Last updated 10 May 2022 AUSTRALIAN MILITARY AUSTERS Austers in service with RAAF, RAN and Australian Army A listing compiled by Geoff Goodall

RAAF Auster 3s A11-14 and A11-17 being assembled at Sepingan, near Balikpapan, Borneo in August 1945.   Photo: Australian War Memorial

Typical civilianised RAAF Auster 3: A11-17 became VH-FAE when RAAF Auster Mk.3s were sold by military disposals and certified by the Department of Civil Aviation under the designation Auster Model F.  Seen at Gawler SA in February 1965 while towing gliders.         Photo by Geoff Goodall

Contents Auster type Service Number    Serial range Model E    Mk.3 RAAF 56    A11-1 to A11-56 Model J     Mk.5 RAAF 2    A11-60 & A11-61 Model K   AOP Mk.6 RAAF 2    A11-200 & A11-201 J.5G Cirrus Autocar RAN 2    A11-300 & A11-301 Model B.5  AOP MK.9 Aust. Army 1    XP285

1)  RAAF AUSTER Mk.III  (A11-1 to A11-56)     As the Allies pushed Japanese forces back towards the end of the Pacific Theatre of WWII, the Australian Army and RAAF identified an urgent need for light aircraft for observation, scouting, communications and transport needs in forward positions through the islands. The British Taylorcraft Auster AOP (Air Observation Post) series were in large-scale use by RAF in Europe, and the Australian War Cabinet agreed to purchase 56 Auster Mk.IIIs.     The aircraft sent to Australia were not new, all having seen RAF use. They were initially allotted to home-based AOP units which were in the process of being formed or had been in existence for only a short time.  The Mk.IIIs were primarily used to train the squadron personnel. Just before D-Day these UK based squadrons re-equipped with the Auster Mk.IV, allowing the Mk.IIIs to be released, often to non-AOP units as light transports, or squadron ‘hacks’. Some of the Mk.IIIs issued to Australia saw operational service after D-Day in France and Belgium.     Before the Australian Mk.IIIs were packed into crates for shipping to Australia, each aircraft was sent to the manufacturer for complete overhaul and installation of modification requested by the RAAF: an 8 gallon auxiliary fuel tank behind the seats, with a filler spout located behind the right-hand door. They were shipped without engines, because their 130hp DH Gipsy Majors were available in Australia from local wartime production. The first 15 were shipped as crated cargo from Liverpool Docks in July 1944 on board the merchant ship SS Samanco.    Taylorcraft Aeroplanes (England) Ltd was established in November 1938 to licence build American Taylorcraft sports aircraft for the British and European market. With the outbreak of war in the following year, the company offered a military model of its Taylorcraft Plus to the British Air Ministry for the Air Observer Post (AOP) role and subsequently received large military orders. The company’s works at Rearsby, Leicester could not cope with the wartime orders, so a system of nearby dispersed factories built sub-assemblies which were moved by road to assembly shops before again moving by road to Rearsby aerodrome for final assembly and flight testing.  At its peak, production reached 28 Austers completed per week. The ten sites used were: 1.  Britannia Works, Crowther Ltd, Thurmaston: machine shop 2.  Original Taylorcraft works, alongside Crowther Ltd, Thurmaston: Tiger Moth overhauls 3.  Factory, Victoria Street, Thurmaston: welding and detail fitting 4.  Allen’s Garage, Mountsorrel: sheet metal work 5.  En-Tout-Cas works, Syston 6.  Rearsby Aerodrome: flight test and delivery to RAF 7.  Rice’s shoe factory, St Peters Street, Syston: main assembly shop 8.  Ward’s works, Broad Street, Syston: woodworking 9.  Factory, Brookside, Syston: experimental shop 10. Wadd’s garage, Syston: tube store    At the end of hostilities in Europe, civil Auster production resumed and was gradually transferred to Rearsby Aerodrome and the company renamed Auster Aircraft Ltd.    British wartime Auster military designations used Roman numerals and did not include the role prefix. It was not until the post-war AOP Mk.6 model was in production that the designation system changed from Roman numerals and AOP was included. Mk.IIIs were used operationally in the AOP role in North Africa, Sicily, Italy and Burma. The RAF used some Mk.IIIs in the communications role in Malaya immediately after the Japanese surrendered and the Dutch used theirs in the Netherlands East Indies until they were passed on to the Indonesians.     After shipping to Australia, all RAAF Mk.IIIs were assembled and prepared at No.2 Aircraft Depot at RAAF Richmond, near Sydney. The RAAF type designation was AUSTER Mk.3.  Wartime deliveries were to the School of Army Cooperation based at Canberra, and for operational use by two Air Observation Post Flights in forward areas: - 16 AOP Flight: unit code "NF": Formed at Lae, New Guinea 20.10.44, under the direct control of No.83 Army Cooperation Wing HQ.  The first aircraft was A11-11. Initial aircrew of 3 pilots commenced training on Austers at RAAF Richmond NSW from 8.10.44 and the first Austers and crews were air freighted from Richmond to Lae by RAAF Dakotas, arriving Lae 19.10.44. The first Commanding Officer F/Lt R. Drabsch arrived at Lae on 27.10.44.  Unit postings: 20.10.44  Lae 4.4.45      Morotai 10.6.45    Labuan 3.12.45    Canberra 14.7.46    Disbanded Detachments: 30.1.45   Tadji 23.2.45   Mareeba 1.5.45     Tarkan 1.7.45     Balikpapan 8.10.45   Makassar On 6.11.45 No.83 Army Cooperation Wing HQ ordered 16 AOP Flight to cease operations in Borneo and detachments. The surviving Austers were dismantled and packed for transport to Australia, some by 34 Squadron Dakotas, others shipped on board MV Wanaka. The unit officially moved to Canberra effective 3.12.45. - 17AOP Flight: unit code "KV" Formed at Cairns, far north Queensland 1.10.44, operational area was Bougainville. Unit postings:   1.10.44    Cairns 17.11.45  Bougainville 7.12.45    Disbanded Detachments: 21.10.44   Bougainville 16.2.45     Vernon Field, Bougainville 16.2.45     Jacquinot Bay 26.3.45     Tadji 5.5.45       Oxley 19.7.45     Tol Tol     Attrition rates were high, especially for those in New Guinea and Borneo, of which only a small number returned to 2AD for post-war storage. The tropical humidity and heat of the Pacific theatre caused rapid deterioration of the wood and fabric construction. No.17 AOP Flight reported 100% unserviceability of its Auster 3s during January 1945, because of fabric and perspex panels needing replacement     Among tasks flown, RAAF Auster Mk.3s provided air support for Australian Army Matilda Class tanks in the Bougainville Buin Road campaign in 1945 against remaining stranded Japanese forces. The Austers flew two sorties daily to relay information from the tanks to Intelligence section.  As the tanks advanced, the Austers did not land but relayed information by radio, also flying ahead to check the road for tank traps and other blocks.

Postwar RAAF use:     The majority of the Auster survivors and later deliveries from UK were placed in storage at RAAF Richmond, the latter being stored dismantled in their shipping cases for several years. However the majority were retained for post-war RAAF service.     RAAF No.16 AOP Flight was re-activated at RAAF Canberra, equipped with Auster Mk.3s fresh from overhaul at Richmond. By 1950/51 the Flight was logging 120 hours flying each month in training and Army cooperation exercises. This continued throughout the 1950s, until the Austers were replaced by new Cessna 180As. The unit was reorganised under Australian Army control effective 1 December 1960 as No.16 Army Light Aircraft Squadron with Cessna 180s and Bell 47 helicopters based at RAAF Amberley Qld, later moving to a dedicated Army aviation airfield at Oakey Qld where it continues to this day.

Postwar RAAF disposals and civil use:     The first RAAF Mk.3s were offered to the Commonwealth Disposals Commission in late 1946.   The Department of Civil Aviation had no objections to their use as civil aircraft and inspections for Certificate of Airworthiness involved minor modifications, which did not change the external appearance.  These first disposals were stored aircraft at RAAF Richmond, including damaged machines from the islands and also unused airframes stored still packed in their shipping crates from England. The latter were quite a bargain for their civilian buyers, requiring little work to gain civil CofAs.     Despite the correct Auster designation being Model E, due to an error in a 1947 DCA circular listing Auster designations, the Australian AOP-3s were designated Auster III Model F, often abbreviated to Auster 3F by common usage.      Most of the early civilianised Auster 3s had the rear cabin glasshouse area covered over to form a single rear window on each side, in a variety of shapes. This was no doubt an attempt to blend into the large numbers of purely civil Austers in Australia. However, after the Auster Mk.3 was retired from RAAF service, almost all civilian owners of the final 14 offered for disposal in 1959-60 retained the original military rear cabin glasshouse as a distinctive feature.             The RAAF finally retired the Auster Mk.3 type in 1959 when survivors were ferried to RAAF Tocumwal NSW for storage in the large wartime Liberator hangars and offered for disposal by the Department of Supply. By now the aero club movement had spread from cities to county centres and the Auster Mk.3s were seen as perfect cheap training aircraft by a number of small aero clubs. Some of these former RAAF Austers have gone on to long productive civil lives.

RAAF serial / Civil Registration cross-reference   A11-1   VH-SNI   A11-13   VH-BGI, VH-DQN   A11-17   VH-BGU, VH-FAE   A11-18   VH-GAE, VH-DAE   A11-27   VH-BYJ, VH-BYS   A11-30   VH-BBS   A11-32   VH-BDL, VH-MAD, VH-FED   A11-33   VH-BDM   A11-34   VH-BKK, VH-CAJ, VH-DAJ, VH-DSJ   A11-36   VH-BCQ, VH-BOQ    A11-37   VH-BHA, VH-PCR   A11-38   VH-RCT, VH-BED   A11-39   VH-BCF   A11-40   VH-BCG   A11-41   VH-CYH   A11-42   VH-WAJ, VH-DCU   A11-45   VH-WAI, VH-FBA   A11-47   VH-RKA   A11-48   VH-BVX, VH-MBB   A11-49   VH-MHT   A11-51   VH-PRW, VH-MRR   A11-53   VH-MBA   A11-54   VH-SNS   A11-55   VH-ALS   A11-56   VH-GCV

RAAF AUSTER Mk.3s LISTED IN ORDER OF RAAF SERIALS, A11-1 to A11-56: RAF service details are extracted from RAF Form 78 aircraft movement records and unit Operations Record Books by English Auster historian Ian W. O'Neill. Ian added explanatory information and his extracts from the pilot log books of Taylorcraft company test pilots Geoff Edwards, G. Derbyshire and Les Leetham.   My sincere thanks to Ian for this valuable information and pictures, which expanded the histories of all the RAAF Auster Mk.3s. RAAF service details are based on each aircraft's Record Card - Airframes, Engines (Form E/E.88), courtesy RAAF Historical Section, Canberra. These are hereafter referred to as Status Card.

Auster Mk.III, to Mk.II, to Mk.III       c/n 238 ex MZ105                                                         A11-1, VH-SNI

12.42 Final assembly at Rearsby Aerodrome, Leicester by Taylorcraft Aeroplanes (England) Ltd to RAF order for 132 Auster Mk.IIIs serial range MZ100 to MZ255 including black-out blocks. Two of this order, MZ105 and MZ110 were temporarily converted to Auster Model F, RAF designation Auster Mk.II, with Lycoming 0-290 engine. 30.12.42 First flight Rearsby .43 Taken on RAF charge as Auster Mk.II MZ105 Photo of MZ105: RAF camouflage with circled "P" prototype symbol on fuselage next to roundel 13.2.43 Allotted to Aeroplane and Armamant Experimental Establishment (A&AEE) at RAF Boscombe Down for trials 1.2.44 Test pilot logbook at A&AEE Boscombe Down: "intensive flying" testing of Auster Mk.II MZ105 almost daily until 14.3.44 British Air Ministry abandoned the Auster Mk.II series because of doubts over the availability of the Lycoming engines from USA due Atlantic shipping convoy losses. 8.3.44 Allotted to Taylorcraft Aeroplanes for overhaul 4.4.44 Arrived Taylorcraft for overhaul and modification to Mk.III standard 31.5.44 Awaiting collection at Rearsby 5.44 Returned to RAF as Auster Mk.III MZ105 8.6.44 Allotted 20 Maintenance Unit, Aston Down. Sold to RAAF, airframe only 17.7.44 Allotted No.47 Maintenance Unit, Sealand, for dismantling and boxing 24.7.44 Transported to Liverpool Docks for shipping 30.7.44 Sailed from Liverpool as crated cargo on board SS Samanco Shipped to Australia 7.9.44 Arrived at Port Melbourne 9.10.44 Taken on RAAF charge as Auster Mk.3 A11-1. Received 2AD Richmond ex UK 20.10.44 Received School of Army Cooperation, Canberra ex 2AD 19.7.45 Damaged in heavy landing at auxiliary landing ground near RAAF Canberra, F/Lt J. M. Marshall. Aircraft to be sent by road to 2AD for repair 30.7.45 Received 2AD Richmond for repair ex SAC Canberra 5.2.46 Storage Category C at 2AD 22.3.46 Selected for Postwar Air Force, stored Category C 15.8.47 Received No.2 Communications Squadron ex 2AD 23.8.50 Received 1AD Detachment B Tocumwal, ex 34 (Communications) Sqn for Storage 1.7.52 Held Tocumwal in storage under cover 11.9.52 Received 2AD Richmond ex Tocumwal for major service 5.3.53 Allotted Aircraft Research & Development Unit - Detachment B, Richmond ex 2AD, as replacement for A11-38 25.8.53 Allotted Directorate of Aircraft Production, Parafield ex ARDU Detachment B for repairs 23.11.53 Received ARDU Detachment B Richmond ex DAP. To be maintained by 2AD Richmond 53-55 serviceable at ARDU Detachment B Richmond 22.2.55 Received 2AD Richmond ex ARDU Detachment B for renewal of fabric 9.8.55 Issued ARDU Detachment B Richmond ex 2AD 28.8.59 Received 1AD Detachment B Tocumwal ex ARDU Detachment B, for storage pending disposal 4.11.59 A11-1 with installed Gipsy Major listed on Disposal Tender form No. Tocumwal 21/59. 10.3.60 RAAF Airframe Record Card (Form E/E.88) hereafter referred to as Status Card: Sold and delivered to North Queensland Flying Club (sic) 23.9.60 Registered as Auster III Model F VH-SNI North Queensland Aero Club, Cairns Qld Aero Club committe decided that it would be unsuitable for ab-initio training, agreed to sell it to a member 26.10.60 Change of ownership: J. M. Johnson, Einasleigh Qld 20.12.60 Crashed during landing at Cairns Airport Qld. DCA accident report: "During a crosswind landing, the pilot under instruction failed to correct for drift and at a low altitude the instructor attempted to correct with power and rudder but the aircraft struck the ground, swung and crashed on to its nose." Pilot under instruction was the owner Johnson, instructor was Miss Eileen Steenson of the North Queensland Aero Club. Eileen Steenson in her book Flight Plan PNG wrote of this accident: "With no means to arresting the drift before we hit the ground, the Auster skidded long sideways on the edge of the strip. The undercarriage collapsed, I saw some very bright lights, then all was still. Suddenly the smell of petrol from a ruptured fuel tank inspired urgency. The student looked OK so I suggested we expedite our departure from the wreckage. My face felt wet and blood drips were already making a mess of my white shirt. The Chief Engineer arrived in his Ford Prefect and took us both to a local doctor. After a clean up and lunch, with a bandaged eye and a couple of stitches in my face, I was back on the job, even though my activities were restricted to ground lectures." 61-63 VH-SNI wreck stored at owner's property near Einasleigh Qld (180 miles southwest of Cairns) 6.63 Wreck purchased by A. E. "Ted" Jago, Tully Qld Ted had previously owned Tiger Moth VH-WFR, in which he was serious hurt and his passenger killed in a crash at Euramo Qld 26.8.61. He acquired the wreck of Tiger Moth VH-BEX to provide parts for a planned rebuild of VH-WFR at his farm, which was a long term project. The Auster was purchased because its rebuild should be quicker. 63 VH-SNI airframe repaired at Jago's farm near Tully When completed, taken by road to Townsville Qld for inspection by Howard Aircraft Services, for renewal of CofA 20.9.63 Change of ownership: Edward A. (Ted) Jago, Tully Qld 29.9.63 Airframe log book: CofA inspection completed by Howard Aircraft Services, Townsville Flew from Jago's farm near Tully 19.9.66 CofA expired. Retired by Jago who gave up flying. Stored dismantled in shed on his farm. 20.9.67 Struck-off Civil Register 10.8.74 noted at Jago's farm, Tully: VH-SNI fuselage on its wheels stored in a shed, wings inside the farm house. Also stored in the shed were wrecks of Tiger Moth VH-BEX and VH-WFR  8.74 Auster 3 VH-SNI and Tiger Moth VH-BEX purchased by Graham Orphan & Peter Biddle, Brisbane Qld. Ted Jago's price for both aircraft was $950. The two teenage aircraft enthusiasts arrived at Tully by train, moved both aircraft to the Tully railway yard where they loaded them on a flat top railway wagon for rail freight to Brisbane, they followed in the next passenger train. SNI & BEX stored in shed at Peter Biddle's parent's house, Brisbane. Restoration commenced on the Auster, but the owners decided to sell it to raise funds to allow the rebuild of Tiger Moth VH-BEX, which flew again in 1983. 2.75 VH-SNI sold to George Law, Melbourne Vic. Moved by road to Melbourne that same month Restored by George Law at his home at Emerald Vic 17.7.01 Restored to Register VH-SNI: George Law, Emerald Vic 31.8.01 Arrived by road freight at Redcliffe Airport, Brisbane for final assembly and preparation for CofA by Pat Harrington's Vintage Aeroplane Services. 16.2.02 First test flight Redcliffe Qld, pilot Ray Vuillermin. Aircraft painted in RAF dark earth and green camouflage as "MZ105" 11.4.02 Departed Redcliffe on delivery flight to Melbourne, flown by owner George Law 22.4.06 visited Narrandera NSW fly-in 25.10.08 visited Gawler SA airshow 22.9.12 visited Yarrawonga Vic fly-in, camouflaged “MZ105”, owner George Law Current

MZ105 as the protoype Auster Mk.II with Lycoming engine.                    Ian W. O’Neill collection

A11-1 late in her RAAF career, with kangaroo roundels

Parked in a former flying boat hangar at RAAF Rathmines on Lake Macquarie NSW circa 1958.   Frank F. Smith collection

VH-SNI on a sugar cane farm farm near Tully Qld in July 1974, the wings were in the loungeroom of the farm house.                                       Photo by Geoff Goodall

VH-SNI restored as RAF MZ105, at Narrandera NSW in April 2006.                          Photo by Phil Vabre

Auster Mk.III       c/n 257 ex MZ122                    A11-2

2.43 Final assembly at Rearsby Aerodrome, Leicester byTaylorcraft Aeroplanes (England) Ltd: to RAF order for 132 Auster Mk.IIIs serial range MZ100 to MZ255 including black-out blocks. 6.2.43 First flight at Rearsby by Taylorcraft test pilot Geoff Edwards (source: Edwards' log book) 25.2.43 Taken on RAF charge as Auster Mk.III MZ122 25.2.43 Allotted 656 Squadron 20.4.43 Allotted 652 Squadron 2.3.44 Allotted 122 Airfield 15.4.44 Damaged in forced landing in a field at Igtham, Kent due engine failure. Ran into soft ground and overturned. Pilot W/Off K. Gillham 24.4.44 Allotted to Taylorcraft, Rearsby for repairs 9.6.44 Awaiting collection at Rearsby 7.6.44 Allotted 20 Maintenance Unit, Aston Down. Sold to RAAF, airframe only 19.7.44 Allotted 47 Maintenance Unit, Sealand for dismantling and boxing. 24.7.44 Transported to Liverpool Docks 30.7.44 Sailed from Liverpool as crated cargo on board SS Samanco Shipped to Australia 7.9.44 Arrived Port Melbourne 28.9.44 Taken on RAAF charge as Auster Mk.3 A11-2. Received 2AD Richmond ex UK 5.11.44 Received 16 AOP Flight ex 2AD 20.2.45 Received 10 Repair & Salvage Unit, Nadzab ex 16 AOP for repairs to fabric surfaces 29.2.45 Received 16AOP ex 10RSU 17.5.45 Received 14RSU Morotai ex 16AOP for repairs 20.6.45 Issued 16AOP ex 14RSU 22.6.45 A11-2 with other 16AOP Austers and crews departed Morotai by ship to take part in the initial landings to take Balikpapan, Dutch Borneo. 3.7.45 Army duck amphibious vehicles carried these Austers to Sepinggang, where they had wings reattached and commenced operating the same day. 19.9.45 Crashed in forced landing due engine failure near Sanga Sanga, Borneo. Pilot F/Lt Greg Sherman and Army Corporal McKennally not injured. Cause of engine failure found to be a broken actuating arm in the fuel pump. 25.10.45 Received 18RSU Balikpapan ex 16AOP for repair 20.11.45 RAAF HQ approval to convert to components at 18RSU

A11-2 on left, with wings removed for transporting in Borneo in 1945.                              Photo RAAF

Auster Mk.III       c/n 409 ex NK123                        A11-3

5.43 Final assembly at Rearsby Aerodrome, Leicester by Taylorcraft Aeroplanes (England) Ltd to RAF order for 338 Auster Mk.IIIs & Mk.Vs serial range NJ609 to NK132 including black-out blocks.  NK123 was from serial batch NK112-NK132 completed as Auster Mk.IIIs. 27.5.43 Taken on RAF charge as Auster Mk.III NK123. 27.5.43 Allotted 658 Squadron 4.4.44 Allotted to Taylorcraft Aeroplanes for repairs 2.6.44 Test flown Rearsby after repairs, Taylorcraft pilot Geoff Edwards 2.6.44 Waiting collection at Rearsby 10.6.44 Allotted 20 Maintenance Unit, Aston Down. Sold to RAAF, airframe only 19.7.44 Allotted No.47 Maintenance Unit, Sealand, for dismantling and boxing 24.7.44 Transported to Liverpool Docks for shipping 30.7.44 Sailed from Liverpool as crated cargo on board SS Samanco Shipped to Australia 7.9.44 Arrived Port Melbourne 9.10.44 Taken on RAAF charge as Auster Mk.3 A11-3. Received 2AD Richmond ex UK 13.10.44 RAAF Status Card note: Authority given for alteration of quoted RAF serial from MZ123 to NK123 (see note below) 9.11.44 Received No.17 AOP Flight, Cairns ex 2AD 23.11.44 17 AOP deployed from Cairns to Bougainville. Auster strength A11-3, -5, -8, -9,-10 were transported to Bougainville, probably airfreighted by RAAF Dakotas 3.45 Flg Officer J.C.Rush flew A11-3 on a reconnaissance of a Japanese position on the Buri Road, which he drew as a sketch map for HQ of 25 Infantry Battalion, which mounted a ground attack 2.4.45 Crashed landing Vernon Strip, Bougainville. Flying Officer J. Russell. Undercarriage collapsed due structural failure caused by unavailability of spare undercarriage rubber parts. 4.2.46 To be converted to components by No.39 Operational Base Unit, Bougainville. Authorised because the aircraft had deteriorated to degree that it was no longer economically repairable. 7.2.46 Conversion to components completed Note: Auster historian Ian O’Neil believes that MZ123 was intended to be A11-3, but because of the similarity in serials, an administrative error resulted in the newer NK123 being shipped to Australia. All of the initial deliveries to the RAAF were very early production Mk.IIIs in the MZ block.  MZ123 was shipped much later, becoming A11-56.

A11-3 in Bougainville.  Photo RAAF

Auster Mk.III       c/n 270 ex MZ134                    A11-4

2.43 Final assembly at Rearsby Aerodrome, Leicester by Taylorcraft Aeroplanes (England) Ltd to RAF order for 132 Auster Mk.IIIs serial range MZ100 to MZ255 including black-out blocks. 26.2.43 First flight at Rearsby, by Taylorcraft test pilot Geoff Edwards 3.3.43 Taken on RAF charge as Auster Mk.III MZ134 3.3.43 Allotted 653 Squadron 25.2.44 Allotted 84 Group Communications Flight 7.5.44 Damaged, port wheel struck tree stumps during landing at Oakwood Landing Ground.  Pilot W/Off H. N. Crowder of 84 Gp Comms Flt. 12.5.44 Arrived at Taylorcraft Aeroplanes for repairs 24.6.44 Waiting collection at Rearsby 30.6.44 Allotted 20 Maintenance Unit, Aston Down. Sold to RAAF, airframe only 18.7.44 Allotted No.47 Maintenance Unit, Sealand, for dismantling and boxing 28.7.44 Transported to Liverpool Docks for shipping 30.7.44 Sailed from Liverpool as crated cargo on board SS Samanco Shipped to Australia 7.9.44 Arrived Port Melbourne 27.9.44 Taken on RAAF charge as Auster Mk.3 A11-4.  Received 2AD Richmond ex UK 20.10.44 Received School of Army Cooperation, Canberra ex 2AD. 6.4.45 Crashed during forced landing at Majura Gunnery Range, Duntroon Army Range ACT. Training flight, serious damage. Cause: fuel expiry. Crew unhurt. 18.4.45 Received 2AD ex SAC for repair 18.6.45 Received No.1 Aircraft Performance Unit, Laverton for air supply course for senior officers 9.8.46 Received 16AOP Flight ex 1APU 7.7.47 Received No.4 Squadron, Canberra ex 16AOP 12.5.48 Damaged in forced landing near Bungendore NSW. Engine lost power due fuel pump failure. Repaired in situ and flown back to base. 8.9.48 Propeller broken when aircraft tipped on nose while taxying in gusty winds at Canberra. F/Lt V.D.Guthrie 9.8.49 Received 2AD for fabric recover 8.3.50 Approval for conversion to components, engine to be placed in storage Issued to TIRS for conversion to components

Auster Mk.III       c/n 273 ex MZ137                    A11-5

2.43 Final assembly at Rearsby Aerodrome, Leicester by Taylorcraft Aeroplanes (England) Ltd to RAF order for 132 Auster Mk.IIIs serial range MZ100 to MZ255 including black-out blocks. 27.2.43 First flight Rearsby, by Taylorcraft test pilot Geoff Edwards 4.3.43 Taken on RAF charge as Auster Mk.III MZ137 4.3.43 Allotted 652 Squadron 15.2.44 Damaged. Repaired on site by 54MU personnel 25.3.44 Re-allotted 652 Squadron 28.3.44 Allotted 144 Airfield 14.4.44 Allotted Taylorcraft Aeroplanes for overhaul 2.6.44 Awaiting collection at Rearsby 8.6.44 Allotted 20 Maintenance Unit, Aston Down. Sold to RAAF, airframe only 17.7.44 Allotted 47 Maintenance Unit for dismantling and boxing 24.7.44 Transported to Liverpool Docks 30.7.44 Sailed from Liverpool as crated cargo on board SS Samanco Shipped to Australia 7.9.44 Arrived Port Melbourne 5.10.44 Taken on RAAF charge as Auster Mk.3 A11-5. Received 2AD Richmond ex UK 9.11.44 Received No.17 AOP Flight, Cairns ex 2AD 23.11.44 17 AOP deployed from Cairns to Bougainville. Auster strength A11-3, -5, -8, -9,-10 were transported to Bougainville, probably air-freighted by RAAF Dakotas 8.4.45 Crashed landing Balifi Strip, Tadji, New Guinea 8.9.45 A11-10 & A11-5 flown by 17AOP F/Lt Fisher and F/Lt A. D. Meridity respectively were the first Allied aircraft to land on the former Japanese airfield at Kara, three hours before Lt. Gen. Kanda official surrendered at Torikina 4.2.46 Aircraft to be converted to components by 39OBU. Authorised because the aircraft had deteriorated to the degree that it was no longer economic to repair 7.2.46 Conversion to components completed

A11-5 in New Guinea 1945.  Photo: RAAF

Auster Mk.III       c/n 280 ex MZ144                    A11-6

2.43 Final assembly at Rearsby Aerodrome, Leicester by Taylorcraft Aeroplanes (England) Ltd to RAF order for 132 Auster Mk.IIIs serial range MZ100 to MZ255 including black-out blocks 28.2.43 First flight Rearsby, Taylorcraft test pilot Geoff Edwards 4.3.43 Taken on RAF charge as Auster Mk.III MZ144 4.3.43 Allotted 653 Squadron 30.3.43 Allotted 83 Group Communications Squadron 30.3.44 (same day) damaged in accident: possibly on delivery flight 4.4.44 Allotted Taylorcraft Aeroplanes for repair and overhaul 13.5.44 Awaiting collection at Rearsby 8.6.44 Allotted 20 Maintenance Unit, Aston Down. Sold to RAAF, airframe only 17.7.44 Allotted 47 Maintenance Unit for dismantling and boxing 24.7.44 Transported to Liverpool Docks 30.7.44 Sailed from Liverpool as crated cargo on board SS Samanco Shipped to Australia 7.9.44 Arrived Port Melbourne 5.10.44 Taken on RAAF charge as Auster Mk.3 A11-6. Received 2AD Richmond ex UK 5.12.44 Received No.16 AOP Flight, Lae ex 2AD 30.1.45 Received No.10 Repair & Salvage Unit, Nadzab ex 16AOP for fabric repairs 2.3.45 Received 16AOP ex 10RSU 26.3.45 In preparation for the invasion of Tarakan, A11-6, -11, -12, -14 departed Lae with airmen, on board USS Peter T. Rowe for Morotai 23.4.45 The 4 Austers and pilots embarked at Morotai on board LST 993 to take part in the initial Tarakan landing. 1.5.45 LST 993 took part in the initial beach landings at Tarakan. 16AOP Detachment set up camp at Lingkas Beach. Austers were assembled and work commenced next day to prepare a strip at the Tarakan landing site within 400 metres of Japanese fire. A11-12 was the first to get airborne at 1645 hrs on 2.5.45 but crashed and burned 13.5.45 Crashed Tarakan after engine failure.  Army observer, Captain Holdsworth was injured. 26.5.45 Received 11RSU Neomfoor ex 16AOP for conversion to components, engine repairable Approved for conversion to components

10RSU Nadzab in 1945, with a USAAF Stinson L-5 in the left foreground.   Photo: RAAF

Auster Mk.III          c/n 287 ex MZ162                  A11-7

3.43 Final assembly at Rearsby Aerodrome, Leicester by Taylorcraft Aeroplanes (England) Ltd to RAF order for 132 Auster Mk.IIIs serial range MZ100 to MZ255 including black-out blocks 12.3.43 Taken on RAF charge as Auster Mk.III MZ162 12.3.43 Allotted 20 Maintenance Unit, Aston Down 20.3.43 Allotted 653 Squadron 21.2.44 Allotted 83 Group Communications Flight 14.4.44 Allotted Taylorcraft Aeroplanes for overhaul 13.6.44 Awaiting collection at Rearsby 17.6.44 Allotted 20 Maintenance Unit, Aston Down. Sold to RAAF, airframe only 19.7.44 Allotted 47 Maintenance Unit for dismantling and boxing 25.7.44 Transported to Liverpool Docks 30.7.44 Sailed from Liverpool as crated cargo on board SS Samanco Shipped to Australia 7.9.44 Arrived Port Melbourne 28.9.44 Taken on RAAF charge as Auster Mk.3 A11-7. Received 2AD Richmond ex UK 24.10.44 Received No.17 AOP Flight ex 2AD 2.8.45 Crashed landing Piva airstrip. Pilot F/O N.P.Horn unhurt 22.10.45 Issued No.15 Aircraft Repair Depot, Port Moresby ex 17AOP for repair 13.11.45 Received 17AOP ex 15ARD 4.2.46 To be converted to components by 39OBU. Authorised because the aircraft had deteriorated to degree that no longer economic repairable. 7.2.46 Conversion to components completed

Two posed photographs for wartime public relations

Auster Mk.III       c/n 299 ex MZ174                    A11-8

3.43 Final assembly at Rearsby Aerodrome, Leicester by Taylorcraft Aeroplanes (England) Ltd to RAF order for 132 Auster Mk.IIIs serial range MZ100 to MZ255 including black-out blocks. 3.4.43 Taken on RAF charge as Auster MK.III MZ174 3.4.43 Allotted 655 Sqn, Detling 13.8.43 Allotted RAF Detling 27.8.43 Allotted 653 Sqn, Penshurst 7.9.43 Damaged in heavy landing, undercarriage collapsed, near Three Chimneys, Essex.  Pilot Captain G. L. Burgess 9.43 Allotted Taylorcraft Aeroplanes for repairs 30.10.43 Awaiting collection at Rearsby 6.11.43 Allotted 20 Maintenance Unit, Aston Down. To be stored 29.1.44 Allotted 658 Squadron 27.3.44 Crashed 1.5 miles south of Ravensthorpe, Northamptonshire.  Pilot F/Off J. A. Houlton of 485 Squadron (a NZ unit with Spitfires). 3.4.44 Allotted Taylorcraft Aeroplanes for overhaul 24.5.44 Awaiting collection at Rearsby 3.6.44 Allotted 20 Maintenance Unit, Aston Down. Sold to RAAF, airframe only 17.7.44 Allotted 47 Maintenance Unit, Sealand, for dismantling and boxing 24.7.44 Transported to Liverpool Docks for shipping 30.7.44 Sailed from Liverpool as crated cargo on board SS Samanco Shipped to Australia 7.9.44 Arrived Port Melbourne 28.9.44 Taken on RAAF charge as Auster Mk.3 A11-8. Received 2AD Richmond ex UK 25.10.44 Received No.17 AOP Flight, Cairns ex 2AD 23.11.44 17 AOP deployed from Cairns to Bougainville. Auster strength A11-3, -5, -8, -9,-10 were transported to Bougainville, probably air-freighted by RAAF Dakotas 19.2.45 Crashed landing Vernon strip, Bougainville 22.2.45 Issued to 5 Sqn for repair and report 16.3.45 Further examination finds fuselage and undercarriage damaged beyond repair. Request convert to components 4.5.45 Issued 10 Repair & Salvage Unit, Nadzab ex 5 Sqn 11.6.45 Received 15 Aircraft Repair Depot, Port Moresby ex 10RSU Approval for conversion to components

A11-8 with 17 AOP Flight in 1945, with sharks mouth painted on the cowling. Photo: RAAF

Auster Mk.III       c/n 308 ex MZ183                    A11-9

3.43 Final assembly at Rearsby Aerodrome, Leicester by Taylorcraft Aeroplanes (England) Ltd to RAF order for 132 Auster Mk.IIIs serial range MZ100 to MZ255 including black-out blocks 2.4.43 Taken on RAF charge as Auster Mk.III MZ183 2.4.43 Allotted 653 Squadron 25.2.44 Allotted 83 Group Communications Flight 20.3.44 Allotted Taylorcraft Aeroplanes for overhaul and repair 21.4.44 Test flown Rearsby after overhaul by Taylorcraft pilot Geoff Edwards 22.4.44 Awaiting collection at Taylorcraft 7.5.44 Allotted 20 Maintenance Unit, Aston Down. Sold to RAAF, airframe only 17.7.44 Allotted 47 Maintenance Unit, Sealand, for dismantling and boxing 24.7.44 Transported to Liverpool Docks for shipping 30.7.44 Sailed from Liverpool as crated cargo on board SS Samanco 7.9.44 Shipped to Australia 7.9.44 Arrived Port Melbourne 28.9.44 Taken on RAAF charge as Auster Mk.3 A11-9. Received 2AD Richmond ex UK 11.44 Received No.17 AOP Flight, Cairns ex 2AD  (RAAF Status Card quotes received date 29.11.44) 23.11.44 17 AOP deployed from Cairns to Bougainville. Auster strength A11-3, -5, -8, -9, -10 were transported to Bougainville, probably air-freighted by RAAF Dakotas 21.4.45 Crashed landing Vernon strip, Bougainville. Pilot F/O J. Russell injured 25.5.45 Approval to convert to components 30.5.45 Allotted 5 Sqn ex 17AOP for conversion to components. 17AOP to remove items required as spares prior to handing over the airframe to 5 Sqn.

