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Last updated 22 Auguat 2022
DH.85 LEOPARD MOTH IN AUSTRALIA

Compiled by Geoff Goodall




Still going strong. 1935 model DH.85 Leopard Moth VH-UUL at Kilcoy Qld in February 2016.           Photo by Ian McDonell


    Designed by De Havilland Aircraft Co Ltd in 1933 as a private owner aircraft as a successor to the DH.80 Puss Moth.  Of generally similar design and dimensions, the Puss Moth's metal fuselage frame was replaced by spruce and plywood construction which was cheaper to build and weight saving allowed an extra passenger, making the Leopard Moth a comfortable 3 seater. It was powered by the more powerful 130hp DH Gipsy Major engine, which gave a better performance in speed and range to the Puss Moth.

    A production run of 132 DH.85 Leopard Moths commenced at De Havilland's works at Stag Lane Aerodrome, Edgeware, where the prototype was first flown 27 May 1933. With the closing of Stag Lane, DH.85 production was transferred to the company's Hatfield factory during 1934.

    Later during production, Leopard Moths had the fuselage flat sides modified with longitudinal stringers to add contours to the sides. However all production retained the same designation DH.85.


Restored cabin of VH-UUL in 2016.                               Photo by Ross Stenhouse
   
   A total of ten Leopard Moths were registered in Australia, all arriving pre-World War II.  During the war, the type escaped impressment by RAAF as communications aircraft during the war because most were owned by pastoralists or otherwise supporting essential wartime production of meat and wool. These continued to fly on wartime fuel rations, whilke others were retired for the duration.

   This listing is presented in order of appearance on the Civil Register:




                 C/n 7021                                                                                                                                     VH-URK, VH-AJN

1.34
Built by De Havilland Aircraft Co Ltd at Stag Lane
6.1.34
First flight
6.1.34
British CofA issued: De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd, Sydney NSW

Shipped to Australia

Assembled at Mascot Aerodrome, Sydney by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd
3.3.34
First flight Mascot by A. Murray-Jones of DH Aircraft
5.3.34
Australian Registration application: De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd, Mascot Aerodrome, Sydney NSW
6.3.34
Registered VH-URK
6.3.34
CofA issued
27.4.34
Change of ownership: James V. Fairbairn, Mount Elephant, Derrinallum Vic
Jim Fairbairn was a Member of the House of Representatives in Federal Parliament, Canberra and a keen private aviator.
1.3.35
Test flown Melbourne Airport, Coode Island Vic after CofA renewal overhaul by Larkin Aircraft Supply Co, pilot J. V. Fairbairn
2.7.35
De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd, Mascot installed an opening in the fuselage to allow owner to stow a spare propeller.  After modification completed, J. V. Fairbairn departed Mascot next day
8.3.36
Test flown Essendon after CofA renewal by Matthews Aviation, pilot J.V. Fairbairn
8.9.36
Change of ownership: Charles Osborne Fairbairn, "Banonbill" farm, Skipton Vic
4.11.37
Test flown Essendon after CofA renewal by Matthews Aviation, pilot C.O. Fairbairn
25.7.38
Damaged on landing "Logans Downs", Clermont Qld due landing area soft surface from recent rain,
pilot C. Osborne Fairbairn was unhurt.

Moved to Mascot for repair by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd
18.10.38
Test flown Mascot after rebuild, pilot A. Murray-Jones of DH Aircraft
11.11.39
Test flown Essendon after CofA renewal by Matthews Aviation, pilot C.O. Fairbairn
3.1.40
Minor modifications by Victorian & Interstate Airways, Essendon signed off by Chief Engineer J. Hart
2.12.40
Test flown Essendon by C.O. Fairbairn after CofA renewal by Ansett Airways
11.12.41
CofA renewed at RAAF Station, Ballarat Vic where Wing Commander C. O. Fairbairn was stationed
4.2.43
CofA renewed at Essendon
25.8.43
Change of ownership: Major Geoffrey Cohen, Melbourne Vic
Major Cohen requested a fuel ration to ferry the aircraft from Ballarat to Essendon
11.4.44
CofA renewed at Essendon
1.4.45
CofA renewed at Essendon
7.9.45
Change of ownership: Robert S. White, "Eskdale", Toogoolawah via Esk Qld
9.45
Delivered from Essendon to Esk by Mr. W.B.Campbell
11.45
Inspected by DCA while parked in Qantas hangar at Archerfield. A number of defects were reported and aircraft was stated to be in unsatisfactory condition. Promptly repaired.

DCA report: White keeps the aircraft at Archerfield and does not employ a pilot. When he requires the aircraft he arranges to have it flown by an available pilot from Archerfield to Eskdale to collect him. After each trip it is returned to hangar storage ar Archerfield.
3.5.46
CofA renewed at Archerfield
17.8.46
Damaged in forced landing Kempsey NSW
29.8.46
DCA report: VH-URK has arrived at Archerfield for accident repairs
30.11.46
Change of ownership: Keith A. Virtue, Brisbane Qld.  Purchased in damaged condition
5.47
Virtue advises DCA that rebuild will commence soon by Air Repair Co at Archerfield
19.12.47
Struck-off Register
25.2.49
Restored to Register: Keith A. Virtue, Brisbane Qld
25.2.49
CofA renewed at Archerfield after rebuild
12.4.50
CofA renewed at Archerfield
10.5.50
Change of ownership: Max B. Bushell, "Dundee" Station, Morven, via Charleville Qld
6.4.51
CofA renewed at Archerfield
5.7.51
Damaged on landing at "Dundee" Station, Morven Qld
10.51
Repair has commenced
1.52
Repair delayed while waiting for parts from UK
10.7.53
Change of ownership: David E. Cameron, Brisbane Qld, later "The Grange", Nanango Qld
2.58
Aircraft magazine advertisement: Airwork Co Pty Ltd, Archerfield offers for sale:
DH.89, DH.85, Miles Mercury, Mk.5 Auster, Lockheed 12.
21.5.58
Change of ownership: Airwork Pty Ltd, Archerfield Aerodrome, Brisbane Qld
25.8.58
Re-registered and change of ownership: VH-AJN:  A. Nixon, Brisbane Qld
31.1.64
Change of ownership: Ian T. Hunter, Brisbane Qld
12.1.66
Struck-off Register as withdrawn from service
20.5.66
Restored to Register VH-AJN: Clifford J. Adams, Grafton NSW
9.10.67
Struck-off Register as withdrawn from service
29.7.68
Restored to Register VH-AJN: Clifford J. Adams, Grafton NSW
13.10.68
Change of ownership: D. Quinn, Toowoomba Qld
12.1.69
noted at Surfers Paradise race track airstrip Qld, flying
30.5.69
Change of ownership: R. J. Baartz, Bowenville Qld
6.5.71
Change of ownership: Daniel K. McLardy, Toowoomba Qld
15.9.71
Destroyed in hangar fire at Toowoomba Qld. 
A total of five aircraft were destroyed when fire burnt out the Union Air hangar at Toowoomba Airport, including Auster VH-RJL, Beech Baron VH-RUU, and Beech Queenair VH-EZM.
27.10.71
Struck-off Register





