval for VH-AGM to be flown for a month while FDS Dragon URE is on overhaul. Aircraft has been inspected at Broken Hill and approval is recommended. Airframe time 176 hours since new. The FDS has been using DH94 ACO but it is now grounded for a 30 hourly inspection.
12.10.45	Interim CofA as VH-AGM Flying Doctor Service of Australia (NSW Section), Broken Hill NSW Issued at Broken Hill for 1 month only
12.10.45	Photo at Broken Hill, with civil registration painted over RAAF camouflage.
7.12.45	Registered VH-AGM
7.12.45	Interim CofA renewed at Broken Hill, only 3 months. DCA advise URE will have completed its overhaul by then, to allow AGM to have full inspection
7.3.46	CofA expired
29.7.46	AGM is no longer serviceable. It will be kept for spare parts for URE of FDS and AQW of Zinc Corp
13.9.46	Struck-off Register as withdrawn from service

Broken Hill NSW 12 October 1945, the day that A34-93 received Interim CofA as VH-AGM for the Broken Hill base of the Flying Doctor Service.
Civil Aviation Historical Society South Australia Collection/ SA Aviation Museum

A34-94 c/n 2083 VH-BDC

43	Built Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd to RAAF order
5.43	First flight Mascot
10.6.43	Brought on RAAF charge as A34-94. Received 2AP Bankstown ex DH
14.7.43	To be modified in accordance with DH84 Order No.22 for strengthened floor
29.11.43	Issued 9CU ex 2AP
13.12.43	Received 15ARD ex 9CU
22.12.43	Received 9CU ex 15ARD
5.10.44	Received 5AD Storage ex 9CU
19.9.45	Survey report submitted to CDC. Aircraft for disposal
25.9.45	Aircraft frozen until disposed of
15.2.46	Sold for £50 to W. R. Carpenter Pty Ltd, Sydney
9.4.46	Issued to purchaser

13.6.47	Registration application: Mandated Airlines Ltd, Lae, New Guinea
13.6.47	Registered VH-BDC
13.6.47	CofA issued at Mascot. 3 passenger seats.
14.8.47	Crashed at Angoram, New Guinea. Starboard undercarriage, wing and tailwheel damaged.
1.10.48	CofA renewed at Bankstown
10.11.49	CofA renewed at Bankstown
16.2.51	CofA renewed at Port Moresby
25.4.51	Ran off strip due brake failure. Damage to upper and lower wingtips. Flown out to Lae after temporary repair.
24.1.52	Change of ownership: Jack Gray, Lae, New Guinea t/a Territory Airlines Ltd, Goroka
	Ownership changed to: Territory Airlines Ltd, Goroka, new Guinea
26.7.52	Propeller blade broke away and sliced into thew fuselage just behind the cockpit in flight over Kubor Range near Goroka. Captain Noel Peacock and the only passenger unhurt, and landed safely at Goroka.
11.7.57	Struck-off Register as withdrawn from service

A34-95 c/n 2084 VH-AOL

43	Built Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd to RAAF order
3.6.43	First flight Mascot
11.6.43	Brought on RAAF charge as A34-95. Received 2AP Bankstown ex DH
14.7.43	To be modified in accordance with DH84 Order No.22 for strengthened floor
16.1.44	Issued 1CU for bushfire patrol duties
29.3.44	Allotted 9CU ex 1CU
11.4.44	To be camouflaged as per AGI Part 3 Section C. This work to be carried out before ferrying
23.3.44	Received 9CU ex 1CU
1.6.44	Located at 11RSU. Now serviceable after minor adjustments, to hold aircraft pending move to 9CU
5.8.44	Received 10RSU ex 11RSU for necessary repairs. Engines require complete overhaul. On completion aircraft will proceed to 2AP Bankstown
19.8.44	Received 9CU ex 10RSU
23.8.44	Received 10RSU ex 9CU
2.11.44	Aircraft now serviceable awaiting ferrying
26.11.44	Received 5AD Storage ex 10 RSU
8.1.45	Survey report: TT 188 hours. Intended for first CDC disposals list of 20.2.45. Held at 5AD Storage Section, Cootamundra
19.9.45	Survey report submitted to CDC. Aircraft for disposal
25.9.45	Aircraft frozen until disposed of
20.12.45	Aircraft has been sold by CDC for £80 to Newcastle Aero Club, Broadmeadow NSW CDC Sales Advice dated 14.12.45. RAAF markings to be obliterated before issue
11.3.46	DCA allocated registrations VH-AOK & -AOL to A34-67 & A34-95 respectively
9.4.46	Issued to purchaser