Auster Mk.III       c/n 313 ex MZ188                    A11-10

3.43 Final assembly at Rearsby Aerodrome, Leicester by Taylorcraft Aeroplanes (England) Ltd to RAF order for 132 Auster Mk.IIIs serial range MZ100 to MZ255 including black-out blocks 2.4.43 Taken on RAF charge as Auster Mk.III MZ188 2.4.43 Allotted 655 Sqn, Detling 15.8.43 Allotted RAF Detling 20.10.43 Repaired on site by 86MU 3.11.43 Allotted No.43 Operational Training Unit 29.2.44 Damaged: port undercarriage collapsed in heavy landing in field away from base, pilot Captain Chadwick of 43OTU. 29.2.44 (same day) towed back to Oatlands Hill by road for repairs but en route was struck by an American armoured car, Auster seriously damaged. 7.3.44 Taylorcraft Aeroplanes for repairs 16.4.44 Test flown Rearsby after repair by Taylorcraft pilot Geoff Edwards 16.4.44 Awaiting collection at Taylorcraft 7.5.44 Allotted 20 Maintenance Unit, Aston Down. Sold to RAAF, airframe only 18.7.44 Allotted 47 Maintenance Unit, Sealand, for dismantling and boxing 28.7.44 Transported to Liverpool Docks for shipping 30.7.44 Sailed from Liverpool as crated cargo on board SS Samanco Shipped to Australia 7.9.44 Arrived Port Melbourne 27.9.44 Taken on RAAF charge as Auster Mk.3 A11-9. Received 2AD Richmond ex UK 7.10.44 Allotted School of Army Cooperation, Canberra ex 2AD. Aircraft to be retained at Richmond for instruction of pilots for Nos.16 & 17 AOP Flights 13.10.44 Allotment to SAC cancelled, A11-1 allotted in lieu 11.11.44 Received 17AOP Flight, Cairns ex 2AD 23.11.44 17 AOP deployed from Cairns to Bougainville. Auster strength A11-3, -5, -8, -9,-10 were transported to Bougainville, probably air-freighted by RAAF Dakotas 24.2.45 Crashed on landing Vernon Strip, Bougainville. 27.2.45 Allotted to 5 Sqn for repair 20.4.45 Difficulty with repair of rear fuselage. Request approval to repair with similar parts from A11-9 which is waiting approval to convert to components. Repair completed. 8.9.45 A11-10 & A11-5 flown by 17AOP F/Lt Fisher and F/Lt A.D.Meridity respectively were the first Allied aircraft to land on the former Japanese airfield at Kara, three hours before Lt. Gen. Kanda official surrendered at Torikina 4.2.46 To be converted to components by 39OBU. Authorised because the aircraft had deteriorated to degree that it was no longer economic to repair 7.2.46 Conversion to components completed

Auster Mk.III       c/n 322 ex MZ197                    A11-11

3.43 Final assembly at Rearsby Aerodrome, Leicester by Taylorcraft Aeroplanes (England) Ltd to RAF order for 132 Auster Mk.IIIs serial range MZ100 to MZ255 including black-out blocks. 4.4.43 Taken on RAF charge as Auster Mk.III MZ197 4.4.43 Allotted 656 Squadron 15.8.43 Allotted 660 Squadron 4.4.44 Damaged on ground at Merston airfield. Pilot Officer D.S.Green swung the prop with a non-flying officer in the cockpit, engine fired and aircraft rolled forward and ran into the airfield boundary hedge. Auster was attached to 181 Squadron, which operated Typhoons. 14.4.44 Allotted Taylorcraft Aeroplanes for repairs 8.6.44 Test flown Rearsby after repair by Taylorcraft pilot Geoff Edwards 9.6.44 Awaiting collection at Taylorcraft 17.6.44 Allotted 20 Maintenance Unit, Aston Down. Sold to RAAF, airframe only 19.7.44 Allotted 47 Maintenance Unit, Sealand, for dismantling and boxing 27.7.44 Transported to Liverpool Docks for shipping 30.7.44     Sailed from Liverpool as crated cargo on board SS Samanco Shipped to Australia 7.9.44 Arrived Port Melbourne 28.9.44 Taken on RAAF charge as Auster Mk.3 A11-11. Received 2AD Richmond ex UK 14.10.44 Issued 16 AOP Flight, Lae ex 2AD 10.44 Arrived Lae on board a RAAF Dakota, carrying pilot F/O J.W.McIntyre and a 2AD assembly crew 14.11.44 F/Lt R.H.Drabsch flew A11-11 to Annanberger to transport urgently needed supplies and ammunition, accompanied by A11-12 & A11-15 5.2.45    Received No.10 Repair & Salvage Unit, Nadzab ex 16AOP for fabric surfaces repair 24.2.45 Received 16 AOP ex 10RSU 26.3.45 In preparation for the invasion of Tarakan, A11-6, -11, -12, -14 departed Lae with airmen, on board USS Peter T. Rowe for Morotai 23.4.45 The 4 Austers and pilots embarked at Morotai on board LST 993 to take part in the initial Tarakan landing. 1.5.45 LST 993 took part in the initial beach landings at Tarakan. 16AOP Detachment set up camp at Lingkas Beach. Austers were assembled and work commenced next day to prepare a strip at the Tarakan landing site within 400 metres of Japanese fire. A11-12 was the first to get airborne at 1645 hrs on 2.5.45, but crashed and burned. 29.5.45 Received 11RSU, Tarakan ex 16AOP for fabric recovering 15.6.45 Received 16 AOP ex 11RSU 22.6.45 A11-11 with other 16AOP Austers and crews departed Morotai by ship to take part in the initial landings to take Balikpapan, Dutch Borneo. 3.7.45 Army duck amphibious vehicles carried these Austers to Sepinggang, where they commenced operating the same day 9.8.45 Allotted 11RSU Tarakan ex 16AOP Balikpapan for repairs 11.45 All 16AOP Austers in Borneo and detachments were packed for transport to Canberra 22.3.46 A11-11 selected for post war use, to be stored Category C 5.8.46 To be delivered to 2AD by air freight. Not actioned 11.9.46 Due to North East Area's Airframe Survey Report, A11-11 is to be converted to components. 29.10.46 Allotted 13 Aircraft Repair Depot, Breddan Qld for conversion to components

Auster Mk.III       c/n 325 ex MZ213                    A11-12

4.43 Final assembly at Rearsby Aerodrome, Leicester by Taylorcraft Aeroplanes (England) Ltd to RAF order for 132 Auster Mk.IIIs serial range MZ100 to MZ255 including black-out blocks. 8.4.43 First flight Rearsby Aerodrome, pilot A. L. Wykes, founder of Taylorcraft Aeroplanes 10.4.43 Taken on RAF charge as Auster Mk.III MZ213 10.4.43 Allotted 656 Squadron 15.8.43 Allotted 660 Squadron 28.4.44 Allotted 317 (Polish) Squadron 28.4.44 Damaged when tailskid was fouled during landing at Coolham ALG, Sussex, F/Sgt M. Muryada 5.5.44 Allotted Taylorcraft Aeroplanes for repair 20.6.44 Taylorcraft test pilot Geoff Edwards test flew MZ213 at Rearsaby after repair 21.6.44 Awaiting collection at Rearsby 30.6.44 Allotted 20 Maintenance Unit, Aston Down. Sold to RAAF, airframe only 20.7.44 Allotted 47 Maintenance Unit, Sealand, for dismantling and boxing 27.7.44 Transported to Liverpool Docks for shipping 30.7.44 Sailed from Liverpool as crated cargo on board SS Samanco Shipped to Australia 7.9.44 Arrived Port Melbourne 28.9.44 Taken on RAAF charge as Auster Mk.3 A11-12. Received 2AD Richmond ex UK 14.10.44 Issued No.16 AOP Flight, Lae ex 2AD.   Transported by RAAF Dakota 14.11.44 F/O J.W.McIntyre flew A11-12 to Annanberger to transport urgently needed supplies and ammunition, accompanied by A11-11 & A11-15 5.1.45 Received No.10 Repair & Salvage Unit, Nadzab ex 16AOP 15.2.45 Received 16 AOP ex 10RSU 26.3.45 In preparation for the invasion of Tarakan, A11-6, -11, -12, -14 departed Lae with airmen, on board USS Peter T. Rowe for Morotai 23.4.45 The 4 Austers and pilots embarked at Morotai on board LST 993 to take part in the initial Tarakan landing. 1.5.45 LST 993 took part in the initial beach landings at Tarakan. 16AOP Detachment set up camp at Lingkas Beach. Austers were assembled and work commenced next day to prepare a strip at the Tarakan landing site within 400 metres of Japanese fire. A11-12 was the first to get airborne at 1645 hrs on 2.5.45 but crashed and burned. 2.5.45 Crashed on takeoff Tarakan, destroyed by fire. Struck an obstruction at the end of the cleared strip on takeoff, crashed into embankment, burst into flames. Totally destroyed. F/O J.W.McIntyre and Army Captain Ket both seriously injured, carried to beachhead dressing station for treatment but Ket died the following day. McIntyre was sent to Army hospital at Morotai. 15.6.45 Converted to components by 11RSU Tarakan

Auster Mk.III       c/n 365 ex MZ251                A11-13, VH-BGI, VH-DQN

4.43 Final assembly at Rearsby Aerodrome, Leicester by Taylorcraft Aeroplanes (England) Ltd to RAF order for 132 Auster Mk.IIIs serial range MZ100 to MZ255 including black-out blocks. 30.4.43 Taken on RAF charge as Auster Mk.III MZ251 30.4.43 Allotted 20 Maintenance Unit, Aston Down 13.6.43 Allotted 659 Sqn, RAF Firbeck, Notts 19.4.44 Allotted Taylorcraft Aeroplanes for repair and overhaul 19.6.44 Taylorcraft test pilot Geoff Edwards test flew MZ251 at Rearsby after repair 20.6.44 Awaiting collection Rearsby 29.6.44 Allotted 20 Maintenance Unit, Aston Down. Sold to RAAF, airframe only 19.7.44 47 Maintenance Unit, Sealand, for dismantling and boxing 25.7.44 Transported to Liverpool docks 30.7.44 Sailed from Liverpool as crated cargo on board SS Samanco Shipped to Australia 7.9.44 Arrived Port Melbourne 9.10.44 Taken on RAAF charge as Auster Mk.3 A11-13. Received 2AD Richmond ex UK 30.10.44 Airframe logbook: assembly date at 2AD 2.11.44 Issued No.16 AOP Flight, Lae ex 2AD.  Transported by RAAF Dakota 11.11.44 Crashed on landing Morobe Strip, New Guinea, F/Lt. R. Drabsch, 16 AOP unhurt.  Airframe TT 259 hrs. Overshot the metal runway matting and turned over in soft sand. 5.1.45 Received No.10 Repair & Salvage Unit, Nadzab ex 16 AOP for repair 27.1.45 Received 16AOP ex 10RSU 30.1.45 A11-13 flew from Lae to Tadji, where it was based as a detachment of 16AOP until 20.3.45. Main duty was evacuation of wounded Australian army personnel in vicinity of Tadji. 17.5.45 Received 14RSU Morotai ex 16AOP for repairs 23.8.45 Received 16AOP airfreighted ex 14RSU 19.9.45 Five 16AOP Austers A11-13, -27, -29, -31, -35, departed Labuan for Ranau to evacuate a group of four escaped Australian POWs. Forced to turn back to Labuan due weather 20.9.45 Same five aircraft successfully completed the mission, flown by Group Captain J. Fleming, F/Lt Muggleton, F/Lt R. Cock, F/O E. Dowse and P/O J. Thomas. 9.10.45 Crashed on landing Labuan Airstrip, Borneo 16.10.45 Received 1RSU Labuan ex 16AOP for repair 11.45 All 16AOP Austers in Borneo and detachments were packed for transport to Canberra 15.1.46 Received 2AD Richmond ex No. 84 Operational Base Unit, Labuan 22.3.46 Selected for post war air force, to be stored Category C. Later authorised for disposal. 25.4.47 Closing date for tenders on Commonwealth Disposals Commission tender document issued in 2.47 offering 71 Tiger Moths, 1 Gipsy Moth instructional airframe, and 1 Auster Mk.III. The Auster was A11-13 located at 2AD Richmond, held dismantled, engine cowlings damaged, minor damage to main plane, flaps and aelerons, fuselage extensive corrosion, fabric deterioration. Engine removed, battery and propeller missing. Total airframe time 315 hours. 2.6.47 Sold by CDC for £450 to Messrs Cowan & Pugh, Box 18 P.O. Bankstown NSW 13.6.47 Issued to purchaser ex 2AD Richmond 5.12.48 Civil Registration application: Edward Wilkinson, Inverell NSW.  Signed by R. Pugh To be based Tamworth NSW. 5.1.49 Interim CofA issued until this date: possibly for ferry flight 22.4.49 Test flown after civil conversion 22.4.49 Certificate of Registration issued by DCA as Auster III Model F VH-BGI 22.4.49 Certificate of Airworthiness issued 7.7.50 Testflown Archerfield Qld after annual CofA inspection 20.7.61 Struck-off Civil Register, withdrawn from service. 24.12.61 VH-BGI noted at Inverell in hangar, prop removed. Rear glasshouse covered by fabric. 65 Restored to airworthy (location unknown) 21.9.65 Restored to Register as VH-DQN  J. & E. Stewart, Deniliquin NSW The owner is a former mayor of Deniliquin, hence the registration which is Deniliquin's aeronautical abbreviation. 27.3.66 VH-DQN noted at Wagga NSW visiting from Deniliquin, blue & white 1.7.67 noted at Deniliquin, blue and white, recently returned from a trip to Queensland 30.9.67 visited Temora NSW airshow 2.1.68 noted at Albury NSW, in hangar 22.5.68 Change of ownership: Hawker deHavilland Pty Ltd, Bankstown Airport, Sydney NSW 31.7.68 Change of ownership: A. H. Scott, Melbourne Vic 13.10.68 Crashed Kooweerup Vic. Struck power lines during forced landing following engine failure, flipped on to back. Pilot and passenger unhurt. 13.10.68 Struck-off Civil Register 1.12.68 noted at Tyabb Vic, dismantled damaged in a hangar 3.69 noted at Tyabb Vic, dismantled in a hangar 29.3.71 noted at Tyabb, Vic: fuselage in old hangar which was being demolished 24.4.73 a wing marked VH-DQN noted at Lovelybanks airfield, Geelong 5.12.76 VH-DQN dismantled components noted at Lovelybanks airfield Vic c82 Two retired dismantled Auster Mk.3s acquired from Lovelybanks airfield by John Marshall,  Hawthorne, Melbourne. He quoted their fuselage numbers as TAY 6383 (VH-FAE) and TAY 6396 (VH-DQN) 86 VH-DQN is now a restoration project with A. Watson, Keilor Vic 2.2.05 Fuselage frame of Auster VH-DQN frame number TAY6396 was advertised for sale on EBay

VH-BGI retired at Inverell NSW in December 1961. The rear cockpit glasshouse has been covered by fabric.                                         Geoff Goodall collection

Restored as VH-DQN, seen at Deniliquin July 1967.                                         Photo by Geoff Goodall

Stored at Tyabb Vic in March 1969, after its Kooweerup accident.                        Photo by Geoff Goodall

Auster Mk.III       c/n 366 ex MZ252                    A11-14

4.43 Final assembly at Rearsby Aerodrome, Leicester by Taylorcraft Aeroplanes (England) Ltd to RAF order for 132 Auster Mk.IIIs serial range MZ100 to MZ255 including black-out blocks. 23.4.43 First flight at Rearsby Aerodrome, Taylorcraft test pilot Geoff Edwards 29.4.43 Taken on RAF charge as Auster Mk.III MZ252  29.4.43 20 Maintenance Unit, Aston Down 13.6.43 Allotted 659 Sqn, RAF Firbeck, Notts 7.3.44 Damaged (no details - probably released for inspection due 659 Sqn re-equipping with Auster IVs several days later) 31.3.44 Allotted Taylorcraft Aeroplanes for overhaul 17.5.44 Awaiting collection Rearsby 20.5.44 Allotted 20 Maintenance Unit, Aston Down. Sold to RAAF, airframe only 20.7.44 Allotted 47 Maintenance Unit, Sealand, for dismantling and boxing 28.7.44 transported to Liverpool Docks for shipping 30.7.44 Sailed from Liverpool as crated cargo on board SS Samanco Shipped to Australia 7.9.44 Arrived Port Melbourne 28.9.44 Taken on RAAF charge as Auster Mk.3 A11-14. Received 2AD Richmond ex UK 31.10.44 Issued 16 AOP Flight, Lae ex 2AD. Transported by RAAF Dakota 5.1.45 Received No.10 Repair & Salvage Unit, Nadzab ex 16AOP for fabric surface repairs 3.2.45 Received 16AOP ex 10RSU 26.3.45 In preparation for the invasion of Tarakan, A11-6, -11, -12, -14 departed Lae with airmen, on board USS Peter T. Rowe for Morotai 23.4.45 The 4 Austers and pilots embarked at Morotai on board LST 993 to take part in the initial Tarakan landing. 1.5.45 LST 993 took part in the initial beach landings at Tarakan. 16AOP Detachment set up camp at Lingkas Beach. Austers were assembled and work commenced next day to prepare a strip at the Tarakan landing site within 400 metres of Japanese fire. A11-12 was the first to get airborne at 1645 hrs on 2.5.45 but crashed and burned. 25.6.45 Allotted 11RSU Tarakan ex 16AOP Detachment for 240 hourly and fabric repairs 4.7.45 Issued 16 AOP Detachment ex 11RSU 1.10.45 Crashed during forced landing Tiram, Dutch Borneo.  Forced landing in low scrub due engine failure while operating the courier run to Sanga Sanga. Pilot F/O Eddie and F/O Alan Davidson unhurt. Davidson was RAF, part of the crew of a  RAF Transport Command aircraft which were billeted with 16AOP at that time. 2.10.45 RAAF Catalina searching for the missing A11-14 located the two men on a beach at Tiram, landed on a nearby river to rescue them. 31.10.45 Allotted 2 Squadron for conversion to components

Auster Mk.III       c/n 653 ex NJ832                    A11-15

11.43 Final assembly at Rearsby Aerodrome, Leicester by Taylorcraft Aeroplanes (England) Ltd to RAF order for 338 Auster Mk.IIIs & Mk.Vs serial range NJ609 to NK132 including black-out blocks. 6.11.43 Taken on RAF charge as Auster Mk.III NJ832 6.11.43 Allotted 20 Maintenance Unit, Aston Down 4.1.44 Allotted 409ARF, Kenley 5.3.44 Allotted 19 Sqn 9.4.44 Damaged at Gravesend, Kent: parked in blister hangar which was run into by a M.T. vehicle. 19 Sqn, 83 Group, 2nd TAF. (Vehicle driver received 21 days Detention and 10 days Pay Stoppage) 17.4.44 Allotted Taylorcraft Aeroplanes for repair and overhaul 6.,6.44 Awaiting collection at Rearsby 23.6.44 Allotted 20 Maintenance Unit, Aston Down. Sold to RAAF, airframe only 18.7.44 Allotted 47 Maintenance Unit, Sealand, for dismantling and boxing 28.7.44 transported to Liverpool Docks for shipping 30.7.44 Sailed from Liverpool as crated cargo on board SS Samanco Shipped to Australia 7.9.44 Arrived Port Melbourne 28.9.44 Taken on RAAF charge as Auster Mk.3 A11-15. Received 2AD Richmond ex UK 16.10.44  Issued 16 AOP Flight, Lae ex 2AD 10.44 Arrived Lae on board a RAAF Dakota. Assembled. 20.10.44 Testflown at Lae after assembly, F/O D.D.Darbyshire 14.11.44 F/O Darbyshire flew A11-15 to Annanberger to transport urgently needed supplies and ammunition, accompanied by A11-11 & A11-12 22.12.44 Crashed into sea off end of Lae airfield.   F/O D.D.Darbyshire forced to ditch after engine failure on takeoff during a training flight, sank 200 yards off shore and not recoverable. Pilot and F/O E.J.Saywell received minor injuries. Airframe total time: 85 hrs 15 mins. 29.12.44 Approved for write-off Several months later the wreck was washed ashore during a storm.

Auster Mk.III       c/n 459 ex NX535                        A11-16

6.43 Final assembly at Rearsby Aerodrome, Leicester by Taylorcraft Aeroplanes (England) Ltd to RAF order for 59 Auster Mk.IIIs serial range NX484 to NX545 including black-out blocks. 25.6.43 First flight at Rearsby Aerodrome by Taylorcraft pilot Geoff Edwards 27.6.43 Taken on RAF charge as Auster Mk.III NX535 27.6.43 Allotted 658 Sqn 5.44 Attached to 439 (RCAF) Sqn, based Hutton Cranswick (Hawker Typhoons).  17.5.44 Accident damage with 439 Sqn 26.5.44 Allotted Taylorcraft Aeroplanes for repair and overhaul 1.7.44 Awaiting collection Rearsby 11.7.44 Allotted 20 Maintenance Unit, Aston Down. Sold to RAAF, airframe only 19.7.44 Allotted 47 Maintenance Unit, Sealand, for dismantling and boxing 25.7.44 transported to Liverpool Docks for shipping 30.7.44 Sailed from Liverpool as crated cargo on board SS Samanco Shipped to Australia 7.9.44 Arrived Port Melbourne 5.10.44 Taken on RAAF charge as Auster Mk.3 A11-16. Received 2AD Richmond ex UK 25.10.44 Received No.17 AOP Flight, Bougainville ex 2AD.  Airfreighted by RAAF Dakota 26.12.44 Based at Piva airstrip, Bougainville. Flying Officer Jim Russell departed at dawn for a rough airstrip cleared by natives at a village where injured RNZAF air gunner F/Sgt Neville Gardiner was being hidden. He was the sole survivor of 5 crew of a crashed RNZAF Ventura NZ4634.  A11-16 landed but tipped on its nose and smashed the wooden propeller. A replacement propeller was dropped but was damaged when it hit the ground, a second propeller dropped successfully. Russell replaced the prop. 27.12.44 Crashed on takeoff Pusupa Village, Bougainville. Ran into soft ground during takeoff. Russell had placed wooden planks under the wheels to commence takeoff, but the weight of the patient and the soft surface stopped the aircraft becoming airborne before reaching fallen trees, so he ground-looped to the left and the plane hit obstructrions, ending up on its nose with wings ripped off. Pilot and patient received minor injuries. HQ immediately ordered the Auster to be burnt after removal of transportable components. Russell removed the two wheels, tail skid, magnetos, instrument panel and compass. The kindness of the villagers was rewarded with gifts of sections of metal frame tubing and fabric patches for lap-laps. Russell then flooded the cockpit with petrol and set the airframe alight, to leave nothing of use for Japanese troops in the vicinity. 28.10.44 A party of 30 native carriers and 10 police boys set off from the village to the coast, carrying the injured Gardiner as well as the removed Auster parts. After 4 days walk through Japanese held territory, they reached a beach where they were collected by a barge ansd taken to Torokina. Gardiner recuperated in a US Navy hospital 13.2.45 Approved for conversion to components

Flying Officer Jim Russell in an 17 AOP Flight Auster Mk.3.  Photo: RAAF

Auster Mk.III       c/n 363 ex MZ249            A11-17, VH-BGU, VH-FAE

4.43 Final assembly at Rearsby Aerodrome, Leicester by Taylorcraft Aeroplanes (England) Ltd to RAF order for 132 Auster Mk.IIIs serial range MZ100 to MZ255 including black-out blocks. 29.4.43 Taken on RAF charge as Auster Mk.III MZ249  29.4.43 Allotted 20 Maintenance Unit, Aston Down 16.5.43 Allotted 657 Sqn 5.9.43 Allotted 661 Sqn 1.5.44 Received 197 Sqn, Needs Oar Point airfield (Hawker Typhoons) 12.6.44 Damaged in heavy landing in gusty wind at Roborough aerodrome, Plymouth, Devon.  Undercarriage collapsed. Pilot Flt Lt Jolleys. 197 Sqn, 84 Group, 2nd TAF 22.6.44 Allotted Taylorcraft Aeroplanes for repair and overhaul 11.8.44 Awaiting collection at Rearsby 27.8.44 Allotted 20 Maintenance Unit, Aston Down.  Sold to RAAF, airframe only 28.9.44 Allotted 222 Maintenance Unit, High Ercall, Shropshire for dismantling and boxing 4.10.44 Transported to Newport Docks for shipping 15.10.44 Sailed from Newport Docks as crated cargo on board SS Port Fairy Shipped to Australia 24.11.44 Arrived Sydney 29.11.44 Taken on RAAF charge as Auster Mk.3 A11-17. Received 2AD Richmond ex UK RAAF Status Card incorrectly states identity "NZ249". (British Air Ministry did not allocate NZ... serials to avoid confliction with RNZAF serials) 14.3.45 Received No.16 AOP Flight ex 2AD 3.5.45 Damaged in heavy landing Morotai crash strip, Borneo. Two crew unhurt. 9.5.45 Received No.14 Repair & Salvage Unit, Morotai ex 16AOP for repair 26.5.45 Received 16 AOP ex 14RSU after repairs completed 7.6.45 Overturned on takeoff, Bawang Valley in the Borneo hinterland during an attempt to rescue ther crew from a crashed American B-24. Flt Lt Frederick Chaney and his passenger, Australian Army Major Harrisson were both unhurt. Full description of this event is given in the book "The Airmen and the Headhunters" by Judith M. Heimann 13.6.45 Received 11RSU Tarakan ex 16AOP for repair 18.10.45 Received 16 AOP ex 11RSU after repairs completed 11.45 All 16AOP Austers in Borneo and detachments were packed for transport to Canberra 7.3.46 Received 2AD Store ex 16AOP 22.3.46 Selected for post war air force, to be stored Category C 13.1.47 Offered for disposal 2.47 Commonwealth Disposals Commission tender document issued for five Auster Mk.IIIs located at 2AD Richmond. Tenders closed 14.3.47. Included A11-17 quoted as received in dismantled damaged condition, fabric deteriorated, corrosion in fuselage, undercarriage damaged.  Total airframe hours unknown 2.4.47 Sold through Commonwealth Disposals Commission for £250 to A. H. P. Lewis, 327 Arden Street, Coogee, Sydney 16.4.47 RAAF Status Card: Issued to purchaser ex 2AD 10.2.48 DCA wrote to A.H.P.Lewis allocating registration VH-BGU to his Auster A11-17 25.3.49 Civil Registration application: Albert H. P. Lewis and Rupert N. Boulton, Sydney NSW Prewar Albie Lewis had operated Airflite Pty Ltd at Mascot, providing charter, flying school, maintenance, aircraft import agency. 7.4.49 CofA issued after civil conversion at Mascot 7.4.49 Registered as Auster III Model F VH-BGU 16.5.50 Change of ownership: Western Airways Pty Ltd, Condobolin NSW (Operations Manager Ronald W. Howitt, previously with New Holland Airways, Sydney) 18.5.50 Annual CofA renewal at Bankstown 4.9.50 Change of company name: Overland Air Services Pty Ltd, Condobolin NSW (Ron Howitt continued as Operations Manager. Operated passenger services in NSW with L18 Lodestar VH-OAS) 25.7.51 CofA renewal at Bankstown, registered in Charter Category 27.10.51 Crashed when struck telegraph pole during landing at Condobolin NSW. Charter flight, operator Overland Air Services, pilot injured. Aircraft seriously damaged,. 8.4.52 Change of ownership: Airmech, Bankstown Aerodrome, Sydney NSW Airchech was a maintenance subsidiary of Fawcett Aviation, which operated Illawarra Flying School at Bankstown. VH-FAE was painted in the Illawarra Flying School colour scheme 23.5.52 Damaged when taxied into ditch at Bankstown at 7.32pm during night flying. Port wing, undercarriage, tailwheel and prop were damaged 27.6.52 Testflown Bankstown after repairs 23.7.52 Reregistered VH-FAE in Fawcett Aviation registration series Changed on the same day were the following, all in the Illawarra Flying School fleet: - Auster J1B VH-KAI to VH-FAF - Tiger Moth VH-BED to VH-FAG - Tiger Moth VH-AUM to VH-FAH 1.2.53 Ground-looped on landing Bankstown, starboard wingtip, undercarriage and propeller damaged. Pilot D. Rutherford 5.6.53 CofA renewal at Bankstown 13.6.53 Change of ownership: R. William Lester, Geelong Grammar School, Corio Vic (William Lester was a teacher who had lost the use of his legs due to polio and was confined to a wheelchair. He drove a Standard Vanguard car fitted with hand controls replacing foot pedals.) .53 Auster was fitted with modified controls at Moorabbin, designed by Melbourne aviation engineer Mr. Molyneaux. Lester received pilot training at Schutt Aircraft Sales and Service, Moorabbin Lester laster recalled: "I bought VH-FAE through Arthur Schutt at Moorabbin. Schutty was a great character and looked after my interests and helped me in all kinds of ways until I had my pilot licence. He always seemed to be in a hurry, and sometimes, to save time, he would ignore my carefully worked out system of boards for sliding from the car to the Auster and just pick me up bodily and stuff me into it. John Pennington was foreman of Schutts and something of a mechnical genius. He replaced the controls for elevators, ailerons and rudder as well as the throttle to a four-sided control wheel. My left arm was not up to operating the flap lever positioned above my left shoulder, so John and Arthur changed that to a hydraulic system positioned on the floor, constructed utilising the hand hydraulic flap actuator pump out of an Avro Anson." 6.10.55 Tailwheel detached during landing run at Bankstown at 10.25pm. Minor damage only. Pilot K. Jepson. Accident report quotes operator as Airmech, Bankstown. 8.9.59 noted at Moorabbin, in a hangar 21.5.60 Change of ownership: J. Berndes, Shepparton Vic.  Address later changed to Perth WA and Wagga NSW. Berndes was an aerial agricultural operator. VH-FAE was fitted with a chemical tank behind the pilot seat, with a loading pipe through the fuselage side. 14.1.61 noted at Moorabbin, "Aerial Cultivation Enterprises", dark painted fuselage; 2.12.61 noted at Moorabbin, "Aerial Cultivation Enterprises", dark painted fuselage; 21.6.62 Change of ownership: Bruce E. Hartwig and J. A. Kingham, Morwell Vic, later Adelaide SA 28.10.62 visited Bendigo Vic airshow, silver with blue lightning strike on fuselage 2.12.62 visited Berwick Vic airshow, silver with blue lightning strike on fuselage 25.1.63 noted Morwell Vic, dismantled in hangar 7.1.65 noted at Benalla Vic, glider tug during gliding championships, silver with blue cowls and blue fuselage flash 6.3.65 noted at Gawler SA, glider tug operated by Waikerie Gliding Club 13.3.65 visited Swan Hill Vic airshow, glider tug, silver with blue lightning strike on fuselage; 16.7.65 1noted at Waikerie SA, glider tug. Also 8.8.65, 29.8.65, 29.12.65, 1.1.66 13.9.65 noted at Gawler SA, glider tug .66 Change of ownership: G. Goldsmith, G. D. Spencer, D. W. Butlin, Leongatha Vic 1.12.66 noted at Morwell Vic, based here 20.5.67 Change of ownership: Jacques L. W. Ellis t/a Ellis Flying School, Tyabb Vic Captain Jack Ellis flew for British airlines until 1963 when he  flew Piaggio P166 VH-ACV to Australia. He established charter  operations in Melbourne, then concentrated on flying schools at Tyabb and Geelong 8.67 VH-FAE noted at Tyabb. Also 29.11.67, 3.12.67, 1.12.68 flying. 19.6.70 Struck off Register, owner's request. 29.3.71 noted dismantled at Moorooduc Vic, stored with engine fitted, wings removed, under a tarpaulin behind the Ellis Flying School club room.  Gone by 25.11.71 24.4.73 noted dismantled at Lovelybanks Vic.  Ellis Flying School operated from this airfield. No change  4.5.74, 4.7.76, 2.3.79, 3.4.80 and 10.8.80 c82 VH-FAE reported as a restoration project owned by John Marshall, 749 Glenferrie Road, Hawthorne, Melbourne. He acquired two retired dismantled Auster Mk.3s from Lovelybanks airfield. The other was almost certainly VH-DQN. John Marshall says his fuselage numbers were TAY 6383 (VH-FAE) and TAY 6395 (VH-DQN) 94 VH-FAE restoration project is located at Toolangi, Yarra Valley Vic, currently waiting for parts .15 John Marshall donated VH-FAE "as is" to RAAF Museum, RAAF Point Cook Vic.  Stored dismantled on a farm at Toolangi Vic, mostly disassembled, fabric removed 20.5.15 VH-FAE's dismantled airframe arrived by road at RAAF Point Cook, moved from Toolangi by museum volunteers. Planned assembly and restoration as a static display as "A11-17" at RAAF Museum

VH-BGU at Bankstown in the early 1950s.    Photo: Ed Coates Collection

Moorabbin in 1955, owner William Lester in the pilot seat, his Vanguard car parked behind.  Both had foot controls modified to hand activated controls.          John Hopton Collection

Moorabbin December 1961 with agricultural modifications.                            John Hopton Collection

Waikerie SA in August 1965 as a glider tug, silver with blue flash.                  Photo by Geoff Goodall

Tyabb Vic 1969 with new fabric, flying circuits with Captain Jack Ellis' flying school.           Photo by Neil Follett

The dismantled VH-FAE being collected by RAAF Museum volunteers at Toolangi Vic May 2015. Photo: RAAF Museum

Auster Mk.III       c/n 644 ex NJ810                A11-18, VH-GAE, VH-DAE

10.43 Final assembly at Rearsby Aerodrome, Leicester by Taylorcraft Aeroplanes (England) Ltd to RAF order for 338 Auster Mk.IIIs & Mk.Vs serial range NJ609 to NK132 including black-out blocks. 27.10.43 Taken on RAF charge as Auster Mk.III NJ810 27.10.43 Allotted 43OTU 26.6.44 Struck a hill top during low flying exercise in Wiltshire, Captain L.V.Selva 3.7.44 Allotted Taylorcraft Aeroplanes for repair 26.8.44 Awaiting collection at Rearsby after repair 13.9.44 Allotted 20 Maintenance Unit, Aston Down. Sold to RAAF, airframe only 28.9.44 Allotted 222 Maintenance Unit, High Ercall, Shropshire for dismantling and boxing 11.10.44 transported to Newport Docks for shipping 15.10.44 Sailed from Newport Docks as crated cargo on board SS Port Fairy Shipped to Australia 24.11.44 Arrived Sydney 29.11.44 Taken on RAAF charge as Auster Mk.3 A11-18. Received 2AD Richmond ex UK 5.1.45 Issued to 16 AOP Flight, Lae  airfreighted by RAAF Dakota 11.1.45 1Received No.10 Repair & Salvage Unit, Lae for replacement of fabric 6.2.45 Received 16AOP ex 10RSU 11.2.45 A11-18 flown by F/O J.W. McIntyre and F/O Sherman searched Huon Gulf for a vessel in distress. Located the vessel and dropped life jackets and a message. 31.5.45 Received 14RSU Morotai ex 16AOP for engine overhaul 18.10.45 Received 16AOP ex 14RSU 22.6.45 A11-18 with other 16AOP Austers and crews departed Morotai by ship to take part in the initial landings to take Balikpapan, Dutch Borneo. 3.7.45 Army duck amphibious vehicles carried these Austers to Sepinggang, where they commenced operating the same day 10.9.45 A11-18 F/O B. Roadnight  and A11-30 Flt Lt D. Lowing provided cover for the official Japanese surrender of Dutch Borneo on board HMAS Burdekin off Moedjawa, Borneo 11.45 All 16AOP Austers in Borneo and detachments were packed for transport to Canberra 5.3.46 Received 2AD Store ex 16AOP 22.3.46 Selected for post war air force, to be stored Category C 13.1.47 Offered for disposal 2.47 Commonwealth Disposals Commission tender document issued for five Auster Mk.IIIs located at 2AD Richmond. Tenders closed 14.3.47. Included A11-18 quoted as received in dismantled condition, main planes have minor damage and corrosion, fuselage extensive corrosion, undercarriage not fitted Total airframe hours unknown. 2.4.47 Sold through Commonwealth Disposals Commission for £250 to A.E.Goodwin, Railway Parade, Lidcombe, Sydney 7.5.47 Issued to purchaser ex 2AD Richmond 24.9.47 Mr. A. E. Goodwin wrote to DCA requesting registration VH-GAE for his Auster A11-18 25.11.47 CofA issued at Mascot. Petrol ration for 6 hours flying sent to Goodwin by DCA. 25.11.47 Registered as Auster III Model F VH-GAE Arthur E. Goodwin, Sydney Identity quoted as Taylorcraft part number "TAY1179". To be used for private business purposes. Goodwin is managing director of A.E.Goodwin Ltd, engineers and ship builders of Sydney and Port Kembla NSW. 28.8.48 visited Lismore NSW airshow 26.11.48 Form letter from DCA to owners of aircraft with registrations which are now required to be changed due confliction with International communications code groups or the Q Code. DCA suggests VH-GAE be changed to VH-GBE to minimise repainting, and change must be made by the next annual CofA renewal inspection. 15.12.48 Annual CofA renewal at Mascot, still painted as VH-GAE 23.12.49    Re-registered VH-DAE 23.12.49    CofA renewal oberhaul at Bankstown, during which it was repainted as VH-DAE 11.5.50 Crashed on landing at a property near Booroowa NSW: struck a tree, ran through a flock of sheep killing three, then overturned. 14.9.50    CofA renewed after repairs at Bankstown 4.10.50 Lost without trace near Newcastle NSW.  The aircraft was being flown from Coffs Harbour to Newcastle by Mr. A. E. Goodwin with his wife.  Extensive air and ground search for the next 10 days failed to locate the aircraft. Wreckage has never been found Note: A11-18 is quoted by some sources as ex NJ890, however NJ890 remained with RAF until sold to Royal Hellenic Air Force on 27 March 1947.

A11-18 being transported on an Army Duck in Borneo in 1945.  Photo: RAAF

A11-18 operational in Borneo 1945.  Photo: RAAF

Lismore NSW in August 1948. Note the rear glasshouse has been covered to make a rounded rear window. Photo: Roger McDonald collection

Peter Scott kindly sent this photo of VH-DAE taken by his mother, which she said was on the day it disappeared.