Essendon Aerodrome, Melbourne circa 1935.                                         Civil Aviation Historical Society




Archerfield Aerodorme, Brisbane circa 1950.                                                              Photo by Gus Gruelke




Two pictures of VH-AJN at Grafton NSW during the 1960s while owned by Cliff Adams, courtesy Peter Adams








VH-AJN being refuelled from a 44 gallon drum at Surfers Paradise racecourse airstrip, January 1969.
Photo by Bob Livingstone




                   C/n 7084                                                                                                                                   VH-USK
9.34
Built by De Havilland Aircraft Co Ltd at Stag Lane
27.9.34
British CofA issued: De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd, Sydney NSW

Shipped to Australia

Assembled at Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd
3.11.34
Australian Registration application: John James Thorpe, Armadale WA
To be based Maylands Aerodrome, Perth
4.12.34
Registered VH-USK
4.12.34
Australian CofA issued
13.12.34
Departed Mascot on delivery flight to Perth, flown by J.J.Thorpe. Overnighted Adelaide
15.12.34
Arrived at Maylands Aerodrome, Perth on delivery flight, after spending the previous night at Kalgoorlie. Thorpe said the Leopard Moth was the "Rolls Royce of the Air". He would use the aircraft for his private use.
2.37
Change of ownership: P. H. Moody t/a P. H. Moody Air Taxis, Rockhampton Qld
4.2.37
Moody departed Maylands on delivery flight to Rockhampton
9.2.39
Change of owner's name: Air Taxis Pty Ltd, Rockhampton Qld. (Manager P. H. Moody)
13.3.39
Change of ownership: Eric P. Beresford, Cunnamulla Qld
20.9.39
Beresford wrote to DCA: VH-USK is based at Cunnamulla, 600 miles inland, and must be flown significant distances to have mandatory inspections. With petrol rationing soon to be imposed due to the war situation, he seeks advice.
DCA Brisbane office replied, delightfully missing the point and helpfully advising that his annual CofA renewals could be carried out at Archerfield Aerodrome, Brisbane by Royal Queensland Aero Club, Qantas Empire Airways,
Aircrafts Pty Ltd  or Airlines of Australia.
7.5.42
CofA expired. Retired at Cunnamulla.
11.43
DCA investigate reports VH-USV is flying without a current CofA. Eric Beresford responded that the aircraft is maintained in good condition and has been flown for "only essential purposes on my own property".
21.2.44
CofA renewed at Cunnamulla by DCA aircraft inspector H. Affleck
31.1.45
Flown Cunnamulla to Warwick Qld by E. Beresford, taking his two daughters to their school. In a press report Mr. beresford said the 4 hour flight was preferrable to two days by train.
31.8.45
Change of ownership: Roy L. Beresford, "Farnham Downs" Station, Eulo Qld 
Roy is Eric Beresford's brother.
25.9.47
Roy Beresford wrote to DCA complaining in strongest terms over the Air Navigation Charges he is required to pay when the aircraft is based on his own property, using airstrips he has built. It is used for aerial mustering of sheep.
4.49
More correspondence between Roy Beresford and DCA regarding charges and requirements for aircraft inspections. Beresford states that his pilot is Mr. Colin Young, but conditions on the land are so bad that he will soon have to cease his employment and sell his sheep flock
26.9.50
Crashed "Curragh" Station, Cunnamulla Qld.
(Anecdotal reports say aircraft crashed at night, pilot flying while intoxicated)
9.51
Owner advises DCA that he has no intention of rebuilding the aircraft
13.9.51
Struck-off Register


.75
Acquired as a restoration project by Greg Challinor t/a Mothcair Aviation, Murwillumbah NSW.
Fuselage complete with fabric covering standing on its landing gear, all silver.
17.4.75
Arrived by road at Caboolture airfield near Briusbane from Cunnamulla. Stored in hangar at Caboolture

Greg Challinor wrote in 1997: "VH-USK had been damaged in 1950 and stored as a source of spares for UVF. Luckily for USK, the need for parts did not arise and when I obtained it, it was very much the same as it would have been after its 1950 accident."
10.90
noted at Mothcair Aviation hangar at Murwillumbah NSW, fuselage standing on its gear, large fuselage registration
97
under restoration at Murwillumbah
18.1.01
Restored to Register VH-USK: Gregory P. Challinor, Stokers Siding NSW
4.09
VH-USK noted at Murwillumbah, restoration to fly almost completed. Painted glossy red with black trim. All that was needed were engine cowlings which had been contracted out to be fabricated.
The cowlings were installed the following month
20.6.15
Change of ownership: Ardmore Aviation Services Ltd, Hong Kong
Operator: Warwick M. Woinarski, Redcliffe Qld

Based at Redcliffe Qld, owner reported as New Zealander Mark Jack

Current





Archerfield 1938. "Captain P.H.Moody"on the fuselage under the wings emblem. Note the contours to the
fuselage sides, rather than the usual flat sides.                                      Frank Walters collection





VH-USK after restoration, in the Mothcair hangar at Murwillumbah in May 2009.        Photo by Nev French




VH-USK flying near its Redcliffe Queensland base.                                 Ray Vuillermin collection



                   C/n 7086                                                                                                                                        VH-USM

9.34
Built at Stag Lane by De Havilland Aircraft Co Ltd. 
24.9.34
Civil Aviation Branch allocated registration VH-USM for a new DH.85 at the request of De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd, Sydney
27.10.34
First flight at Stag Lane
2.11.34
British CofA issued: De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd, Sydney NSW

Shipped to Australia
12.34
Assembled at Mascot Aerodrome, Sydney by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd
24.12.34
Testflown Mascot after assembly
27.12.34
Registration application: John W. F. Collins, "Nindooinbah" Station, Beaudesert Qld
2.1.35
Registered VH-USM
2.1.35
Australian CofA issued
1.36
Collins had wireless and Direction Finding gear installed, wheel spats and polished Fairey Reed propeller
15.1.36
Collins flew VH-USM from "Nindooinbah" Station, Beaudesert to Sydney and return on the same day on a business trip.
5.4.36
Refuelled at Longreach Qld, Mr. J. W. F. Collins carrying two passengers from Camooweal to Sydney
5.36
Collins requested CAB approval to have self-retracting landing lights fitted. Installation approved.
14.8.36
Flown over Brisbane city at night by Collins
21.11.36
Change of ownership: Clive A. Knudsen, "Bonna" Station, Bundaberg Qld