15.5.47	Registration application: Newcastle Aero Club, Broadmeadow NSW
3.7.47	Registered VH-AOL
3.7.47	CofA issued. 7 passenger seats. (CofA overhaul probably at Newcastle – unconfirmed)
	Maintained airworthy. CofA renewals by the club at Broadmeadow Aerodrome.
31.7.48	CofA renewed Broadmeadow
30.8.49	CofA renewed Broadmeadow
14.9.50	CofA renewed Broadmeadow
19.10.51	CofA renewed Broadmeadow
6.12.52	CofA renewed Broadmeadow
53	Change of name: Royal Newcastle Aero Club, Broadmeadow NSW
10.5.53	Crashed Orange NSW. Destroyed by fire. Stalled on takeoff for a local flight, crashed near the end of the runway. Pilot Jim D. Hazelton and 4 passengers unhurt as the aircraft caught fire. Previous day had been conducting joyrides at an air pageant at Orange.
1.7.53	Struck-off Register

VH-AOL visiting Sydney Airport circa 1948, in Newcastle Aero Club colours of maroon fuselage , silver wings and tailplane,
club insignia on the rudder. John Hopton Collection

VH-AOL at home base Broadmeadow airfield, Newcastle circa 1951 Poore collection/State Library of Victoria

A34-96 cn 2085 VH-AFH

	Built Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd to RAAF order
11.6.43	First flight Mascot
20.6.43	Brought on RAAF charge as A34-96. Received 2AP Bankstown ex DH
14.7.43	To be modified in accordance with DH84 Order No.22 for strengthened floor
16.1.44	Issued 1CU ex 2AP for bushfire patrol duties
4.2.44	Forced landing, minor damage on bushfire patrol duties. Repairable at unit.
23.3.44	Received 9CU ex 1CU
11.4.44	To be camouflaged as per AGI Part 3 Section C. This work to be carried out before ferrying. Appears instruction noted on Status Card after aircraft had been ferried to 9CU
30.9.44	Received 5AD Storage ex 9CU
19.9.45	Survey report submitted to CDC. Aircraft for disposal
25.9.45	Aircraft frozen until disposed of
23.10.45	Sold for £690 to Mr. Thyne Reid c/- James Hardie & Co Ltd, York St, Sydney. Status Card quotes J. L.Reid c/- James Hardie
31.10.45	Issued to Mr. G. Reid

12.45	Registration application: A. Thyne Reid c/- James Hardie & Co, Sydney NSW Home address “Madingley”, Church Street, Carlingford, Sydney VH-AFH to be based at De Havilland Aircraft hangar at Mascot Identity quoted as “2086”
	Thyne Reid held senior management positions in James Hardie & Co (asbestos cement and rubber products) and Golden Fleece Petroleum, owned rural properties and was a keen pilot and Australian explorer, owning Cierva Autogiro VH-USR since pre-war.
12.12.45	Registered VH-AFH
12.12.45	CofA issued by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd at Mascot, 4 passenger seats
18.12.46	CofA renewed Mascot
2.12.47	De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd write to DCA requesting 6 week CofA extension on behalf of the owner. The aircraft has flown only 54 hours since last CofA renewal
29.1.48	CofA renewed Mascot
4.2.49	CofA renewed Bankstown
11.5.50	CofA renewed Bankstown
29.5.51	CofA renewed Bankstown
3.7.52	CofA renewed Bankstown
1.55	Owner Thyne Reid replaced his Dragon with the last production DHA-3 Drover VH-AHZ, which he placed on loan to the Royal Aero Club of NSW at Bankstown for the next 9 years.
3.2.56	Change of ownership: North Australian Aviation Services, Darwin NT
31.8.56	Crashed on takeoff Sliesbeck airstrip NT. Substantial damage to aircraft. DCA accident report: "aircraft swung on takeoff and ran into a ditch. Loss of control due to pilot inexperience. "
22.9.59	Struck-off Register as withdrawn from service

At Bankstown 1954, the buildings behind still showing wartime camouflage. Additional windows were included to owner's specifications during its civil conversion.