Auster Mk.III       c/n 395  ex NK113                    A11-19

5.43 Final assembly at Rearsby Aerodrome, Leicester by Taylorcraft Aeroplanes (England) Ltd to RAF order for 338 Auster Mk.IIIs & Mk.Vs serial range NJ609 to NK132 including black-out blocks. 25.5.43 Taken on RAF charge as Auster Mk.III NK113 25.5.43 Allotted 659 Sqn, RAF Firbeck, Notts 18.6.43 Allotted 20 Maintenance Unit, Aston Down 21.6.43 Allotted 659 Sqn, RAF Firbeck 7.3.44 Damaged (no details - probably released for inspection due 659 Sqn re-equipping with Auster IVs several days later) 31.3.44 Allotted Taylorcraft Aeroplanes for overhaul 6.5.44 Test flight Rearsby after repair, Taylorcraft pilot Geoff Edwards 6.5.44 Awaiting collection at Rearsby 13.5.44 Allotted 20 Maintenance Unit, Aston Down. Sold to RAAF, airframe only 18.7.44 Allotted 47 Maintenance Unit, Sealand, for dismantling and boxing Shipped to Australia: details not recorded on RAF movements card 12.11.44 arrived Port Melbourne 7.12.44 Taken on RAAF charge as Auster Mk.3 A11-19. Received 1AD Laverton ex UK 2.1.45 Aircraft to be retained at 1AD for prototype fitment as an air ambulance 12.3.45 Received 16 AOP Flight ex 2AD 16.8.45 A11-35 pilot F/Lt Chaney and A11-19 F/Lt C. White landed in Bawang Valley for a medivac of a native Dyak woman, at request of British Special Borneo Force. 2.9.45 Crashed on Labuan airstrip, Borneo. While landing on a courier service, ran off runway and struck a tractor parked off the edge of the runway 4.9.45 Issued to 22RSU Labuan for conversion to components. Engine to be held as serviceable stores stock.

A11-19 in Borneo 1945, probably with 22RSU Labuan.   Photo: RAAF

Auster Mk.III       c/n 283 ex MZ158                    A11-20

2.43 Final assembly at Rearsby Aerodrome, Leicester by Taylorcraft Aeroplanes (England) Ltd to RAF order for 132 Auster Mk.IIIs serial range MZ100 to MZ255 including black-out blocks. 4.3.43 First flight at Rearsby, Taylorcraft pilot George Edweards 11.3.43 Taken on RAF charge as Auster Mk.III MZ158 11.3.44 Allotted 20 Maintenance Unit, Aston Down 15.3.43 Allotted 656 Sqn 23.3.43 Allotted 652 Sqn 2.3.44 Allotted 65 Sqn 7.6.44 Allotted Taylorcraft Aeroplanes for overhaul 8.8.44 Awaiting collection at Rearsby 26.8.44 Allotted 20 Maintenance Unit, Aston Down. Sold to RAAF, airframe only 9.44 Allotted 222 Maintenance Unit, High Ercall, Shropshire for dismantling and boxing 29.9.44 transported to Newcastle Docks for shipping 13.10.44 Sailed from Newcastle as crated cargo on board SS Sarpedon (LS 1966) Shipped to Australia 1.1.45 Arrived Sydney 4.1.45 Taken on RAAF charge as Auster Mk.3 A11-20. Received 2AD Richmond ex UK 25.5.45 Received School of Army Cooperation, Canberra ex 2AD 6.8.45 Damaged in heavy landing at Duntroon Army Base, Canberra. Repairable at unit. 23.1.46 Received Care & Maintenance Unit, Narrandera 22.3.46 Selected for post war air force, to be stored Category C 4.11.46 Received No.16 AOP Flight ex CMU Narrandera for storage 14.7.47 Received SHQ Canberra ex 16AOP 13.8.47 Received No.3 Squadron ex SHQ Canberra 8.9.48 Damaged during forced landing near Goulburn NSW. Repairable at unit. 18.8.49 Received 2AD Richmond ex 3 Sqn for fabric re-cover 1.12.49 Received RAAF Station Canberra ex 2AD 17.1.52 Received 3 Sqn ex RAAF Canberra 12.6.53 Allotted Base Squadron Canberra ex 3 Sqn. 8.10.53 Held serviceable at AOP Flight, Canberra 29.6.55 Crashed, substantial damage AOP Flight Canberra.  3.11.55 Received 2AD Richmond ex Base Squadron Canberra for reconditioning 22.6.56 Forced landing at Currandooley NSW due Gipsy Major engine trouble 23.6.56 Received Canberra ex 2AD 16.8.56 Mainplane leading edge damage 5.12.56 Crashed, destroyed by fire, Hall ACT. Struck power line 15 miles northwest of Canberra while conducting tactical rescue exercise, pilot Australian Army Lieutenant B. N. Trickey killed. 29.3.57 Approved disposal as scrap including engine

Auster Mk.III       c/n 435  ex NX498                    A11-21

5.43 Final assembly at Rearsby Aerodrome, Leicester by Taylorcraft Aeroplanes (England) Ltd to RAF order for 50 Auster Mk.IIIs serial range NX484 to NX545 including black-out blocks. 8.6.43 Taken on RAF charge as Auster Mk.III NX498 8.6.43 Allotted 20 Maintenance Unit, Aston Down 28.6.43 Allotted 659 Sqn, RAF Firbeck, Notts 19.4.44 Allotted 122 Sqn 6.6.44 Undercarriage collapsed due heavy landing in high winds at Redhill Aerodrome, Surrey. Pilot Flt Sgt C.R.Castleton, 122 Sqn 2nd TAF 11.6.44 Allotted Taylorcraft Aeroplanes for repair 4.8.44 Awaiting collection at Rearsby 27.8.44 Allotted 20 Maintenance Unit, Aston Down. Sold to RAAF, airframe only 26.9.44 Allotted 222 Maintenance Unit, High Ercall, Shropshire for dismantling and boxing 29.9.44 transported to Newcastle Docks for shipping 13.10.44 Sailed from Newcastle as crated cargo on board SS Sarpedon (LS 1966) Shipped to Australia 1.1.45 Arrived Sydney 3.1.45 Taken on RAAF charge as Auster Mk.3 A11-21. Received 2AD Richmond ex UK 16.3.45 Received No.16 AOP Flight ex 2AD 13.6.45 1F/O Greg Sharman flew A11-21 from Labuan to newly cleared strip at Brooketon, carrying Army Major R. O’Loan, returning with F/O D. Thompson 13.6.45 Forced landing in sea, near Timbalai airstrip, Labuan, Borneo. Engine failure forced a ditching off the west coast of Labuan Island. Pilot F/O D. G. Thompson and passenger unhurt. The crew towed the aircraft to shore by boat, then were rescued by RAAF Catalina 113 Air Sea Rescue Flight. 16.6.45 16AOP to effect recovery of aircraft and take preventative measures until allotted to RSU 6.45 16AOP personnel escorted by a platoon of Aust Army infantry salvaged the aircraft 30.7.45 Received No.22 Repair & Salvage Unit, Labuan for conversion Converted to Components

Auster Mk.III     c/n 592 ex NJ749                    A11-22

9.43 Final assembly at Rearsby Aerodrome, Leicester by Taylorcraft Aeroplanes (England) Ltd to RAF order for 338 Auster Mk.IIIs & Mk.Vs serial range NJ609 to NK132 including black-out blocks. 18.9.43 Taken on RAF charge as Auster Mk.III NJ749 18.9.43 Allotted 20 Maintenance Unit, Aston Down 26.10.43 Allotted 661 Sqn (Mosquitos) 18.7.44 Minor damage while taxying to dispersal at RAF Colerne, Wiltshire: struck a concrete picketing block. Pilot Flt Lt R.A.Miller.  661 Sqn. 28.7.44 Major damage, no details .44 Allotted Taylorcraft Aeroplanes for repair 31.8.44 Awaiting collection at Rearsby 26.9.44 Allotted 222 Maintenance Unit, High Ercall, Shropshire for dismantling and boxing. Sold to RAAF, airframe only 9.44 transported to Newcastle Docks for shipping 3.10.44 Sailed from Newcastle as crated cargo on board SS Sarpedon (LS 1966) Shipped to Australia 1.1.45 Arrived Sydney 3.1.45 Taken on RAAF charge as Auster Mk.3 A11-22. Received 2AD Richmond ex UK 27.3.45 Received No.16 AOP Flight ex 2AD 22.6.45 A11-22 with other 16AOP Austers and crews departed Morotai by ship to take part in the initial landings to take Balikpapan, Dutch Borneo. 3.7.45 Army duck amphibious vehicles carried these Austers to Sepinggang, where they commenced operating the same day. 8.7.45 Crashed on landing Seppinggang Strip, Dutch Borneo.  Ground-looped off strip, ran into a bomb crater, crew unhurt.  4.8.45 Allotted No.11 Repair & Salvage Unit, Tarakan. Allotment cancelled. 2.9.45 Allotted No.18 Repair & Salvage Unit, Balikpapan for repair 17.12.45 Authorised for conversion to components

A11-22 in Borneo 1945.                                                                                       Photo: AWM

Auster Mk.III     c/n 306 ex MZ181                    A11-23

3.43 Final assembly at Rearsby Aerodrome, Leicester by Taylorcraft Aeroplanes (England) Ltd to RAF order for 132 Auster Mk.IIIs serial range MZ100 to MZ255 including black-out blocks. 26.3.43 First flight Rearsby, Taylorcraft pilot Geoff Edwards 4.4.43 Taken on RAF charge as Auster Mk.III MZ181 4.4.43 Allotted 652 Sqn 15.3.44 Allotted 403 Sqn 28.6.44 Allotted Taylorcraft Aeroplanes, Rearsby for overhaul 11.8.44 Awaiting collection at Rearsby 29.8.44 Allotted 20 Maintenance Unit, Aston Down. Sold to RAAF, airframe only 28.9.44 Allotted 222 Maintenance Unit, High Ercall, Shropshire for dismantling and boxing 17.11.44 Transported to Liverpool Docks for shipping 23.11.44 Sailed from Liverpool as crated cargo on board SS Clan Urquhart Shipped to Australia 2.1.45 Arrived Sydney 14.1.45 Taken on RAAF charge as Auster Mk.3 A11-23. Received 2AD Richmond ex UK 27.3.45 Received No.16 AOP Flight ex 2AD 16.5.45 Crashed on landing Morotai airstrip. During restricted length landing practice, 16 AOP Pilot F/Lt Greg Sherman was making a landing approach over 44 gallon drums stacked vertically. Tailplane struck the top drum and aircraft crashed and was wrecked. Pilot unhurt. 19.5.45 Received No.14 Repair & Salvage Unit, Morotai 16.7.45 Authorised for conversion to components

Auster Mk.III     c/n 307 ex MZ182                    A11-24

.43 Final assembly at Rearsby Aerodrome, Leicester by Taylorcraft Aeroplanes (England) Ltd to RAF order for 132 Auster Mk.IIIs serial range MZ100 to MZ255 including black-out blocks. 26.3.43 First flight Rearsby by Taylorcraft pilot Geoff Edwards 30.3.43 Taken on RAF charge as Auster Mk.III MZ182 30.3.43 Allotted 653 Sqn 25.2.44 Allotted 83 Group Communications Flight 16.6.44 Allotted Taylorcraft Aeroplanes, Rearsby for overhaul 19.8.44 Test flown after repair by Taylorcraft pilot Geoff Edwards 19.8.44 Awaiting collection at Rearsby 9.9.44 Allotted 20 Maintenance Unit, Aston Down. Sold to RAAF, airframe only .44 Allotted 222 Maintenance Unit, High Ercall, Shropshire for dismantling and boxing 17.11.44 Transported to Liverpool Docks for shipping 23.11.44 Sailed from Liverpool as crated cargo on board SS Clan Urquhart Shipped to Australia 2.1.45 Arrived Sydney 9.1.45 Taken on RAAF charge as Auster Mk.3 A11-24. Received 2AD Richmond ex UK 25.3.45 Received No.16 AOP Flight ex 2AD 18.6.45 Crashed Brooketown Strip, Borneo. F/O D. G. Thompson, 16AOP. Pilot was seriously hurt, and repatriated to hospital at Concord, Sydney. 30.7.45 Received No.22 Repair & Salvage Unit, Labuan ex 16AOP. 26.10.45 Approval to convert to components

Auster Mk.III     c/n 324 ex MZ212                    A11-25

3.43 Final assembly at Rearsby Aerodrome, Leicester by Taylorcraft Aeroplanes (England) Ltd to RAF order for 132 Auster Mk.IIIs serial range MZ100 to MZ255 including black-out blocks 3.4.43 First flight Rearsby, Taylorcraft pilot Geoff Edwards 4.4.43 Taken on RAF charge as Auster Mk.III MZ212 4.4.43 Allotted 656 Sqn 15.8.43 Allotted  660 Sqn 30.11.43 Damaged in accident 8.6.44 Allotted 331 (Norwegian) Sqn 16.8.44 Allotted Taylorcraft Aeroplanes, Rearsby for overhaul 31.8.44 While stationary at Rearsby, MZ213 was struck by taxying Auster Mk.V RT526 piloted by S/Off Miss A. Walker, No.15 Ferry Pilots Pool, Air Transport Auxiliary. Both aircraft damaged. 7.10.44 Awaiting collection Rearsby after repairs completed 15.10.44 Allotted 20 Maintenance Unit, Aston Down. Sold to RAAF, airframe only 9.12.44 Allotted 222 Maintenance Unit, High Ercall, Shropshire for dismantling and boxing 27.12.44 transported to Glasgow Docks for shipping Shipped to Australia 17.2.45 Arrived Sydney 20.2.45 Taken on RAAF charge as Auster Mk.3 A11-25. Received 2AD Richmond ex UK 21.4.45 Received No.17 AOP Flight ex 2AD. Issued with all modifications and 240 hourly completed and with equipment and tools for operational commitments at Bougainville, Tadji, Jacquinot Bay. 17 AOP Flight has no maintenance capacity. 17.8.45 Crashed in vicinity of Torokina River, Bougainville.  Structural failure during local flying. Pilot Flt Lt G. Tuck injured 27.8.45 Permanently inaccessable. Recommend write-off. 10.10.45 Authorised for write-off

Auster Mk.III     c/n 452 ex NX528                        A11-26

6.43 Final assembly at Rearsby Aerodrome, Leicester by Taylorcraft Aeroplanes (England) Ltd to RAF order for 59 Auster Mk.IIIs serial range NX484 to NX545 including black-out blocks. 21.6.43 First flight at Rearsby Aerodrome by Taylorcraft pilot Geoff Edwards 24.6.43 Taken on RAF charge as Auster Mk.III NX528 24.6.63 Allotted 657 Sqn 5.9.43 Allotted 661 Sqn 19.10.43 Damaged in accident 19.10.43 Allotted Taylorcraft Aeroplanes, Rearsby for repair 22.10.43 Awaiting collection Rearsby after repair.  Date as quoted on RAF record card 30.3.44 Allotted 183 Sqn 8.6.44 Allotted 198 Sqn 23.7.44 Damaged Sommervieu, France when Sgt D. White took off across temporary landing strip B7 and undercarriage collapsed in adjacent corn field. 198 Sqn, 123 Wing, 83 Group, 2nd TAF 24.7.44 Allotted 409 Repair & Salvage Unit, Sommervieu 3.8.44 Transported to UK via FRU, Odiham 3.8.44 Allotted Taylorcraft Aeroplanes, Rearsby for repair 2.9.44 Test flight Rearsby after repair, Taylorcraft pilot Geoff Edwards 8.9.44 Awaiting collection Rearsby 1.10.44 Allotted 20 Maintenance Unit, Aston Down. Sold to RAAF, airframe only 7.12.44 Allotted 222 Maintenance Unit, High Ercall, Shropshire for dismantling and boxing 13.12.44 transported to Glasgow Docks for shippin 27.12.44 Sailed from Glasgow as crated cargo on board SS Coptic Shipped to Australia 17.2.45 Arrived Sydney 20.2.45 Taken on RAAF charge as Auster Mk.3 A11-26. Received 2AD Richmond ex UK Log show Total flying time 149 hours 19.4.45 Received No.17 AOP Flight ex 2AD 22.5.45 Crashed landing Oxley Strip, Bougainville.  Stalled on landing approach. Pilot F.O Major injured, passenger unhurt 23.5.45 Allotted 5 Sqn, approval for conversion to components anticipated 15.6.45 Approval to convert to components at 5 Sqn

Photo: AWM

Auster Mk.III     c/n 333 ex MZ220                A11-27, VH-BYJ, VH-BYS

4.43 Final assembly at Rearsby Aerodrome, Leicester by Taylorcraft Aeroplanes (England) Ltd to RAF order for 132 Auster Mk.IIIs serial range MZ100 to MZ255 including black-out blocks. 15.4.43 Taken on RAF charge as Auster Mk.III MZ220 15.4.43 Allotted 656 Sqn 18.6.43 Damaged when a wheel ran into a rut and aircraft tipped on to its nose while landing at West Brooke House.  The pilot Royal Army Captain P. J. McLinden was making a recce for a landing ground. 15.8.43 Allotted 660 Sqn 24.3.44 Damaged in accident 3.8.44 Allotted 84GSU 13.9.44 Allotted Taylorcraft Aeroplanes, Rearsby for overhaul 22.11.44 Awaiting collection Rearsby 30.11.44 Allotted 20 Maintenance Unit, Aston Down. Sold to RAAF, airframe only 1.1.45 Allotted 222 Maintenance Unit, High Ercall, Shropshire for dismantling and boxing 7.1.45 transported to Liverpool Docks for shipping 28.1.45 Sailed from Liverpool as crated cargo on board SS Port Chalmers Shipped to Australia 9.3.45 Arrived Sydney 14.3.45 Taken on RAAF charge as Auster Mk.3 A11-27. Received 2AD Richmond ex UK 9.5.45 Received No.16 AOP Flight ex 2AD 6.45 Unloaded at Labuan Island as part of Allied landings 12.6.45 First RAAF aircraft to land in Borneo when F/Lt Greg Sherman flew A11-27 from the beach on Labuan Island to a newly cleared airstrip at Brooketon on mainland Borneo. Joined by other Auster 3s to support the Australian Army operations. 20.6.45 A11-27 on patrol between Padas River and Bainking, Borneo, flown by F/Lt Greg Sherman and Army Major O’Loan, sighted Japanese troops in a native village. 4.8.45 A11-27 had standard engine start procedure of pilot swinging the propeller at Beaufort strip, pilot F/Lt Greg Sherman. Army personnel assisting were briefing to retard the throttle when engine fired, but instead advanced the throttle. Sherman attempted to hold the wing strut, but was knocked over while the aircraft ran off the strip towards a row of Army tents. Aircraft came to rest against a tent pole with a broken prop and stalled engine. 10.9.45 F/Lt Greg Sherman in A11-27 flew Kuala Belait to Labuan, last operation after the grounding order for all Allied aircraft. He arrived Labuan at same time as the Tachikawa Ki-54 Hickory surrender aircraft, bringing Japanese General Baba to the surrender ceremony. Sherman closed in on the Hickory and provided a close escort in the circuit, then performed an impromptu flying display as the General disembarked. 19.9.45 Five 16AOP Austers A11-13, -27, -29, -31, -35 departed Labuan for Ranau to evacuate a group of four escaped Australian POWs. Forced to turn back to Labuan due weather 20.9.45 Same five aircraft successfully completed the mission, flown by Group Captain J. Fleming, F/Lt Muggleton, F/Lt R. Cock, F/O E. Dowse and P/O J. Thomas. 29.9.45 Damaged at Beaufort Strip, North Borneo 26.10.45 Received No.1 Repair & Salvage Unit, Labuan ex 16AOP for repair of stern frame and tailwheel attachment points 11.45 All 16AOP Austers in Borneo and detachments were packed for transport to Canberra 15.1.46 Received 2AD Richmond ex No. 84 Operational Base Unit, Labuan 6.11.47 Unit survey report recommends airframe conversion to components 13.1.48 Approved for conversion to components at 2AD 2.11.48 Issued to Dept. of Aircraft Production (DAP) for disposal, in accordance with HQ letter dated 24.6.48 21.5.54 Registered as Auster III Model F VH-BYJ Kingsford Smith Aviation Service Pty Ltd, Bankstown Aerodrome, Sydney.  Identity quoted as TAY5811, a Taylorcraft fuselage frame number 21.5.54 CofA issued Bankstown. KSAS were Auster agents for Australia and experienced in aircraft rebuilds. Completed with rear glass house area covered by fabric and rear cabin headroom heightened, presumably for a third seat behind the front two seats. The standard AOP.III was strictly a two-seater with a canvas shelf immediately behind the two front seats. 23.5.54 Change of ownership: Kingsford Smith Flying Service Pty Ltd, Bankstown (Associate company, which operated a flying school at Bankstown using Austers) 2.10.54 Crashed at Canberra Airport ACT when engine failed on final approach after a local flight. Pilot Hoffman, owner KSFS, Aircraft extensively damaged. 5.11.55 Prop struck the ground during a tail-high landing at Canberra ACT during a training flight. Pilot I.H. Hayman, owner KSFS 20.9.56 Change of ownership: Keith L. Condon, t/a Wagga Flying School, Wagga NSW 6.1.59 Change of ownership: D. Jefferys, Port Lincoln SA 26.7.59 Starboard undercarriage and propeller damaged at Port Lincoln SA, pilot D. Jefferys 24.4.61 Change of ownership: C. B. Tillbrook, t/a Aviation Services (SA) Ltd, Parafield Aerodrome, Adelaide SA Aviation Services were South Australian Auster dealers with a maintenance organisation in their Parafield hangar. The company operated flying schools at SA country towns 4.62 noted at Parafield in Aviation Services hangar, allover silver with green trim line 6.62 Repainted at Parafield in a red and white scheme by Aviation Services 9.11.62 Change of ownership: R. A. Arnold, Whyalla SA, later Melbourne Vic 8.12.62 noted at Parafield, flying from Aviation Services hangar, red & white. Also 4.8.63, 8.8.63, 10.8.63, 26.8.63 14.7.63 Minor damage taxying (location not quoted) 5.10.63 visited Blythe SA airshow, red & white 24.4.65 noted at Parafield, flying. Also 10.7.65, red and white 16.7.65 noted at Moorabbin Vic, in hangar 17.7.65 Leased to: Pilot Makers EFTS Pty Ltd, Moorooduc Vic (still owned by Arnold) (Pilot Makers EFTS Pty Ld was a flying school operated by Captain Jacques L.W.Ellis) 22.11.65 noted at Moorabbin, just competed overhaul by Super Spread Aviation 2.66 noted at Moorabbin, all over silver 13.3.67 noted at Tyabb Vic, based here. Also 16.5.67, 8.67, 3.12.67, 9.3.68, and 1.12.68 all silver, flying 29.11.70 noted at Dromana Vic, training with Pilot Makers EFTS, silver with blue trim .72 Owner R. A. Arnold moved to New Zealand. Lease to Pilotmakers continued 26.12.72 noted at Moorooduc Vic, returned to allover silver 4.5.74 noted at Moorooduc Vic, two-tone blue and white paint scheme. "Pilotmakers" painted on the fuselage but no side registration.  Fabric had been removed to expose the original rear cabin perspex windows. 28.7.75 Change of ownership: Pilot Makers EFTS Pty Ltd, Moorooduc Vic 10.7.76 noted at Moorooduc, blue paint scheme, "Pilotmakers" on fuselage but no registration painted on sides. Also 10.12.76 2.3.79 noted at Lovelybanks Vic, damaged and dismantled in hangar. 16.8.79 Struck-off Register at owner's request. Reportedly blown over. 3.4.80 noted at Lovelybanks Vic, damaged and dismantled in hangar. Also 10.8.80 86 under rebuild at Lovelybanks 6.95 Acquired by John Love, Abury NSW as a restoration project 98-08 Restoration project owned John Carr, Sydney NSW 5.08 Purchased by Jason Cockayne, Temora NSW. Restoration project owned John Carr, Sydney NSW. Stored dismantled at Vaucluse, Sydney, fuselage stripped back to bare frame (Cockayne was a licenced engineer with Temora Aviation Museum. He also owned several P-40 rebuild projects) 10.5.08 Moved by road from Vaucluse to Temora by Jason Cockayne. Planned to rebuild to fly. 18 VH-BYJ project under restoration by Jason Cockayne at Illawarra Airport, Albion Park NSW where he is now based. 11.18 Acquired from Jason Cockayne by Stephen Fielder, Caberra ACT 26.2.19 Project sections moved by road in a shipping container from Albion Park to Wangaratta Airport. Unloaded at the Border Aerospace Fabrications hangar. 20 Undergoing airworthy restoration at Wangaratta Vic, to be completed in military configuration. One of five Auster 3s under restoration at Stuart Lee's Alpine Aviation, Wangaratta Airport as part of an owner consortium. 16.2.21 Registered VH-BYS Stephen J. Fielder, Canberra ACT The original civil registration VH-BYJ had been reallocated to another aircaft, so the nearest available registration was selected

A11-27 being transported on an Army Duck in Borneo 1945.  Photo: RAAF

Bankstown 1954, Kingsford Smith Flying Service insignia on the cowling. The rear glasshouse is covered with fabric to create a single rear cabin window.                                    Geoff Goodall collection

Visiting an airshow at Blythe SA in October 1963, red and white paint scheme.         Photo by Geoff Goodall

Tyabb Vic in December 1968 with Pilotmakers EFTS, all silver.                  Photo by Geoff Goodall

Dromana Vic, December 1970, silver with blue trim.                                Photo by Geoff Goodall

VH-BYJ at Moorooduc Vic in December 1973 with Pilotmakers, repainted in this gaudy scheme, rear window enlarged with dark tinting, no registration painted on the sides.                               Photo by Nigel Daw

Moorooduc Vic, July 1976, repainted again now two tone blue and white, PILOTMAKERS on the side but no registration.  The original rear extended cabin windows have been restored.                      Photo by Peter Kelly

Auster Mk.III     c/n 341 ex MZ228                    A11-28

.43 Final assembly at Rearsby Aerodrome, Leicester by Taylorcraft Aeroplanes (England) Ltd to RAF order for 132 Auster Mk.IIIs serial range MZ100 to MZ255 including black-out blocks. 14.4.43 Taken on RAF charge as Auster Mk.III MZ228 14.4.43 Allotted 657 Sqn 5.9.43 Allotted 661 Sqn 12.12.43 Allotted 84 Group Communications Flight 7.6.44 Allotted 164 Sqn, 136 Wing 11.8.44 Allotted 85 Group Communications Sqn 9.9.44 RAF Station Heston 13.9.44 Allotted Taylorcraft Aeroplanes, Rearsby for overhaul 23.10.44 Awaiting collection Rearsby 5.12.44 Allotted 20 Maintenance Unit, Aston Down. Sold to RAAF, airframe only 2.1.45 Allotted 222 Maintenance Unit, High Ercall, Shropshire for dismantling and boxing 11.1.45 transported to Liverpool Docks for shipping 28.1.45 Sailed from Liverpool as crated cargo on board SS Port Chalmers Shipped to Australia 9.3.45 Arrived Sydney 14.3.45 Taken on RAAF charge as Auster Mk.3 A11-28. Received 2AD Richmond ex UK 9.5.45 Received No.16 AOP Flight ex 2AD 19.6.45 A11-28 made a photo recce of Japanese troop positions west of Labuan airstrip. Pilot F/Lt E.G. Sherman and Army Captain McIntosh used a standard aerial camera.  The pictures were used for a successful USAAF B-25 bombing attack on the enemy positions. 14.7.45 Right undercarriage collapsed on landing, followed by port undercarriage at Beaufort strip. Pilot F/Lt E.G.Sherman 15.8.45 Crashed while dropping despatches, Papar Strip, North Borneo. Courier run, struck trees while dropping despatches to the Army and crashed to the ground. Aircraft wrecked. Pilot F/Lt P. E. Muggleton suffered head injuries. 23.8.45 Received No.22 Maintenance Unit, Labuan ex 16 AOP. Recomend conversion to components 12.10.45 Approval for conversion to components

Frank F. Smith collection

Auster Mk.III     c/n 491 ex MT407                    A11-29

7.43 Final assembly at Rearsby Aerodrome, Leicester by Taylorcraft Aeroplanes (England) Ltd to RAF order for 330 Auster Mk.IIIs, Mk.IVs, Mk.V serial range MS934 to MT454 including black-out blocks. 19.7.43 First flight Rearsby, Taylorcraft pilot Geoff Edwards 7.43 Taken on RAF charge as Auster Mk.III MT407 Retained at Rearsby for tests until sent to A&AEE 13.10.43 Allotted to Aeroplane and Armamant Experimental Establishment (A&AEE) at RAF Boscombe Down. From 21.10.43 to 30.11.43 radio trials 9.12.43 night flying to trial engine exhaust flame damping Returned to Rearby for further testing, including: 22.2.44 auxiliary fuel tank trials: 8 gallon tank behind seats, filled via spout protruding through fuselage starboard side 30.5.44 propeller trials 21.8.44 Allotted Taylorcraft Aeroplanes, Rearsby for overhaul While at Rearsby used for trials of auxiliary fuelk tank 3.11.44 Awaiting collection Rearsby 12.12.44 Allotted 20 Maintenance Unit, Aston Down. Struck-off charge, sold to RAAF, airframe only 17.1.45 Allotted 222 Maintenance Unit, High Ercall, Shropshire for dismantling and boxing 18.1.45 Damaged at 222MU. Repaired on site by a Taylorcraft working party on 25.1.45 3.2.45 Re-allotted 222 Maintenance Unit, High Ercall for dismantling and boxing 12.2.45 Transported to Liverpool Docks for shipping 25.2.45 Sailed from Liverpool as crated cargo on board SS Clan Chattan Shipped to Australia      3.4.45     Arrived Sydney 10.4.45 Taken on RAAF charge as Auster Mk.3 A11-29. Received 2AD Richmond ex UK 9.5.45 Received No.16 AOP Flight ex 2AD 23.6.45 A11-29 flown by F/Lt Greg Sherman with another 16AOP Auster flown by 16AOP CO F/Lt Chaney, flew the first sortie from Labuan to a British Z Force camp of Dyak hunters. 2.7.45 A11-29 with pilot F/Lt Greg Sherman camped and operated from Kuala Belait beach until 9.7.45, to extend range south for patrols to Miri and Riam Road, Borneo. 4.7.45 A11-29 fired at by Japanese ground forces near Riam Road. F/Lt Sherman returned to the area to identify the location then directed a naval bombardment of the area. 19.9.45 Five 16AOP Austers A11-13, -27, -29, -31, -35 departed Labuan for Ranau to evacuate a group of four escaped Australian POWs. Forced to turn back to Labuan due weather 20.9.45 Same five aircraft successfully completed the mission, flown by Group Captain J. Fleming, F/Lt Muggleton, F/Lt R. Cock, F/O E. Dowse and P/O J. Thomas. 26.10.45 Crashed on takeoff Papar Strip, Borneo.  Engine failure when airborne, F/O L.H.Utber injured. 5.12.45 Approved for conversion to components

Frank F. Smith collection

Auster Mk.III     c/n 492 ex MT408                A11-30, VH-BBS

7.43 Final assembly at Rearsby Aerodrome, Leicester by Taylorcraft Aeroplanes (England) Ltd to RAF order for 330 Auster Mk.IIIs, Mk.IVs, and Mk.Vs, serial range MS934 to MT454 including black-out blocks. 23.7.43 Taken on RAF charge as Auster Mk.III MT408 23.7.43 Allotted 20 Maintenance Unit, Aston Down 23.11.43 Allotted 652 Sqn 18.3.44 Allotted 411 Sqn 15.6.44 Allotted 83 Group SU 12.9.44 Allotted 3 Sqn, 122 Wing 10.11.44 Damaged on ground at Shoreham, Sussex. Parked overnight with wheels unchocked and controls unlocked, considerably damaged by winds gusting to 70mph 23.11.44 Allotted Taylorcraft Aeroplanes, Rearsby for repair 13.1.45 Awaiting collection Rearsby 21.1.45 Allotted 20 Maintenance Unit, Aston Down. Sold to RAAF, airframe only 6.2.45 Allotted 222 Maintenance Unit, High Ercall, Shropshire for dismantling and boxing 12.2.45 transported to Liverpool Docks for shipping 25.2.45 Sailed from Liverpool as crated cargo on board SS Clan Chattan Shipped to Australia 3.4.45 Arrived Sydney 10.4.45 Taken on RAAF charge as Auster Mk.3 A11-30. Received 2AD Richmond ex UK 23.7.45 Received No.16 AOP Flight ex 2AD, airfreighted to Balikpapan, Borneo by RAAF Dakota A65-68 ”VHCUY” 10.9.45 A11-30 flown by Flt Lt D. Lowing and A11-18 F/O B. Roadnight provided cover for the official Japanese surrender of Dutch Borneo on board HMAS Burdekin off Moedjawa. 6.11.45 No.83 Army Cooperation Wing HQ ordered 16 AOP Flight and its detachments at Balikpapan and Macassar to cease operations. 8.11.45 A11-30 made the last flight of the Balikpapan detachment, F/Lt Greg Sherman making a local flight carrying Nursing Sister Margaret Clemence. 11.45 All 16AOP Austers in Borneo and detachments were packed for transport to Canberra 22.3.46 Selected for post war air force use, to be stored Category C 11.6.46 Received 2AD Store ex 16AOP. Stored Category D then Cat C 13.1.47 Offered for disposal 2.47 Commonwealth Disposals Commission tender document issued for five Auster Mk.IIIs located at 2AD Richmond. Tenders closed 14.3.47. Included A11-30 quoted as extensive corrosion in fuselage and elevators and interior of petrol tank, oil tank buckled, total airframe hours unknown. 8.4.47 Sold through Commonwealth Disposals Commission for £135 to J. A. Caswell, Maryborough Qld 17.4.47 Issued to purchaser ex 2AD Store 17.7.47 Civil Registration application: James A. Caswell, Maryborough Qld 7.47 CofA overhaul under way at Archerfield Qld 29.10.47 Advertised for sale in Sydney Morning Herald: partly converted from military, asking £650: apply J.A.Caswell, PO Box 64 Maryborough Qld 15.11.48 CofA issued Archerfield 15.11.48 Registered as Auster III Model F VH-BBS James A. Caswell, Maryborough Qld 19.11.49    CofA annual renewal at Maryborough Qld 20.11.49 Change of ownership: Arthur A. Griffiths, Luna, Omanama via Warwick Qld 23.5.50 Change of ownership: Booroondoo Pastoral Co, Goondiwindi Qld 9.2.52 Change of ownership: Stanley J. Porter, Tingalpa Qld 12.2.53 Change of ownership: Thomas E. A. Nicholson, Kingaroy Qld 13.2.53 CofA renewal at Archerfield Qld 18.8.54 Change of ownership: D. S. Wilson, Brisbane Qld 29.8.55 Propeller damaged on ground, Archerfield Qld, pilot/owner D.Wilson 2.11.58 Spun in and crashed at Wacol Army Camp grounds Qld.  Aircraft failed to recover from a spin. Pilot D. Wilson and passenger killed. DCA accident report: "During a precautionary landing due to disintegration of wing fabric, the pilot was unable to maintain control and the aircraft crashed into trees."