Maintained continuously airworthy until 1948 by Knudsen, annual CofA renewal inspections being carried out on schedule
14.3.37
Arrived Cairns from Cloncurry and Normanton, flown by C.A.Knudsen and S. Howard. Departed next day for Bundaberg.
12.42
Ferried Bundaberg to Archerfield for CofA renewal. Aircraft has not yet been painted in camouflage as required under wartime regulations for civil aircraft
25.6.48
Change of ownership: Robert Lauder (Junior), "Melray" Station, Cunnamulla Qld
23.8.50
DCA approved a short-term extension to CofA after a telegram from Lauder: "will be unable to give USM a CofA for at least two months. Floods and rain have disorganised work on the property."
19.8.50
CofA expired, not renewed. Stored on "Melray" Station
20.8.55
Struck-off Register as withdrawn from service



Later owner Greg Challinor wrote in 1997: "VH-USM had been owned by Robert Lauder in Cunnamulla. In the early 1950s the aeropane had been slightly damaged. While awaiting repairs its hangar partly collapsed damaging it further. It was then dismantled and stored on the open verandah of the property causing further deterioration over the years."
.72
Derelict remains acquired by George Sutherland, Gympie Qld
Comprised forward fuselage, sections of wing and tail structures plus smaller parts
1.73
The airframe remains were moved by road from Cunnamulla to Gympie Qld
23.2.80
Sold to Gregory P. Challinor, Murwillumbah NSW at an auction at Gympie of George Sutherland's vintage aircraft collection: by then VH-USM comprised a collection of airframe sections and metal fittings only
3.80
Parts collection moved by road from Gympie to Murwillumbah NSW
23.4.80
VH-USM’s remains noted at Murwillumbah in the Challinor hangar

Greg Challinor writes: "When I bought VH-USM and brought it home it was a very sad sight. The fuselage was reduced to many bits of spruce with the metal fittings still attached. Mainplanes and tail surfaces were pretty much intact. Undercarriage, lift struts etc were thankfully in good condition. After going through the box of parts, surprisingly little was missing.
After a few years of much thought and very little work on USM due to other rebuild commitments, a chance came to purchase another Leopard VH-USK, along with the fuselage of another VH-UVF.
Since VH-USM requires near total wood replacement, it will be put aside for a later restoration, while USK & UVF are under current restoration."
97
Stored in the Mothcair hangar at Murwillumbah NSW, pending long-term restoration project
 
Fuselage restoration at Murwillumbah, based on a new-build fuselage shell utilising the metal components from the original VH-USM
2015
Restoration sold to Jim Creswell, Batchley Farm, Hordle, England
Late 2015
Restored fuselage standing on its undercarriage, plus components, arrived at owner's farm, where work continued
7.2.19
Restoration package sold to David C. Reid, Oaklands Farm, Haveringland, Norwich
Reid sold his DH.87 Hornet Moth that same month to finance the completion of the Leopard Moth.
29.6.20
Registered G-CLSM: David C. Reid, Oaklands Farm, Haveringland, Norwich
6.20
British CAA approved owner's request that when restoration is completed the aircraft can fly painted as "G-AUSM" to recognise its Australian origin.
(In fact the Australian G-AU registration series changed to VH-U series in 1929)

April 2021 Report : "David Reid's rebuild of Leopard Moth VH-USM is making good progress at Haveringland near Norwich





VH-USM outside the Qantas Empire Airways hangar at Archerfield Qld circa 1935.      
Photo: QEA, via Archerfield Jet Base which now occupies that hangar. 





                   C/n 7109                                                                                                                                   VH-UUE

28.5.38
Civil Aviation Branch allocated registration VH-UUE to De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd, Sydney for a DH.85 to be imported. Australian registration will be applied in the factory
8.35
Built at Hatfield by De Havilland Aircraft Co Ltd. 
DH.85 production was transferred to Hatfield when the DH Stag Lane works were closed during 1934
20.8.35
First flight at Hatfield, pilot E. G. Wright.
Four separate test flights that day by E.G.Wright: flight times 20 minutes,10 min, 5 min, 10 min
21.8.35
British CofA issued: De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd, Sydney NSW

Dismantled and boxed for shipment to Australia

Shipped to Australia
10.35
Assembled at Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd, signed out by J. McConnell
21.10.35
Test flown at Mascot after assembly, pilot DHA Manager A. Murray Jones.
Four separate flights that day of 10 mins, 10 mins, 10 mins, 30 mins
23.10.35
Local flight Mascot, 1 hr 45 min
24.10.35
Local flight from Mascot, 4 hr
25.10.35
Local flight from Mascot, 4 hr
26.10.35
Registered VH-UUE: George W. Sawtell, Sydney NSW
26.10.35
Australian CofA issued
26.10.35
Two local flights from Mascot: 2 hrs each
27-29.10.35
Mascot-Junee-Mascot
9.11.35
Mascot-Bathurst-Mascot. Also 23.11.35
25-27.11.35
Mascot-Canberra-Mascot
10.12.35
Mascot-Narromine-Mascot
11.12.35
Mascot-Cowra-Cootamundra-Mascot
12.12.35
Mascot-Cowra-Mascot

Log book: regular local flights at Mascot from now on, between travel flights
7.2.36
Mascot-Bombala-Mascot
11.2.36
Mascot-Coolah-Mascot
13.2.36
Mascot-Brisbane-Mascot, 8 hrs 50 mins
15-17.2.36
Mascot-Mudgee three return flights plus local flying Mudgee
20.2.36
Mascot Essendon
10.3.36
Essendon-Parafield
12.3.36
Parafield-Mascot
3.36
CAB memo: Sawtell has had spats fitted to the main wheels
31.3.36
Mascot-Cowra-Mascot
1.4.36
Mascot-Old Bar-Mascot
8.4.36
Mascot-Cowra-Mascot
10.4.36
Mascot-Newcastle-Mascot, also 22.4.36
5.5.36
Mascot-Goulburn-Mascot
13-24.5.36
Mascot-Cowra-Brewarrina-Cowra-Mascot
12.6.36
Mascot-Kempsey-Mascot
7.8.36
Mascot-Cowra-Mascot