Photo by Eddie Coates

Sliesbeck airstrip NT August 1956. Photo: Ellis Trautman collection

A34-97 c/n 2086 VH-AIA

43	Built Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd to RAAF order
17.6.43	First flight Mascot
24.6.43	Brought on RAAF charge as A34-97. Received 2AP Bankstown ex DH
14.7.43	To be modified in accordance with DH84 Order No.22 for strengthened floor
1.4.44	Received 9CU ex 2AP
26.9.44	RAAF accident report quotes A34-97 but must be a serial error: Dragon A34-97 crashed Daru after engine failure on takeoff on test-flight. Pilot and 1 crew injured. Unit quoted as 2AP.
31.10.44	Received 5AD Storage ex 9CU
8.1.45	Survey report: TT 150 hours. Intended for first CDC disposals list of 20.2.45. Held at 5AD Storage Section, Cootamundra
3.9.45	Sold by CDC for £1,000 to Aircrafts Pty Ltd, Archerfield
17.9.45	Issued to APL

10.10.45	Registration application: Aircrafts Pty Ltd, Archerfield Aerodrome, Brisbane Qld.
24.10.45	DCA Head Office writes to Brisbane office stating that CDC sales documents included a DCA requirement that any proposed use of ex RAAF Dragons for RPT use needed the special approval of the Director General of Civil Aviation. Director of Air Navigation and Safety C.S.Wiggins noted on the aircraft file “I am very much against the proposal that another obsolete type be added to our passenger fleet”.
24.10.45	DCA Brisbane reply to Head Office by telex: “VH-AIA fully converted to civil requirements including installation of cabin furnishings. To be flight tested 25 October. Kindly clarify advice aircraft not to be used for public transport.”
25.10.45	E. C. Johnston, DCA Acting Director General instructed in an internal memo: “CofA to be issued for the same categories and subject to the same limitations as apply now to the Dragons now in use by the company.” He adds that the debate over its regular public transport use is “unwarranted”
27.10.45	Letter to DCA HO from R. S. Adair, Managing Director of Aircrafts Pty Ltd (not yet advised by DCA of the change of decision): “This unexpected advice, just as the aircraft had been reconditioned and furnished at the approximate cost of £500 on top of the purchase price of £1,000 is disturbing.”
30.10.45	DCA HO replied by telegram to Aircrafts Pty Ltd: “CofA AIA will be issued for same categories and subject same limitations as apply to other Dragons operated by your company.”
31.10.45	Registered VH-AIA
31.10.45	CofA issued at Archerfield
20.1.47	CofA renewed at Archerfield
47	Photo at Archerfield, “APL” emblem on tail, “Aircrafts Pty Ltd” on nose
1.7.47	Change of ownership: Butler Air Transport Pty Ltd, Sydney NSW
1.8.47	Ferried Archerfield to Mascot
2.2.48	CofA renewed Mascot
3.2.48	C.A.Butler pilot log book: VH-AIA Mascot test flight
7.48	Change of ownership: Qantas Empire Airways Ltd, Brisbane Qld
48	Lengthy overhaul at Archerfield by QEA prior to going to New Guinea. Significant repairs needed to rotted woodwork
6.10.48	Struck-off Register as WFS.
26.4.49	CofA renewed Archerfield
c49	Photo in New Guinea: all silver, large fuselage registration, Qantas flag on tail
20.6.50	CofA renewed Archerfield
20.6.50	Restored to Register VH-AIA: Qantas Empire Airways, Brisbane Qld
12.9.51	CofA renewed Eagle Farm
9.52	photo in service at Cape Gloucester, New Britain. All silver, QEA flag on rudder
23.9.52	CofA renewed Lae. Short-term CofA due grounding of Drovers
18.11.52	CofA renewal Lae
16.3.53	Change of ownership: Territory Airlines Ltd, Goroka, New Guinea Ownership transfer form signed by Orm Denny for QEA, J. Gray for TAL
17.4.53	CofA renewed Lae
5.56	Photo at Goroka, allover silver, large fuselage reg.
24.4.55	Damaged on landing at Boana after a flight from Lae by TAL pilot Tony Chadim. He recalls: "Because of poor compression and resulting problems with the spark plugs oiling up, our engines were set to idle rather high, and it was necessary to touch down very close to the end of short strips like Boana - I had the impression that one must land the Dragon within a few feet of the threshold otherwise one would fall off the abyss at the other end. This was only my second landing at Boana. I brushed the top of a large clump of kunai grass that was growing on the airstrip's threshold with my left wingtip. That turned me a little, and I did not have time to straighten the Dragon before touchdown. As a result, I ground-looped, and the tail of AIA broke off." Chadim was unhurt but the Dragon's entire tail section was torn off and other damage sustained.
5.55	TAL Chief Engineer Jack Gray decided that VH-AIA could be repaired at the site. The complete tail section of the stored VH-AAC was carried from Lae as far as possible by truck, then off-loaded and carried to Boana for 3 days by a party of Boana schoolboys, accompanied by Tony Chadim. Jack Gray flew into Boana in his Tiger Moth VH-AQS and within a week had grafted the replacement tail section and repaired the other damage
6.55	Laurie Crowley flew his pilot Mat Matus to Boana in the Crowley Airways Curtiss Robin VH-UJE. Matus flew VH-AIA out of Boana to Lae, escorted by Tiger Moth VH-AQS and Curtiss Robin VH-UJE.
6.55	VH-AIA inspected by DCA at Lae and approved to flew to Goroka for permanent repair
12.10.56	Change of ownership: Mitchell Aerial Services Pty Ltd, Cairns, Qld
57	Photo at Cairns: “MASAIR” titles on fuselage and wings
6.2.61	Change of ownership: Queensland Airplanters Pty Ltd, Childers, later Bundaberg
2.9.63	Struck-off Register as Withdrawn From Service
63	Burnt at Bundaberg along with Dragon APJ