Brisbane-Eagle Farm Airport early 1950s, in an unusual paint scheme.                       Gus Grulke collection

Auster 3 VH-BBS with fabric over the glasshouse to form a sloping rear window.           Photo via A. J. Jackson

Auster Mk.III     c/n 515 ex MT432                    A11-31

7.43 Final assembly at Rearsby Aerodrome, Leicester by Taylorcraft Aeroplanes (England) Ltd to RAF order for 330 Auster Mk.IIIs, Mk.IVs, and Mk.Vs, serial range MS934 to MT454 including black-out blocks. 31.7.43 Taken on RAF charge as Auster Mk.III MT432 31.7.43 Allotted 20 Maintenance Unit, Aston Down 16.9.43 Allotted 84 Group Communications Flight 17.8.44 renamed 84 Group Communications Squadron 18.9.44 Damaged when overshot and struck a haystack during landing at Pihem Landing Ground, France. Pilot F/Off Wright 2.12.44 Transported to Taylorcraft Aeroplanes, Rearsby for overhaul 10.2.45 Awaiting collection Rearsby 23.2.45 Allotted 20 Maintenance Unit, Aston Down. Sold to RAAF, airframe only 22.3.45 transported to Liverpool Docks for shipping 9.4.45 Sailed from Liverpool as crated cargo on board SS Gloucester Shipped to Australia 5.6.45 Arrived Sydney 16.6.45 Taken on RAAF charge as Auster Mk.3 A11-31. Received 2AD Richmond ex UK 8.8.45 Received No.16 AOP Flight ex 2AD 19.9.45 Five 16AOP Austers A11-13, -27, -29, -31, -35 departed Labuan for Ranau to evacuate a group of four escaped Australian POWs. Forced to turn back to Labuan due weather 20.9.45 Same five aircraft successfully completed the mission, flown by Group Captain J. Fleming, F/Lt Muggleton, F/Lt R. Cock, F/O E. Dowse and P/O J. Thomas. 29.9.45 Crashed on takeoff Beaufort airstrip, Borneo.  Engine failure after airborne, departing Beaufort with a passenger after taking an airframe fitter and spare parts to Auster A11-27. F/O J. C. Thompson and passenger F/O Meyers were unhurt. Subsequent engine tests showed starboard magneto had failed and the port magneto was only operating intermittantly. 26.10.45 Received No.1 Repair & Salvage Unit, Labuan ex 16AOP for conversion to components 20.11.45 Approval for conversion to components. Airframe time 22 hrs 20 mins

Auster Mk.III     c/n 430  ex NX494            A11-32, VH-BDL, VH-MAD, VH-FED

6.43 Final assembly at Rearsby Aerodrome, Leicester by Taylorcraft Aeroplanes (England) Ltd to RAF order for 59 Auster Mk.IIIs serial range NX484 to NX545 including black-out blocks. 8.6.43 Taken on RAF charge as Auster Mk.III NX494 8.6.43 Allotted 20 Maintenance Unit, Aston Down 28.6.43 Allotted 658 Sqn 2.7.43 Damaged in forced landing in a field at Compton Chamberlyne, Wiltshire when Royal Army Captain C.C. Ballyn was trying to untangle a message bag which had become wrapped around the wing struts. 11.4.44 Allotted 439 Sqn, 83 Group 18.4.44 Undercarriage collapsed due heavy landing at Funtington, Sussex (Airfield No.143).   Pilot F/O R.E.Johnson 439 Sqn, while making his first landing on type, levelled out five feet above the ground and aircraft stalled 1.5.44 Repaired on site by working party from Taylorcraft Aeroplanes 10.5.44 Reallotted 439 Sqn after repairs 16.5.44 Allotted 20 Maintenance Unit, Aston Down for storage. Sold to RAAF, airframe only 30.1.45 Allotted Taylorcraft Aeroplanes, Rearsby for overhaul 2.3.45 Awaiting collection Rearsby.  Final entry on RAF record card 9.4.45 Sailed from Liverpool as crated cargo on board SS Gloucester Shipped to Australia 5.6.45 Arrived Sydney 16.6.45 Taken on RAAF charge as Auster Mk.3 A11-32. Received 2AD Richmond ex UK 27.9.45 Received No.16 AOP Flight ex 2AD 11.45 All 16AOP Austers in Borneo and detachments were packed for transport to Canberra 8.3.46 Received 2AD Storage ex 16 AOP 22.3.46 Selected for post war air force use, to be stored Category C 13.1.47 Offered for disposal 2.47 Commonwealth Disposals Commission tender document issued for five Auster Mk.IIIs located at 2AD Richmond. Tenders closed 14.3.47. Included A11-32 quoted as received in dismantled condition, lower longerons bent, undercarriage corroded. Engine not installed and has not been inhibited. Total airframe hours 131 hrs. 2.4.47 Sold through Commonwealth Disposals Commission for £505 to L.E.Penn, Lane Cove, Sydney   (Along with A11-33) 16.4.47 Issued to purchaser ex 2AD Storage 7.11.47 Civil Registration application: Blue Bird Air Taxi Service, Bankstown Aerodrome, Sydney 19.3.48 CofA issued after civil overhaul. Rear cabin glasshouse faired over to create one small triangular window on each side. 19.3.48 Registered as Auster III Model F VH-BDL Newspaper reports at the time reported that Blue Bird Air Taxi Service offered charters from Bankstown, using an Auster flown by former RAAF pilots who flew the type during the war. 22.9.48 Change of ownership: Warren R. Murphy, Rainbow Vic Murphy operated in Melbourne in sales of disposals aircraft with partner C.R.Rudd: they purchased six ex RAAF Ansons and sold a Tiger Moth and a Porterfield 1947-49. 18.3.49 Certificate of Registration expired 18.3.49 Struck-off Register (back-dated by DCA) 9.4.49 Forced landing at Higatura, New Guinea. 4.49 DCA sent a letter of reprimand to W.R.Murphy for allowing the aircraft to fly without valid CofR 11.6.50 Sold to Mandated Airlines Ltd, Lae, New Guinea 7.7.50 Restored to Register VH-BDL Mandated Airlines Ltd, Lae, New Guinea 12.3.52 Re-registered VH-MAD 5.8.53 Change of ownership: Sepal Pty Ltd, Sydney NSW 19.1.54 Change of ownership: Frederick E. Dean, Bowral NSW 7.2.54 Crashed on takeoff at Bankstown. Swung to starboard during takeoff run, became airborne, starboard wing tip and undercarriage struck the ground and the aircraft nosed over. Extensive damage  to wing, fuselage and propeller. Owner E. Dean, pilot J. Bozard. 5.8.54 Re-registered VH-FED 27.4.55 Change of ownership: A. A. Halfpenny, Rocky Glen Station, Cobar NSW, later Redbank Station, Bourke NSW 4.5.64 VH-FED noted at Cootamundra NSW, silver with red trim 11.9.64 noted at Cootamundra NSW, completing overhaul 15.9.64 Change of ownership: W. Murphy, Wodonga NSW 13.12.64 noted at Albury NSW, silver with red trim. Also 15.7.65, 21.8.65, 20.9.65 14.3.65 noted at Benalla Vic 2.12.65 Change of ownership: F. Hickey, Myrtleford Vic 16.1.66 Change of ownership back to W. Murphy, Wodonga NSW 15.1.67 Struck-off Register, owner's request, "Crashed into hangar" - Sold as a restoration project. The new owner loaded it on a truck, but while driving on a highway, the fuselage frame fell from the truck and was struck by a following truck, causing significant damage. Note: In 2007 the wrecked airframe of AOP III VH-GCV arrived at Penfield airfield, Sunbury Vic for rebuild by Rob Scott and Kim Skyring, trading as Transaero. The fuselage frame plate was found to read TAY 7754. VH-GCV’s plate would have been in the early TAY 4000 series. TAY 7754 was the frame fitted at the factory to AOP.III c/n 430 NX494 which became A11-32, VH-BDL, VH-MAD and VH-FED which crashed into a hangar at Wodonga Vic. Indicates that at least part of the fuselage frame of VH-GCV was rebuilt at some stage using the frame from the damaged VH-FED.

A11-32 freshly civilianised as VH-BDL, at Rainbow, Vic in 1948.                   Kevin O'Reilly collection

Now re-registered VH-FED, at Bathurst NSW in 1963.                                       Photo by Bob Neate

Albury NSW July 1965, showing the small triangular rear window.                       Photo by Roland Jahne

Auster Mk.III     c/n 639 ex NJ800                    A11-33, VH-BDM

10.43 Final assembly at Rearsby Aerodrome, Leicester by Taylorcraft Aeroplanes (England) Ltd to RAF order for 338 Auster Mk.IIIs & Mk.Vs, serial range NJ609 to NK132 including black-out blocks 22.10.43 Taken on RAF charge as Auster Mk.III NJ800 22.10.43 Allotted 661 Sqn 14.7.44 Allotted 20 Maintenance Unit, Aston Down for storage. Sold to RAAF, airframe only 21.1.45 Allotted Taylorcraft Aeroplanes, Rearsby for overhaul ex 20MU 2.3.45 Awaiting collection Rearsby 22.3.45 transported to Liverpool Docks for shipping 9.4.45 Sailed from Liverpool as crated cargo on board SS Gloucester Shipped to Australia 5.6.45 Arrived Sydney 16.6.45 Taken on RAAF charge as Auster Mk.3 A11-33. Received 2AD Richmond ex UK 25.7.45 Issued to 16 AOP Flight ex 2AD 27.9.45 Received 14 Repair & Salvage Unit, Ross River Strip, Townsville ex 2AD while enroute to 16 AOP Flight 30.1.46 Received 2AD Richmond ex 14RSU 22.3.46 Selected for post war air force use, to be stored category C 13.1.47 Offered for disposal 2.47 Commonwealth Disposals Commission tender document issued for five Auster Mk.IIIs located at 2AD Richmond. Tenders closed 14.3.47. Included A11-33 quoted as received in dismantled condition, fuel tank corrosion, fabric deteriorated. Engine not installed. Total airframe hours 143 hrs. 2.4.47 Sold through Commonwealth Disposals Commission for £505 to L.E.Penn, Lane Cove, Sydney  (Along with A11-32) 16.4.47 Issued to purchaser ex 2AD Storage 19.7.49 Civil Registration application: John J. Plummer, Sydney NSW    Identity quoted as "NJ820" 5.8.49 CofA issued after civil conversion at Mascot by Kingsford Smith Aviation Service 5.8.49 Registered as Auster III Model F VH-BDM 4.8.50 CofA expired 16.8.50 Owner John Plummer wrote to DCA advising that VH-BDM has not been flown for some time and will be sold 6.12.50 CofA renewed 15.3.51 Change of ownership: Wilfred A. Murrell, Hillston NSW 23.4.53 Change of ownership: Richard Le Gallien, Albury NSW 3.9.55 Change of ownership: A. K. Wylie, Melbourne Vic 13.7.57 noted at Moorabbin, outside Schutt hangar.  Rear glasshouse was partially covered to shape a sloping rear cabin window 12.1.59 Change of ownership: O. J. Hayes, Box Vale Station, via Broken Hill NSW 8.4.60 Change of ownership: J. V. Tillett, Sydney NSW 10.1.63 noted at Bankstown 22.1.63 noted at Cooma NSW, towing gliders 29.1.63 noted at Bankstown 4.3.63 Change of ownership: R. M. Nattrass, Inverary Station, Wingella NSW 28.2.64 Change of ownership: C. E. Kook, Sydney NSW 7.10.64 noted at Armidale NSW 24.9.65 refuelled at Wagga NSW en route to Moorabbin, silver with red & green trim. Arrived Moorabbin next day 16.7.66 noted at Bankstown 27.12.66 noted at Hobart-Cambridge Tas 6.8.68 Change of ownership: Camden Aviation Sales & Service, Camden NSW 18.11.68 Change of ownership: B. L. Godde, Sydney NSW 22.3.70 visited Wagga NSW airshow 2.72 Based at Moorabbin Vic, active 4.5.72 Change of ownership: R. A. Rye, Berridale NSW 12.10.73 Change of ownership: C. D. Haywood, c/- TAA, Melbourne Airport 4.5.74 noted at Bacchus Marsh Vic 75 Stored dismantled in hangar at Benalla Vic. Total airframe time 1,029 hours 2.8.75 Moved from Benalla by road, bare fuselage frame, as a restoration project 26.3.76 Struck-off Register 76 Restoration project owned by Flt Sgt. K. Kranesburg, RAAF Amberley Qld 77 Reported being rebuilt by experienced vintage aircraft restorer Cec Heit, Brisbane Qld .82 Sold by K. Kranesburg, Booval Qld to Noel Mearns, Nanango Qld 82-86 Rebuild to airworthy at Nanago Qld by Noel Mearns and Trish Muntand. Awaiting final assembly by 1986. Fitted with a Maule tailwheel. Covered with ceconite and painted in RAAF post-war silver markings as "A11-33" During the rebuild, original registration was no longer available, so VH-RDM reserved. By the time of completion, VH-BDM had become available. 21.7.86 Restored to Register VH-BDM Noel M. Mearns, Nanango Qld. 12.87 Advertised for sale: located Nanango, excellent condition, fresh 100 hourly, RAAF markings 13.2.88 Change of ownership: Kim D. Ryan, Cairns Qld.  Based at Cairns International Airport 4.11.90 visited Innisfail Qld fly-in, silver, RAAF "A11-33" 8.12.94 Change of ownership: J. W. Laycock, Khancoban NSW 1.6.04 Change of ownership: Allan B. Harding, Canberra ACT, later Temora NSW 22.4.06 visited Narrandera NSW fly-in, "A11-33" 13.10.07 visited Wentworth NSW fly-in, "A11-33" 10.09 visited Temora NSW airshow, "A11-33" 22.9.12 visited Yarrawonga Vic fly-in, silver "A11-33", pilot Allan Harding 29.10.12 Refuelled at Port Pirie SA enroute to WA for a fly-in at Mundijong WA, “A11-33” 6.13 Based at Temora NSW. Allan Harding has also purchased Auster 5 VH-PUF 26.2.14 visited RAAF Point Cook airshow, just completed a repaint into wartime khaki with Pacific roundel, “A11-33” 8.4.19 Change of ownership: Lloyd J. Galloway. Temora NSW 20 Currently airworthy but part of an owner consortium restoring five Auster 3s

Moorabbin 1955 with rear glasshouse partially covered.                         Photo by Eddie Coates

Moorabbin July 1957, with some paintwork changes.                                     Photo by Neil Follett

Cooma NSW January 1963, operating as a glider tug.                                            Photo by Rod Adam

Wagga NSW March 1970, clearly showing the extended exhaust pipe.   Photo by Greg Banfield

VH-BDM restored with military rear glasshouse, in post-war silver RAAF markings, Innisfail Qld December 1990.                                  Photo by Geoff Goodall

VH-BDM in wartime RAAF khaki finish, Point Cook Vic February 2014.                          Photo by Phil Vabre

Auster Mk.III     c/n 373  ex NJ970        A11-34, VH-BKK, VH-CAJ, VH-DAJ, VH-DSJ

4.43 Final assembly at Rearsby Aerodrome, Leicester by Taylorcraft Aeroplanes (England) Ltd to RAF order for 338 Auster Mk.IIIs & Mk.Vs, serial range NJ609 to NK132 including black-out blocks.  NJ970 was from serial batch NJ947-NJ995 completed as Auster IIIs. 3.5.43 Taken on RAF charge as Auster Mk.III NJ970 3.5.43 Allotted 20 Maintenance Unit, Aston Down 10.6.43 Allotted 658 Sqn 20.6.44 Allotted 20 Maintenance Unit, Aston Down for storage.  Sold to RAAF, airframe only 15.1.45 Allotted Taylorcraft Aeroplanes, Rearsby for overhaul ex 20MU 20.2.45 Test flight Rearsby after repair, Taylorcraft test pilot G. Derbyshire 27.2.45 Allotted 222 Maintenance Unit, High Ercall, Shropshire for dismantling and boxing.  22.3.45 transported to Liverpool Docks for shipping 9.4.45 Sailed from Liverpool as crated cargo on board SS Gloucester Shipped to Australia 5.6.45 Arrived Sydney 16.6.45 Taken on RAAF charge as Auster Mk.3 A11-34. Received 2AD Richmond ex UK 6.8.45 Received School of Army Cooperation, Canberra ex 2AD 23.1.46 Received Care & Maintenance Unit, Narrandera ex SAC for storage 22.3.46 Selected for post war air force use. To be stored Category C 4.11.46 Received No.16 AOP Flight ex CMU Narrandera 14.7.47 Received Station HQ, Canberra ex 16AOP 21.10.47 Approval granted for loan for indefinite period to Department of Civil Aviation 4.12.47 Issued to DCA on indefinite loan 17.12.47 Civil Registration application: Department of Civil Aviation, Melbourne Vic 18.12.47 Registered as Auster III Model F VH-BKK 2.3.48 Test flight Essendon after CofA overhaul. Retained original military rear glasshouse 11.48 VH-BKK noted at Essendon .49 Re-registered VH-CAJ Date not recorded, part of DCA changing all of its aircraft fleet into the VH-CA block Based Essendon Airport, Melbourne. By the early 1950s the military rear cabin glasshouse was covered over to form a single rear window on each side of the cabin 24.4.61 Change of ownership: Tasmanian Aero Club, Launceston  Tas 24.4.61 Change of registration VH-DAJ 13.11.61 Change of ownership: Benson & Shaw, Melbourne Vic 21.11.61 VH-DAJ noted at Moorabbin. Also 5.62 in hangar, 24.2.64 6.5.65 Change of ownership: J. Mann, Bannockburn Vic, later Carmut Vic 14.8.66 noted at Ballarat Vic, in hangar 8.9.66 Change of ownership: Tom Francis Motors, Hamilton Vic 6.1.67 noted at Hamilton Vic. Also 5.2.67 13.10.69 Struck-off Register, owner's request Retired at Hamilton Airport Vic pending a planned rebuild by Tom Francis 73 Now stored on a farm at Wannon Vic with new owners Mick and Audrey Forrest, who plan a rebuild at their property 30.11.79 VH-DAJ fuselage noted in hangar at Ararat Vic: it was moved here by road from Wannon several weeks earlier, for work by licenced aircraft engineer based at Ararat 8.1.80 Mick Forrest wrote to Dept of Transport requesting registration be reserved for his rebuild of VH-DAJ, whose registration has been allocated to another aircraft. He requested either VH-AJF or VH-MCF but Dept replied that neither was available, and suggesting VH-DSJ to require minimum repainting. Forrest accepted VH-DSJ. 3.4.80 Fuselage noted at Ararat Vic in hangar. Later that year the work was completed and the fuselage moved back to Wannon. Gone from Ararat by 24.11.80. 82 Reported that the rebuild had been completed at Wannon, and was flying late 1982 Aircraft reportedly active pending formal registration 6.89 VH-DSJ parked with visiting aircraft at an airshow at Hamilton Vic, appears to be airworthy.  Retained the same rear cabin window design with military glasshouse faired over. 25.5.93 Restored to Register VH-DSJ Michael C. Forrest, Wannon Vic 02 Retired on the Forrest farm at Wannon, had not flown for several years, requires maintenance. Fuselage in a farm shed, wings stored in another shed. .02 Sold to new owner in NSW 10.02 Moved by road from Wannon Vic to Luskintyre NSW for inspection. (The move took place over several days between 28.9.02 to 7.10.02) 13.1.03 Change of ownership: D. W. Fletcher, Lambs Gully NSW 15.2.17 Change of ownership: Sharon P. Scifleet, Lambs Gully NSW 6.17 Experienced warbird restoration engineer Ron Lee and his son Stuart advise that they have purchased VH-DSJ as a restoration project. It had been moved by road to Caboolture Airport Qld.  They already have VH-MBB ex A11-48 partially restored at Caboolture Qld 14.7.17 Civil Register ownership change to Stuart F. C. Lee, Elanora Qld, later Wangaratta Vic 20 Undergoing airworthy restoration at Wangaratta Vic. One of five Auster 3s under restoration at Stuart Lee's Alpine Aviation, Wangaratta Airport as part of an owner consortium.

A11-34 freshly registered as VH-BKK, at Fishermans Bend airfield, Melbourne in 1948, while Avro Lincolns were under production for RAAF.

Outside the DCA hangar at Melbourne-Essendon as VH-CAJ, now with DCA markings and rear cabin glasshouse perspex faired over to make a shaped rear window.                             Neil Follett collection

Now reregistered VH-DAJ, at Moorabbin January 1964 with reshaped rear window.      Photo by Bob Neate

Hamilton Vic in February 1967. Silver with blue trim.                        Photo by Geoff Goodall

Repainted as VH-DSJ, at Hamilton Vic in June 1989.                                 Photo by Mike Madden

Auster Mk.III     c/n 437 ex NX501                        A11-35

6.43 Final assembly at Rearsby Aerodrome, Leicester by Taylorcraft Aeroplanes (England) Ltd to RAF order for 59 Auster Mk.IIIs serial range NX484 to NX545 including black-out blocks 10.6.43 First flight at Rearsby Aerodrome, Taylorcraft pilot Geoff Edwards 16.6.43 Taken on RAF charge as Auster Mk.III NX501 16.6.43 Allotted 20 Maintenance Unit, Aston Down 28.6.43 Allotted 655 Sqn, Detling 18.10.43 Allotted 662 Sqn, Old Sarum 11.4.44 Allotted 440 Sqn 18.5.44 Taxying accident, tipped on to nose, after tail skid caught in tracking, Hatfield Aerodrome, Herts. F.O. D.F.English 440 Sqn, 83 Group, 2nd TAF 15.6.44 Repaired on site by a working party from Taylorcraft Aeroplanes, Rearsby 17.6.44 Allotted 440 Sqn 4.7.44 Allotted 71 Maintenance Unit 10.7.44 Allotted 20 Maintenance Unit, Aston Down for storage 2.2.45 Allotted Taylorcraft Aeroplanes, Rearsby for overhaul, ex 20MU 7.3.45 Awaiting collection Rearsby 24.3.45 transported to Glasgow Docks for shipping 15.4.45 Sailed from Glasgow as cargo on SS Fordsdale Shipped to Australia 14.6.45 Arrived Sydney 16.6.45 Taken on RAAF charge as Auster Mk.3 A11-35. Received 2AD Richmond ex UK 25.7.45 Received No.16 AOP Flight ex 2AD 30.7.45 While dropping a despatch bag for Kuala Penyu, Borneo, the bag caught on A11-35’s tailplane and the pilot F/Lt Greg Sherman flew on to Beaufort strip with the bag attached. 16.8.45 A11-35 pilot F/Lt Chaney and A11-19 F/Lt C. White landed in Bawang Valley for a medivac of a native Dyak woman, at request of British Special Borneo Force. 19.9.45 Five 16AOP Austers A11-13, -27, -29, -31, -35 departed Labuan for Ranau to evacuate a group of four escaped Australian POWs. Forced to turn back to Labuan due weather 20.9.45 Same five aircraft successfully completed the mission, flown by Group Captain J. Fleming, F/Lt Muggleton, F/Lt R. Cock, F/O E. Dowse and P/O J. Thomas. 20.9.45 Crashed on takeoff Ranau airstrip, Borneo. Engine failure on takeoff, during evacuation of POWs. Pilot F/Lt R. B. Cock and passenger Brigadeer P. Maxham received minor injuries. A medical officer flown in on A11-13 stayed behind with the injured men. Cause of the power loss was determined to be water in the fuel.  Airframe total time 93 hrs 55 mins. 28.9.45 Length of airstrip insufficient for aircraft other than Auster. Position inaccessible to ground transport. Aircraft to be converted to components in situ by 16AOP.

Auster Mk.III     c/n 613 ex NJ783                A11-36, VH-BCQ, VH-BOQ

10.43 Final assembly at Rearsby Aerodrome, Leicester by Taylorcraft Aeroplanes (England) Ltd to RAF order for 338 Auster Mk.IIIs & Mk.Vs, serial range NJ609 to NK132 including black-out blocks. NJ783 was from serial batch NJ771-NJ818 completed as Auster Mk.IIIs. 9.10.43 Taken on RAF charge as Auster Mk.III NJ783 9.10.43 Allotted 20 Maintenance Unit, Aston Down 16.10.43 Allotted 662 Sqn, Old Sarum 13.4.44 Allotted 2nd TAF Communications Sqn 20.6.44 Allotted 20 Maintenance Unit, Aston Down 3.8.44 Allotted 22 EFTS Cambridge 7.12.44 Allotted Taylorcraft Aeroplanes, Rearsby for overhaul 17.2.45 Awaiting collection Rearsby 22.2.45 Allotted 51 Maintenance Unit, Lichfield 27.2.45 Allotted 20 Maintenance Unit, Aston Down. Sold to RAAF, airframe only 23.3.45 transported to Glasgow Docks for shipping 18.4.45 Sailed from Glasgow as cargo on SS Fordsdale Shipped to Australia 14.6.45 Arrived Sydney 16.6.45 Taken on RAAF charge as Auster Mk.3 A11-36. Received 2AD Richmond ex UK 7.8.45 Allotted No.17 AOP Flight ex 2AD 17.8.45 Allotment cancelled 19.11.45 Received 2AD Store Richmond ex 2AD 22.3.46 Selected for post-war air force use, to be stored Category C 2.12.46 Commonwealth Disposals Commission issued a tender document for 4 Auster Mk.III aircraft located at 2AD Richmond, closing date for tenders 20.12.46. All mainplanes had been removed for storage. Included A11-36 quoted as total airframe time 237hrs. 8.1.47 Sold through Commonwealth Disposals Commission for £1005 to P. Parker, 108 Skene Street, Warrnambool Vic 13.1.47 Issued to purchaser 9.4.47 DCA allocate registration VH-BCQ to A11-36 owned by P.T.Parker 28.5.47 Registered as Auster III Model F VH-BCQ  Percy T. Parker, Parker Bros Auto Company, Warrnambool Vic. Based at Mailers Flat aerodrome, Warrnambool 28.5.47 CofA issued 8.7.48 CofA annual renewal at Essendon 26.11.48 DCA standard letter to owners of aircraft with registrations which are no longer acceptable due to conflict with standard international communications and Q Code. DCA suggested change to VH-BOQ to require minimum repainting, and required the change to be made at the next major overhaul. 18.8.49 Re-registered VH-BOQ 29.8.49 CofA renewed at Essendon, now repainted as VH-BOQ 9.49 DCA memo: BOQ is maintained by Corio Air Engineers at Belmont Common airfield, Geelong Vic 5.10.50 CofA renewed at Geelong Vic 12.60 visited Warracknabeal Vic fly-in, name Rena II on nose. Rear cabin glasshouse faired over to form a curved rear window on each side 23.2.61 noted at Moorabbin Vic, name Rena II on nose. Parked outside Schutt hangars 22.10.62 Local flight at Sydney-Bankstown. 1 hr 5 mins, pilot C. Arthur Butler, ex Butler Air Transport 20.11.64 Struck-off Register as owner's request, withdrawn from service 30.12.64 Restored to Register VH-BOQ: I. A. Benney, Ballarat Vic 1.2.65 Change of ownership: Ballarat Aviation Group, Ballarat Vic 19.4.65 noted at Ballarat in hangar, allover silver. Also 11.5.65 10.8.65 Change of ownership: K. M. Reading, Marnoo Vic 7.11.65 visited St Arnaud Vic airshow, silver with red cowlings and rudder 16.9.67 noted at Ararat Vic, silver with red cowlings and rudder 24.1.68 Change of ownership: H. B. Hillier, Casterton Vic 4.2.72 Accident at Casterton Vic 77 Under restoration by Dennis Heideman, Cranbourne Vic 7.3.78 Restored to Register VH-BOQ: Dennis Heideman, Cranbourne Vic 6.78 noted Berwick Vic in hangar, arrived recently for rebuild. At Berwick 2.12.78 1.80 Advertised for sale: new fabric and perspex, engine 75 hrs since overhaul. Blue and orange paint scheme. Asking $9,500: apply Keith Hatfield, Berwick Aerodrome Vic 6.4.80 noted at Berwick Vic, flying. Blue and orange, rear cabin glasshouse restored 19.5.80  Change of ownership: J. M. S. (Mike) Stacy, Adelaide SA 22.5.80 Collected from Sunbury aerodrome, Melbourne by new owner Mike Stacy, accompanied by Geoff Eastwood. Ferried to Aldinga SA via stops at Ballarat and Horsham in 5hrs 15 min flying time. Based at Aldinga aerodrome. 25.1.81 noted at Aldinga SA, flying, orange & blue 25.10.81 noted at Aldinga SA, wartime khaki RAAF "A11-36", original rear cabin glasshouse. Also 29.1.82, 29.1.84. visited St Arnaud Vic fly-in 9.11.86, khaki "A11-36" 20.1.21 Change of Ownership: N. Stacey, Adelaide SA Current

VH-BOQ “Rena II” at a fly-in at Warracknabeal Vic during December 1960.               Photo by Bob Neate

Moorabbin 23 February 1961.                                                              Photo by Neil Follett

Ararat Vic in September 1967, silver with red cowling and rudder.                       Photo by Geoff Goodall

Ararat March 1971 now all over cream paintwork with black trim.                    Photo by Nigel Daw

VH-BOQ at Aldinga SA October 1981, repainted as RAAF A11-36 and the rear perspex area restored. Photo by Nigel Daw

Auster Mk.III     c/n 654 ex NJ834                A11-37, VH-BHA, VH-PCR

10.43 Final assembly at Rearsby Aerodrome, Leicester by Taylorcraft Aeroplanes (England) Ltd to RAF order for 338 Auster Mk.IIIs & Mk.Vs, serial range NJ609 to NK132 including black-out blocks. 6.11.43 Taken on RAF charge as Auster Mk.III NJ834 6.11.43 Allotted 661 Sqn 22.6.44 Allotted 84GSU 14.9.44 Allotted Taylorcraft Aeroplanes, Rearsby for major inspection 29.11.44 Awaiting collection Rearsby 30.12.44 Allotted 20 Maintenance Unit, Aston Down. Sold to RAAF, airframe only 23.1.45 Allotted 222 Maintenance Unit, High Ercall, Shropshire for dismantling and boxing 3.4.45 transported to Liverpool Docks for shipping 26.4.45 Sailed from Liverpool as crated cargo on board Trojan Star Shipped to Australia 14.6.45 Arrived Sydney 23.6.45 Taken on RAAF charge as Auster Mk.3 A11-37. Received 2AD Richmond ex UK 8.9.45 Logs: first test flight Richmond after assembly 19.11.45 Received 2AD Store, Richmond ex 2AD, to be stored Category C 2.12.46 Commonwealth Disposals Commission issued a tender document for 4 Auster Mk.III aircraft located at 2AD Richmond, closing date for tenders 20.12.46. All mainplanes had been removed for storage. Included A11-37 quoted as total airframe time 296 hrs. 8.1.47 Sold through Commonwealth Disposals Commission for £1,000 to The Zinc Corporation, 368 Collins Street, Melbourne Vic 21.1.47 Issued to purchaser 28.3.47 CofA issued (location not quoted in DCA file) 28.3.47 Registered as Auster III Model F VH-BHA The Zinc Corporation Ltd, Melbourne Vic. To be based at Broken Hill NSW 17.4.48 Annual CofA renewal at Adelaide-Parafield, by Robbys Aircraft Repair Co. 48-49 Based at Broken Hill NSW to support Zinc Corp's Dragons and Norseman aircraft used on mineral survey operations in NT and far north WA. 8.48 Change of ownership: Silver City Airways (Australia) Pty Ltd, Broken Hill NSW The Zinc Corp fleet of Norsemans, Dragons and 4 DC-3s were operated undcer this new name. 16.5.49 CofA renewed at Melbourne-Essendon, by Schutt Aircraft Sales & Service 18.1.50 Delivered from Broken Hill to Melbourne for sale, pilot Mr. Lillyerap. 19.1.50 Change of ownership: Model Preserving Co Pty Ltd, Melbourne Vic Manufacturers of jams, soups and sauces. Auster will be based at Moorabbin. 26.4.50 Change of ownership: Royal Victorian Aero Club, Moorabbin Airport, Melbourne Vic 27.6.50 CofA renewal at Moorabbin 16.10.50 Minor damage while taxying at Benalla Vic, when wingtip struck a truck.  Pilot E. A. Hayes. Temporary repairs carried out by  L. Henderson of Riverina Aircraft Service Pty Ltd, Albury NSW 4.9.51 Change of ownership and re-registered VH-PCR:  Air Griculture Control Ltd, Bankstown Airport, Sydney NSW At that time the largest aerial agricultural operator in Australia, Managing Director L.T. Ross Anderson. The company re-registered its Tiger Moth fleet in the VH-PC block, signifying "Pest Control."  VH-PCR was registered in Private Category, not used for agricultural ops. Air Griculture Control Ltd was at that time the largest aerial agricultural operator in Australia, Managing Director L.T. Ross Anderson. The company re-registered its Tiger Moth fleet in the VH-PC block, signifying "Pest Control". VH-PCR was registered in Private Category, not used for agricultural ops. 26.10.51 CofA renewed at Bankstown, aircraft is painted as VH-PCR 22.7.52 Change of ownership: G. Harry Purvis, Tammit Station, Euston NSW Purvis, pioneer pre-war Australian airline pilot, flew in RAAF during WWII and post-war was manager of Herald Flying Services, Sydney operating Lockheed Hudsons and DC-3s on newspaper delivery flights. He joined Captain P.G.Taylor to fly Catalina VH-ASA on a route proving flight from Sydney to South America. He later wrote in his book Outback Airman: "In 1950, I bought with a friend, a 12,500 hectare property "Tammit" near Mildura, with a 77 Kilometre river frontage on the Murray River where we ran sheep and had a big citrus orchard. I had a small Auster and an airstrip at the door. Later, a year after the South Pacific flight I had resigned from the Sydney Morning Herald Flying Services and was down on my property flying my Auster in and out to the Mildura Aero Club of which I had become President" 1.10.53 Change of ownership: Raymond Bretherton, Melbourne Vic 23.3.56 Change of ownership: W. L. Heath, Melbourne Vic 24.9.56 Change of ownership: Father M.G. Higgins & W. J. Thomas, Wentworth NSW 12.1.59 Change of ownership: K. J. Thomas, Wentworth NSW 9.4.60 Change of ownership: L. A. W. Freeman, Mildura Vic 28.8.60 visited Wentworth NSW airshow 23.9.61 noted at Moorabbin, all military glasshouse perspex area has now been covered by fabric 17.3.62 visited Cootamundra NSW airshow 26.3.62 Change of ownership: Masling Aircraft Sales & Service, Cootamundra NSW 29.4.62 noted at Cootamundra, parked at Masling hangar. Also 5.1.63, 9.1.63 18.1.63 Change of ownership: B. M. Osborne, Redbank, via Harden NSW 20.1.63 noted at Camden NSW 28.7.63 visited Narromine NSW, refuelled. All military glasshouse still covered by fabric 8.5.66 Crashed destroyed on landing near Harden NSW. The Auster was being flown by owner B. Osborne on a trial flight with a prospective purchaser Mr. W. Thorpe. Both were killed. DCA accident report: "When some 2,000 feet from the end of the airstrip, the aircraft dived to the ground from a height of approximately 100 feet. The probable cause was that the pilot inadvertently allowed it to stall." 8.5.66 Struck-off Register

VH-BHA in 1950 with two Tiger Moths, all with Royal Victorian Aero Club rudder stripes. Photo taken from the Moorabbin Tower by Charles D. Pratt, courtesy Kevin O'Reilly

Moorabbin circa 1956, with military glasshouse intact.                            Geoff Goodall collection

Cootamundra NSW April 1962, silver and blue with rear glasshouse covered by fabric.          Photo by R.E. Hourigan

Auster Mk.III     c/n 320 ex MZ195                A11-38, VH-RCT, VH-BED

3.43 Final assembly at Rearsby Aerodrome, Leicester by Taylorcraft Aeroplanes (England) Ltd to RAF order for 59 Auster Mk.IIIs serial range NX484 to NX545 including black-out blocks 2.4.43 First flight at Rearsby Aerodrome, Taylorcraft pilot Geoff Edwards 4.4.43 Taken on RAF charge as Auster Mk.III MZ195 4.4.43 Allotted 655 Sqn 13.8.43 Allotted RAF Station Detling. 655 Sqn was posted to Italy/North Africa but their aircraft were left behind at RAF Detling 2.10.43 Allotted 662 Sqn, Old Sarum 8.10.43 MZ195, MZ187, MZ192, MZ193, MZ194 were delivered from Detling to the newly-formed 662 Squadron at Old Sarum. 23.5.44 Allotted 439 (RCAF) Sqn 22.6.44 Allotted 83 Group Support Unit 3.9.44 Allotted 2nd TAF Communications Sqn 29.11.44 Allotted 20 Maintenance Unit, Aston Down 20.2.45 Allotted Taylorcraft Aeroplanes, Rearsby for major inspection 26.3.45 Allotted 222 Maintenance Unit, High Ercall, Shropshire for dismantling and boxing. Sold to RAAF, airframe only 3.4.45 transported to Liverpool Docks for shipping 26.4.45 Sailed from Liverpool as crated cargo on board Trojan Star Shipped to Australia 14.6.45 Arrived Sydney 23.6.45 Taken on RAAF charge as Auster Mk.3 A11-38. Received 2AD Richmond ex UK 26.7.45 Selected for prototype modification 14.11.45 Received No.1 Aircraft Performance Unit, Laverton ex 2AD for testing of methods of wire laying 21.3.46 Received Care & Maintenance Unit, Narrandera ex 1APU for storage Category C 4.11.46 Received 16 AOP Flight ex CMU Narrandera 2.5.47 Received 1APU ex 16AOP for cable laying demonstrations. 1APU renamed Aircraft Research and Development Unit. 24.3.49 Issued 1AD Laverton ex ARDU 22.7.52 Received ARDU Detachment B Richmond ex 3 Sqn 26.4.53 Received 2AD Richmond ex ARDU Detachment B Richmond 22.3.54 Received OTS Rathmines ex 2AD 18.1.57 Damaged in heavy landing at RAAF Rathmines: undercarriage and propeller damaged, repairable at unit 1.3.57 Serviceable at OTS 9.9.59 Approval requested to dispose of aircraft 2.2.60 RAAF Status Card final entry: held OTS Rathmines 6.60 A11-38 noted at Broadmeadow airfield, Newcastle NSW on ferry flight to Tasmania 18.10.60 Registered as Auster III Model F VH-RCT R. C. Tucker, Winnaleah Tasmania .61 Change of ownership: L. A. Heyward, Launceston Tas 6.8.61 Reregistered VH-BED 5.9.62 noted at Launceston, in hangar 8.9.62 noted at Launceston, parked outside. White with red trim. Military glasshouse retained. 4.1.63 Crashed at Stanley Tasmania. Pilot and passenger minor injuries. DCA accident report: "During a low level strip inspection the pilot allowed the aircraft to stall on to the ground at a point where a collision with a bordering hedge and fence could not be avoided" 29.9.63 Struck-off Register 23.2.69 noted at Devonport Tas under rebuild using wing and tailplane from Auster J4 Archer VH-FRD 20.3.72 Restored to Register VH-BED: Ken Stredwick Aircraft Pty Ltd, Devonport Tas. During rebuild the rear military glasshouse was covered over to form a small triangular rear cabin window 7.1.73 Tipped on to nose, landing on Hawley Beach, Tasmania 15.3.75 Blown into a fence by high winds at Devenport. Badly damaged. 20.5.75 Struck-off Register due damage by storm at Devonport 27.2.76 Restored to Register VH-BED: Kevin M. Shand, Laverton Vic.  Based at RAAF Point Cook 8.5.76 undercarriage collapsed in a heavy landing at Point Cook Vic 4.7.76 noted at RAAF Point Cook, at private owner hangars, white with brown trim, small trangular rear cabin window. Also 3.10.76, and 5.12.76 flying 6.11.76 visited Wodonga Vic fly-in 3.4.77 visited Sunbury Vic fly-in 9.77 Purchased by Malcolm Long, Melbourne 6.10.77 Change of ownership: Malcolm J. Long, Melbourne Vic 30.10.77 visited Sunbury Vic fly-in, RAAF wartime khaki paint "A11-38", military glasshouse restored 19.11.77 flying at Point Cook fly-in "A11-38" 11.78 flew filming work at RAAF Point Cook for TV series The Sullivans, simulating dropping depth charges on submarine, pilot Brian Head 3.12.78 visited Sunbury Vic fly-in, "A11-38", pilot Brian Head 11.2.79 visited Lilydale Vic airshow 27.6.79 Change of owner's address: M. J. Long, Coolangatta Qld 18.8.79 Three of Malcolm Long's aircraft departed Moorabbin for two-day ferry flight to Coolangatta Qld where he will now base his aircraft collection in conjunction with Chewing Gum Field Air Museum: Stinson L-5 VH-BFR, Fairchild VH-CMB, Auster VH-BED all painted in military markings. 1.12.79 VH-BED noted back at Moorabbin "A11-38" 23.2.80 Departed Moorabbin on ferry flight to Coolangatta, accompanying Malcolm Long collection CAC Wirraway VH-BFF and Tiger Moth VH-ABF.  Refuelled at Benalla, Wagga, Orange, overnight Mudgee.  To Tamworth next day. On the following day the three aircraft flew Tamworth-Armidale-Glen Innes-Casino-Coolangatta-Chewing Gum Field, Tallebudgera Qld where they were to be based. 23.4.80 VH-BED noted at Chewing Gum Field Air Museum "A11-38". Also 14.8.80, 28.7.83 1.3.82 Ownership details changed to: Malcolm J. Long, trading as Wings of Yesterday, Coolangatta Qld The Malcolm Long collection used the name Wings of Yesterday while based at Coolangatta and nearby Chewing Gum Field Air Museum. The name was painted on only one aircraft, Beech D18S VH-FID. In 1980 the CGFAM changed its name to Wings of Yesterday Air Museum. 86-02 Now based at Drage Air World, Wangaratta Vic. VH-BED flew there during the transfer of most other aircraft of the Malcolm Long collection 1.02 Airworld closed due costs and falling numbers of visitors 8.2.02 noted in Airworld hangar, Wangaratta, complete "A11-38", awaiting removal 14.2.02 Change of ownership: S. Carlyon-Busst, Wangaratta Vic 17.2.04 Change of ownership: Matthew Carlyon, Wangaratta Vic 2019 VH-BED is stripped for complete restoration at Wangaratta Vic. One of five Auster 3s under restoration at Stuart Lee's Alpine Aviation, Wangaratta Airport as part of an owner consortium. Matthew writes: "The aim of my restoration of A11-38 is to return it back to as close to original as possible. Other Australian Mk.3s don’t seem to make the mark as most of the interiors are non standard. I’ve been lucky to uncover many RAAF photos of A11-38, including two cockpit photos taken in 1945. I have new old stock Auster parts, war time Auster colour samples and many factory drawings from Leicestershire library. All of which has been a great help so far."