20.8.36 Newspaper report: well-known sportsman pastoralist and pilot George Sawtell departed Mascot yesterday on a leisurely around-Australia flight.  He will pick up J. J. Fagen at Cowra NSW.
19.8-4.9.36
Log book:  Mascot to Cowra, Essendon, Parafield, Ceduna, Forrest, Perth, Carnarvon, Broome,Victoria River Downs, Darwin, Daly Waters,Cloncurry, Mackay, Brisbane, Mascot
6-7.9.36
Mascot-Cowra-Mascot
3.10.36
Test flown Mascot by G.W.Sawtell after CofA renewal overhaul by De Havilland Aircraft
10-14.6.37
Mascot-Adelaide-Mascot
27.10.37
Test flown Mascot by G.W.Sawtell after CofA renewal overhaul by De Havilland Aircraft
2.11.37
Mascot-Broken Bay-Mascot
4.11.37
Mascot-Cowra-Mascot
7.11.37
Mascot-Goulburn-Camden-Mascot. Airframe Logbook No.1 ends: total hours 274 hrs 40 mins
6.11.38
Test flown Mascot by G.W.Sawtell after CofA renewal overhaul by De Havilland Aircraft
27.3.39
Change of ownership: Air Taxis Pty Ltd, Connor Park aerodrome, Rockhampton Qld
c/- Captain P. H. Moody
21.6.39
Change of ownership: R. S. White, "Eskdale" Station, Esk Qld
21.10.39
Test flown Archerfield by Lex W. Winton after CofA renewal by Qantas
11.40
Test flown Archerfield by J.A.Bashford after CofA renewal by Qantas
7.12.41
CofA expired. Not renewed immediately due to the war situation. Stored Archerfield
11.3.42
CofA renewed Archerfield
10.3.43
CofA expired. Stored Archerfield
14.9.43
Change of ownership: Robert R. Lauder, "Cleland" Station, Cunnamulla Qld
22.12.43
CofA renewed Archerfield
12.44
Two month CofA extension requested by Lauder because sheep sheering and drought conditions were preventing him flying the aircraft to Sydney for CofA renewal overhaul. Approved by DCA.
11.3.45
CofA renewed at Cunnamulla. Aircraft has been resprayed all silver
3.46
DCA memo: Mr. S.D.Marshall of Marshall Airways, Mascot will visit Cunnamulla to carry out CofA renewal overhauls for DH.85s UUE & UVF and DH.87 UVV.
18.5.46
CofA renewed at Cunnamulla
15.9.46
Damaged in accident Cunnamulla Qld
11.5.47
Damaged in accident Wollongong NSW   Date also reported as 15.5.47
.47
Moved to Archerfield for rebuild by Air Repair
19.12.47
Struck-off Register
14.8.50
CofA renewed at Archerfield after rebuild
14.8.50
Restored to Register: Robert R. Lauder, "Cleland" Station, Cunnamulla Qld
1.6.51
Change of ownership: Harold Lauder, "Cleland" Station, Cunnamulla Qld
6.6.56
Change of ownership: Walter Schulz, Hughenden Qld
3.7.61
Change of ownership: Peter K. Dart, "Tancred" Station, Aramac Qld
12.9.63
Change of ownership: Dart Pastoral Co, Hughenden Qld, later Aramac Qld
4.11.67
Change of ownership: William H. Taylor & R. McCartin, Mundingburra Qld
8.1.72
noted at Townsville, under maintenance in aero club hangar
10.5.74
Struck-off Register as withdrawn from service
10.8.74
noted Townsville Qld in aero club hangar, under active restoration by owner Harry Taylor who was a ground engineer with the aero club
27.11.75
Restored to Register: William Harold Taylor, Townsville Qld
7.6.75
noted at Townsville, outside aero club hangar having engine run by Harry Taylor. Blue and white.
8.8.75
noted at Townsville, in hangar with wings folded
30.8.76
Delivered to Wodonga Vic, ferried from Townsville in 16 hours flying time. Sold to Joe Drage
10.9.76
Register Change of ownership: Joseph G. Drage/ Drage Historic Aircraft Collection, Wodonga Vic
5.11.76
noted at Drage Historic Aircraft Collection on Drage's farming property near Wodonga Vic
1.85
Moved from Wodonga to Wangaratta with the rest of the Drage Historic Aircraft Collection. Eight were ferried. Displayed in the new Drage Airworld hangar at Wangaratta Airport.
3.4.85
Change of ownership: City of Wangaratta, Wangaratta Vic.
The local shire took over the ownership and operation of Air World
8.96
Auction announced for disposal of 10 aircraft of the Airworld Collection, which had been forced to rationalise to continue. Among the ten aircraft was DH.85 VH-UUE offered in airworthy condition.
19.11.96
Sold at auction of selected Airworld Collection aircraft to John Clark, Geelong Vic.
.96
Flown out of Wangaratta, maintained airworthy.
30.1.97
Change of ownership: CGC Bureau Services Pty Ltd, Melbourne Vic c/- John Clark
14.5.99
Change of ownership: Briar Hall Pty Ltd, Melbourne Vic c/- John Clark
4.01
VH-UUE noted at Moorabbin Vic
8.5.02
Change of ownership: Murray Rockes, Melbourne Vic
27.8.02
Change of ownership back to: Briar Hall Pty Ltd, Melbourne Vic
31.3.06
Change of ownership: Harvey D. McBain, Nelson Vic

Stored in hangar Nelson, complete but in need of a full restoration
.20
Sold to James Cresswell, Lymington, Oxfordshire UK
1.21
VH-UUE arrived dismantled at Cresswell's hangar after shipping from Australia. Jim Cresswell is a vintage aircraft restorer who also owns DH.85 G-ACOL

Current





VH-UUE at De Havilland Aircraft hangar at Mascot soon after assembly, complete with stylish wheel spats.
It has the contoured fuselage sides of the later production aircraft.
             Frank Walters collection


Townsville Qld in June 1975, owner Harry Taylor running the Gipsy Major engine.    Photo by Geoff Goodall




Now owned by Joe Drage's Historic Aircraft Collection, visiting the March 1985 Mangalore, Vic airshow.
Photo by Geoff Goodall




                 C/n 7110                                 The Conqueror                                                                            VH-UUG


Built by De Havilland Aircraft Co Ltd at Hatfield
28.5.35
Civil Aviation Branch allocated registration VH-UUG to De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd, Sydney for a DH.85 to be imported
13.9.35
British CofA issued: De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd, Sydey NSW
.35
Ordered from De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd, Sydney by Nancy Bird, who at a young age had been barnstorming the outback with fellow aviatrix Peggy McKillop in Nancy's DH.60G Gipsy Moth VH-UTN, which she traded on the new Leopard Moth.

Shipped to Australia
11.35
Assembled at Mascot Aerodrome, Sydney by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd
14.11.35
Test flight Mascot after assembly
18.11.35
Registered VH-UUG: Miss Nancy de Low Bird, Sydney NSW.  Named The Conqueror
18.11.35
Australian CofA issued. 