Archerfield circa 1946 "Aircrafts Proprietary Limited" on the nose, APL emblem on the rudder, and curtains in the windows. John Hopton Collection

With Qantas at Cape Gloucester, New Britain in September 1952. Neville Parnell collection

VH-AIA at Cairns in October 1959. Photo by Allan Fraser via Maurice Austin collection

A34-98 c/n 2087

43	Built Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd to RAAF order. Last Australian built Dragon
23.6.43	Brought on RAAF charge as A34-97. Received 2AP Bankstown ex DH
14.7.43	To be modified in accordance with DH84 Order No.22 for strengthened floor
5.2.44	Received 1Aircraft Performance Unit ex 2AP for CSR 274 tests
22.7.44	Received 9CU ex 1AD
26.9.44	Issued 5AD Storage ex 9CU
27.9.44	Crashed on takeoff due engine failure. Appears to be during ferry flight to 5AD Storage
-	Approved for conversion to components

* * * * * *

RAAF Units allocated Dragons: locations in 1942-1946 period

2AAU	Air Ambulance Unit	Canberra	moved to Kingaroy Qld 2.43, Archerfield Qld 9.44, Detachments at Port Moresby, Noemfoor, Corunna Downs
1AD	Aircraft Depot	Laverton Vic
2AD	Aircraft Depot	Richmond NSW
3AD	Aircraft Depot	Amberley Qld
5AD	Aircraft Depot	Wagga NSW
5AD Storage	Aircraft Depot	Cootamundra NSW
7AD	Aircraft Depot	Cowra NSW	to Tocumwal NSW 12.42
1AOS	Air Observers School	Cootamundra NSW	to Evans Head NSW 12.43
2AOS	Air Observers School	Mount Gambier SA
2AP	Aircraft Park	Bankstown NSW
1APU	Aircraft Performance Unit	Laverton Vic
12ARD	Aircraft Repair Depot	Werribee Vic	to Darwin NT 8.44
13ARD	Aircraft Repair Depot	Tocumwal NSW	to Breddan Qld 3.43
14 ARD	Aircraft Repair Depot	Ascot Vale Vic	to Gorrie NT 2.43
15ARD	Aircraft Repair Depot	Port Moresby NG
1ATS	Advanced Training School	Point Cook Vic
1CF/1CU	Communications Flight/Unit (CFs renamed Communications Units 10.43)	Laverton Vic	to Essendon Vic 4.42, to Laverton 7.42, to Essendon 1.43
3CF/3CU	Communications Flight/Unit	Mascot NSW
4CF/4CU	Communications Flight/Unit	Archerfield Qld
5CF/5CU	Communications Flight/Unit	Townsville Qld
6CF/6CU	Communications Flight/Unit	Manbullo NT	to Batchelor NT 2.43, to Darwin 10.45
7CU	Communications Unit	Pearce WA	to Guildford 11.44
8CU	Communications Unit	Goodenough Island NG	reformed ex 1RCS 11.43, to Madang 11.44
9CU	Communications Unit	Port Moresby NG	Reformed ex 1RCS 11.43, to Lae 8.44
CMU	Care & Maintenance Unit
2CRD	Central Recovery Depot	Richmond NSW
6CRD	Central Recovery Depot	Breddan Qld
8CRD	Central Recovery Depot	Darwin N
3EFTS	Elementary Flying Training School	Essendon Vic
4EFTS	Elementary Flying Training School	Mascot NSW
1FTS	Flying Training School	Point Cook Vic
12OBU	Operational Base Unit
5OTU	Operational Training Unit	Wagga NSW	to Tocumwal 10.43, Williamtown 7.44