A11-38 circa 1947, still in wartime garb, with a RAAF Avro Lincoln behind.       Photo via Bill Baker

A11-38 in post-war silver, at RAAF Rathmines citca 1958. Note the newly adopted kangaroo roundel.  John Hopton Collection

VH-BED at Launceston September 1962, white with red trim.                             John Hopton Collection

Point Cook Vic in December 1976, small rear cabin window.                     Photo by Mike Vincent

VH-BED at Point Cook in November 1977 after it was returned to military configuration in wartime RAAF     camouflage and the rear cabin glasshouse restored.                            Photo by John Hopton

Auster Mk.III     c/n 601 ex NJ771                    A11-39, VH-BCF

43 Final assembly at Rearsby Aerodrome, Leicester by Taylorcraft Aeroplanes (England) Ltd to RAF order for 338 Auster Mk.IIIs & Mk.Vs, serial range NJ609 to NK132 including black-out blocks 6.9.43 Airframe Log book: first fight Rearsby 2.10.43 Taken on RAF charge as Auster Mk.III NJ771 2.10.43 Allotted No.20 Maintenance Unit, Aston Down 4.1.44 Allotted 409 Sqn, Kenley 15.6.44 Allotted 83 Group Support Unit (GSU) 3.7.44 Allotted No.20 Maintenance Unit, Aston Down. Sold to RAAF, airframe only 2.12.44 Allotted Taylorcraft Aeroplanes for major inspection 23.3.45 Waiting collection at Rearsby 4.4.45 Allotted 222 Maintenance Unit, High Ercall, Shropshire for dismantling and boxing.  4.45 transported to Glasgow Docks for shipping 7.5.45 Sailed from Glasgow as crated cargo on board SS Lanarkshire Shipped to Australia 17.6.45 Arrived Sydney 27.6.45 Taken on RAAF charge as Auster Mk.3 A11-39. Received 2AD Richmond ex UK 9.11.45 Received 2AD Store Richmond ex 2AD for storage Category C 2.12.46 Commonwealth Disposals Commission issued a tender document for 4 Auster Mk.III aircraft located at 2AD Richmond, closing date for tenders 20.12.46. All mainplanes had been removed for storage. Included A11-39 quoted as total airframe time 121 hours. 8.1.47 Sold through Commonwealth Disposals Commission for £1,200 to A.W.Spooner, 4 Rose Street, Gardenvale Vic 10.1.47 Letter from A.W.Spooner to J.T.Brown, Manager of Kingsford Smith Aviation Service, Mascot: requesting Brown to arrange for his company to take delivery from RAAF Richmond of Auster A11-39 which he recently purchased from the disposals commission, and carry out the CofA overhaul at Mascot. 21.1.47 Issued to purchaser ex 2AD Store 16.4.47 CofA issued at Mascot Airport. KSAS covered the rear cabin perspex with fabric, shaping a rear cabin curved window. 16.4.47 Registered as Auster III Model F VH-BCF Archibald W. Spooner, Melbourne Vic 21.4.47 Arrived Essendon on delivery to Spooner. Will be based at Scoresby Vic 7.5.48 Annual CofA renewal at Essendon 16.5.49 CofA renewed at Essendon 3.3.50 Wing struck ground during landing Scoresby Vic, minor damage. Pilot A.W.Spooner 15.5.50 CofA expired, not renewed Sold in damaged condition to Schutt Aircraft Sales & Service Pty Ltd, Moorabbin Airport, Melbourne 6.51 DCA file memo: VH-BCF is under repair at Moorabbin Airport 6.51 Sold by Arthur Schutt to Sydney Davis, Albury NSW 7.51 DCA file memo: VH-BCF has been moved by road to Sydney for overhaul 7.3.52 Change of ownership: Leonard Freeth, Bridge Road Motors, Richmond, Melbourne Vic 13.4.52 Struck a fence on landing and nosed over, Packenham Vic, pilot R. Stainer and passenger unhurt. Undercarriage bent, propeller broken, wingtip crushed and top of fin and rudder damaged 27.5.53 Change of ownership: Lester Elliott, Melbourne Vic 6.10.53 Change of ownership: Robert E.Moore, Darwin NT Moore was DCA fire crew captain at Darwin Airport and active with the Darwin Aero Club 5.8.54 Departed Bankstown Aerodrome, Sydney as entrant in Redex Air Trial Sydney-Brisbane-Townsville-Darwin-Alice Springs-Adelaide-Sydney. Flown by R.E.Moore and trainee pilot A.J.Maskelyn from the Darwin Aero Club. 5.56 Sold by Moore to finance his purchase of Proctor 3 VH-BVW which crashed near Darwin 24.6.56, killing Moore. 4.5.56 Change of ownership: O. R. Mepham, Port Kembla NSW 29.1.59 Change of ownership: Kedumba Pastoral Co Pty Ltd, Camden NSW 13.1.63 noted at Camden NSW 8.63 visited airshow Port Macquarie NSW, squared rear cabin window 27.4.65 Change of ownership: A. W. Butterworth, Wangaratta Vic 20.9.65 noted at Wangaratta, squared rear cabin window, fitted with wheel spats 21.1.69 Struck-off Register, withdrawn from service 7.4.72 Restored to Register VH-BCF: Albert W. Butterworth, Wangaratta Vic 20.1.72 noted at Wangaratta, also 19.6.72 10.11.74 noted at Wangaratta, military rear perspex glasshouse now restored 30.8.75 noted at Wangaratta, at original airfield close to town Current

A11-39 soon after it was civilianised. Essendon circa 1948, with a RAAF disposals Anson behind. The rear glasshouse has been covered to form a curved rear cabin window.        Ed Coates Collection

Visiting an airshow at Port Macquarie NSW in August 1963. The rear window now has straight sides.  Photo by Darryl Connell

September 1965 in a red and white scheme, at the old Wangaratta airfield on the edge of town. The wheel spats were unusual for Auster 3s.                    Photo by Peter Limon

October 2006 at the new Wangaratta airport, freshly restored with more of the rear glasshouse exposed. This Auster has been owned by the same family for nearly 40 years.       Photo by Phil Vabre

Auster Mk.III     c/n 615 ex NJ785                    A11-40, VH-BCG

9.43 Final assembly at Rearsby Aerodrome, Leicester by Taylorcraft Aeroplanes (England) Ltd to RAF order for 338 Auster Mk.IIIs & Mk.Vs, serial range NJ609 to NK132 including black-out blocks 7.10.43 Taken on RAF charge as Auster Mk.III NJ785 7.10.43 Allotted No.20 Maintenance Unit, Aston Down 16.10.43 Allotted 662 Sqn, Old Sarum 18.4.44 Allotted 83 Group Support Unit (GSU) 20.5.44 Allotted No.20 Maintenance Unit, Aston Down 20.2.45 Allotted Taylorcraft Aeroplanes for major inspection 24.3.45 Test flown Rearsby by Taylorcraft pilot Geoff Edwards .45 Allotted 222 Maintenance Unit, High Ercall, Shropshire for dismantling and boxing. Sold to RAAF, airframe only 26.4.45 transported to Glasgow Docks for shipping 7.5.45 Sailed from Glasgow as crated cargo on board SS Lanarkshire Shipped to Australia 17.6.45 Arrived Sydney 27.6.45 Taken on RAAF charge as Auster Mk.3 A11-40. Received 2AD Richmond ex UK 19.11.45 Received 2AD Store ex 2AD to be stored Category C 2.12.46 Commonwealth Disposals Commission issued a tender document for 4 Auster Mk.III aircraft located at 2AD Richmond, closing date for tenders 20.12.46. All mainplanes had been removed for storage. Included A11-40 quoted as total airframe time 121 hrs. 8.1.47 Sold through Commonwealth Disposals Commission for £1,000 to Kingsford Smith Aviation Service, Box 23, Post Office Mascot NSW 22.1.47 Issued to purchaser ex 2AD Store, Richmond 28.4.47 Registration application: Blue Bird Air Taxi Service, Bankstown NSW, signed J. Bourne Civil inspection by Kingsford Smith Aviation Service at Mascot airport, Sydney. KSAS specialised in civil conversion of military disposals light aircraft and became Australian agents for the postwar range of new Auster models 16.5.47 CofA issued at Mascot 16.5.47 Registered as Auster III Model F VH-BCG 5.8.47 Undercarriage damaged during landing at Booral NSW. Charter flight by Blue Bird Air Taxi Service, pilot L. E. Penn 23.6.48 CofA renewed at Mascot for 12 months 16.9.48 Change of ownership: Nonning Pastoral Co, Nonning Station, via Port Augusta SA Operated by Nonning proprietor I. R. McTaggart, who was also the proprietor of the company's properties in WA 26.5.49 Short-term CofA renewal at Parafield by Robbys Aircraft Repair Co, pending approval for minor modifications 26.7.49 CofA renewed at Parafield for 12 months 9.6.50 CofA renewed at Parafield for 12 months 4.6.51 CofA renewed at Parafield for 12 months 3.7.51 noted at Parafield SA, grey overall with blue trim 24.1.52 Struck a fence during forced landing, Glencoe SA, damaging the undercarriage. Pilot I. R. McTaggart 7.9.55 Change of ownership: J. N. McBride, Burra SA c60 Change of ownership: J. D. Blake, Waikerie SA 30.9.62 visited Mildura Vic airshow, all silver. Rear glasshouse covered to form a framed square rear cabin window 4.1.63 Change of ownership: S. Cox & D. M. Thompson, Waikerie SA 24.1.63 noted at Parafield, all silver c6.63 Change of ownership: Aviation Services (SA) Ltd, Parafield SA Maintenance organisation at Parafield Airport which was Auster dealer for South Australia 22.6.63 noted at Parafield, in Aviation Services hangar. Also 10.8.63, 10.12.63 12.2.64 Change of ownership: J. T. & T. R. Haldane, Bute SA 29.8.64 visited Kadina SA for the town's annual agricultural show 13.9.64 Extensive damage when overturned on landing at Bute SA after local flight, pilot T. R. Haldane 21.9.64 damaged aircraft noted at Parafield in Aviation Services hangar. Repaired at Parafield and repainted in a metallic green scheme 22.4.65 noted Blyth SA, parked on town airfield, metallic green 17.10.65 visited Kadina SA fly-in, metallic green 7.2.66 noted at Parafield 17.4.66 visited Whyalla SA airshow, metallic green 10.9.66 noted at Parafield 19.2.68 Change of ownership: K. D. Horton, C. Gross & E. C. Morgan, Carey Bay NSW 6.1.70 noted at Camden NSW 16.6.70 Change of ownership: Newcastle Aero Tow Cooperative Ltd, Newcastle NSW 15.4.72 visited Armidale NSW airshow, painted green and grey 27.12.72 noted at Quirindi NSW towing gliders 1.12.73 Starboard undercarriage collapsed during takeoff at Singleton NSW 21.6.75 Port undercarriage leg collapsed while taxying after landing at Warkworth gliding strip NSW 20.8.76 noted at Scone NSW, painted allover tan, glider tug 20.4.78 noted at Warkworth NSW gliding strip (near West Maitland), with Auster VH-KBP 7.78 Advertised for sale by Newcastle Gliding Club: good fabric, always hangared, must sell due introduction of winch towing, total airframe time 4000 hours 9.78 Purchased from Newcastle Gliding Club by brothers Steve and Bernie Chapman of Melbourne, who own Stits Flut-R-Bug VH-ULA 26.9.78 Arrived Sunbury-Penfield airfield Vic on delivery ferry flight from Newcastle 9.11.78 Change of ownership: Steve A. Chapman, Melbourne Vic 3.12.78 flying at Sunbury Vic fly-in, allover tan, pilot Steve Chapman 4.3.79 visited Ballarat Vic airshow 17.6.79 visited Wodonga Vic fly-in 28.10.83 Change of ownership: J. G. McCahon, Melbourne Vic 15.7.85 Struck-off Register, owner's request Restoration project, rear glasshouse windows restored to military standard, painted in RAAF silver post-war scheme 4.4.86 Restored to Register VH-BCG: Ken Stevenson, Melbourne Vic 9.11.86 visited St Arnaud Vic fly-in, all silver RAAF "A11-40" 22.2.87 visited Ballarat Vic airshow "A11-40" 2.4.88 visited Kyabram Vic fly-in 3.4.88 visited Mangalore Vic airshow, "A11-40" 15.10.88 visited RAAF Richmond NSW airshow 23.10.88 visited RAAF Laverton Vic fly-in "A11-40" 4.12.88 Heavy landing on grass strip at RAAF Point Cook Vic, while carrying out touch and go landings, starboard undercarriage leg collapsed. 15.5.02 Ownership transferred to: A. James Stevenson, Melbourne Vic Current

VH-BCG among other Austers in the Aviation Services (SA) Ltd hangar at Parafield, February 1963. Note the framed square rear cabin window.                          Photo by Geoff Goodall

VH-BCG at Blyth SA April 1965 repainted with metallic green paint.                        Photo by Neil Follett

Scone NSW August 1976 as a glider tug painted allover tan.                   Photo by Mike Vincent

April 1988 annual Mangalore Vic air show after restoration to RAAF standard, including the rear glasshouse. Photo by Mike Madden

Auster Mk.III     c/n 413 ex NK126                    A11-41, VH-CYH

5.43 Final assembly at Rearsby Aerodrome, Leicester by Taylorcraft Aeroplanes (England) Ltd to RAF order for 338 Auster Mk.IIIs & Mk.Vs, serial range NJ609 to NK132 including black-out blocks.   NK126 was from serial batch NK112-NK132 completed as Auster IIIs. 25.5.43 First flight Rearsby, by Taylorcraft pilot Geoff Edwards 28.5.43 Taken on RAF charge as Auster Mk.III NK126 28.5.43 Delivered ex Rearsby to 659 Sqn, RAF Firbeck, Notts by an ATA pilot. It was among first aircraft for the unit which had been formed on 30.4.43 17.8.43 Deployed to RAF Clifton, Yorkshire. Conducted a series of exercises over the Otterburn ranges 22.11.43 NK126 was involved in pre-Invasion training exercise which ran from 22.11.43 to 20.12.43 and involved 659 Sqn's air and ground parties travelling from RAF Clifton to the West Country (Somerset) and South Wales. Between 1.12.43 to 6.12.43, the aircraft repeatedly flew across the waters of the Bristol Channel, the longfest crossing being 55 miles from near Cleave, Somerset to St Govan's Head in South Wales. From the West Country the two parties then made their way across England to the Hunstanton ranges, Norfolk where they conducted live firing exercises with 151 Field Regiment, Royal Artillery. At the end of the exercise the squadron returned to Clifton. 1.1.44 Transferred with 658 Sqn to RAF Burn, Yorks for field exercises and returned to RAF Clinton where 659 Sqn re-equipped with Auster Mk.IVs, the first three arriving 12.3.44 8.4.44 Allotted 129 Sqn, RAF Brenzett, Kent.  129 Sqn operated Mustangs 22.4.44 Allotted 133 Airfield HQ, Heston, renamed 133 Wing which comprised 306,315,129 Sqns 9.7.44 Attached 129 Sqn based RAF Brenzett, Kent until 10.10.44 when it moved to RAF Andrews Field, Essex 8.3.45 Allotted 20 Group Communications Flight 17.3.45 Allotted Taylorcraft Aeroplanes for overhaul 17.5.45 Test flown Rearsby by Taylorcraft pilot Geoff Edwards 24.5.45 Awaiting collection Rearsby 25.5.45 Allotted 20 Maintenance Unit, RAF Aston Down. Sold to RAAF, airframe only 13.6.45 Allotted 222 Maintenance Unit, RAF High Ercall, Shropshire for dismantling and boxing 3.7.45 transported to Swansea Docks for shipping 4.8.45 Sailed from Swansea as crated cargo on board Tai Ping Yang Shipped to Australia 9.9.45 Arrived Sydney 4.10.45 Taken on RAAF charge as Auster Mk.3 A11-41. Received 2AD Richmond ex UK 7.5.46 Received 2AD Store, Richmond ex 2AD for storage Category C 23.9.46 Received 16 AOP Flight ex 2AD Store 7.7.47 Received No.4 Squadron ex 16AOP 19.5.48 Issued RAAF Station Canberra ex 3 Sqn 3.8.49 Received 2AD ex RAAF Station Canberra, moved by road for fabric recover 20.10.49 Received 3 Sqn ex 2AD 6.7.51 Damaged in crash landing 13.2.52 Received 2AD ex 3 Sqn for repair. Allocated Base Squadron Canberra on completion 18.9.53 Received Base Squadron Canberra ex 2AD 1.10.53 Received 2AD for modification ex BS Canberra 24.12.53 Issued by air to Base Squadron Canberra ex 2AD 23.3.54 Forced landing near Canberra Airport due engine failure, no damage. Pilot W.W.Silverstone 21.2.55 Forced landing due smoke in cockpit, electrical fault 24.7.59 RAAF Status Card: Received 1AD Detachment B Tocumwal for storage, ex Canberra 24.7.59 Pilot log Army Captain Doyle: ferried A11-41 to Tocumwal, in company with A11-53. 30.9.59 Approval for disposal with Gipsy Major engine 2.2.60 RAAF Status Card: Sold and delivered to Griffith Aero Club, Griffith NSW.  Total airframe time  1300 hrs 45 mins 9.6.61 Airframe log book: CofA inspection completed by G. H. Robinson, MIA Aviation Services, Griffith NSW 11.6.61 Airframe log book: first test flight at Griffith 15.6.61 Registered as Auster III Model F VH-CYH  W. B. Hodgson & J.J.Coates, Balranald NSW 4.8.61 Airframe log book: next flight Griffith. Then commenced being flown regularly. 12.61 Airframe log book: total airframe time: 1362 hrs 25.11.62 Change of ownership: J. J. Coates, Murrum Valley Station, Balranald NSW 12.63 Airframe log book: total airframe time: 1520 hrs 10.9.64 noted at Griffith NSW, silver with blue trim 14.3.65 visited Swan Hill Vic airshow, silver with blue trim. Rounded glasshouse rear frame 8.7.67 noted at Balranald NSW town airfield. Also 25.12.67, 3.1.70, 13.9.70 6.3.72 Airframe log book: last flight, withdrawn from service, total airframe time: 1964 hrs 14.6.72 noted at Balranald town airfield, in hangar, one wing damaged 24.11.73 noted at Balranald town airfield, in hangar, both wings removed, rear cabin glasshouse had fabric changed to squared off at rear where formerly was rounded. 9.6.74 arrived at Parafield Airport, Adelaide dismantled on a trailer, collected from Balranald by new Adelaide owner 22.6.74 noted Parafield, in Aero Club hangar with engine removed and fuselage fabric opened 29.6.74 noted Parafield, all fuselage fabric removed 23.8.74 noted Parafield, in Royal Aero Club of SA hangar 25.9.74 Change of ownership: J. D. Townsend, Adelaide SA 4.6.75 Struck-off Register, owner's request 2.76 Fuselage moved from Aero Club hangar to Williams Aviation hangar at Parafield 8.5.76 noted Parafield, back in Aero Club hangar 2.8.80 noted at Parafield dismantled, bare fuselage frame painted white 17.2.82 noted at Parafield in Robbys Aircraft hangar, nearing completion of long-term restoration, registration VH-CYH now painted on fuselage 9.8.82 Restored to Register VH-CYH  J. D. Townsend, Skye SA 27.8.82 First test flight at Parafield after rebuild 13.11.83 visited St Arnaud Vic fly-in, allover silver, rear cabin glasshouse restored to original 29.1.84 visited Aldinga SA fly-in 9.11.86 visited St Arnaud Vic fly-in 16.11.86 visited RAAF Edinburgh airshow 9.87 advertised for sale, 60 hours since total rebuild 18.11.87 Change of ownership: Michael B. Kornfeld, Clifton Qld 22.11.87 noted at Brisbane-Archerfield Qld 6.88 advertised for sale: total airframe time 2,070 hrs 23.5.89 sold to Museum of Army Flying, Oakey Qld 28.5.89 Civil Register Change of ownership: J. D. Healy c/- Museum of Australian Army Flying, Oakey Army Airfield Qld 1.90 noted at Oakey at Museum of Australian Army Flying, displayed as silver RAAF "A11-41" 4.4.93 Change of ownership: Museum of Australian Army Flying, Oakey Army Airfield Qld 2.97 noted at Oakey Qld at Museum of Army Flying, displayed as "A11-41" 5.7.06 Struck-off Register. Continued on static display inside museum hangar. 17.6.07 noted at Oakey Qld at Museum of Army Flying, displayed as "A11-41" Current

VH-CYH in March 1965 at an airshow at Swan Hill Vic. The aft glasshouse has been given a rounded shape. Photo by Neil Follett

From the other side on the same occasion, with a trio of Ryan STMs behind.  Note the circular fabric flap on the left side of the fuselage, a cover for a photography hatch.                      Photo by Geoff Goodall

Tied down at the town airfield at Balranald NSW in July 1967.                                   Photo by Geoff Goodall

Parafield Airport, Adelaide 9 June 1974, transported from Balranald by its new Adelaide owner.    Photo by Nigel Daw

Parafield August 1982, restored and flying again, with rear glasshouse back to original.       Photo by Nigel Daw

Displayed inside the Museum of Australian Army Flying at Oakey Qld in 2008.    Photo by Ian McDonell

Auster Mk.III     c/n 330 ex MZ218                A11-42, VH-WAJ, VH-DCU

4.43 Final assembly at Rearsby Aerodrome, Leicester by Taylorcraft Aeroplanes (England) Ltd to RAF order for 132 Auster Mk.IIIs serial range MZ100 to MZ255 including black-out blocks. 11.4.43 Taken on RAF charge as Auster Mk.III MZ218 11.4.43 Allotted 656 Sqn 15.8.43 Allotted 660 Sqn 8.6.44 Allotted 341 Sqn, 145 Wing 22.6.44 Allotted 421 Repair & Salvage Unit 10.8.44 Allotted 84 Group Support Unit 31.8.44 Allotted 135 Wing 7.9.44 Allotted 4 Sqn 2.11.44 Allotted 84 Group Support Unit 9.1.45 Allotted Taylorcraft Aeroplanes, Rearsby for overhaul 27.3.45 Test flown Rearsby by Taylorcraft pilot G. Derbyshire 6.4.45 Awaiting collection Rearsby 8.4.45 Allotted 20 Maintenance Unit, RAF Aston Down. Sold to RAAF, airframe only 17.6.45 Allotted 222 Maintenance Unit, High Ercall, Shropshire for dismantling and boxing 9.7.45 transported to Swansea Docks for shipping 4.8.75 Sailed from Swansea as crated cargo on board Tai Ping Yang Shipped to Australia 9.9.45 Arrived Sydney 4.10.45 Taken on RAAF charge as Auster Mk.3 A11-42. Received 2AD Richmond ex UK 7.5.46 Received 2AD Store, Richmond ex 2AD for storage Category C 9.9.46 Received 16 AOP Flight ex 2AD Store 7.7.47 Received 4 Sqn ex 16AOP 5.2.48 Minor damage on landing, tipped on nose, Batemans Bay NSW. S/Ldr T. H. Saunders and pasenger W/Cdr J. P. Costello were not injured. Landing to inspect Mustang A68-94. The Auster was repaired by unit within 48 hours 19.8.48 Received RAAF Station Canberra ex 3 Sqn for Category B Storage 3.8.49 Received 2AD ex RAAF Station Canberra, moved by road for fabric recover 27.10.49 Received 3 Sqn ex 2AD 12.6.53 Allotted Base Squadron Canberra ex 3 Sqn 1.10.53 Held at AOP Flight, Canberra 27.4.55 Forced landing at Laurel Hill NSW (south of Tumut) on travel flight due failing light 2.11.55 Damaged Curranderly airfield, port undercarriage replaced. Pilot Army Captain R.S.Deacon 24.1.57 Forced landing on airfield Canberra due rough running engine 7.8.58 Damaged by fire in hangar at Canberra. Starboard mainplane of A11-42 on trestles ignited during servicing, flames ignited starboard mainplane of A11-54. 25.10.58 Tailplane damaged, 16 AOP Flight 23.2.59 Allotted 1AD Detachment B Tocumwal ex 16 AOP Flight .60 Sold to Wimmera Aero Club, Nhill Vic 4.3.60 Struck-off RAAF charge 14.9.60 Registered as Auster III Model F VH-WAJ  Wimmera Aero Club, Nhill Vic Civil conversion with fabric covering at the aft end of glasshouse rounded to the same design at VH-CYH, suggesting that the overhaul was also carried out by MIA Aviation, Griffith NSW 11.60 visited Warracknabeal Vic airshow, "J" on cowling 12.60 noted at Moorabbin. Also 3.1.61, 8.9.61 14.11.61 Change of ownership: Wangaratta Aero Club, Wangaratta Vic VH-WAJ appears to have been retired at Moorabbin pending sale. Included in the sale was Wimmera Aero Club's A11-45/VH-WAI which had not yet had CofA overhaul. Both were ferried by air to Wangaratta. 20.4.62 noted at Wangaratta Vic, parked outside, same paintwork, "J" on cowling 22.9.64 Change of ownership: Austerserve Pty Ltd, Bankstown NSW Austerserve was an associate company of Kingsford Smith Flying Service at Bankstown, continuing its much reduced Auster business since the American imports took over the Australian light aircraft market in the late 1950s Austerserve was an associate company of Kingsford Smith Flying Service at Bankstown, continuing its much reduced Auster business since American imports took over the Australian light aircraft market in the late 1950s. Austerserve was managed by J.T.Brown, who had established Kinbgsford Smith Aviation Service in 1945. 14.4.65 Change of ownership: B. Asher, Brisbane Qld 12.8.66 noted at Archerfield Qld. Also 6.10.66 flying, 22.12.66 flying 15.2.67 noted at Maroochydore Qld 22.5.67 Change of ownership: A. L. Scholz, Emerald Qld 31.12.67 noted at Rockhampton Qld 11.2.71 Change of ownership: J. E. Searles, Capella Qld c73 Damaged by windstorm on the ground at Capella Qld 19.2.74 Struck-off Register, owner's request .74 .Purchased by Ken Stredwick Aircraft Pty Ltd, Devonport Tas 8.74 Towed on a trailer by road and Bass Strait ferry from Capella to Devonport Tas for a planned rebuild .75 .Engine and accessories sold to Simon Caven, Adelaide SA who wanted a Tiger Moth restoration project .75 Airframe sold by Ken Stredwick Aircraft to Ben Dannecker, Melbourne Vic as a restoration project. Comprised fuselage frame, struts, undercarriage parts and wings in poor condition. Ben was a freighter DC-3 pilot with Forrestair, based Essendon and visited Devonport regularly 1.76 Airframe airfreighted by Forrestair DC-3 VH-EDD from Devonport to Essendon .76 Ownership tfd to partnership of Ben Dannecker & David Crabtree, Melbourne Vic Crabtree was a LAME with Department of Transport Flying Unit at Essendon .76 Gipsy Major engine purchased in Sydney and transported to Essendon by DoT F.27. A replacement set of wings were purchased but on inspection were found to be unsuitable. c78 Dannecker sold his share to his partner Dave Crabtree 86 long-term restoration project at Essendon Airport by LAME Dave Crabtree 6.3.97 Restored to Register as VH-DCU David I. Crabtree, Romsey Vic 21.10.03 noted at Essendon in hangar, painted as “MZ218”. Owner Dave Crabtree is a senior engineer in this hangar. 9.10.02 noted at Essendon, wings and engine removed, RAF camouflage "MZ218". Stored in hangar where Dave Crabtree is senior aircraft engineer. Currently registered

RAAF Fairbairn, Canberra circa 1949.                                               Neil Follett Collection

A11-42 civilianised as Wimmera Aero Club's VH-WAJ, at Moorabbin in September 1961.  Photo by Neil Follett

Early morning at Wangaratta Vic in April 1962, after purchase by the Wangaratta Aero Club. Wimmera and Wangaratta clubs both used the VH-WA block, so no paintwork changes were needed.  Photo by R.E.Hourigan

At Archerfield Qld in December 1966.                                            Photo by Dave Thollar

Now reregistered VH-DCU, under long-term rebuild at Essendon in October 2012, in RAF camouflage as MZ218.  Photo by Gordon Reid

Auster Mk.III     c/n 343 ex MZ230                    A11-43

4.43 Final assembly at Rearsby Aerodrome, Leicester by Taylorcraft Aeroplanes (England) Ltd to RAF order for 132 Auster Mk.IIIs serial range MZ100 to MZ255 including black-out blocks. 16.4.43 Taken on RAF charge as Auster Mk.III MZ230 16.4.43 Allotted 657 Sqn 5.9.43 Allotted 661 Sqn 13.3.44 Allotted 222 Sqn, 135 Wing 14.6.44 Damaged, remained with 222 Sqn 23.8.44 Allotted 658 Sqn 24.8.44 Allotted 222 Sqn, 135 Wing 10.9.44 Allotted 322 Sqn 20.2.45 Allotted Taylorcraft Aeroplanes, Rearsby for overhaul 5.5.45 Test flown Rearsby by Taylorcraft pilot Geoff Edwards 5.5.45 Awaiting collection Rearsby 11.5.45 Allotted 20 Maintenance Unit, RAF Aston Down. Sold to RAAF, airframe only 25.6.45 Allotted 222 Maintenance Unit, High Ercall, Shropshire for dismantling and boxing 8.7.45 transported to Swansea Docks for shipping 4.8.45 Sailed from Swansea as crated cargo on board Tai Ping Yang Shipped to Australia 9.9.45 Arrived Sydney 10.10.45 Taken on RAAF charge as Auster Mk.3 A11-43. Received 2AD Richmond ex UK 23.9.46 Received 16 AOP Flight ex 2AD Store, delivered in cases 7.7.47 Received 4 Sqn ex 16AOP 6.7.49 Held serviceable at 3 Sqn 16.3.53 Damaged in crosswind landing at Puckapanyal Army Camp Vic 28.4.53 Crashed Burragorong Valley NSW. Forced landing due engine failure 20 miles east of Bowral NSW. Pilot Lt. V. Sims, 3 Sqn 12.6.53 Allotted Base Squadron Canberra ex 3 Sqn for storage pending repair 15.7.53 Received 2AD Richmond ex Canberra, for major repair 4.12.53 Approval for conversion to components

Auster Mk.III     c/n 361 ex MZ247                    A11-44

.43 Final assembly at Rearsby Aerodrome, Leicester by Taylorcraft Aeroplanes (England) Ltd to RAF order for 132 Auster Mk.IIIs serial range MZ100 to MZ255 including black-out blocks. 30.4.43 Taken on RAF charge as Auster Mk.III MZ247 30.4.43 Allotted 43 Operational Training Unit, Old Sarum 2.6.44 Allotted RAF Station Tangmere 17.1.45 Allotted 20 Maintenance Unit, RAF Aston Down 13.3.45 Allotted Taylorcraft Aeroplanes, Rearsby for overhaul 21.4.45 Awaiting collection Rearsby 31.4.45 Allotted 20 Maintenance Unit, RAF Aston Down. Sold to RAAF, airframe only 17.6.45 Allotted 222 Maintenance Unit, High Ercall, Shropshire for dismantling and boxing 4.7.45 transported to Swansea Docks for shipping 4.8.45 Sailed from Swansea as crated cargo on board Tai Ping Yang Shipped to Australia 9.9.45 Arrived Sydney 4.10.45 Taken on RAAF charge as Auster Mk.3 A11-44. Received 2AD Richmond ex UK 7.5.46 Received 2AD Store ex 2AD for storage Category C 30.10.46 Received 16 AOP Flight ex 2AD Store, delivered in cases - Issued to 3 Squadron (not recorded on Status Card) 2.3.49 Crashed on landing Port Macquarie NSW.  3 Sqn Pilot Flt/Lieut. G. J. Edwards and a civilian passenger were unhurt. RAAF Accident report states: "Pilot was instructed to land on golf links in middle of recuiting drive. Landing made in cross-wind, causing aircraft to overshoot through a fence. Aircraft extensively damaged." 24.3.49 Received 2AD Richmond ex 3 Sqn 5.5.49 Approval for conversion to components 22.6.49 Conversion to components completed

Poor quality but rare picture of A11-44 retaining its RAF roundel.               Frank F. Smith collection