Nancy Bird describes the DH.85's arrival in her book My God! It's a Woman:
"The ship carrying my Moth eventually arrived from England and there is only one word to decribe how she looked - magnificent. She was a high winged monoplane with a French-grey fuselage, silver wings and scarlet stripe, struts and undercarriage. There were two passenger seats, side by side in the back of the cabin and a bucket-type seat up front for the pilot. They were upholstered in high-grade grey leather which had a  wonderful smell. The cabin was carpeted in the same colour. The Leopard had a generous luggage locker, an extraordinary luxury compared with the tiny locker of the Moth. There was also a cabin-heating system and air-chutes for ventilation. Her cruising speed was 120 miles per hour compared to the Moth's 80 miles per hour. I could see that the comfort of the Leopard was going to be heavenly."
11.35
Major Murray-Jones of De Havillands endorsed Nancy Bird on her new Leopard Moth during circuits at Mascot
11.35
Nancy Bird departed Mascot for Bourke NSW where she had agreed to base her aircraft for a year to fly a nursing sister on clinic runs for the Far West Childrens Health Scheme. She had a small shed built to house the aircraft with its wings folded. A typical clinic run was Bourke to Louth, Urisino, Hungerford, Yambulla, Ford's Bridge, Bourke. Extreme heat, rough airstrips and primitive outback conditions.
1.36
Nancy Bird wrote to CAB advising that VH-UUG is now based at Bourke NSW. It is inspected each week by Captain A. W. Gregory of Butler Air Transport Co who passes through Bourke twice a week on the BAT DH.84 airmail route Cootamundra-Charleville.
Late 36
Nancy Bird moved her base from Bourke to Charleville Qld hoping for more charter work
20.11.36
Test flown Mascot after CofA renewal overhaul by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd,
pilot Captain A. Murray Jones
16.12.36
Departed Archerfield as race No.41 in the 3 day Brisbane-Adelaide Air Race, entered and flown by Nancy Bird, who was the youngest pilot, aged 21 years. She carried fellow competitor Freda Thompson's luggage, which Freda could not fit in her DH.60 Moth Major VH-UUC.  Nancy Bird completed the race at Parafield on 18.12.36, winning the Ladies Trophy.
10.37
Nancy Bird now bases VH-UUG at Cunnamulla Qld
22.10.37
Test flown Charleville after CofA renewal overhaul, pilot Nancy Bird
1.3.38
Charter flight Cunnamulla to Goodooga to collect a passenger for Sydney, pilot Bird
38
Nancy Bird ceased flying and put VH-UUG and her hangar at Cunnamulla up for sale
4.8.38
Change of ownership: Gordon W. Young, "Overshot" Station, Cunnamulla Qld
4.8.38
Test flown Mascot after CofA renewal overhaul, pilot J. A. Kerr
21.7.39
Test flown Archerfield after CofA renewal overhaul, pilot G.W. Young
17.2.40
Crashed on takeoff Cunnamulla Qld. Struck ground near ther town hospital at 4.25pm.
Gordon Young had arrived at Cunnamulla on a flight from Sydney that day, then after lunch at the hotel returned to the airfield for a short local flight with a passenger. Both were killed.
12.8.40
Colin H. Young "Carragh" Station, Cunnamulla wrote to DCA to advise that the wreck had been sold: airframe to Aircrafts Pty Ltd, Archerfield, and engine to John Meehan, Archerfield Qld.

Nancy Bird wrote: "..... my Leopard crashed killing the pilot Gordon Young and seriously injuring his cousin. It was never rebuilt although the engine later turned up at the Royal Aero Club of South Australia. I believe the aircraft mechanics were intrigued by the old fashioned crankshaft. When browsing through the log book they were amazed at the accounts pasted in by me, mostly from local garage mechanics. Though they did not have any aircraft engine experience, they did a wonderful job."





VH-UUG with first owner Nancy Bird on the right.                      Photo: State Library of NSW




VH-UUG No.41 at Parafield at the finish line of the Brisbane-Adelaide Air Race 18 December 1936
            Photo: State Library of SA




The wreck of VH-UUG at Cunnamulla Qld 17 February 1940.                        Geoff Goodall collection






                  C/n 7111                                                                                                                                        VH-UUL

15.8.35Civil Aviation Branch allocated registration VH-UUL to De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd, Sydney for a DH.85 to be imported
9.35Built by De Havilland Aircraft Co Ltd at Hatfield
12.9.35First flight Hatfield
21.9.35British CofA issued: De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd, Sydney NSW

Shipped to Australia

Assembled at Mascot Aerodrome, Sydney by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd
25.11.35First flight Mascot after assembly, pilot DHA Manager A. Murray Jones
25.11.35CAB inspection report and weighing Mascot: owner quoted as A.K. Lawson, Naracoorte
29.11.35Registered VH-UUL: A. Keith Lawson, "Padthaway" Station, Naracoorte SA
29.11.35CofA issued
2.3.37VH-UUL flown by A.K.Lawson at an airshow ay Naracoorte SA
11.37CofA renewed at Essendon by Victorian & Interstate Airways, signed off by engineer J. Hart. Also 11.37
11.38CofA renewed at Parafield by MacRoberttson Miller Aviation, signed off by engineer Cyril Kleinig
11.40CofA renewed at Parafield by MMA
11.41CofA renewed at Essendon. Also 11.43, 11.44
11.45
CofA renewed at Essendon by Victorian & Interstate Airways. Also 11.46
12.47
CofA renewed at Essendon
4.49
minor repairs at Parafield by Robbys Aircraft Repair Co
9.6.49
CofA renewed at Parafield by Robbys Aircraft Repair Co. Also 8.8.50 and 3.10.51
.57
CofA expired, not renewed. Stored. Total flying time: 1,022 hours.
26.6.60
Change of ownership: Arthur A. Napper & Jack L. Langan, Sydney NSW
.60
CofA renewed, based at Bankstown Airport, Sydney
11.60
Aircraft magazine: Flight test report by Keith Robey: photos show VH-UUL all silver, reported as being in "as new" condition.
29.3.64
Departed Brisbane-Archerfield as race #14 in R. M. Ansett Air Race, entered and flown by J. L. Langan, Sydney. Finished the race at Adelaide-Parafield 31.3.64
2.6.66
Change of ownership: K. R. Hutchens, Melbourne Vic
1.3.67
Change of ownership: Cecil M. Long, Melbourne Vic
10.3.68
visited Morwell Vic fly-in
10.4.68
Change of ownership: Colonel L. Keith Hatfield, Berwick Vic
Based in the original hangar at Lord Casey's private airfield at Berwick
71
Major restoration overhaul at Berwick
30.1.72
visited Jerilderie NSW fly-in from Berwick, then to Wagga. Pilot Neil Follett
5.2.72
noted at Berwick Vic
29.10.72
flew Berwick-Warrnambool Vic-Berwick, pilot Neil Follett
31.12.72
visited Maryborough Vic airshow from Berwick, pilot Neil Follett
28.1.73
visited Jerilderie NSW fly-in from Berwick, then to Albury NSW, pilot Neil Follett
29.1.73
flew Albury-Wodonga to visit Drage Historical Aircraft Museum, then to Albury, Berwick,
pilot Neil Follett
14.4.74
visited Morwell Vic fly-in
7.12.74
visited Point Cook Vic fly-in
22.2.75
flew at Berwick airshow, dark green and siver paint scheme
21.3.76
flew at Berwick airshow,  dark green and siver
30.10.77
visited Sunbury Vic fly-in, dark green and siver paint scheme
20.11.77
visited Point Cook Vic flyin
30.12.77
visited Morwell Vic flyin
14.3.78
Struck-off Register as withdrawn from service
78-91
Retired in hangar at Lord Casey's prewar airfield at Berwick, now named Casey Airfield
10.91
noted at Berwick Vic repainted for a movie to represent the Puss Moth which Jimmy Melrose flew in the 1934 England-Melbourne Air Race: all silver "VH-UQO My Hildergarde"
12.10.91
static display at RAAF Richmond NSW airshow, painted as "VH-UQO"
7.5.92
Restored to Register VH-UUL: L. Keith Hatfield, Melbourne Vic
3.95
visited Avalon Vic airshow, maroon and cream paint scheme
11.9.95
Casey Airfield, Berwick was closed for land development. The final aircraft to depart was VH-UUL which was ferried to RAAF Point Cook that day to take up residence in vintage aircraft hangar. 
3.97
visited Avalon Vic airshow, maroon and cream paint scheme
2.6.06
Change of ownership: Leslie Hatfield, Melbourne Vic.  Based at Point Cook Vic
9.10.15
Change of ownership: William W. Finlen, Boonah Qld