PTU	Paratroop Training Unit	Laverton Vic	to Tocumwal 11.42, Richmond 4.43
1RCF	Rescue & Communications Flight	Port Moresby NG	Reformed as 1RCS 11.42
1RCS	Rescue & Communications Squadron	Port Moresby NG	to Milne Bay 6.43, to Goodenough Island 9.43, reformed as 8CU 11.43
1RSU	Recovery & Salvage Unit	Daly Waters NT	to Manbulloo NT 9.42, to Darwin 6.43, to Higgins Field Qld 6.43, to Mount Druitt, Sydney 12.44
2RSU	Recovery & Salvage Unit	Mt Druitt NSW
4RSU	Recovery & Salvage Unit	Laverton	to Werribee Vic 8.42, to Pell Field NT 11.42, to Winnelli NT 5.45, to Parkes 12.45
7RSU	Recovery & Salvage Unit	Pell Field NT	to Darwin 2.44
10RSU	Recovery & Salvage Unit	Amberley Qld	to Lowood Qld 8.42, to Breddan Qld 11.42, to Macrossan Qld 1.43, to Townsville Qld 2.43, to Milne Bay NG 2.43, to Nadzab 11.44
11RSU	Recovery & Salvage Unit	Mount Druitt NSW	to Nadzab NG 1.44. to Noemfoor Island, Netherlands New Guinea 10.44
12RSU	Recovery & Salvage Unit	Charters Towers Qld	to Macrossan Qld 3.43, to Kiriwina NG 12.43, to Tadji NG 5.44
17RSU	Recovery & Salvage Unit	Cunderdin WA	to Pearce WA 7.44
26RSU	Recovery & Salvage Unit	Laverton Vic	to Werribee Vic 12.42, to Goodenough Island NG 6.43
5SFTS	Service Flying Training School	Uranquinty NSW
7SFTS	Service Flying Training School	Deniliquin NSW
SF	Survey Fight	Canberra ACT
SP	School of Photography	Canberra ACT
1WAGS	Wireless Air Gunners School	Ballarat Vic
2WAGS	Wireless Air Gunners School	Parkes NSW
3WAGS	Wireless Air Gunners School	Maryborough Qld
33 Sqn	Squadron	Townsville Qld	to Port Moresby NG 12.42, to Milne Bay NG 12.43, to Lae NG 1.45
34 Sqn	Squadron	Darwin NT	to Batchelor NT 2.42, to Hughes NT 7.42, to Manbulloo NT 8.42, to Parafield SA 1.43, to Morotai Island, Netherlands New Guinea 3.45
35 Sqn	Squadron	Maylands WA	to Pearce WA 8.43
36 Sqn	Squadron	Essendon Vic	to Townsville Qld 12.42

* * * * * *

UNIDENTIFIED

1. Civil Aviation Board allocated registration VH-UZQ to a DH.84 for Aircrafts Pty Ltd, Brisbane 25.5.37.

Registration re-allocated the following month to a Ryan STA.

2. Four Australian Dragons were reportedly to be exported to England in 1955.

They were for Mr. Russell L. Whyham, who operated as Air Navigation and Trading Ltd at Squires Gate Aerodorme Blackpool. A report in Air Britain's British Civil Aviation News for November 1955 stated that the four were British built Dragons, not Australian production, and added that so far only the wings had arrived.

Nothing further on the Dragons was reported.

(The compiler wonders if in fact only a spare parts package including spare wings was imported from Australia, to provide parts for Dragons G-ACIT & G-ADDI in service with Air Navigation & Trading, mostly for joyriding.