Auster Mk.III     c/n 483 ex MT393                A11-45, VH-WAI, VH-FBA

7.43 Final assembly at Rearsby Aerodrome, Leicester by Taylorcraft Aeroplanes (England) Ltd to RAF order for 330 Auster Mk.IIIs, Mk.IVs, and Mk.Vs, serial range MS934 to MT454 including black-out blocks 14.7.43 Taken on RAF charge as Auster Mk.III MT393 14.7.43 Allotted 20 Maintenance Unit, RAF Aston Down 18.11.43 Allotted 658 Sqn 14.4.44 Damaged on transfer flight to 609 Sqn, Flt Sgt B.G.Pagnam. Landed beside the runway at Hartford Bridge, Herts and struck a piece of pipe in the grass. Tore off a wheel and damaged propeller tip, pilot got airborne and landed on runway but ground-looped and damaged the other wheel. 21.4.44 Allotted Taylorcraft Aeroplanes, Rearsby for repair 20.6.44 Awaiting collection at Rearsby 4.7.44 Allotted 83 Group Support Unit 15.11.44 Damaged in ground accident: the pilot of Auster Mk.V NJ676 started his aircraft unaided, and it rolled forward to strike RAF Dakota KG355 and Auster III MT393. (No location stated, but NJ676 was attached to 25 Sector/85 Group which was at that time based at Chateau Grubbe, Everburg, Belgium) 14.12.44 Received Taylorcraft Aeroplanes, Rearsby for repair 3.3.45 Awaiting collection at Rearsby 10.3.45 Allotted 20 Maintenance Unit, RAF Aston Down. Sold to RAAF, airframe only 25.6.45 Allotted 222 Maintenance Unit, High Ercall, Shropshire for dismantling and boxing 9.7.45 transported to Swansea Docks for shipping 4.8.45 Sailed from Swansea as crated cargo on board Tai Ping Yang Shipped to Australia 9.9.45 Arrived Sydney 4.10.45 Taken on RAAF charge as Auster Mk.3 A11-44. Received 2AD Richmond ex UK 7.5.46 Received 2AD Storage ex 2AD for storage Category C 7.10.46 Received 16 AOP Flight ex 2AD Storage, delivered in crates 7.7.47 Received 4 Sqn ex 16AOP 14.4.49 Received Aircraft Research & Development Unit, Laverton ex 3 Sqn, for tests 31.8.50 Received ARDU Trials Flight, Woomera ex Laverton 18.12.54 Received Base Sqn Canberra ex ATF 8.12.55 Damaged by fire in hangar Canberra. Repairable at unit 27.9.56 Rear fuselage damaged by fire at Canberra. Fabric ignited while tailwheel spring bracket was being welded. Serviceable by 5.12.56. 57 Based at Bankstown for periods, in khaki camouflage, being flown by Army pilots 12.11.58 Held at 16AOP Flight Canberra 8.4.59 Received 1AD Detachment B Tocumwal ex 16AOP for storage 4.11.59 Listed for sale by tender on Department of Supply disposals form No.21/1959 10.3.60 Sold to Wimmera Aero Club, Nhill Vic and delivered ex Tocumwal 61 Civil conversion not immediately carried out for Wimmera Aero Club.  Stored in the hangar at Nhill, all silver but RAAF markings showing through.  Parts removed when required to maintain the Club's other AOP.3 VH-WAJ .61 DCA allocated registration VH-WAI .61 Sold to Wangaratta Aero Club, Wangaratta Vic Probably included in the sale of the airworthy VH-WAJ on 14.11.61. Both were ferried by air from Nhill to Wangaratta 1.3.62 Registered as Auster III Model F VH-WAI  Wangaratta Aero Club, Wangaratta Vic 16.3.62 visited Cootamundra NSW airshow 20.4.62 noted at Wangaratta 25.9.63 Change of ownership: Austerserve Pty Ltd, Bankstown Airport, Sydney NSW 27.10.63 noted at Bankstown, outside Austerserve hangar, all silver.  Also 17.11.73, 10.1.64 unmoved .64 Reported damaged in forced landing. No details 23.2.64 Substantially damaged at Ivanhoe NSW. Pilot P.Davidson. 10.2.65 Struck-off Register, withdrawn from service 21.9.65 noted at Camden NSW, silver with green lettering 2.66 Under rebuild at Camden. Advertised for sale by Austerserve. Rear perspex framed as a long window. 7.3.66 Restored to Register as VH-FBA:  Notley Aviation Pty Ltd, Camden NSW 16.4.66 noted at Bankstown, visiting from Camden 7.9.66 noted at Camden NSW .67 Change of company name: Camden Aviation Sales and Service, Camden c/- Noel Notley 7.4.67 Change of ownership: D. J. Hewellyn, Mittangong NSW 12.4.68 noted at Bankstown 6.4.69 Change of ownership: L. F. Cooper, Moss Vale NSW 14.9.71 Change of ownership: Wollongong Gliding Club, Wollongong NSW 7.5.73 noted at Goulburn NSW in hangar 9.6.73 Starboard undercarriage collapsed on landing, Marulan NSW glider strip 9.2.74 Struck tree during forced landing near Marulan NSW.  Engine failure during a glider tow 7.8.74 Struck-off Register, owner's request

RAAF Richmond late 1940s.                                                            John Hopton Collection

The scene after the hangar fire at RAAF Canberra in December 1955.                       John Hopton Collection

Bankstown January 1964, outside the Austerserve hangar, pending resale.            Photo by Geoff Goodall

Now VH-FBA, Bankstown April 1966 rebuilt with framed and stylish rear window.      Photo by Mike Crocker

Bankstown NSW in April 1968, painted in an attractive colour scheme and fitted with wheel spats. Photo by Greg Banfield

Looking very smart at Camden NSW in 1968.                                Geoff Goodall collection

Repainted in a new sheme, VH-FBA is seen visiting an airshow at Nowra Naval Air Station NSW in October 1969. Photo by David Carter

Auster Mk.III     c/n 526 ex MT445                    A11-46

8.43 Final assembly at Rearsby Aerodrome, Leicester by Taylorcraft Aeroplanes (England) Ltd to RAF order for 330 Auster Mk.IIIs, Mk.IVs, and Mk.Vs, serial range MS934 to MT454 including black-out blocks 19.8.43 Taken on RAF charge as Auster Mk.III MT445 19.8.43 Allotted 20 Maintenance Unit, RAF Aston Down 3.10.43 Received 662 Sqn, Old Sarum, delivered with MT450 13.4.44 Received 2nd TAF Communications Squadron, Northolt 24.6.44 Allotted 20 Maintenance Unit, RAF Aston Down 28.2.45 Allotted Taylorcraft Aeroplanes, Rearsby for major inspection 7.4.45 Awaiting collection at Rearsby 12.4.45 Allotted 20 Maintenance Unit, RAF Aston Down. Sold to RAAF, airframe only 14.6.45 Allotted 222 Maintenance Unit, High Ercall, Shropshire for dismantling and boxing 9.7.45 transported to Swansea Docks for shipping 4.8.45 Sailed from Swansea as crated cargo on board Tai Ping Yang Shipped to Australia 9.9.45 Arrived Sydney 4.10.45 Taken on RAAF charge as Auster Mk.3 A11-46. Received 2AD Richmond ex UK 7.5.46 Received 2AD Storage ex 2AD for storage Category C 31.10.46 Received 16 AOP Flight ex 2AD Storage, delivered in crates 7.7.47 Received 4 Sqn ex 16AOP 4.8.47 Destroyed by hangar fire at RAAF Fairbairn, Canberra. Fire broke out about midnight. 16 AOP Flight. Canberra Times newspaper reported: "Pyjama clad airmen at the Fairbairn aerodrome pushed a blazing Auster army cooperation plane from a RAAF hangar at 3.45am yesterday morning to save 16 other planes including Mustang fighters and Auster spotters, which were packed in the building." 4.9.47 Approval for conversion to components 17.9.47 The burnt airframe of A11-46 was used as a target at RAAF Fairbairn, Canberra for a ground staffing and bombing attack by four RAAF Mustangs. It was part of a display for Royal Military College cadets from Duntroon ACT, to demonstrate the support afford by Mustangs to ground forces. The Mustangs also fired rockets at a concrete pillbox on the aerodrome

Auster Mk.III     c/n 531 ex MT450                A11-47, VH-RKA

8.43 Final assembly at Rearsby Aerodrome, Leicester by Taylorcraft Aeroplanes (England) Ltd to RAF order for 330 Auster Mk.IIIs, Mk.IVs, and Mk.Vs, serial range MS934 to MT454 including black-out blocks 15.8.43 Taken on RAF charge as Auster Mk.III MT450 15.8.43 Allotted 20 Maintenance Unit, RAF Aston Down 3.10.43 Allotted 662 Sqn, Old Sarum 14.4.44 Allocated 488 Sqn. Received same day at 149 Airfield, Castle Camps 28.12.44 Allotted 219 Sqn 18.1.45 Allotted 488 Sqn 25.1.45 Re-allotted 219 Sqn, 149 Wing 22.2.45 Re-allotted 488 Sqn 23.2.45 Allotted Taylorcraft Aeroplanes, Rearsby for major inspection 4.5.45 Awaiting collection at Rearsby 11.5.45 Allotted 20 Maintenance Unit, RAF Aston Down. Sold to RAAF, airframe only 14.6.45 Allotted 222 Maintenance Unit, High Ercall, Shropshire for dismantling and boxing 3.8.45 transported to Swansea Docks for shipping 4.8.45 Sailed from Swansea as crated cargo on board Tai Ping Yang Shipped to Australia 9.9.45 Arrived Sydney 4.10.45 Taken on RAAF charge as Auster Mk.3 A11-47. Received 2AD Richmond ex UK 7.5.46 Received 2AD Storage, Richmond ex 2AD for storage Category C 22.9.47 Received No.2 Communications Squadron ex 2AD Store 7.9.50 Received ARDU Trials Flight, Woomera ex 34 (Communications) Sqn 24.6.52 Damaged on ground at Woomera. While being serviced the propeller was turned which unintentionally started the engine which was set at full throttle. Aircraft rolled forward and nosed into ground. ARDU Trials Flight 27.10.52 Damaged on landing Woomera when swung off strip on to soft ground. Pilot F/Lt J. D. Espie. Aircraft repairable at unit. 16.7.53 Tailwheel sheared on landing at Woomera airfield 1.12.55 Undercarriage collapsed due heavy landing at Evetts Field, Woomera 11.5.56 Received Base Squadron Canberra ex ATU 22.4.59 Received 1AD Detachment B Tocumwal ex 16 AOP Flight 4.11.59 Listed for sale by tender on Department of Supply disposals form No.21/1959 20.4.60 Sold to Rockhampton Aero Club ex Tocumwal 4.60 A11-47 ferried from Tocumwal to Rockhampton by Aero Club Chief Flying Instructor. Aircraft was painted in jungle green camouflage with RAAF markings roughly overpainted with blue patches.  CofA overhaul at Rockhampton took over a year to complete. 7.3.62 Registered as Auster III Model F VH-RKA: Rockhampton Aero Club, Rockhampton Qld 5.62 VH-RKA noted at Rockhampton in Aero Club hangar, all silver .63 Change of ownership: V. A. Walker, Munduberra Qld 14.5.63 Change of ownership: M. H. Stoneman, Hughenden Qld 3.3.64 Minor damage at Glenlyon, 50 miles south of Richmond Qld. Pilot M.H.Stoneman 1.10.64 Change of ownership: Longreach Presbyterian Church, Longreach Qld 30.9.68 Change of ownership: Presbyterian Church of God, St George Qld 16.1.70 Change of ownership: R. A. Johnson, Brisbane Qld 23.9.70 noted at Archerfield Qld 6.9.72 Change of ownership: J. G. Simpkins, Brisbane Qld Used as a glider tug at Nerang Qld 19.10.73 Change of ownership: D. C. Little, Mount Isa, Qld 27.9.78 Struck-off Register, owner's request 82 Restoration project in Brisbane, owned by Pat Ladd, Cecil Plains Qld He had purchased it dismantled and partly rebuilt by a syndicate in Mount Isa 86 Five year rebuild competed by Pat Ladd 11.2.99 Restored to Register VH-RKA: Robert W. Bellert, West Prairie Qld Photo in civil paint scheme with rear military glasshouse, painted with "A11-47" 23.3.17 Change of ownership: Stephen A. Chapman, Marsden Qld Current Note: DCA Register ledger has hand-written entry quoting VH-WAK ex A11-47 registered 6.3.62 to Wimmera Aero Club then struck-off Register next day, the same date VH-RKA was registered to Rockhampton Aero Club. Assumed to be a clerical error because there is no other reference to this aircraft having any connection with Wimmera Aero Club in Victoria.

VH-RKA having a wash at Rockhampton in 1962.                                  Photo by David Johnson

Archerfield Qld January 1972 with rear glasshouse partially enclosed.                            Photo by Nigel Daw

VH-RKA at Lynford Qld in January 2019, civilian paint scheme with "A11-47" added and rear glasshouse returned to original. Photo by Ian McDonell

Auster Mk.III     c/n 455 ex NX533                    A11-48, VH-BVX, VH-MBB, VH-ARL

6.43 Final assembly at Rearsby Aerodrome, Leicester by Taylorcraft Aeroplanes (England) Ltd to RAF order for 59 Auster Mk.IIIs serial range NX484 to NX545 including black-out blocks 23.6.43 First flight Rearsby, Taylorcraft pilot Geoff Edwards 25.6.43 Taken on RAF charge as Auster Mk.III NX533 25.6.43 Allotted 659 Sqn, RAF Firbeck, Notts 15.4.44 Allotted 332 Sqn, 132 Wing 24.8.44 Allotted 84 Group Support Unit 25.8.44 Allotted 135 Wing 5.10.44 Allotted 84 Group Support Unit 5.3.45 Allotted Taylorcraft Aeroplanes, Rearsby for major inspection 7.4.45 Awaiting collection at Rearsby 12.4.45 Allotted 20 Maintenance Unit, RAF Aston Down. Sold to RAAF, airframe only 14.6.45 Allotted 222 Maintenance Unit, High Ercall, Shropshire for dismantling and boxing 3.7.45 transported to Swansea Docks for shipping 4.8.45 Sailed from Swansea as crated cargo on board Tai Ping Yang Shipped to Australia 9.9.45 Arrived Sydney 4.10.45 Taken on RAAF charge as Auster Mk.3 A11-48. Received 2AD Richmond ex UK 7.5.46 Received 2AD Storage ex 2AD for storage Category B 19.12.47 Received No.2 Communications Squadron ex 2AD Store 7.9.50 Issued ARDU Trials Flight ex 34 (Communications) Sqn. 2.53 photograph: all silver finish, with No.1 Air Trials Unit based Woomera 9.7.55 Held serviceable at ARDU Trials Unit, Woomera 11.5.56 Received Base Squadron Canberra ex ATU 11.5.57 Allotted 1AD Detachment B Tocumwal for storage 24.2.58 Allotted 2AD ex Tocumwal for restoration from storage 21.5.58 Ready for collection Tocumwal by 2AD 23.2.59 Allotted Base Squadron Canberra ex 2AD 13.4.59 Allotted 1AD Detachment B Tocumwal ex 16 AOP Flight for storage 2.10.59 Approved for disposal with Gipsy Major installed 4.11.59 Listed for sale by tender on form 21/1959 12.2.60 Sold to Griffith Aero Club, delivered ex Tocumwal 14.4.60 Registered as Auster III Model F VH-BVX Griffith Aero Club, Griffith NSW 3.1.62 Change of ownership: Murray Border Flying Club, Cobram Vic The club was based at the large former RAAF airfield at nearby Tocumwal NSW 3.1.62 Re-registered VH-MBB 17.3.62 visited Cootamundra NSW airshow, with the club's other Auster 3 VH-MBA 12.4.62 Change of ownership: Masling Aircraft Sales & Service, Cootamundra NSW 20.5.62 Change of ownership: B. L. Shoobert, Police Station, Balldale NSW 30.9.62 visited Mildura Vic airshow 17.3.63 noted at Albury NSW 14.8.63 Change of ownership: W. T. Underwood, Pleasant View Station, Baradine NSW 22.1.65 Change of ownership: D. I. Underwood, Oklahoma Station, Baradine NSW 25.9.65 noted at Cootamundra NSW, in Masling hangar. Also 6.2.66 all silver 1.2.73 Change of ownership: L. Paul Backhouse, Moonya Station, Gulargambone NSW 1.6.75 visited fly-in at Turiara Station, Gilgooma NSW, pilot Paul Backhouse. All over white, with red dope patches. Rear glasshouse aft section altered to make a sloping frame. 13.11.75 Change of ownership: Peter Moores, Canberra ACT.  Purchased in unairworthy condition 22.8.76 noted at Canberra Airport in hangar. Also 3.10.76, 27.1.77 5.2.77 Change of ownership: Donald A. Bunn, Albury NSW 5.2.77 Struck-off Register, owner's request.  5.2.77 Moved by road from Canberra to Albury by Don Bunn. He and his brother Robert flew and rebuilt a number of vintage aircraft on their farm near Albury NSW 4.77 Sold by Don Bunn to Ron A. Lee, Melbourne Vic as a personal restoration project. Ron Lee was a leading warbird restoration ground engineer at that time working for the Malcom Long collection of flying former military aircraft  4.6.77 Moved by road dismantled from Don Bunn's farm to Melbourne by engineer Ron Lee. 3.84 VH-MBB noted stored dismantled at Ron Lee's house in the Melbourne suburb of Parkdale 9.15 stored in a hangar at Caboolture Qld, dismantled, sections of fuselage fabric have been recovered. This hangar houses Ralph Cusack's Bristol Beaufort A9-141 (VH-KTW) airworthy restoration project. Ron Lee, an experienced warbird ground engineer, is reported to be a member of the Beaufort rebuilding team. 6.17 Ron Lee and his son Stuart advise that they plan to recommence the restoration of VH-MBB. Still looking for some parts and maintenance manuals.  They have also acquired VH-DSJ (ex A11-34) as another restoration project 20 Under restoration at Wangaratta Vic. One of five Auster 3s under restoration  at Alpine Aviation, Wangaratta Airport as part of an owner consortium. Owner quoted as Rob Lee. VH-MBB planned to be completed painted as RAF NX533. 14.12.21 Registered VH-ARL: S.F.C. Lee, Wangaratta Victoria

Albury NSW in March 1963.                                                            Photo by Neil Follett

Cootamundra NSW in February 1966, now all silver with fresh fabric.                Photo by Geoff Goodall

VH-MBB visiting a BBQ fly-in at Turiara Station out of Gilgooma NSW in June 1975, just before it was retired Note the rear window shape.  Photo by Geoff Goodall

VH-MBB at Caboolture Qld in September 2015, stored partially restored.                  Photo by Ian McDonell

Auster Mk.III     c/n 635 ex NJ797                    A11-49, VH-MHT

10.43 Final assembly at Rearsby Aerodrome, Leicester by Taylorcraft Aeroplanes (England) Ltd to RAF order for 338 Auster Mk.IIIs & Mk.Vs, serial range NJ609 to NK132 including black-out blocks.   NJ797 was from serial batch NJ771-NJ818 completed as Auster IIIs. 22.10.43 Taken on RAF charge as Auster Mk.III NJ797 22.10.43 Allotted 659 Sqn, RAF Firbeck, Notts 12.4.44 Allotted 182 Sqn 22.6.44 Allotted 83 Group Support Unit 3.9.44 Allotted 2nd TAF Communications Sqn 4.10.44 NJ797 was parked at St Denis-Westrem, Belgium (airfield B.61) when taxied into by Hawker Typhoon EK267 of 268 Sqn 5.10.44 Allotted 412 Repair & Salvage Unit due damage 10.44 Allotted Taylorcraft Aeroplanes, Rearsby for repair 10.3.45 Testflown Rearsby by Taylorcraft pilot Geoff Edwards 15.3.45 Allotted 20 Maintenance Unit, RAF Aston Down. Sold to RAAF, airframe only 13.6.45 Allotted 222 Maintenance Unit, High Ercall, Shropshire for dismantling and boxing 5.7.45 transported to Swansea Docks for shipping 4.8.45 Sailed from Swansea as crated cargo on board Tai Ping Yang Shipped to Australia 9.9.45 Arrived Sydney 10.10.45 Taken on RAAF charge as Auster Mk.3 A11-49. Received 2AD Richmond ex UK 7.5.46 Received 2AD Storage ex 2AD for storage Category C 9.9.46 Received 16 AOP Flight ex 2AD Storage 7.7.47 Received 4 Squadron ex 16 AOP 2.7.49 Forced landing Penrith racecourse NSW, power loss due water in fuel. Flown back to base. Operated by 3 Sqn.  12.6.53 Allotted Base Squadron Canberra ex 3 Sqn 8.10.53 Serviceable AOP Flight Canberra 22.5.55 Smoke from cockpit after refuelling at Tocumwal. No damage 2.6.55 Serviceable Canberra 27.6.55 Damaged in forced landing 20 miles northeast of Canberra due engine failure. Pilot 2nd Lt. H.A.Benson. 12.9.55 Allotted Bristol Co, Bankstown for repair 24.10.55 Allotment changed to 2AD for reconditioning 11.9.56 Allotted 1AD Detachment B Tocumwal ex 2AD 23.9.56 Ready for collection at 2AD 25.9.56 Received 1AD Detachment B Tocumwal ex 2AD. Stored under cover. 22.11.57 Allotted Base Squadron Canberra ex Tocumwal via 2AD for restoration from storage 6.5.59 Allotted 1AD Detachment B Tocumwal ex 16 AOP Flight for storage 2.10.59 Approved for disposal with Gipsy Major installed 4.11.59 Listed for sale by tender on Department of Supply disposals form No.21/1959 10.2.60 Sold  to Swan Hill Flying Club and delivered ex Tocumwal 4.3.60 Registered as Auster III Model F VH-MHT  H. Martin & O. Hinton, Swan Hill Vic 28.8.60 visited Wentworth NSW airshow 26.12.60 Caught by wind gust while landing at a location 14 miles from Swan Hill Vic. Port wing struck the ground and aircraft was substantially damaged. Pilot H. Martin 2.1.63 noted at Swan Hill Vic. Also 8.1.63, 7.2.65, 13.3.65 silver with dayglo orange rudder and wingtips 1.4.65 Change of ownership: Schutt Aircraft Sales & Service Pty Ltd, Moorabbin Airport Vic 4.11.65 Change of ownership: Mr. & Mrs. J. B. Caisley, Lismore NSW 28.8.66 noted at Evans Head NSW. Also 20.11.66, 6.2.67, 24.3.67 17.6.67 Change of ownership: Gerry J. Ireland, "The Lake", Walcha NSW 5.7.67 noted at Armidale NSW 9.3.69 Damaged at Walcha NSW. After a hand start, the aircraft jumped its chocks and collided with a fence, damaging the propeller and rear fuselage. 24.4.80 noted at "The Lake", Walcha. Local flight by owner Gerry Ireland. Silver with orange rudder, wingtips, cowlings 27.5.84 Change of ownership: R. B. MacArthur-Onslow, "Cannanbri", Walcha NSW 25.3.93 Change of ownership: L. R. H. MacArthur-Onslow, "Cannanbri", Walcha NSW 23.2.07 Change of ownership: G. Jones, Newcastle NSW 2.12.11 Change of ownership: Ross Cameron, Melbourne Vic 18.10.13 Change of ownership: Steven Guilmartin, Gisborne Vic, later Kyneton Vic 18.5.14 VH-MHT flying at Kyneton Vic, silver RAAF “A11-49”, rear glasshouse restored Current

A11-49 visiting an airshow at Lismore NSW circa 1950.                              Neil Follett collection

Moorabbin Vic 1961, with full military glasshouse.                         Photo by Neil Follett

Swan Hill Vic in March 1965.  Fabric has been applied over the glasshouse to form a curved rear window.  Photo by Neil Follett

By 1965 VH-MHT's interior cabin wall still gave away its military origins.                 Photo by Geoff Goodall

Several owners later, at Armidale NSW in July 1967 visiting from nearby Walcha.           Photo by Geoff Goodall

April 1980 on the owner's property "The Lake", Walcha NSW.         Photo by Mike Vincent via Nigel Daw collection

Kyneton Vic in May 2013, restored and repainted in RAAF markings.               Photo by Phil Vabre

Auster Mk.III     c/n 674 ex NJ861                        A11-50

11.43 Final assembly at Rearsby Aerodrome, Leicester by Taylorcraft Aeroplanes (England) Ltd to RAF order for 338 Auster Mk.IIIs & Mk.Vs, serial range NJ609 to NK132 including black-out blocks.  NJ861 was from serial batch NJ830-NJ876 completed as Auster IIIs. 25.11.43 Taken on RAF charge as Auster Mk.III NJ861 25.11.43 Allotted 20 Maintenance Unit, Aston Down 23.12.43 Allotted 652 Sqn 27.7.44 Allotted 83 Group SU 8.9.44 Allotted 486 Sqn, 122 Wing 3.11.44 Damaged when struck a small tree during forced landing in failing light.  The 486 Sqn pilot was unable to locate the non-existant landing ground to which he had been directed. 486 Sqn was based at Volkel, Netherlands at the time, so the location was almost certainly in Holland. 29.11.44 Allotted Taylorcraft Aeroplanes, Rearsby for repair 14.3.45 Awaiting collection at Rearsby 17.3.45 Allotted 20 Maintenance Unit, RAF Aston Down. Sold to RAAF, airframe only 19.6.45 Allotted 222 Maintenance Unit, High Ercall, Shropshire for dismantling and boxing 5.7.45 transported to Swansea Docks for shipping 4.8.45 Sailed from Swansea as crated cargo on board Tai Ping Yang Shipped to Australia 9.9.45 Arrived Sydney 4.10.45 Taken on RAAF charge as Auster Mk.3 A11-50. Received 2AD Richmond ex UK 7.5.46 Received 2AD Storage ex 2AD for storage Category B 14.7.49 Received 2AD ex 2AD Storage for repair 27.10.49 Received 3 Squadron 4.12.51 One Auster to be chosen by 3 Sqn for allotment to Aircraft Research & Development Unit, Laverton for trial fitment of wind driven generator and cockpit lights and navigation lights 17.12.51 Received ARDU ex 3 Sqn 3.4.52 Received 3 Sqn ex ARDU 12.6.53 Allotted Base Squadron Canberra ex 3 Sqn 1.10.53 Serviceable at AOP Flight, Canberra 20.12.55 Crashed destroyed, hit power lines at Carwoola NSW, near Canberra.  The Army pilot, Lt E.D.M. Cape was unhurt. Accident occurred during a training exercise from Canberra.  Location 12 Km east of RAAF Fairbairn, Canberra Airport 11.4.56 Approved for conversion to components 15.2.57 Held u/s at Canberra

A11-50 in post-war silver scheme.                                                Photo via Ian W. O'Neill

Auster Mk.III     c/n 660 ex NJ838                    A11-51, VH-PRW, VH-MRR

10.43 Final assembly at Rearsby Aerodrome, Leicester by Taylorcraft Aeroplanes (England) Ltd to RAF order for 338 Auster Mk.IIIs & Mk.Vs, serial range NJ609 to NK132 including black-out blocks.   NJ838 was from serial batch NJ830-NJ876 completed as Auster IIIs. 5.11.43 Taken on RAF charge as Auster Mk.III NJ838 5.11.43 Allotted 20 Maintenance Unit, Aston Down 28.12.43 Allotted 653 Sqn, Penshurst, Kent 14.1.44 NJ838 with the name Dickson Pioneer 1911-1943 painted in white on the cowling, was handed over in a ceremony at 653 Sqn at Penshurst, Kent by Mrs. Richard Law, wife of the Minister of State. 12 Austers were lined up for inspection. NJ838 was a presentation aircraft, donated by Mrs Gordenne of Lausanne. in memory of her late brother Captain Bertram Dickson RHA, who was believed to be the first pilot to fly an aeroplane for the Army in September 1910. 21.4.44 Allotted 147 Airfield, later renamed 147 Wing. Replaced at 653 Sqn by an Auster IV also named Dickson Pioneer 1911-1943 20.2.45 Allotted Taylorcraft Aeroplanes, Rearsby for overhaul 9.6.45 Testflown Rearsby after repair, Taylorcraft pilot Geoff Edwards 12.6.45 Awaiting collection at Rearsby 19.6.45 Allotted 20 Maintenance Unit, RAF Aston Down. Sold to RAAF, airframe only 3.9.45 Allotted No.47 Maintenance Unit, Sealand, for dismantling and boxing 8.9.45 transport to Newport Docks for shipping 22.9.45 Sailed from Newport as crated cargo on board Clan Farquhar Shipped to Australia 7.11.45 Arrived Sydney 15.11.45 Taken on RAAF charge as Auster Mk.3 A11-51. Received 2AD Richmond ex UK 7.5.46 Received 2AD Storage ex 2AD for storage Category B 4.10.50 Held cased under cover at 2AD Storage 28.5.56 Held cased at 2AD. To be erected 14.1.57 Allotted 1AD Detachment B Tocumwal ex 2AD 15.5.57 Held Tocumwal stored under cover 24.2.59 Approved for disposal with Gipsy Major installed 13.3.59 Listed for sale by tender on Department of Supply disposals form 5/1959 17.7.59 Removed from Tocumwal by purchaser Proctors Rural Services, Alexandra Vic 30.7.59 Registered as Auster III Model F VH-PRW Proctors Rural Services Pty Ltd, Alexandra Vic Crop dusting and spraying company founded in 1956 by Wyn Proctor, flying Tiger Moths and Avro Cadets, later EP-9, Ceres, Cessna 180s.  Proctors Rural Services was taken over by Super Spread Aviation, Moorabbin in 1962. Auster VH-PRW was used as a support aircraft carrying pilots and equipment between agricultural aircraft in the field. 3.61 noted at Alexandra airfield, flying. "Proctors Rural Services" on tail 27.7.62 Change of ownership: H. L. Robinson & Co, "Desert Downs", Keith SA 2.9.62 noted at Adelaide-Parafield, also 11.9.62 all white with green lettering 30.9.62 visited Mildura Vic airshow, all white with green lettering 6.4.63 noted at Parafield, also 12.10.63 5.10.63 visited Blyth SA airshow, all white with green lettering 11.4.64 visited Naracoorte SA airshow 28.9.64 Change of ownership: Alice Springs Gliding Club, Alice Springs NT 31.12.65 noted at Parafield, and next day 1.1.66 10.1.66 Wrecked by windstorm at Alice Springs Airport. Blown over a water tank and ended up wrecked standing on its nose. Owner quoted as Mr. T. Bird, operated by Alice Springs Gliding Club, the Auster had just returned from Adelaide where it had an overhaul to renew its CofA 21.7.69 Struck-off Register due storm damage 7.73 Fuselage frame of VH-PRW noted in a hangar at RAAF Richmond NSW, owned by  Malcolm Rose, Sydney. He was then a Flight Engineer on 36 Squadron C-130Es, later joining Cathay Pacific Airways, Hong Kong .74 Early in the year, remains of VH-PRW moved by road from Richmond to property "The Fridtway", Agnes Banks NSW where stored under cover with Malcolm Rose' other restoration project, Junkers Junior VH-UCC for which he had reserved registration VH-MRR 27.10.74 noted at farm property Agnes Banks NSW, in storage 25.1.01 Restored to Register as Taylorcraft Auster Mk.III F VH-MRR owner Malcolm R. Rose, Port Macquarie NSW (His Junkers Junior VH-MRR was reregistered as its original VH-UCC the previous day) Stripped down to bare fuselage frame for restoration Sold as a project "as is" plus a stock of spare parts to Hilton McLeod, Kempsey NSW.  Hilton owns airworthy Auster 3 VH-ALS and had also acquired the burnt remains of A11-53/VH-MBA 2018 VH-MRR project and the remains of VH-MBA sold by McLeod to Matthew Carlyon, Wangaratta Vic Matthew owns Auster 3 A11-38/VH-BED which he is currently restoring to authentic wartime military standard 20 Under restoration at Wangaratta Vic. One of five Auster 3s under restoration at Stuart Lee's Alpine Aviation, Wangaratta Airport as part of an owner consortium. Matthew Carlyon plans to complete VH-MRR painted as RAF NJ838 Dickson Pioneer 1911-1943

NJ838 "Dickson Pioneer 1911-1943" at the naming ceremony at 653 Squadron, RAF Penshurst on 14 January 1944. The personnel are a mix of RAF and Royal Army, which was unique to the AOP Squadrons. Photos: Imperial War Museum

653 Sqn CO Major T. I. Tetley-Jones shows NJ838 to Mrs. Richard Law at the ceremony.

Alexandra Vic in March 1961.                                                     Neil Follett collection

Blyth SA in October 1963, white with green lettering.                       Photo by Geoff Goodall

A11-51/VH-MRR's fuselage frame being collected by Matthew Carlyon at Kempsey NSW during 2018.

Auster Mk.III     c/n 689 ex NJ859                        A11-52

11.43 Final assembly at Rearsby Aerodrome, Leicester by Taylorcraft Aeroplanes (England) Ltd to RAF order for 338 Auster Mk.IIIs & Mk.Vs, serial range NJ609 to NK132 including black-out blocks.  NJ859 was from serial batch NJ830-NJ876 completed as Auster IIIs. 25.11.43 Taken on RAF charge as Auster Mk.III NJ859 25.11.43 Allotted 20 Maintenance Unit, Aston Down 7.12.43 Allotted 409 ARF, Kenley 8.1.44 Allotted 661 Sqn 9.4.44 Allotted 4 Sqn 24.4.44 Allotted 84 Group Support Unit 28.8.44 Allotted 146 Wing 23.9.44 Allotted 83 Group Support Unit 26.10.44 Allotted 2nd TAF Communications Sqn 16.11.44 Reallotted 84 Group Support Unit 30.12.44 Allotted Taylorcraft Aeroplanes, Rearsby for overhaul 24.3.45 Testflown Rearsby after overhaul, Taylorcraft pilot Geoff Edwards 23.4.45 Awaiting collection at Rearsby 4.45 Allotted 20 Maintenance Unit, RAF Aston Down. Sold to RAAF, airframe only .45 Allotted 222 Maintenance Unit, High Ercall, Shropshire for dismantling and boxing 10.9.45 transported to Newport Docks for shipping 22.9.45 Sailed from Newport as crated cargo on board Clan Farquhar Shipped to Australia 7.11.45 Arrived Sydney 19.11.45 Taken on RAAF charge as Auster Mk.3 A11-52. Received 2AD Richmond ex UK 7.5.46 Received 2AD Storage ex 2AD for storage Category B 14.9.49 One cased Auster allotted to ARS ex 2AD. To be erected. Gipsy Major No.141 selected to be installed 1.12.49 Received 2AD ex crated storage 9.8.50 Received Base Squadron Canberra ex 2AD 25.5.52 Allotted Category B Storage at Canberra 15.7.52 Allotted 3 Squadron ex storage Canberra 12.6.53 Allotted Base Squadron ex 3 Sqn 4.10.53 Serviceable with AOP Flight 19.11.53 Damaged, port wheel struck a rock landing at satellite airstrip Therara 15.12.53 Received 2AD Richmond by road ex Canberra for repair 5.12.54 Received Base Squadron ex 2AD 17.11.57 Crashed Moss Vale NSW operated by AOP Flight. Pilot 2nd Lt Cooper 7.7.58 Approval to convert to components.