Current





Keith Lawson’s VH-UUL at "Padthaway" in January 1938, with Horrie Miller visiting in his Bristol M1C VH-UQI.
               Photo from a Lawson family album, courtesy Keith’s grandson Justin Good




VH-UUL at Bankstown in 1961, wearing number 7 for a local air race event.              John Hopton Collection




Parafield 31 March 1964, at the end of the R.M.Ansett Air Race from Brisbane.     Photo by Geoff Goodall




Casey Field, Berwick Vic in February 1975.                                                          Photo by Geoff Goodall




VH-UUL over Melbourne in 1991 while painted as James Melrose' Puss Moth VH-UQO "My Hildergarde"
Photo: Mac Job collection, courtesy Civil Aviation Historical Society




After the movie work, VH-UUL was repainted in this attractive scheme. Seen at Tyabb Vic in 1994.
Photo by Mike Madden




Still going strong in June 2022, VH-UUL being refuelled by proud owner Bill Finlen at home base Boonah Qld.
Bill has restored this antique fire tender as his refuelling truck.                   Photos by Ian McDonell








                        C/n 7126                                                                                                                  VH-UVF

.36
Built by De Havilland Aircraft Co Ltd at Hatfield
1.7.36
First flight Hatfield
20.7.36
British CofA issued: De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd, Sydney NSW

Shipped to Australia
10.36
Assembled at Mascot Aerodrome, Sydney by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd
27.10.36
Test flown Mascot after assembly
28.10.36
Registration application: Colin H. Young, Curragh Station, Cunnamulla Qld
3.11.36
Registered VH-UVF
3.11.36
CofA issued

Based on Curragh Station, Cunnamulla. Flown to Sydney for annual CofA renewals by
De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd
3.11.39
Inspection report at Mascot, good condition. Total time 414 hours
5.10.42
Badly damaged on landing, Wyandra Qld.
9.4.43
Ferried to Mascot for overhaul by De Havillands after temporary repairs completed
22.4.43
CofA renewed at Mascot

Flew throughout the war years. Young wrote to DCA several times requesting extensions to the CofA due to drought conditions at his property and his inability to leave to fly UVF to Sydney for formal renewals. His requests were approved.
15.4.47
CofA lapsed, not renewed
19.12.47
Struck-off Register as withdrawn from use
3.3.50
Restored to Register Colin H. Young, Cunnamulla Qld
3.3.50
Test flown at Bankstown after CofA renewal overhaul
23.4.59
Struck-off Register as withdrawn from use
.75
Sold by Colin Young in reasonably complete condition to unnamed persons who attemprted rebuilds
.76
Purchased by Greg Challinor, Murwillumbah NSW t/a Mothcair
27.4.76
Arrived by road at Caboolture airfield Qld, where stored with his DH.85 VH-USK

Greg Challinor wrote in 1997: "VH-UVF had been complete and in almost flyable condition while owned by Colin Young, also of Cunnamulla up until the mid 1970s. When I acquired it was dismembered with parts lost or misplaced with successive moves and various rebuilders 'having a go' at it. Interestingly, Colin Young had bought this aircraft new in 1936 and owned it right through until 1975. Having tracked down most of the missing parts for UVF, I now find myself in possession of three Leopard Moths."
97
under restoration at Murwillumbah NSW in Mothcair hangar
18.1.01
Restored to Register VH-UVF: Gregory P. Challinor, Murwillumbah NSW
7.20
Under restoration in the Challinor family's Mothcair hangar at Murwillumbah, wooden fuselage shell completed.
21
Unconfirmed reports that VH-UVF was among vintage aircraft restoration projects which received water damage in the Mothcair hangar when the Murwillumbah airfield was submerged by flood waters.  





Leopard Moths VH-UUG No.41 and VH-UVF No.36 can be seen in this view of competitors in the 1936
Brisbane-Adelaide Air race, at Cootamundra 17 December 1936.     Photo: Civil Aviation Historical Society

   
Cunnamulla Qld in 1939.                                                          Photo: State Library of Queensland




VH-UVF coming back to life in the Mothcair hangar at Murwillimbah NSW in July 2020.       Photo by Dave Eyre



                     C/n 7016                                                                                                  VH-ADV, VH-RSL, VH-BAH

33
Built by De Havilland Aircraft Co Ltd at Stag Lane
15.12.33
First flight at Stag Lane
12.33
Registered G-ACKY.     British Civil Register does not record the first owner
11.1.34
Delivered to owner ex De Havillands Stag Lane works
26.7.35
Change of ownership: George M. Tonge, Newmarket.  Based Croydon Aerodrome, London
12.37
Struck-off British Register as sold abroad

Shipped to Australia
2.38
Assembled at Archerfield Aerodrome, Brisbane by Higginson & Co
15.2.38
CAB inspection report after assembly at Archerfield. Still painted as G-ACKY.
15.2.38
Registration application: John Meehan, Brisbane Qld
22.2.38
Registered VH-ADV
22.2.38
Australian CofA issued
3.38
DCA memo:  Mr. Meehan is undergoing instruction in another DH.85
4.38
An amplifier was fitted to VH-ADV at Mascot Aerodrome, Sydney by Airflite Ltd. Meehan plans an aerial advertising campaign for Amalgamated Wireless Australia (AWA)
8.38
Amplifier and equipment removed after being found unsuccessful
3.10.38
Damaged on takeoff South West Rocks NSW when wing struck bushes, pilot Meehan
10.38
Repaired by Airflite Pty Ltd, Mascot
24.10.38
Damaged again, quickly repaired
21.11.38
Change of ownership: Airflite Pty Ltd, Mascot Aerodrome, Sydney
6.39
Mr. L. S. Hill was struck by the propeller of VH-ADV when it flew off the hub during an inadvertant engine start. The propeller had not been bolted on to hub. Hill took legal action against Airflite.
27.2.40
Change of ownership: R. B. Pearson, "Quantambone" Station, Brewarrina NSW
Pearson traded his Klemm VH-UTA to Airflite on the Leopard Moth
11.40
 John Meehan borrowed DH85 VH-ADV for a flight from Archerfield to Bundaberg Qld