G-ADDI was rebuilt at Ramsgate in April 1963 using a set of near new Australian built wings.)

In 1959 Air Navigation and Trading Ltd attempted to purchase DCA Drover Mk.2 VH-BMU for which G-APPP was allocated, but the deal was not finalised. It was replaced by Qantas Drover Mk.2 VH-EAS which was shipped to Blackpool and registered G-APXX, but in the event was never assembled.

3. Unidentified civil Dragon accidents

20.1.54	Wewak PNG	MAL. Ran off end of strip. Pilots Norman Lather & William Englebeck and several native passengers received minor injuries
2.4.55	Narrandera NSW	Private: Groundlooped on landing roll in strong cross-wind, pilot limited experience on type. Substantial damage.
22.4.55	Goroka PNG	Charter: stalled on landing approach, struck bushes and crashed on the airstrip, nil injuries. Pilot limited experience on type. Substantial damage
26.7.56	Faita PNG	Charter. Ran off strip landing, nosed over, pilot uninjured. Substantial damage.
14.10.57	Maprik PNG	Charter. Swung off strip landing, sunstantial damage

4. Identity of this apparently undamaged Dragon being burnt for fire practice in New Guinea

Photo: Civil Aviation Historical Society

* * * * * *

References:

- RAAF Status Cards: A34- series, RAAF Historical Section, Department of Air, Canberra

- No.6 Communications Unit Operations Record Book: RAAF Historical Section

- Australian Civil Aircraft Register, Department of Civil Aviation and its successors

- National Library of Australia - Trove newspaper archive website

- British Civil Aircraft Register: G-INFO database website

- DCA aircraft files, National Archives of Australia, Melbourne

- DCA Annual Survey of Aircraft Accidents, 1956-1970

- Aviation Historical Society of Australia Journal, monthly, 1960-1970

- Australian Air Log, monthly journal, 1965-1968

- Aircraft in Australia series, DH84 Dragon, John Hopton, early incomplete draft, 1999

- Flypast A Record of Aviation in Australia, Neville Parnell & Trevor Boughton, CAA, 1988

- Allotment of Civil Registration markings, CAB & DCA file, National Archives of Australia,

Series A705 No.8/103/996 transcribed by Dion Makoswski, published in Man and Aerial Machines, quarterly, compiled by T.W.Boughton, April 1990

- Wings of Gold, How the aeroplane developed New Guinea, James Sinclair, Pacific Publications, 1978

- Balus The Aeroplane in Papua New Guinea, Volume 1, James Sinclair, Robert Brown & Associates, 1986

- Forgotten Flyer: The Story of Charles W. Snook, Brian Hernan, Tangee Publishing 2007

- Flight, Memoirs 1912-1958, C.A.Butler, Anna Yates 2008

- Northern Territory Aerial Medical Service, Warwick Henry, Aviation Heritage, AHSA Vol.26 No.3

- Captain Jack Slade AFC OBE and the early days of the NTMS, Mike Flanagan, Aviation Heritage Vol.43 No.1

- Trials and Trbulations in the Top End, 6CU reports, N.M.Parnell, Aviation Heritage Vol.43 No.1

- Australian Air Force since 1911, N.M.Parnell & C.A.Lynch, Reed, Sydney 1976

- Aerial Agriculture in Australia, Derrick Rolland, Aerial Agricultural Assoc of Australia, 1996

- Units of the RAAF, Volume 7 Maintenance Units, RAAF Historical Section, AGPS, 1995

- The DH.82A Tiger Moth in Australia, Julian Forsyth, Skyline Publications, Melbourne 1995

- Airlines and Aircraft of the Ansett Group 1921-2002, DVD, annual updates, Fred Niven, Melbourne

- Taking Off, Pioneering Small Airlines of New Zealand 1945-1970, Richard Waugh 2003

- Classic Wings Downunder magazine, renamed Classic Wings, editor Graham M. Orphan: numerous references to Australian and NZ Dragons over various issues 1995 to date

- Alan Bovelt: research listings 1966-1975 on operators and aircraft in Papua New Guinea

- Arthur Butler logbooks and personal collection, Power House Museum, Sydney: transcribed by Nigel Daw in June 2009

- Puff, Some Magic Dragon, Harvey McBain, Rag & Tube December 2020, Antique Aeroplane Association of Australia

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