Auster Mk.III     c/n 436 ex NX500                    A11-53, VH-MBA

.43 Final assembly at Rearsby Aerodrome, Leicester by Taylorcraft Aeroplanes (England) Ltd to RAF order for 50 Auster Mk.IIIs, serial range NX484 to NX545 including black-out blocks. 14.6.43 Taken on RAF charge as Auster Mk.III NX500 14.6.43 Allotted 20 Maintenance Unit, Aston Down 28.6.43 Allotted 656 Sqn 15.8.43 Allotted 660 Sqn 15.6.44 Allotted 245 Sqn, 84 Group Support Unit 25.8.44 Allotted 315 Sqn 20.4.45 Allotted Taylorcraft Aeroplanes, Rearsby for overhaul 26.6.45 Testflown Rearsby after repair, Taylorcraft pilot Geoff Edwards 28.6.45 Further rest flight by Geoff Edwards 29.6.45 Awaiting collection at Rearsby 27.7.45 Allotted 222 Maintenance Unit, High Ercall, Shropshire for dismantling and boxing. Sold to RAAF, airframe only 10.9.45 transported to Newport Docks for shipping 22.9.45 Sailed from Newport as crated cargo on board Clan Farquhar Shipped to Australia 7.11.45 Arrived Sydney 19.11.45 Taken on RAAF charge as Auster Mk.3 A11-53. Received 2AD Richmond ex UK 7.5.46 Received 2AD Storage ex 2AD for storage Category B 4.10.50 Held 2AD Storage cased under cover 4.8.53 Selected for upgrade to Category B Storage 4.4.54 Received Base Squadron Canberra ex 2AD 8.12.55 Damaged by fire in electrical circuitry in hangar at Canberra. Fire also damaged A11-53 parked alongside 31.3.58 Port undercarriage collapsed in heavy landing at Canberra. Repaired at unit. 12.11.58 Serviceable with 16 AOP Flight Canberra 24.7.59 Received 1AD Detachment B Tocumwal ex 16AOP 24.7.59 Pilot log book Army Leiutenant Constable: ferried A11-53 to Tocumwal, in company with A11-41. (Lt Constable was the last Auster-trained Australian Army pilot prior to the delivery of the Army's Cessna 180s) 2.10.59 Approved for disposal with Gipsy Major installed 4.11.59 Listed for sale by tender on Department of Supply disposals form No.21/1959 23.11.59 Sold to Mackay Flying Club, Mackay Qld 13.1.60 Last RAAF Status Card entry: not yet collected by purchaser ex Tocumwal .60 A11-53 ferried from Tocumwal to Griffith NSW by Eric Robinson, principle of M.I.A. Aviation, for civil conversion for Murray Border Flying Club. 18.11.60 Registered as Auster III Model F VH-MBA Murray Border Aero Club, Strathmerton Vic. Based at the former RAAF Station Tocumwal NSW, on the River Murray 18.11.60 Test flown Griffith NSW after civil cxonversion 20.9.61 Change of owner's name: Murray Border Flying Club, Cobram Vic 9.61 noted at Tocumwal, all silver 10.11.61 noted at Tocumwal in hangar, additional paint trim. Also 25.4.62 17.3.62 visited Cootamundra NSW airshow, with VH-MBB 30.9.62 visited Mildura Vic airshow, with VH-MBB 15.10.62 Change of ownership: J.D. & M.E.Campbell, J.A.Jennings, D.M.Lock, W.B.Wait, R.J.Sambrook, Delegate NSW 5.1.63 noted at Cootamundra NSW, in Masling hangar 14.1.63 noted at Cooma NSW, along with Auster 3 VH-BDM, both gliders tugs 28.2.66 Change of ownership: Gliding Club of Victoria, Benalla Vic 27.3.66 noted at Benalla, flying as a glider tug. Also 14.5.67, 5.8.67, 8.3.68, 3.5.68, 20.11.73, 13.4.74, 20.7.74, 29.9.74, and 24.2.75 still in service towing gliders 20.1.72 noted at Benalla Vic 15.6.72 noted Albury NSW 20.1.74 Tipped on nose at Benalla Vic, while towing a glider, broke propeller 7.9.75 Sold to Tumut Aero Club for $2500, ferried Benalla-Tumut by John Loether 26.11.75 Struck-off Register Moved by road from Tumut to Cootamundra NSW for maintenance. Fuselage was re-covered by Len Tessie and wings re-covered by Tumut Aero Club members. 20.2.76 Restored to Register VH-MBA: Tumut Aero Club Ltd, Tumut NSW 6.9.76 Struck-off Register, owner's request 8.7.77 Restored to Register VH-MBA: Tumut Aero Club Ltd, Tumut NSW 16.7.77 Ferried to Canberra by Col Adams for maintenance inspection 22.7.77 Ferried from Canberra to Tumut.  Used as a glider tug. 20.6.80 Starboard undercarriage leg collapsed while taxying at Tumut NSW 8.7.83 Change of ownership: Peter "Chooks" Fowler, Cootamundra NSW. Purchased at Tumut airworthy, ferried to Cootamundra 8.11.83 Blown over by wind during landing at Cootamundra NSW. Port undercarriage bent, port and starboard wing spars cracked, prop smashed, nose cowling dented 84-85 Repair commenced 16.2.84 at Cootamundra, during which the aicraft was restored to original military configuration. Completed 28.6.85, painted in RAF camouflage "NX500" 19.7.85 First test flight Cootamundra after rebuild 29.9.85 visited Prairie Vic fly-in, RAF camouflage "NX500" 10.11.85 visited Schofields NSW airshow 11.85 visited St Arnaud Vic annual Auster fly-in 31.3.86 visited Wangaratta Vic airshow 9.11.86 visited St Arnaud Vic annual Auster fly-in, flown by P.Fowler 19.4.87 visited Kyabram Vic fly-in 2.4.88 visited Kyabram Vic fly-in 3.4.88 visited Mangalore Vic airshow 15.10.88 visited RAAF Richmond airshow 28.4.91 visited Temora NSW airshow Fowler flew MBA to numerous airshows and fly-ins in NSW and Victoria, RAF camouflage "NX500" 31.8.97 Crashed, destroyed by fire at "Kalimna Park", Galore NSW. Peter Fowler killed. Peter Fowler was visiting a private fly-in on the property near Galore NSW. He made a touch and go landing then commenced a tight turn and struck the ground and caught fire. Burnt airframe remains acquired by Hilton McLeod, Kemsey NSW. Hilton owned airworthy Auster 3 VH-ALS and had also acquired the restoration project of A11-51/VH-MRR 2018 VH-MRR project and remains of VH-MBA sold by McLeod to Matthew Carlyon, Wangaratta Vic 2020 Restoration project, part of an owner consortium currently restoring five Auster 3s

A11-53 at Bankstown late in its RAAF career, with kangaroo roundel.                         John Hopton Collection

Tocumwal NSW,  September 1961 all silver.                                    Photo: Geoff Goodall collection

At an airshow at Mildura Vic in September 1962, now with added paintwork.             Photo by Bob Neate

Cooma NSW in January 1963, back to an all silver finish.                                 Photo by Rod Adam

Benalla Vic in March 1968, hard at work towing a glider airborne.                      Photo by Geoff Goodall

Benalla Vic in September 1974, still with Gliding Club of Victoria.           John Hopon Collection

June 1983 in different paintwork, owned by Tumut Aero Club.             \ Ben Dannecker collection

VH-MBA at Kyabram Vic in April 1987, restored as NX500.           John Hopton Collection

Peter "Chooks" Fowler flying his VH-MBA.                                  Photo: Civil Aviation Historical Society

Auster Mk.III     c/n 271 ex MZ135                    A11-54, VH-SNS

2.43 Final assembly at Rearsby Aerodrome, Leicester by Taylorcraft Aeroplanes (England) Ltd to RAF order for 132 Auster Mk.IIIs serial range MZ100 to MZ255 including black-out blocks. 5.3.43 Taken on RAF charge as Auster Mk.III MZ135 5.3.43 Allotted 652 Sqn 19.9.43 Damaged in forced landing due bad weather near Strathavon, Lancashire 9.43 Allotted Taylorcraft Aeroplanes, Rearsby for repair 20.11.43 Awaiting collection Rearsby 24.12.43 Allotted No.20 Maintenance Unit, Aston Down 29.1.44 Allotted 659 Sqn 18.4.44 Allotted 2 Sqn 23.9.44 Allotted 84 Group Support Unit 1.1.45 Allotted Taylorcraft Aeroplanes, Rearsby for repair 17.3.45 Awaiting collection Rearsby 26.3.45 Allotted No.20 Maintenance Unit, Aston Down. Sold to RAAF, airframe only 10.9.45 Allotted No.47 Maintenance Unit, Sealand, for dismantling and boxing 19.11.45 transported to Liverpool Docks for shipping 21.11.45 Sailed from Liverpool as crated cargo on board Empire Clarendon Shipped to Australia 3.1.46 Arrived Sydney 25.1.46 Taken on RAAF charge as Auster Mk.3 A11-54. Received 2AD Richmond ex UK 7.5.46 Received 2AD Storage ex 2AD for storage Category B 18.1.54 Held 2AD Storage. cased under cover 28.5.56 To be erected ex cased storage 5.5.57 Received Base Squadron Canberra ex 2AD as replacement for A11-56 57 Based at Bankstown for periods, silver finish, being flown by Army pilots 7.8.58 Damaged by fire Canberra. Starboard mainplane of A11-42 on trestles ignited during servicing, flames ignited starboard mainplane of A11-54     28.8.58 Accident Tin Can Bay Qld. Propeller shattered and port wing damaged. AOP Flight Canberra 31.8.58 Received 3AD Amberley ex Base Sqn Canberra for repair 12.9.58 Received Base Squadron Canberra ex 3AD 12.6.59 Received 1AD Detachment B Tocumwal ex 16 AOP Flight, Canberra 30.9.59 Approved for disposal with Gipsy Major installed 4.11.59 Listed for sale by tender on Department of Supply disposals form No.21/1959 22.3.60 Sold to Townsville Aero Club and delivered ex Tocumwal 22.9.60 Registered as Auster III Model F VH-SNS Townsville Aero Club, Townsville Qld During civil conversion fabric was applied over the rear perspex to form a sloping square rear cabin window 17.11.60 Landed heavily and bounced at Richmond Qld during a solo training flight. Undercarriage collapsed, damage to undercarriage, engine, propeller. DCA accident report: "The undercarriage collapsed during a landing roll, probably because of weakening of the structure in previous heavy landing which had not been reported." 22.7.61 Change of ownership: Dr. F. Bennett, Muttaburra Qld 1.11.63 Change of ownership: T. R. Fursman, Longreach Qld 13.6.65 Change of ownership: Charles A. Miller, Ipswich Qld Major Charlie Miller of Army Aviation, Oakey Qld purchased the Auster on his return from an attachment to the British Army Air Corps. He was veteran aircraft enthusiast, who was to acquire and restore numerous aircraft. 16.8.65 Change of ownership: J. P. Womersley, Tweed Heads Qld 12.4.66 noted at Coolangatta Qld, also 29.8.66, 26.10.66, 1.5.67, 13.7.67, 21.8.67,15.12.67, 7.9.68, 22.9.70, all in the same paint scheme white with red and green trim 1.1.71     Struck-off Register, owner's request 9.5.73 noted at Coolangatta Qld in hangar, stripped on overhaul. Also 15.8.74, 12.6.75 12.11.75 Restored to Register VH-SNS: Warrick G. Johnson, Southport Qld, later Runaway Bay Qld During rebuild the rear perspex glasshouse was restored to original military design 6.11.76 visited Wondonga Vic fly-in, orange and white, chequerboard tail 5.6.77 visited Murwillumbah NSW fly-in 2.10.77 visited Kingaroy Qld fly-in 1.1.78 visited Morwell Vic fly-in 28.5.78 visited Gatton Qld fly-in 21.10.78 visited Kingaroy Qld fly-in, pilot Warrick Johnson 30.8.79 noted at Southport Qld. Also 22.4.80 4.81 visited Murwillumbah NSW fly-in, new white and orange paint scheme 3.4.83 visited Mangalore Vic airshow 30.3.86 visited Mangalore Vic airshow, and Wangaratta Vic airshow next day regular visitor at fly-ins and airshows Current

Coolangatta Qld in September 1968.                                             John Hopton Collection

Wodonga Vic fly-in in November 1976, packed with camping gear.  Photo by Mike Madden

Auster Mk.III     c/n 293 ex MZ168                A11-55, VH-ALS

3.43 Final assembly at Rearsby Aerodrome, Leicester by Taylorcraft Aeroplanes (England) Ltd to RAF order for 132 Auster Mk.IIIs serial range MZ100 to MZ255 including black-out blocks. 15.3.43 Taken on RAF charge as Auster Mk.III MZ168 20.3.43 Allotted 653 Sqn 5.3.44 Allotted 313 Sqn 27.7.44 Allotted 127 Sqn 24.8.44 Allotted 84 Group Support Unit 30.12.44 Allotted Taylorcraft Aeroplanes, Rearsby for overhaul 30.3.45 Testflown Rearsby after repair, Taylorcraft pilot G. Derbyshire 30.3.45 Allotted 84 Group Support Unit 12.4.45 Allotted No.20 Maintenance Unit, Aston Down. Sold to RAAF, airframe only 7.9.45 Despatched to 47 Maintenance Unit for dismantling and boxing 19.11.45 transported to Liverpool Docks for shipping 21.11.45 Sailed from Liverpool as crated cargo on board Empire Clarendon Shipped to Australia 3.1.46 Arrived Sydney 25.1.46 Taken on RAAF charge as Auster Mk.3 A11-55. Received 2AD Richmond ex UK 7.5.46 Received 2AD Storage ex 2AD for storage Category B 18.1.54 Held 2AD Storage cased under cover 28.5.56 To be erected ex cased storage 9.1.57 Received 1AD Detachment B Tocumwal ex 2AD. To be held as immediate reserve. 1.5.58 Held Tocumwal under cover 24.2.59 Approved for disposal with Gipsy Major installed 13.3.59 Listed for sale by tender on Department of Supply disposal form No.5/1959 22.7.59 Removed from Tocumwal by purchaser Mr. C.Tobin, Albury  6.8.59 Registered as Auster III Model F VH-ALS Colin J. Tobin, Albury NSW Civil conversion with rear section of glasshouse rounded to form a curved rear window. Airframe time 300 hours. Col Tobin was an experienced aircraft engineer based at Albury Aerodrome over the past ten years 3.10.62 Change of ownership:  G. A. Smith, Albury NSW.  Airframe total time 350 hours 6.1.64 noted at Albury, white with red & black trim, also 12.1.64, 12.9.64, 3.12.64 13.12.64 visited Wagga NSW to retrieve a glider that had made an outfield landing 8.8.65 visited Wagga from Albury  20.9.65 noted at Albury, outside, white with red & black trim 27.11.66 Change of ownership: RAAF Richmond Gliding Club, RAAF Richmond NSW (Flew 400 hours as a glider tug during the first 30 months with the gliding club) 5.9.68 noted at Camden NSW, having engine maintenance. Retained the same white with red and black trim, paintwork, with added "RAAF" titles. Also 5.70 21.9.70 noted at RAAF Richmond 26.4.71 During engine ground run at RAAF Richmond, the engine crankshaft failed and the propeller detached 15.9.71 Struck-off Register, withdrawn from service at Richmond 27.10.74 noted in gliding club hangar at RAAF Richmond. Wings detached, bare fuselage frame at front with new fabric applied to rear fuselage. The Auster's Gipsy Major engines had been temporarily installed in Tiger Moth VH-KLH. 6.79 Advertised for sale, partially rebuilt .79 Purchased by Hilton McLeod who moved it from Richmond to his home at Kempsey NSW. Complete rebuild back to military standards by McLeod, with assistance from Kempsey Aero Club members 25.1.83 Restored to Register VH-ALS Hilton L. McLeod, Kempsey NSW 15.2.83 first flight after restoration, painted silver RAAF "A11-55" 19.3.83 visited Schofields NSW airshow 11.6.83 visited Wodonga Vic fly-in, "A11-55" 13.11.83 visited the (then) annual St Arnaud Vic Auster fly-in, "A11-55", pilot Hilton McLeod. Also 9.11.86 5.84 visited Oakey Army Base Qld airshow. Also 10.5.86 10.5.86 visited Oakey Army Base Qld airshow, "A11-55", pilot Hilton McLeod 15.10.88 visited RAAF Richmond airshow, "A11-55" 28.4.91 visited Temora NSW airshow, "A11-55" 12.10.91 visited RAAF Richmond airshow, "A11-55" 9.6.96 visited Longreach Qld airshow "A11-55" Current

VH-ALS at Albury NSW in September 1965, with rounded rear glasshouse.         Photo by Geoff Goodall

Now with RAAF Richmond Gliding Club, visiting Camden NSW in May 1970.      Photo by Greg Banfield

VH-ALS restored as RAAF A11-55, visiting Wodonga Vic in June 1983.            Photo by Geoff Goodall

Hilton McLeod arrives at the annual Auster fly-in at St Arnaud, Vic in November 1983 after a long flight from home base Kempsey in northern NSW.                                                          Photo by Geoff Goodall

Auster Mk.III     c/n 258 ex MZ123                A11-56, VH-GCV

2.43 Final assembly at Rearsby Aerodrome, Leicester by Taylorcraft Aeroplanes (England) Ltd to RAF order for 132 Auster Mk.IIIs serial range MZ100 to MZ255, including black-out blocks. 25.2.43 Taken on RAF charge as Auster Mk.III MZ123 25.2.43 Allotted 656 Sqn 23.3.43 Allotted 652 Sqn 10.8.43 Undercarriage collapsed due heavy landing at Ayre, Scotland. Pilot Captain R. E. Linton, Royal Army 2.3.44 Allotted 125 Airfield 5.6.44 Allotted 83 Group Support Unit 4.7.44 Allotted 20 Maintenance Unit, Aston Down for storage 24.1.45 Allotted Taylorcraft Aeroplanes for overhaul 28.2.45 Awaiting collection at Rearsby  2.3.45 Allotted 222 Maintenance Unit, High Ercall, Shropshire 5.3.45 Allotted 20 Maintenance Unit, Aston Down for storage. Sold to RAAF, airframe only. 30.7.45 Allotted 222 Maintenance Unit, High Ercall, Shropshire for dismantling and boxing 27.8.45 transported to Newcastle Docks for shipping 12.9.45 Sailed from Newcastle as crated cargo on board Craugefontein Shipped to Australia 3.11.45 Arrived Sydney 2.7.46 Taken on RAAF charge as Auster Mk.3 A11-56. Received 2AD Richmond 5.4.48 Held 2AD cased under cover storage 30.10.53 Selected to be upgraded to Cat B Storage 13.8.54 Issued Base Squadron Canberra ex 2AD. 19.3.56 Port wing and undercarriage damaged at Lincoln Gap. Repairable at unit. Pilot D.N.McPherson 2.6.59 Received 1AD Detachment B Tocumwal ex 16 AOP Flight 2.10.59 Approved for disposal with Gipsy Major installed 4.11.59 Listed for sale by tender on Department of Supply disposals form 21/1959 10.3.60 Sold to Gliding Club of Victoria and delivered ex Tocumwal 28.6.60 Registered as Auster III Model F VH-GCV Gliding Club of Victoria, Benalla Vic 25.2.61 visited Avalon Vic airshow, all silver with GCV triangular badge on tail 8.61 noted at Moorabbin Vic, all silver with GCV triangular badge on tail 4.62 noted at Moorabbin Vic under overhaul in Royal Victorian Aero Cub hangar. Also 5.62 5.1.64 noted at Benalla, towing gliders. Also 12.1.64, 7.1.65 7.6.65 noted at Benalla, repainted, all silver fuselage Auster Mk.III Glider Towplane painted on cowling 1.8.65 noted at Benalla, towing gliders, silver with yellow wings. Also 20.9.65, 27.3.66, 5.66, 27.3.67, 8.3.68, 8.1.70 .70 Replaced as glider tug by Gliding Club of Victoria at Benalla by Piper PA-25 Pawnee 150 VH-KLA 4.6.70 Change of ownership: W. R. Piper, Traralgon Vic 17.9.70 noted at Morwell Vic, based here 9.11.70 Ran into a ditch after ground-loop on landing, Latrove Valley Airport, Morwell Vic 2.4.71 noted at Benalla Vic, silver fuselage, yellow wings and tailplane 8.4.71 Minor damage when struck a power line while making low pass over a glider landed in a paddock near Benalla 1.4.72 noted at Morwell Vic during vintage aircraft fly-in, in service 14.1.74 Crashed, wrecked near Traralgon after takeoff at Morwell Vic.  Struck pine trees after becoming airborne, fell to the ground and wrecked. Part of a wing remained wedged in tree tops.  Pilot Desmond Mikecz was injured. 77 Wreckage held by Norm Cooper, Alexandra Vic. Damaged airframe stored at Eureka Aviation Museum, Ballarat Vic.  Cooper also has the wreck of another Mk.3 which reportedly crashed in 1966 (almost certainly VH-FED) and plans a rebuild using both airframes. 15.2.85 VH-GCV dismantled airframe stored in Eureka Air Museum hangar at Ballarat Aerodrome Vic .07 Wreckage of VH-GCV moved to Sunbury airfield, Vic for planned rebuild by Rob Scott and Kim Skyring of Transaero. Tailplane still yellow fabric and marked VH-GCV. Fuselage frame number TAY 7754 Note: MZ123/VH-GCV should have a fuselage frame number in the TAY 4000 series. TAY 7754 was fuselage frame number for NX494/VH-FED. This indicates that the wrecks of VH-GCV and VH-FED had been combined by 2007. 7.14 Kim Skyring, Manager of Transaero reported on the Auster 3 project:  "No progress. Still in the ‘future projects’ department.  Looks like all we have of GCV is the logbooks and fin! Wings are off something else too. Tail feathers are also from another aircraft.  Looks like just a collection of bits very loosely related to GCV."

A11-56 at Bankstown in the 1950s in RAAF service, parked at Kingsford Smith Flying Service at Bankstown. Note the circular camera hatch flap below the rear of the glasshouse.            John Hopton Collection

VH-GCV as a glider tug, at an airshow at Avalon Vic February 1961, all silver.  John Hopton Collection

Taxying at Benalla Vic in January 1964 in a different paint scheme.  Photo by Geoff Goodall

VH-GCV's final scheme, seen at Benalla in March 1967.                         John hopton Collection

VH-GCV in good company, at a fly-in at Morwell Vic in April 1972.                     Photo by John Hopton

Newspaper picture of the crash scene near Morwell Vic 14 January 1974

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2) RAAF AUSTER Mk.Vs based in Japan  (A11-60 & A11-61)         Two RAF Auster Mk.Vs were transferred to No.77 Squadron, RAAF based at Iwakuni Air Base, Japan as part of the post-war British Commonwealth Forces of Occupation (BCOF). They were used for support and liaison aircraft for RAAF No.77 Squadron's Mustang operations.

Auster Mk.V    c/n 1330 ex TJ249                    A11-60

11.44 Final assembly at Rearsby Aerodrome, Leicester by Taylorcraft Aeroplanes (England) Ltd to RAF order for 400 Auster Mk.V, serial range TJ187 to TJ707 including black-out blocks.  130hp Lycoming O-290 engine 30.11.44 Taken on RAF charge as Auster Mk.V TJ249 30.11.44 Allotted 51 Maintenance Unit, Lichfield 16.5.45 Allotted 83 Group Support Unit 8.8.45 Allotted 222 Maintenance Unit, High Ercall for dismantling and boxing for shipping 29.8.45 Transported to Birkenhead Docks for shipping 12.9.45 Sailed from Birkenhead as crated cargo on board MV Terboreh Shipped to Calcutta 10.10.45 Arrived Calcutta 25.10.45 Received Allied Command South East Asia (ACSEA) 5.46 RAF Census: ACSEA, stationed in India 13.2.47 Issued to Japan 27.3.47 Received Japan. Operated by HQ British Commonwealth (Air), Iwakuni Air Base 31.3.48 British Commonwealth Air Communications Squadron disbanded 9.48 RAF Iwankuni BCAIR order: All Auster flying in Japan to cease at the end of September 1948. Austers are to be dismantled and crated for ACFE, Singapore. Two aircraft TJ249 & TW373 have been selected to remain in Japan until December 1948. TJ249 has been modified to carry a stretcher. Equipment is available to modify TW373 if required. RAAF is to take over servicing of these two Austers. 10.48 Eight RAF Auster Vs packed and despatched by sea from Japan to ACFE, Singapore 23.12.48 TJ249 sold to RAAF by British Commonwealth Air Group (BCAIR) 28.1.49 Taken on RAAF charge as Auster Mk.V A11-60. Received 77 Squadron ex RAF 3.11.50 Allotted 91 Wing ex 77 Sqn 23.2.51 Serviceable at 91 Wing 22.4.51 Signal pistol discharged in stowed position burning fabric, 2 miles southeast Iwakuni airfield, Japan 16.3.52 Crashed unnamed airstrip northeast of Yamaguchi. Substantial damage. 7.5.52 Approved for conversion to components

TJ249 with RAF at Iwakuni, Japan. The Dakota has the Australian flag painted on the nose. Photo: RAF

TJ249 now with RAAF as A11-60 at Iwakuni Air Base, Japan circa 1950.  Photo: Neil Follett collection

Iwakuni Air Base, Japan                                                                                Frank F. Smith collection

Auster Mk.V    c/n 1738  ex TW373                    A11-61

8.45 Final assembly at Rearsby Aerodrome, Leicester by Taylorcraft Aeroplanes (England) Ltd to RAF order for 200 Auster Mk.Vs & Mk.VIs, serial range TW362 to TW642 including black-out blocks. c/n 1738 was completed as a Mk.V TW373 from batch TW362-TW402.   130hp Lycoming O-290 engine 14.8,.45 Taken on RAF charge as Auster Mk.V TW373 14.8.45 Allotted 222 Maintenance Unit, High Ercall 20.9.45 Allotted 47 Maintenance Unit, Sealand for dismantling and packing 21.9.45 Transported to Glasgow Docks for shipping 5.10.45 Sailed from Glasgow as crated cargo on board MV Empire Wilson Shipped to Calcutta 27.10.45 Arrived Calcutta 29.11.45 Received Allied Command South East Asia (ACSEA) Allotted RAF 1315 Flight, India which was equipped with Dakotas and Auster Vs. .46 1315 Flt transferred from India to Iwakuni, Japan. 4.46 Twelve 1315 Flt Auster Vs were flown their base at Tambaram, India to Cochin, India where they were loaded on board aircraft carrier HMS Vengeance along with Spitfires of RAF Nos. 11 & 17 Squadrons and Indian Air Force No.4 Squadron. The carrier sailed for Iwakuni, Japan via Singapore. TW373 plus 11 other Auster Vs: TJ262/272/295/314/316/603/678 & TW371 12.4.46 1315 Flt Dakotas were flown to Iwakuni 23.4.46 HMS Vengeance arrived off Iwakuni. 26.4.46 The Austers were flown off the deck of HMS Vengeance to Iwakuni air base 1315 Flt now under the command of HQ British Commonwealth (Air), Iwakuni 21.8.46 1315 Flt disbanded.  Its Auster Vs were taken over by the British Commonwealth Air Communications Flight, later renamed British Commonwealth Air Communications Squadron 31.3.48 British Commonwealth Air Communications Squadron disbanded 9.48 RAF Iwankuni BCAIR order: All Auster flying in Japan to cease at the end of September 1948. Austers are to be dismantled and crated for ACFE, Singapore. Two aircraft TJ249 & TW373 have been selected to remain in Japan until December 1948. TJ249 has been modified to carry a stretcher. Equipment is available to modify TW373 if required. RAAF is to take over servicing of these two Austers. 10.48 Eight RAF Auster Vs packed and despatched by sea from Japan to ACFE, Singapore 23.12.48 TW373 sold to RAAF by British Commonwealth Air Group (BCAIR) 28.1.49 Taken on RAAF charge as Auster Mk.V A11-61. Received 77 Squadron ex RAF 3.11.50 Allotted 91 Wing ex 77 Sqn 26.4.51 Crashed, destroyed by fire, Satsuyama airstrip, Shikohu, Japan 4.6.51 Approved for conversion to components Note: Of the 12 Auster Vs shipped from India to Japan on HMS Vengeance 4.46, three were later civilianised and sold in Australia: TJ262 became VH-AGQ, TJ272 became VH-RCA, and TW371 became VH-AZV.

The burnt out remains of A11-61 in Japan, April 1951.  Photo: F/Sgt Leon Murtagh via Ian O'Neill collection RAAF AUSTER Mk.V footnote: A11-61 had been previously operated by RAF 1315 Flight. This was one of the RAF units temporarily based in Australia towards the end of WWII, initially for the planned British and Allies advance on Japan that in the event was not required. After V-J Day they assisted in military demobilisation across the region, carrying personnel and equipment.  Because the contribution of the RAF transport units in Australia is little remembered, this summary of 1315 Flight compiled by Ian W.O'Neill provides a valuable insight: 1.1.45 Formed as No.1315 (Transport) Flight at Merryfield out of No.232 Sqn which was reduced to a cadre on 6-1-45 and the personnel dispersed between 243 Sqn and the newly formed 1315 Flight (RAF Squadrons by JJ). 9.3.45 In transit. The ground personnel along with ground crews of No.243 Sqn travelled from West Kirby on HMT Dominion Monarch via the Panama Canal and after a short spell at No.2 Personnel Depot, RAAF Bradfield Park NSW arrived at Camden NSW 20.3.45 The aircrew travelled to Lachine, Canada to collect Dakotas which they ferried to Australia The first aircraft departed from Canada on 4-4-45 17.4.45 At Camden became part of 300 (Transport) Wing which had been formed on 15-12-44 to control RAF transport units in Australia, including 1315 Flt and 48, 238 and 243 Sqns operating Dakotas and Liberators 1.5.45 1315 Flight transferred to Archerfield, Qld from where scheduled services were flown to Leyte in the Philippine Islands and Manus in the Admiralty Islands 2.3.46 1315 Flight's Dakotas began to return to UK and the Flight virtually disbanded but, instead, was reformed Archerfield, Qld from a nucleus of the disbanding No.243 Sqn (disbanded 15-4-46 at Camden NSW) for intended use as a communications flight at Hong Kong, the location subsequently being changed to Japan 3.46 Meanwhile an Auster element with 12 aircraft had formed at Tambaram in southern India, largely from disbanding Casualty Evacuation Units. The Austers were flown to Cochin for shipment aboard the aircraft carrier HMS Vengeance. 7.4.46 HMS Vengeance departed Colombo, Ceylon at 1400 hrs and on crossing the 200-fathom line ditched four power plants and 27 engines. Arrived at Cochin, India  on 8th April at 1300 hrs and as soon as the ship was securely berthed, three Fireflies, one Corsair and one power plant were off-loaded and the hoisting-in of Spitfires (Mk.VIIs of 4 Sqn Royal Indian Air Force) and Austers commenced. By 1300 hrs 9th April, in addition to personal baggage, 12 Austers, 19 Spitfires, nine crated engines, 5 tons of stores, 29 Grumman Avengers and 15 Grumman Hellcats had been embarked. 9.4.46 At 1400 hrs the aircraft carrier proceeded to sea from Cochin. At 1600 hrs the main engines were stopped and the vessel then went slowly astern into the wind as the 29 Avengers and 15 Hellcats were ditched into the Indian Ocean. At 1820 hrs, ditching completed, the ship proceeded to Singapore at 19 knots. 14.4.46 At 0900 hrs one Auster piloted by the Commander (Air) accompanied by the senior Squadron Leader of the embarked squadrons took off from the deck of the aircraft carrier and flew to RAF Seletar, Singapore to make preliminary arrangements for the embarkation of more aircraft. 15.4.46 At 0900 hrs HMS Vengeance anchored 1½ miles from RAF Seletar air base and, after some delay, began loading more Spitfires (Mk.XIVs and XVIIIs of 11 Sqn and Mk.XIVs of 17 Sqn) which were transported out to the aircraft carrier aboard lighters and then swung inboard using the ship’s cranes. By 1030 hrs 17th April the loading of passengers, stores and aircraft had been completed. Eight clipped wing Spitfires were stowed in A hangar, one clipped wing Spitfire and seven Austers were in B hangar and another five Austers were in C hangar whilst on the flight deck were a further 50 Spitfires. 17.4.46 The aircraft carrier weighed anchor at 1130 hrs and proceeded at 19¼ knots to Iwakuni, Japan. On 23rd April the ship anchored off Iwakuni air base at 1130 hrs. Disembarkation commenced immediately and, by using two very large flat-topped lighters, was completed during the afternoon of 25th April by flying off the remaining seven Austers while still at anchor. 26.4.46 HMS Vengeance continued her voyage to Kure, Japan where passengers were embarked for Ceylon and then proceeded to Hong Kong where the ship arrived on 30th April and loaded further passengers, two Fireflies for Trincomalee, Ceylon and seven Corsairs for ditching. Departing Hong Kong 1st May the aircraft carrier arrived at Trincomalee, Ceylon on 9th May at 1400 hrs. The twelve 1315 Flight Auster Mk.V off-loaded at Iwakuni from HMS Vengeance were TJ262, TJ272, TJ295, TJ314, TJ315, TJ316, TJ317, TJ603, TJ652, TJ678, TW371 and TW373. They joined 1315 Flight’s Dakotas which had arrived at Iwakuni on 12.4.46 1315 Flight become part of the Air Component, British Commonwealth Air Forces of Occupation (Japan). The Austers were used to convey senior officers until the Flight disbanded 21.8.46 1315 Flight disbanded and the Austers taken over by British Commonwealth Air Communications Flight which was then upgraded to squadron status.                                                                                         Sources:                                               RAF records research                                               RAF Squadrons, C.G.Jefford, Crowood Press                                               RAF Flying Training and Support Units Since 1912, Ray Sturtivant, John Hamlin, James Halley, Air Britai

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3)   RAAF AUSTER AOP Mk.6 FOR ANTARCTIC FLIGHT  (A11-200 & 201)     Two RAF Auster AOP Mk.6s were acquired by the Australian Government in 1952 to equip a planned RAAF Antarctic Flight. Both aircraft had Antarctic modifications, equipped for land gear, floats or skis and both had flown extensively on British expeditions since 1949. They were received in poor condition, both requiring major rebuilds by 2AD at RAAF Richmond and civil contractors at Bankstown Airport, Sydney.     The newly-formed RAAF Antarctic Flight was initially commanded by Flt Lt. Douglas W. Leckie, with Flt Sgt. Raymond Seaver and two ground engineers, rigger Sgt. F. Morgan and fitter Sgt. K. W. Duffell. By late 1953 the two Austers were at RAAF Point Cook, where pilot training on floats was carried out and landings made on the Yarra River in Melbourne.        The RAAF Antarctic Flight operated on behalf of the Australian National Antarctic Research Expedition (ANARE), Australian Department of External Affairs. The first Auster expedition commenced in January 1954, sailing from Melbourne on the Antarctic supply ship Kista Dan. In charge was ANARE Director, Phillip G. Law, who had been an observer on the previous Norwegian-British-Swedish Antarctic Expeditions out of Cape Town and was well acquainted with these two Auster Mk.6s.          Examples of the difficulties encountered included: - engine starting in freezing conditions required a large flexible tube to carry warmth from a stove on the ship; - the skis melted the ice surface due friction, which immediately refroze when the aircraft stopped, binding the skis to the ice surface; - float operations were often hampered by unsuitable sea condirions, and ice forming on the floats while taxying; - Flt Lt. Douglas Leckie described a forced landing during the first expedition. The engine failed when water got into a pipeline and froze. He   force landed cross-wind on a heavy ice-pack in a strong southerly wind. The Auster did a ground-loop and ran along backwards on its skis, with   minimal damage.      The two Austers suffered badly in Antarctic blizzards and gales, but the surviving rebuilt aircraft A11-201 flew in Antarctica on floats, skis and wheels until February 1959. It was later placed up for disposal and became the only Australian civil Auster Mk.6 VH-RCT.

Auster AOP Mk.6    ex VX126                A11-200

3.49 Built at Rearsby Aerodrome, Leicester by Auster Aircraft Ltd as Auster Model K AOP Mk.6. Built to RAF order for 40 Auster AOP Mk.6 serial range VW985 to VX130 including black-out blocks. 145hp Gipsy Major 7 engine. No construction numbers were allocated 22.3.49 First flight at Rearsby by Auster test pilot Les Leetham 1.4.49 Taken on RAF charge as Auster AOP Mk.6 VX126 6.4.49 Loaned to Auster Aircraft Ltd for preparation for Antarctic expedition, with VX127. Modifications included rubber-in-compression undercarriage, cold-weather mods for the engine, Radio Direction Finding fairing. Skis were obtained from Northwest Industries, Canada and Auster model 2400 floats. 3.5.49 VX126 test flown after winterisation mods. Flown on a series of trials from Rearsby by Auster test pilot Les Leetham commencing 3.5.49, ending 10.5.49 15.11.49 Handed over to the CO RAF Antarctic Flight, RAF Hendon VX126 and VX127 allotted to Norwegian-British-Swedish Antarctic Expedition (NBSAE) Both aircraft were dismantled and boxed, loaded as deck cargo on MV Norsel, a 900 ton sealer. Sailed to Capetown, South Africa. VX126 remained boxed on deck when the ship continued south to Antarctica. A good landing place was located in Queen Maud Land, Antarctica and after arrival, 25 flights were made by RAF Auster in the first four days. 7.4.50 MV Norsel returned to Capetown from Antarctica with both Austers on board.  No indication that the Austers returned to the ice.  Subsequent NBSAE Antarctic expeditions used aircraft supplied by Norway and Sweden. NBSAE was disbanded in 1952. .52 VX126 & VX127 purchased from RAF by Australian Government for Antarctic expeditions. Both aircraft were in poor condition from exposure to the elements in RAF service. Reported that the Austers had not been returned to UK and were still in South Africa when purchased. 19.2.52 Taken on RAAF charge as Auster Mk.6 A11-200. Received 2AD Richmond ex RAF VX126 Engine recorded as a Gipsy Major 6 19.2.52 A11-200 & -201 allocated from 2AD Richmond to Airflite Pty Ltd for survey: remove all corrosion, render corrosion treatment, pack in cases for long term storage 28.2.52 Both Austers received at Airflite, Bankstown ex 2AD 6.10.52 Both Austers received at 2AD Richmond ex De Havilland Aircraft, Bankstown Indicates DHA completed the maintenance started by Airflite 21.11.52 Both Austers received 1AD Detachment B Tocumwal ex 2AD by road transport 23.4.53 Allotted 2AD ex Tocumwal for reconditioning 29.10.53 Received Base Sqn Point Cook ex 2AD for pre-Antarctic trials 6.11.53 Held serviceable at Point Cook. Allocated RAAF Antarctic Flight 1.54 A11-200 was loaded at Port Melbourne on the Antarctic supply ship Kista Dan.  It was fitted with skis and stored dismantled below decks. A11-201 on floats was already lashed on the stern. 4.1.54 Kista Dan departed Melbourne for Antarctica, carrying A11-200 & -201 5.2.54 A11-200 was assembled, fitted with skis, and flown by Leckie and Seaver off ice alongside the ship to Horse Shoe Bay where the Australian permanent base named Mawson was being established. A11-200 then flown daily, completing 15 flights on 8.2.54 11.2.54 Both Austers were lashed down on the deck of the Kista Dan due to a 3 day gale 12.2.54 Both Austers were wrecked on the ship's deck, A11-201 on top of A11-200. Both fuselages and both starboard mainplanes were damaged. A11-200 was repaired on hard ice alongside the ship, using parts of A11-201, including its starboard mainplane. No flaps were fitted. 17.2.54 A11-200 test flown after repair.  Continued flying on skis but its handling became difficult due to the field repair and lack of flaps. 22.2.54 Skis replaced by floats, completed the following day. 23.2.54 Loaded on board Kista Dan at Horse Shoe Bay. The ship departed that night for the return voyage to Australia. 4.3.54 A11-200 on floats was lowered from the ship for Leckie to take off from water to survey ice and icebergs. This was the final flight of the 1954 Expedition 5.3.54 In the early hours gale force winds struck the ship. A11-200 was severely damaged on deck of Kista Dan Expedition leader P. G. Law wrote: “The aircraft certainly was a mess. Gusts of wind under the starboard wing had caused the main strut, connecting the port float to the fuselage, to collapse and the plane had lurched over on one side, crumpled and twisted, with the port wing tangled up in the lifeboat davits. About 0300 I watched dejectedly as another spar collapsed and the plane toppled forward on to its nose on the deck. The propeller was bent back under the fuselage and the starboard wing crumpled up in a horrible, grinding mess. Shortly afterwards the wind blew the whole lot over the ship’s side and the Second Mate cut the lashings to let the wreckage drift away near the middle of Prydz Bay.” 31.3.54 Kista Dan docked at Melbourne, carrying A11-201 only 1.4.54 Struck off RAAF charge

VX126 being assembled at Queen Maud Land, Antarctica. All members of the RAF Antarctic Flight helped, with their hands covered with grease due to the freezing condition. Photo: Ian O’Neill collection

VX126 on skis in Antarctica

A11-200 on skis on the Antarctic ice cap

A11-200 on skis on hard ice next to the Kista Dan in February 1954, with Sgt Frank Morgan finishing the repair using starboard wing of A11-201.  Fuselage fabric repairs have obscured the serial number.