Annual CofA renewals maintained throughout the war years
5.46
Sold to Eric E. McIllree, McIllree Motors, Sydney. Immediately resold to Dan Collins
16.5.46
Change of ownership: Daniel F. Collins, Sydney NSW
7.46
CofA renewal overhaul at Mascot, has been sold by Collins to Keith Leahy
2.8.46
Register Change of ownership: Keith Leahy, "Oxley" Station, Warren NSW
30.9.47
CofA expired
12.47
Leahy advises DCA that he will not renew the CofA and wishes to sell the aircraft
19.12.47
Struck-off Register as withdrawn from service
13.7.48
Registration application: Royal Aero Club of NSW, Mascot Aerodrome, Sydney
16.8.48
Restored to Register VH-ADV: Royal Aero Club of NSW
16.8.48
CofA renewed at Mascot
7.50
Aero Club transferred its base from Mascot to Bankstown Aerodrome, Sydney
19.10.52
Undercarriage damaged in groundloop on landing at Bankstown, pilot J. Epstein
15.5.53
CofA renewed at Bankstown
30.8.53
Badly damaged on landing, Bankstown
16.6.55
Struck-off Register as withdrawn from service
2.11.56
Restored to Register as VH-RSL: Royal Aero Club of NSW, Bankstown Airport, Sydney
The Aero Club was changing its fleet into the VH-RS block, presumeably signifying Royal Sydney.
24.4.58
Change of ownership: G. W. Cannon & J. E. W. McCall, Hebel Qld
1.5.58
Reregistered VH-BAH
29.10.60
Change of ownership: D. W. Ruming, Brodies Plains via Inverell NSW
29.7.71
Change of ownership: George C. Sutherland, Gympie Qld
5.1.72
noted at Gympie Aerodrome Qld. Also 14.8.74, 11.6.75
7.1.73
noted at Bundaberg Qld
15.4.78
VH-BAH and DH.87B VH-AFJ noted in hangar at "Sutherland Downs", 6 miles east of Gympie Qld, with other aircraft owned by George Sutherland
23.2.80
Passed in at auction at Gympie of George Sutherland's vintage aircraft collection
4.81
visited Maroochydore Qld airshow, pale yellow and silver
22.6.81
Change of ownership: Mrs Barbara J. McBain, Port McDonnell SA, later Nelson Vic
Operated by her husband, vintage aircraft enthusiast Don McBain
6.81
Purchased by Don McBain from George Sutherland. Don ferried it from Gympie to Port McDonnell SA. Don said "I was surprised when the big buyers (Drage, Long etc) did not buy Sutherland's collection when it was advertised for sale. They said his prices were too high and that the aircraft not in excellent condition. I waited nearly a year, then rang George one night. His price for the Leopard was firm ($A22K), so I went up to Gympie with a LAME friend to inspect it. We did some work on the fabric upper surfaces of the wings then flew it home."
2.4.83
Visited Mangalore Vic airshow, pale yellow, silver with black trim
3.6.83
VH-BAH noted at Don McBain's airstrip "Stringbag International" at Mount Shank near Port McDonnell SA. Also there were Don's DH87B VH-UXY, DH82 VH-BPU, and 3 Austers owned by others.
14.11.03
noted at Nelson Vic in Don McBain’s hangar, maintained airworthy. Also in the hangar were his Hornet Moth VH-UXY and five Tiger Moths.

Operated by Don McBain's son Harvey McBain, based at Nelson Vic, alongside Harvey's Leopard Moth VH-UUE

Current.





VH-ADV wearing wheel spats at Mascot Aerodrome, Sydney in 1938.                 Frank Walters collection




Mascot circa 1938, with advertising painted under the wing.                       Frank Walters collection




    Essendon Airport Vic circa 1947 in a postwar scheme.                                         Ed Coates Collection




Believed to be Essendon circa 1948.                      Civil Aviation Historical Society Allan Betteridge collection




                           Mascot 1949 with Royal Aero Club of NSW, painted in the club's distinctive orange and dark blue colours.
Photo: John Hopton Collection



Now VH-RSL, but still with the Aero Club of NSW at Bankstown 1958.          Photo by Barry Maclean




Reregistered VH-BAH, visiting an airshow at Mangalore Vic in April 1983.           Photo by Geoff Goodall






                    C/n 7118                                                                                                      VH-UVD,  VH-AAG,  (VR-RAX)

.35
Built by De Havilland Aircraft  Co Ltd at Hatfield
11.11.35
Civil Aviation Branch allocated registration VH-UVD to De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd, Sydney for a DH.85 to be imported.
12.11.35
Memo to CAN Head Office Melbourne from CAB Mascot office:
“The question has been raised by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd as to the suitability of registration letters VH-UVD, and the effect such registration would have on the sale of the machine.  As you know an aircraft is generally spoken of as AB, AC, KS as the case may be, and any one owning VH-UVD would have his machine referred to as VD.  Actually there is nothing wrong with such lettering, but unfortunately the letters VD are generally recognised as a short title for a foul disease
   In view of the circumstances, I recommend that registration letters VH-UVD be allowed to remain unissued and another registration marking allotted.”
29.11.35
CAB Head Office changed the allocation to VH-UTJ.
However an internal memo on the same day from aircraft inspector T. E .Johnson of the CAB Mascot office objected to the allocation of UTJ which the he understood was being held for his own use.
23.12.35
CAB Civil Registration Allocation ledger records cancellation of VH-UVD. A further entry on 20.1.36 states "UVD will not be utilised for aircraft markings"
However it appears this was not passed on and the registration was in fact used!
30.12.35
First flight Hatfield painted as VH-UVD

1.1.36    British CofA issued: De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd, Sydney

Shipped to Australia

Assembled at Mascot Aerodrome, Sydney by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd
16.6.36
Test flown Mascot after assembly. Forced landing on Randwick Racecourse, Sydney during the test flight, no damage
19.6.36
Registered VH-UVD: Axel S. Von Goes, Sydney NSW
19.6.36
Australian CofA issued
11.36
Von Goes wrote to CAB requesting the registration be changed because of embarrassment caused by the current marking. CAB agrees and allocates VH-AAG which is well ahead of allocation sequence but includes his initials
13.11.36
Reregistered VH-AAG Axel S. Von Goes, Sydney NSW
16.12.36
Departed Archerfield in the 3 day Brisbane-Adelaide Air Race, entered and flown by J. Robins, race number 38.  Aircraft had been entered as VH-UVD and was still painted as such for the race.
Mr. Robins completed the course but was not a prize winner.
24.1.37
Damaged in forced landing at Bong Bong NSW, while en route to Bermagui
18.6.37
Change of ownership: R. T. Perry, Narromine NSW
18.6.39
Change of ownership: Air Taxis Pty Ltd, Rockhampton Qld
5.41
CofA has expired, Air Taxis advise DCA they will not be renewing CofA
8.41
Air Taxis request approval from DCA under wartime civil aviation restrictions to sell VH-AAG to Kuala Lumpur Flying Club, Malaya. After overhaul by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd in Sydney, the aircraft will be shipped to Malaya.  DCA approve sale.
8.41
International Cable to DCA from Federated Malay States Government urging the Department to expedite the sale of VH-AAG to Malaya. 
DCA enquiries reveal the aircraft has not yet reached De Havilland Aircraft at Sydney for overhaul.
3.9.41
Ferried Archerfield-Mascot. Overhaul commenced immediately by De Havillands
3.9.41
Struck-off Australian Register as sold abroad
24.10.41
DCA memo: VH-AAG due to be moved to Sydney wharves for shipment to Malaya
10.41
Shipped ex Sydney
12.41
Arrived at Kuala Lumpur first week of December and quickly unpacked and assembled. Its civil paint scheme was painted over with camouflage.
41
Allotted VR-RAX. Not formally registered due Japanese invasion of Malaya
12.41
Entered service with "C" Flight, Malayan Volunteer Air Force
20.1.42
Burnt out by Japanese air attack on Kallang Aerodrome, Singapore.
Also wrecked in this air attack were MVAF Avro Cadet, DH.87 Hornet Moth and DH.90 Dragonfly





                            Archerfield Qld 1936                                                                             Frank Walters collection




                C/n 7120                      Windella                                                                                                  VH-AHB

.36
Built by De Havilland Aircraft  Co Ltd at Hatfield
23.12.35
Civil Aviation Branch allocated registration VH-UVF to De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd, Sydney for a DH.85 to be imported.
14.1.36
CAB memo: Leopard Moth aircraft VH-UVF on order for Mr. H. F. Broadbent is to be changed to VH-AHB to include his initials. These markings have been allocated as a special case.
1.2.36
First flight at Hatfield
3.2.36
British CofA issued: De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd, Sydney NSW

Shipped to Australia
3.36
Assembled at Mascot Aerodrome, Sydney by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd
27.3.36
Test flown Mascot after assembly
31.3.36
Registered VH-AHB: Harry F. "Jim" Broadbent c/- Butler Air Transport Co, Cootamundra NSW
31.3.36
Australian CofA issued

Painted on the engine cowlings: "H.F. Jim Broadbent, Cootamundra NSW"

Broadbent had been flying DH.84 Dragons for Butler Air Transport on the Cootamundra-Charleville sector of the Empire Air Mail scheme. On 12th March 1936 he was appointed Chief Pilot for BAT, but airline founder Arthur Butler would later write "Broadbent was more interested in record-breaking than the monotony of airline flying"
3.37
Auxilliary fuel tanks and oil tank installed at Mascot by De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd during CofA renewal overhaul
11.4.37
Testflown at Mascot by H. F. Broadbent after overhaul and mods
27.4.37
Broadbent departed Darwin solo at 6.45am for England in VH-AHB named Windella fitted long range fuel tanks, reached Lympne 3.5.37 at 5.41pm. Broke record with time of 6 days 8 hrs 25 mins
22.10.37
Broadbent departed Lympne, England at 5am for record flight to Australia in VH-AHB.
Delayed at Rome for 12 hrs due weather,
24.10.37
Damaged in force landing 60 miles from Baghdad. Broadbent abandoned the flight.
14.4.38
CAB received advice that VH-AHB was now in England. CAB wrote to Broadbent asking for his intentions.
20.5.38
Letter to CAB from Broadbent c/- Bank of NSW, London: he had that day transferred ownership of VH-AHB to Messrs Malcolm & Farquharson Ltd, Hounslow, Middlesex
20.5.38
Struck-off Australian Register as sold to Britain
26.7.38
Registered G-AFDV:  Samuel Harris c/- Cinema Press Ltd, Redhill Aerodrome, London
Sale negotiated through aircraft broker W. S. Shackleton Ltd, Picadilly, London
14.7.39
Change of ownership: Yorkshire Aeroplane Club Ltd, Leeds-Bradford Aerodrome, Yeadon, Yorks
20.2.40
Impressed by Air Ministry as W5783
20.2.40
Struck-off British Register

Issued to No.110 (AAC) Wing, Ringway

Later issued to No.6 AACU, Ringway
19.4.41
Crashed on landing, destroyed by fire, Manchester-Ringway Airport.
Struck a brazier on landing in poor weather.





VH-AHB's original paint scheme, "H.F. "Jim" Broadbent, Cootamundra NSW" on the cowling.
Photo: Ben Dannecker collection




Broadbent with a repainted VH-AHB at Darwin on 27 April 1937, about to depart for Timor on his
record-breaking 
flight to England in 6 days 8 hours.                                     Geoff Goodall collection




A still from a Gaumont Newsreel showing Jim Broadbent on the right, after arrival in England in 1937
Courtesy Graeme Parsons




A visiting Leopard Moth:
Long distance fliers Ken Waller and Bernard Rubin left Lypne on 22.3.34 for Australia in DH.85 G-ACLX (c/n 7036) for a survey of the MacRobertson Air Race route, in which they would enter in a DH.88 Comet.
On the outbound flight they were delayed at Basra by permit delays, and reached Darwin 7.4.34. They departed Darwin 22.4.34 for the return flight to England, breaking the Australia-England record with a time of 8 days 12 hours.
The DH.85 was owned by a partnership of Mr Rubin and fellow London-based Australian David Dear.




G-ACLX at Mascot in April 1934                                              Air History.net Photo Archive


*                             *                               *                             *                          *                               *                          *


References:
- Australian Civil Aircraft Register, Department of Civil Aviation and its successors
- British Civil Register: G-INFO database website
- DCA aircraft files, National Archives of Australia, Melbourne
- DCA Annual Survey of Aircraft Accidents, 1956-1970
- National Library of Australia - Trove newspaper archive website
- British Civil Aircraft Since 1919, A. J. Jackson, Putnam, London 1973
- De Havilland Aircraft Since 1909, A. J. Jackson, Putnam, London 1978
- Aviation Historical Society of Australia Journal, monthly, 1960-1970
- Australian Air Log, monthly journal, 1965-1968
- Air Britain journals, particularly Air Britain Archive quarterly: references to Australian DH85s
- Flypast A Record of Aviation in Australia, Neville Parnell & Trevor Boughton, CAA, 1988
- Allotment of Civil Registration markings, CAB & DCA file, National Archives of Australia,
  Series A705 No.8/103/996 transcribed by Dion Makoswski, published in Man and Aerial Machines, quarterly, April 1990
- Classic Wings Downunder magazine, renamed Classic Wings, editor Graham M. Orphan:
  references to Australian DH.85 restoration projects over various issues 1995 to date
- Flight Path magazine, editor Rob Fox, various references to restoration projects
- British CofA allocations series, Air Britain Archive: quarterly journal
- The Whole Truth: The De Havilland Leopard Moth, Air Britain Archive quarterly journal, 2008-2009
-  Leopard Moth, Greg Challinor, Classic Wings Down Under magazine Issue 14, July-Sept 1997
- 1936 Brisbane-Adelaide Air Race, Aviation Historical Society of Australia Journal March 1964
- Historic Civil Aircraft Register G-AUAA to VH-UZZ, Bert Cookson, Austairdata 1996
- Rag & Tube, monthly journal of Antique Aeroplane Association of Australia, 1977 onwards



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