Auster AOP Mk.6    ex VX127                A11-201, VH-RCT

3.49 Built at Rearsby Aerodrome, Leicester by Auster Aircraft Ltd as Auster Model K AOP Mk.6. Built to RAF order for 40 Auster AOP Mk.6s, serial range VW985 to VX130 including black-out blocks. 145hp Gipsy Major 7 engine. No construction numbers were allocated. 23.3.49 First flight at Rearsby by Auster test pilot Ranald Porteous 1.4.49 Taken on RAF charge as Auster AOP Mk.6 VX127 6.4.49 Loaned to Auster Aircraft Ltd for preparation for Antarctic expedition, with VX126. Modifications included rubber-in-compression undercarriage, cold-weather mods for the engine, Radio Direction Finding fairing. Skis were obtained from Northwest Industries, Canada and Auster model 2400 floats. 24.10.49 Test flight Rearsby after winterisation mods, Auster test pilot Les Leetham 15.11.49 Handed over to the CO RAF Antarctic Flight, RAF Hendon VX126 and VX127 allotted to Norwegian-British-Swedish Antarctic Expedition (NBSAE) Both aircraft were dismantled and boxed, loaded as deck cargo on MV Norsel, a 900 ton sealer. Sailed to Capetown, South Africa At Capetown VX127 was assembled and rigged on the quayside and then positioned athwartships on top of VX126’s box for the remainder of the voyage south. VX127 made 9 flights while approaching Antarctica. A good landing place was located at Queen Maude Land and after arrival 25 Auster flights were made in the first four days. Probably all by VX127. 7.4.50 MV Norsel returned to Capetown with both Austers on board.  No indication that the RAF Austers returned to the ice.  Subsequent NBSAE Antarctic expeditions used aircraft supplied by Norway and Sweden. NBSAE was disbanded in 1952. .52 VX126 & VX127 purchased from RAF by Australian Government for Antarctic expeditions. Both aircraft were in poor condition from exposure to the elements in RAF service. Reported that the Austers had not been returned to UK and were still in South Africa when purchased. 19.2.52 Taken on RAAF charge as Auster Mk.6 A11-201 ex RAF VX127 19.2.52 A11-200 & 201 were allotted from 2AD Richmond to Airflite Pty Ltd, Bankstown for survey: remove all corrosion, render corrosion treatment, pack in cases for long term storage 28.2.52 Both Austers received Airflite ex 2AD 6.10.52 Both Austers received 2AD ex De Havilland Aircraft, Bankstown Indicates DHA completed the maintenance started by Airflite 21.11.52 Both Austers received 1AD Detachment B Tocumwal ex 2AD by road transport 18.5.53 A11-201 received 2AD ex Tocumwal for reconditioning 6.11.53 Received Base Squadron Point Cook ex 2AD for pre-Antarctic trials 6.11.53 Held serviceable at Point Cook. Allocated RAAF Antarctic Flight 1.54 A11-201 on floats was towed behind a RAAF crash launch 02-5 from Point Cook to Port Melbourne. Loaded on the Antarctic supply ship Kista Dan, lashed on deck at the stern. 4.1.54 Kista Dan departed Melbourne for Antarctica, carrying A11-200 & -201 2.2.54 A11-201 made its first operational flight when lowered to a section of ice-free water from Kista Dan for an ice reconnaissance, flown by Leckie. Then hoisted back on board ship 3.2.54 A11-201 floats were replaced by skis due pack ice, and made 3 flights, next day 6 flights. Then flown regularly by Leckie and Seaver off ice to support the establishment of the Australian permanent base base named Mawson. 11.2.54 Both Austers were lashed down on the deck of the Kista Dan due gale force winds 12.2.54 Both Austers were wrecked by wind, A11-201 on top of A11-200. Both fuselages were damaged and both starboard mainplanes were severely damaged. 2.54 A11-200 was repaired at Mawson using parts of A11-201, including its starboard mainplane 31.3.54 Kista Dan docked at Melbourne on return voyage from Antarctica, during which A11-200 was wrecked on deck in a gale and dumped overboard. Wreckage of A11-201 was carried in the hold. 1.4.54 A11-201 Struck off RAAF charge 29.7.54 RAAF Status Card: Allotted 1AD Laverton ex Base Squadron Point Cook for repair, to be moved by road 13.1.55 RAAF Status Card: Recommend disposal of damaged A11-201 5.4.55 RAAF Status Card: Approved for disposal, including associated spares as delivered on Kista Dan ex Antarctic Expedition. Deliver on behalf of Department of External Affairs to Royal Victorian Aero Club 17.4.55 RAAF Status Card: Despatched ex 1AD by road to Royal Victorian Aero Club, Moorabbin Airport, Melkbourne Compiler’s note: the extent of rebuild by RVAC is not known 13.10.55 RAAF Status Card note: A11-201 has been purchased from RVAC by Department of External Affairs Antarctic Division and is now undergoing overhaul at Kingsford Smith Aviation Service, Bankstown, prior to fitment of Gipsy Major Series 10 Mk.2 engine at De Havilland Aircraft 21.10.55 RAAF Status Card: Approval for use of serial number A11-201 while on Antarctic Expedition 27.12.55 Kista Dan departed No.2 Wharf Melbourne for the 1956 Expedition, carrying the rebuilt A11-201 dismantled in the hold, and a RAAF DHC-2 Beaver A95-201 on floats mounted on the stern deck. 4.3.56 A11-201 made its first flight of the expedition, after being assembled at Horse Shoe Bay. Fitted with skis made from Canadian spruce bounded by metal. Then flown regularly. 28.10.56 Forced landing 80 miles west of Mawson base due elevator controls not responding. No damage. Pilot Seaton found the elevator controls were being fouled by a broken support for the radio compass, which he removed.  Then flew to Mawson. 17.12.56 Kista Dan sailed from Melbourne for the 1957 Expedition, carrying another RAAF Beaver, to supplement the Beaver and Auster housed in the recently erected hangar at Mawson. Note: it has been reported that a set of floats for a RNZAF Auster J.5 were borrowed from Royal New Zealand Air Force circa 1957 for A11-201 and that it flew with these floats 17.4.57 Auster on skis landed on sea ice, while operating from Davis base 20.7.57 Auster and a Beaver flew to Mount Henderson, operating from a strip 3000 feet AMSL 28.2.58 New supply ship icebreaker Thala Dan (which replaced the smaller Kista Dan) departed Mawson for Australia, carrying Auster A11-201 and Beaver A95-201, both of which had been crated. 28.8.58 RAAF Status Card: Allotted to 1AD Laverton ex RAAF Antarctic Flight, Point Cook for servicing 2.12.58 RAAF Status Card: Despatched to RAAF Antarctic Flight, Point Cook ex 1AD 7.1.59 Antarctic supply ship Magga Dan sailed from Melbourne for 1959 Expedition, which was to resupply and assume control of the former US base at Wilkes, which became the Australian base of Casey. On board was Auster A11-201 and its pilot, Antarctic veteran RAAF Sqn Ldr Douglas W.Leckie and two mechanics. A11-201 was painted orange, with RAAF kangaroo roundels 24.1.59 A11-201 was brought ashore on a large rubber raft to a clear area of coast near Wilkes base. Floats had been replaced by wheels. Flown off ice by Leckie, then later that same day skis were fitted and operated on skis closer to the base. 25.1.59 On takeoff a ski struck an obstruction, bending the starboard wing strut.  The Wilkes American mechanics fabricated and welded a repaired section and the Auster flew again the following day 29.1.59 Leckie flew the Auster on several sorties to a strip at 4,000 feet AMSL 1.2.59 Leckie landed the Auster on Vanderford Glacier for a survey of the glacier’s movement 5.2.59 A11-201 returned to Magga Dan using an Army DUKW amphibious craft, on to which Leckie slid the aircraft on skis from an ice edge near the Wilkes base. On board the Magga Dan, the Auster was refitted with floats then stowed above No.3 hatch. 11.2.59 Flew on floats from a pool of ice-free water alongside the ship 21.2.59 On the ship’s arrival at Oates Land, A11-201 was flown on a coastal recce by Leckie, with Expedition leader P.G.Law as passenger. Returned to the Magga Dan from 80 miles out with a rough running engine and landed on ice alongside the ship.  This was the Auster’s last Antarctic flight. 22.2.59 Two planned flights that day were abandoned due worsening weather and winds. At 8am the Auster was hauled on board Magga Dan, floats re-fitted and the aircraft lashed down on top of the hatch.  The ship continued to Macquarie Island then Melbourne, but the Auster was not required to fly again. 5.3.59 Magga Dan berthed at Melbourne 8.6.59 RAAF Status Card: Received 1AD Laverton ex RAAF Antarctic Flight, Point Cook for survey 30.9.59 RAAF Status Card: Approved for disposal with installed Gipsy Major engine c60 Purchased by Rex Tucker, Winnaleah, Tasmania. Tucker had previously owned Auster III VH-RCT ex A11-38, registered 10.60 and sold the following year as VH-BED: see AOP III listing above 61 Rebuilt as a civil aircraft at Moorabbin Airport, Melbourne Vic 22.12.61 Registered as Auster Mk.6 VH-RCT Rex C. Tucker, Winnaleah, Tasmania Identity quoted as TAY913BJ.  Engine DH Gipsy Major Series 10 23.12.61 VH-RCT noted at Moorabbin, outside Civil Flying Services hangar, airworthy, painted in civil scheme 25.2.62 Struck a fence and overturned on landing Pyengana, Tasmania. Pilot and passenger unhurt. DCA accident report: "During a low level survey of a proposed landing area, the pilot allowed the wheels of the aircraft to contact the ground, resulting in loss of flying speed. The aircraft struck a fence, ran into soft ground and overturned." 9.62 VH-RCT noted at Launceston Airport, under rebuild in Tasmanian Aero Club hangar 15.8.63 Change of ownership: Alfred C. Stackhouse, Flinders Island, Tasmania 5.2.64 Crashed Cape Barren Island, Tasmania.  Pilot and passenger unhurt DCA accident report: "The pilot lost directional control whilst landing in strong and gusty wind conditions and the aircraft cartwheeled." 5.2.64 Struck-off Register The engine was salvaged and donated to a local school as a technical display. The damaged airframe was later burnt out in a bush fire. (In January 1964 an undercarriage fitting marked "A11-201" was fitted to a ground-loop damaged Auster J.5P Autocar VH-BYU during repair by Civil Flying Services at Moorabbin)

RAF Auster Mk.6 VX127 on floats on the Norsel in 1950, tied down on top of the crate containing VX126. The crate is marked NBSX = Norwegian British Swedish Expedition.        Ian O’Neill collection

VX127 on skis on Antarctic ice

Press picture of an Auster 6 on floats in Antarctica on the first RAAF expedition: it must be A11-201. Part of the engine-warming "elephants trunk" can be seen protruding the cockpit roof.

A11-201 in Antarctica with original RAAF roundel.             Geoff Goodall collection

A11-201 on floats.                                                            Greg Banfield collection

Fuselage of A11-201 ashore at Mawson base after gale damage on board the ship Kista Dan in February 1954.

A11-201 in Antarctica, now with kangaroo roundel.  Photo: Neil Follett collection

A11-201 on floats with the Antarctic ship Kista Dan                 Greg Banfield collection

A11-201 at Hobart docks January 1959 on board the Magga Dan.                 Photo by Norm Weeding

The day after it was civil registered as VH-RCT, at Moorabbin 23 December 1961.      Photo by Neil Follett

A fine study of VH-RCT at Launceston, Tasmania in 1962, with stylish wheels spats.     Photo by Norm Weeding

Antarctic Austers Footnote:  Although many Australian pilots flew on Antarctic expeditions, Squadron Leader Douglas Walter Leckie is synonomous with the Austers and the first Beavers. After leaving the RAAF, he was to return to Antarctica ten years later as a contract civilian pilot, flying a Pilatus Turbo Porter for Forrester Stephen Aviation, Essendon. Thanks to his daughter Elizabeth, here is a brief summary of his outstanding flying career: 1937        Learnt to fly with Singapore Flying Club, commencing on DH.60X Moth floatplanes, then landplanes 1938        ANA Flying School, Essendon Vic 1938-40   Royal Victorian Aero Club, Essendon Vic: employed as instructor 3.40         Enlisted in RAAF: instructor at Central Flying School, Camden NSW 1940-45   RAAF flying service, including 270 operational hours with No.4 Squadron in New Guinea .46           Discharged from RAAF: last position Squadron Commander No.5 SFTS at Unanquinty NSW 1946-48   Yarram Aero Club, Vic: instructor 48-51       Founding member helped establish Latrobe Valley Aero Club, Morwell Vic - instructor with his Cadet VH-AFW 8.49         Purchased Avro Cadet VH-AFW 8.1.51      Rejoined the RAAF at Flt Lt, posted to RAAF East Sale as an instructor 1953        RAAF Point Cook preparing Antarctic Flight with the two Auster Mk.6s 1954        CO RAAF Antarctic Flight, Antarctic Expedition 1955        RAAF Point Cook, preparing the first Beaver for Antarctic 1.55         Awarded Air Force Cross 1956        Flew Beaver A95-201 from Mawson base, first Antarctic night flying 1.58         Awarded Order of the British Empire 1958        RAAF Point Cook, preparing Auster A11-201 for the Wilkes expedition 1959        Flew A11-201 on Wilkes expedition 1958-60   Flew Beavers for Snowy Mountains Hydro-electic Authority, Cooma NSW 21.8.59    Awarded Oswald Watt Medal for services to Australian aviation in Antarctica 1960        Established Leckie Aviation Services agricultural business in Gippsland Vic, with Tiger Moth VH-ABC 1961-67   Agricultural pilot with Airland Improvements, Cootamundra NSW 1967-73   Instructor for Pipeair, Moorabbin and Campbell-Hicks Airways at Moorabbin and Berwick Vic 1970/71 & 1971/72  Antarctic Expeditions, flying Pilatus Turbo Porter VH-FSB for Forrerster Stephen Aviation Pty Ltd

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4)  ROYAL AUSTRALIAN NAVY AUSTER J.5G AUTOCARS (A11-300 & A11-301)     Two new civil production Auster J.5Gs were purchased for the RAN Fleet Air Arm in 1953.  They were based at Nowra naval air station, NSW and used mainly for communications between naval air stations at Nowra, Jervis Bay, Schofields and Bankstown Airport, Sydney where the Fleet Air Arm combat aircraft were serviced by civil contractors.

A poor quality but rare photograph of the two Royal Australian Navy Auster Autocars in flight together, with A11-301 coded “NW 857” closest to the camera.                             Geoff Goodall collection

Auster J.5G Cirrus Autocar  c/n 3059                    A11-300, VH-MBF

.52 Built by Auster Aircraft Ltd at Rearsby Aerodrome, Leicester as a production J.5G Cirrus Autocar.  155hp Blackburn Currus Major 3 8.10.52 First flight at Rearsby, Auster test pilot Les Leetham. Recorded in Leetham's logbook as “PN765”: referring to the factory Planning Number. The PN number was often used by Auster test pilots in the 1950s when a registration/serial had not been applied at the time of their test flights. 12.52 Four more flights conducted at Rearsby by Les Leetham, all “PN765” .53 Sold as a new aircraft to Australian Government for Royal Australian Navy. The RAN order for two J.5Gs specified a freight hatch over the rear of the cabin, a Plessy 6 channel radio, with a whip aerial just aft of the freight hatch. 21.5.53 Delivered from Rearsby to RAF Abbotsinch, Glasgow, Scotland by Auster test pilot Les Leetham. (A11-301 was delivered to Abbotsinch the following day) .53 Loaded on board carrier HMAS Sydney, which was on a goodwill visit to Great Britain for Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation 7.6.53 Taken on charge as A11-300 Royal Australian Navy Fleet Air Arm, Nowra Naval Air Station NSW 11.6.53 Department of Navy advised Department of Air that two Auster aircraft purchased by Royal Australian Navy have been allocated serial numbers A11-300 and A11-301 5.8.53 HMAS Sydney arrived in Sydney after an extended return cruise from Great Britain via Canada, United States, Panama, Hawaii and NZ Both Austers based NAS Nowra, operated by RAN Fleet Air Arm No.723 Sqn, 724 Sqn, 725 Sqn and 808 Sqn Codes “930”, later “NW/856” 2.10.61 A11-300 noted at NAS Nowra, silver, code “NW/856”, reportedly with 723 Sqn 63 RAN introduced its own serial range, allocating prefix N1- to the Austers: A11-300 was allocated N1-300. A11-301 was allocated N1-301 Neither Auster had the new serial painted on prior to their disposal 25.10.63 Sold by Department of Supply 15.11.63 Registered as Auster J.5G VH-MBF  Murray Border Flying Club, Cobram Vic Based at the nearby former RAAF airfield at Tocumwal NSW 29.2.64 VH-MBF the other former RAN Auster VH-MRD both noted at Tocumwal, both silver with dark blue trim 23.3.64 Change of ownership: K. H. Jenkins, Cobram Vic 9.5.64 noted at Tocumwal 15.9.64 noted at Moorabbin Airport, Melbourne 2.2.65 noted at Tocumwal, also 2.3.65, 25.9.65 all silver with blue trim 12.10.65 Change of ownership: Kevin J. Smith, Myrtleford Vic 6.7.77 Struck-off Register, owner’s request Stored by Kevin Smith pending a planned rebuild .00 Sold to Museum of Flight, NAS Nowra NSW by Kevin Smith of Myrtleford Vic. Aircraft was in poor condition after along period of storage, however close inspection found that it was in remarkably original condition with serial “A11-300” strencilled inside most panels. Acquired by the museum in an exhange deal, in which Kevin Smith would receive Auster J.5G VH-BYV, which had been on static display at the museum painted as “A11-300”. VH-BYV had no Navy connection but was the correct Auster model.  Agreed that BYV would remain on display until restoration of VH-MBF was completed 6.00 VH-MBF arrived by road at Museum of Flight, Nowra 2.01 VH-BYV noted at Nowra, inside Museum of Flight, hanging suspended, painted as “A11-300”. In a corner of the museum hangar was a dismantled Auster airframe, assumed to be VH-MBF, next to the nose of Sea Otter JN200.

This picture at the factory was on the cover of AUSTER NEWS, the Auster house magazine in 1953. Courtesy Ian W. O’Neill

A11-300 at NAS Nowra NSW in October 1961.                                       Richard E. Hourigan

A11-300 as VH-MBF at Tocumwal in 1963 soon after it was civilianised. Behind are CAC Wirraway fuselages, the last of the thousands of RAAF aircraft scrapped at this base.          Geoff Goodall collection

VH-MBF at Tocumwal in March 1965, silver with dark blue trim.                    Photo by Peter Limon

The Imposter: Auster J.5G VH-BYV masquerading as A11-300 at the Navy museum Nowra December 1992 Photo by Clive Lynch

Auster J.5G Autocar  c/n 3064                        A11-301, VH-MRD

.53 Built by Auster Aircraft Ltd at Rearsby Aerodrome, Leicester as a production J.5G Cirrus Autocar.  155hp Blackburn Currus Major 3 Sale to Brazil not completed, registration PT-ANO allocated, but not taken up .53 Sold as a new aircraft to Australian Government for Royal Australian Navy. The RAN order for two J.5Gs specified a freight hatch over the rear of the cabin, a Plessy 6 channel radio, with a whip aerial just aft of the freight hatch. 16.5.53 First test flight at Rearsby, Auster test pilot L.A.Leetham. Recorded in his logbook as “3064” (the construction number) 18.5.53 Another test flight Rearsby, pilot L.A.Leetham. Recorded in his logbook as “PN795”, which was its factory Planning Number.  The PN number was often used by Auster test pilots in the 1950s when a registration/serial had not been applied at the time of their test flights. 22.5.53 A11-301 delivered from Rearsby to RAF Abbotsinch, Glasgow, Scotland by Auster test pilot Ranald L. Porteous. (A11-300 was delivered to Abbotsinch the previous day) Loaded on board carrier HMAS Sydney, which was on a goodwill visit to Great Britain for Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation 7.6.53 Taken on charge as A11-301 Royal Australian Navy Fleet Air Arm, Nowra Naval Air Station NSW 11.6.53 Department of Navy advised Department of Air that two Auster aircraft purchased by Royal Australian Navy have been allocated serial numbers A11-300 and A11-301 15.8.53 HMAS Sydney arrived in Sydney after an extended return cruise from Great Britain via Canada, United States, Panama, Hawaii and NZ. Both Austers based NAS Nowra, operated by RAN Fleet Air Arm No.723 Sqn, 724 Sqn, 725 Sqn and 808 Sqn Codes “931”, later “NW/857” 18.3.57 Received at 808 Sqn, Nowra 19.3.57 Landing accident, starboard undercarriage leg collapsed and propeller bent. Instructor Lt. Cordell was converting Lt. Champ of 808 Sqn on to the type. Location probably Nowra 6.58 A11-301 noted at Bankstown, code "931" 63 RAN introduced its own serial range, allocating N1- to the Austers:  A11-300 was allocated N1-300. A11-301 was allocated N1-301.  Neither Auster had the new serial painted on prior to their disposal 22.10.63 Disposal by Department of Supply 3.12.63 Registered as Auster J.5G VH-MRD  E. J. Davis, “Fairview” via Corowa NSW 26.12.63 VH-MRD noted at Bankstown, reported as precvious markings NW/857 27.2.64 noted at Forbes NSW, parked at airfield with left wheel removed for repair 29.2.64 noted at Tocumwal, along with the other ex RAN Auster VH-MBF 1.3.64 noted at Tocumwal, silver with large blue fuselage registration 17.3.65 noted at Bankstown, silver with large blue fuselage registration 26.10.68 Change of ownership: G. R. Quennell, Sydney NSW 7.11.69 noted at Tocumwal, in hangar, all silver 4.1.70 noted at Griffith NSW 2.11.72 Struck-off Register, owner’s request 22.8.75 Restored to Register VH-MRD Walter R. N. Ross, Melbourne Vic 7.12.75 visited Point Cook Vic fly-in 1.76 noted at Essendon Airport, Melbourne, based here. Two tone blue paint scheme, “RAN A11-301 and “NAVY 857” 21.3.76 visited Berwick Vic airshow 5.12.76 visited Point Cook Vic fly-in, “A11-301” 31.1.77 noted at Sunbury Vic 3.4.77 visited Sunbury Vic fly-in, “A11-301/NW857” 30.10.77 3isited Sunbury Vic fly-in, “A11-301/NW857” 20.11.77 visited Point Cook Vic fly-in, “A11-301/NW857” 3.12.78 visited Sunbury Vic airshow, “A11-301/NW857” 11.2.79 visited Lilydale Vic airshow 4.3.79 visited Ballarat Vic airshow 5.81 VH-MRD advertised for sale, with RAN log books, fresh major overhaul just completed: apply Wal Ross, Melbourne 6.10.81 Change of ownership:  E. M. Ross, Newhorn Vic 15.6.82 Change of ownership:  Donald A. Brown, Kongwak Vic 19.6.15 Struck-off Register "To be reclassified as a home-built aircraft" 23.6.15 Registered VH-MRD as Amateur-built "Beach Hawk":  Donald A. Brown, Kongwak Vic Currently registered

A11-301 "931" at Nowra Naval Air Station NSW circa 1955, with a RAN Fairy Firefly behind.  Photo: RAN

A11-301's landing accident in March 1957.                        Photo via Ian W. O'Neill

A11-301 now as VH-MRD, at Tocumwal NSW in March 1964, silver with blue registration.  Geoff Goodall collection

Melbourne-Essendon in September 1975 in wildly innaccurate two-tone blue RAN paint scheme. Ben Dannecker collection

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5) AUSTER AOP-9     The last of the military Auster models, the AOP-9 was a postwar design using updated construction techniques. The metal wings have fabric covering aft of the spar, and hydraulic activated flaps.  Powered by a 180hp Blackburn Bombardier engine with fuel injection with electric fuel boost.     Only two former British Army AOP-9s have appeared in Australia. The first was XP285, donated to the Australian Army Museum by the Royal Army in Britain The second was imported from England in 1978 by a Victorian vintage aircraft dealer, for resale on the local warbird market.

Auster AOP-9                                    XP285

7.61 Built by Auster Aircraft Ltd at Rearsby as Auster Model B.5.  180hp Blackburn Bombardier Built to British Army Air Corps contract for 33 AOP Mk.9s with serial range XP232-XP254 and XP277-XP286. XP285 was Fuselage Number 171 (c/ns were not allocated to military orders) 7.7.61 Build date on manufacturer's plate in cockpit. Fuselage No.171 26.9.61 Awaiting collection at Rearsby 26.9.61 Taken on Army Air Corps charge as Auster AOP Mk.9 XP285 28.9.61 Allotted 654 Light Aircraft Squadron, Army Air Corps, Hildesheim, West Germany 2.8.63 Allotted No.19 Maintenance Unit, St Athan for storage 11.3.65 Allotted No.6 Liaison/Depot Flight, Army Air Corps, Middle Wallop 1.3.66 Allotted 132 Flight 28.11.66 Allotted No.19 Maintenance Unit, St Athan for storage 8.7.70 Allotted No.70 Aircraft Workshop, Middle Wallop for preparation prior to presentation to Australian Army Aviation 26.8.70 Struck-off Charge "Gift to Australian War Museum" Transported to Australia 10.70 Formally presented at Oakey Army Airfield by Maj-Gen R.D.Wilson XP285 static display at Museum of Australian Army Flying, Oakey Army Airfield Qld Current

XP285 at Dusseldorf, West Germany when in service with the British Army Air Corps. Photo: Ian W. O’Neill collection

XP285 displayed at Museum of Australian Army Flying, Oakey air base, Queensland 2008. Photo by Ian McDonell

Auster AOP-9                                XK406, VH-XKA

7.56 Built by Auster Aircraft Ltd at Rearsby as Auster Model B.5.  180hp Blackburn Bombardier Built to British Army Air Corps contract for 25 AOP Mk.9s with serial range XK374-XK382 and XK406-XK421. 26.7.56 Taken on British Army strength as XK406 Operated mostly in West Germany with British Army of the Rhine (BAOR) 7.58 XK406 photographed at RAF Gutersloh, West Germany Disposal by British Army Air Corps 15.10.69 Auctioned at No.19 Maintenance Unit, St Athan. One of eight AOP-9s purchased by Desmond G. "Dizzy" Addicott Addicott was a RAF WWII bomber pilot who post-war was an experienced military instructor, then test pilot for Vickers, Hunting, BAC and was an exceptional airshow performer. He flew vintage aircraft and movie work in warbirds.  He was also a racing car driving enthusiast who designed motor cars and had plans for a land speed record using a jet-powered Supermarine Swift fuselage mounted on wheels c69 Reportedly six AOP-9s were moved by road to Congresbury Motors, Congresbury, They were loaded on trailers built from old caravan chassis. 5.7.71 XK404 displayed at Toogoods Caravans sales, Bedminster Down, Bristol with three other AOP-9 72/74 XK406 for sale at Congresbury Motors, Congresbury: several AOP-9s were parked with wings removed alongside the showroom.  Being advertised for sale at £1200 each. 78 XK406 purchased in England by Sander Veestra, Melbourne Vic Veestra purchased a number of older aircraft types in UK which were shipped to Australia for resale 78 Shipped from UK to Melbourne, consigned crated with a Beagle Terrier Sold by Veenstra to Martin Klopp, Frankston, Melbourne Vic Restoration project, Klopp acquired drawings, manuals and parts. .84 Sold by Klopp to Rob Wettenhall, Berwick Vic Five year restoration in his house garage and recovered with Stits fabric, painted to match the original RAF camouflage 25.2.89 Moved by road to Melbourne-Moorabbin Airport for final assembly and preparation by engineer Ron Lee 23.3.89 First flight Moorabbin, camouflaged "ARMY XK406" 16.5.89 Registered VH-XKA Robert C. Wettenhall, Berwick Vic Identity quoted as B5/10/109 27.10.94 Change of ownership: John L. Pettit, "Wooloomanata", via Geelong Vic Current

VH-XKA arrives at a fly-in at Kyabram Vic on 24 October 2010.                                    Photo by Phil Vabre

Early next morning at Kyabram, with overnight camping gear.                               Photo by Phil Vabre

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6)  A LATE ARRIVAL - AN ADDITIONAL AUSTER Mk.III This British civilianised Mk.III was imported in 1978 by an Australian vintage aircraft dealer, for resale on the local warbird market.  Although this Auster had no connection with Australian military, it is the only other example of the Mk.III in Australia and is included for completneess.

Auster Mk.III       c/n 546 ex NJ916                    VH-KRL

8.43 Built by Taylorcraft Aeroplanes (England) Ltd to RAF order for 338 Auster Mk.IIIs & Mk.Vs, serial range NJ609 to NK132 including black-out blocks.   NJ917 was from serial batch NJ889-NJ935 completed as Auster IIIs. 23.8.43 Taken on RAF charge as Auster Mk.III NJ916 23.8.43 Allotted No.20 Maintenance Unit, Aston Down  15.10.43 Allotted  662 Sqn 18.4.44 Allotted No.83 Group Support Unit, Redhill 8.9.44 Allotted No.20 Maintenance Unit, Aston Down 13.12.44 Sold to Royal Netherlands Air Force as NJ916 45 Operated by No.6 (Dutch) Communications Flight, code “P” .46 Tfd to Luchtstridjdracten – LSK (Directoration of Netherlands Air Force), re-serialled R-13 23.9.49 Tfd to Marine Luchtvaart Direnst – MLD  (Royal Netherlands Navy), re-serialled A-33 7.5.51 Allotted VSQ-5 (No.5 General Purpose Squadron), re-serialled U-33 25.10.56 Retired by Royal Netherlands Navy 31.7.57 Registered PH-UFP National Luchtvaart School, Rotterdam-Zienstinhoven 19.12.61 Change of ownership: J. Daams, t/a Skylight Company, Hilversum (Mr. Daams operated Skylight Co for many years in Europe, using NA Harvards and other types for aerial advertising, including night flying with electrically illuminated advertising messages) 16.2.65 Registered as an Auster 3 G-ATAX RAF Flying Club, RAF Geilenkirchen, West Germany Identity quoted as TAY1524 23.1.64 British CofA issued 16.6.65 Returned to Dutch Register PH-UFP M. Houtmortels, Brunsum (Mr. Houtmortels had requested registration PH-RAF in 6.65 for this aircraft but refused) 65 Operated by Cirrus Flying Club, RAF Geilenkirchen, West Germany  68 Operated by RAF Laarbuch Flying Club, West Germany 25.3.68 Struck-off Dutch Register due sold to RAF Laarbeuch Flying Club 26.7.68 Restored British Register G-ATAX RAF Laarbruch Flying Club, Laarbruch, West Germany 1.6.69 Undercarriage collapsed when propeller and wheel struck the ground simultaneously on landing at RAF Laarbruch. The student pilot was flying touch-and-go circuits, total 5 hours on type. 4.1.74 Change of ownership: Cornwall Flying Club, Liskeard, Cornwall. Based at Bodmin. 27.3.75 Arrived at Barton on delivery to a new owner 16.4.75 Change of ownership: Wilfred E. Roberts, Lymm, Cheshire. Based at Barton 2.1.76 Blown over while parked outside at Barton 3.7.76 visited fly-in at Sywell, red and white with black trim By 10.77 had been repainted in RAF camouflage as “NJ916” 8.10.77 Damaged in ground-loop landing at Chirk, on arrival for a major inspection. Repaired during the inspection .78 Purchased during maintenance at Chirk by Sander Veenstra, Melbourne Vic At that time Veenstra headed a partnership which imported a number of vintage aircraft to Australia for re-sale. Included Austers of various types, Beagle Terrier, AOP-9, Thruxton Jackaroo, DH.87B, DH.89, and Stinson 108. All were shipped and most were assembled at Berwick airfield Vic. 4.4.78 Completed overhaul at Chirk. 9.4.78 G-ATAX crated at Biggin Hill for shipping to Australia 11.4.78 Struck-off British Register as sold to Australia 7.78 G-ATAX noted at Berwick, camouflaged “NJ916”. Also 8.9.79, 10.11.79, 1.12.79, 5.4.80 9.78 Advertised for sale, located Melbourne. 1.80 Advertised for sale: quoted as registration VH-KRL: new fabric on wings, long-range fuel tank, camouflage paint. Contact Keith Hatfield, airport owner, Berwick Vic 1.12.80 Registered VH-KRL Sander Veenstra, Berwick Vic 14.8.81 Change of ownership: Donald A. Mackintosh, Brisbane Qld 20.10.81 noted at Berwick Vic, now all silver with polished metal cowlings. The rear AOP glasshouse had been covered by fabric to form a small triangular rear cabin window 14.3.86 Change of ownership: G. W. Simmers, Brisbane Qld 19.8.88 Change of ownership: June S. Cameron, Brisbane Qld operated by Donald Mackintosh, Kingaroy Qld Current

PH-UFP at Rotterdam's Zienstinhoven Airport circa 1960, where it was based with National Luchtvaart School. Ian W.O'Neill collection Now registered G-ATAX, visiting a fly-in at Sywell in July 1976.                              Ian W. O'Neill collection

G-ATAX in camouflage as RAF NJ916, at Berwick Vic in April 1980.                        Photo by Nigel Daw

Undated picture of VH-KRL in Queensland, camouflage removed and rear military glasshouse covered with fabric to form a small triangular rear cabin window.                           Ian W. O'Neill collection

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Acknowledgements: Much additional detail was provided by the research of Ian W. O'Neill (UK), Melvyn Davis (Adelaide) and John Hopton (Melbourne). Thanks also to John Willis (Morwell).

References: - RAAF Status Cards, A11- series, RAAF Historical, Department of Defence, Canberra - RAAF Auster accident reports, RAAF Historical, Department of Defence, Canberra - RAF individual aircraft records, transcribed by Ian W. O'Neill - Australian CivIl Aircraft Register, Department of Civil Aviation and its successors - British Civil Aircraft Register: G-INFO website - DCA aircraft files, National Archives of Australia, MP113 Accession - Commonwealth Disposals Commission: tender documents for RAAF Austers - British Civil Aircraft Since 1919, A. J. Jackson, Volumes 1 & 3, Putnam 1973 - British Military Aircraft Serials 1911-1979, Bruce Robertson, Patrick Stephens Ltd 1979 - Auster Anniversary Review, Bernard Martin, Air Britain Digest, Summer 1989 - Alfresco Flight, David Wilson, RAAF Museum, 1991 - Flight Plan PNG, Eileen Steenson, Rigby 1974 - Wings Across The Sea, Ross Gillett, Aerospace Publications, Canberra 1988 - Outback Airman, Harry Purvis with Joan Priest, Rigby 1979 - Australian Auster News, editor Bill Baker, newsletter, Nos 1 & 2, 1987 - Rag and Tube, Antique Airplane Association of Australia, quarterly journal, 1980 to date - Classic Wings Down Under, quarterly magazine, renamed Classic Wings, 1990 to date - Australian Air Log, monthly journal, 1965-1968, numerous references to Austers - Barn Refugees, Graham Orphan, Classic Wings magazine #39 - Auspicious Auster, Craig Justo, Classic Wings magazine #39 - RAAF in Antarctica, Flight magazine 4.6.54 - Flying Jeeps, Robert Kendall Piper, RAAF Historical, AOPA Magazine, June 1986 - Busy Little Birds, David Wilson, RAAF Historical, Wings magazine, Winter 1985 - Austers At War: 16 AOP Flight, Greg Sherman, AHSA Aviation Heritage , Vol. 28 No.3 June 1997

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