RAAF
24 & 33 Squadron
Justin Taylan 2000
Daniel Leahy 2005
Force Landing November 24, 1942
Aircraft History
Previously registered as G-ABHO to owner Earl of Lovelace,
and used in East Africa. It also had the registration NC401H. Sold
to Guinea Airways in New Guinea, it was then registered as VH-UBI from
October 26, 1935 - February 6, 1942. It was impressed into RAAF service
on February 6, 1942 as A-45-1, first serving with RAAF No. 24 Squadron
and later No. 33.
Wartime History
This
aircraft was pressed into ambulance service evacuating troops during
the heavy fighting on the Kokoda
Trail. On one of its return flights on November 24, 1942, it slipped
on muddy ground and flipped over, crashing at Myola
Lake.
Recovery
The main fuselage was recovered in the 1979, and the wings
the following year, with the aid of the RAAF, and brought to Port
Moresby and the PNG Museum
Bruce Hoy recalls:
"[The recovery to the US] was only an idea of Bill
Chapman at
the time of the AMPNG - and
Yesterday's Air Force collaborations
in 1974. It never got past the thought stage.
Almost came to a full stop in 1979
though due to misunderstanding of the local people when the RAAF dropped
in to have a look at it first. The RAAF saw all these folk with shotguns,
and they pissed off! I tried to re-assure them that that was normal
with any village hunting party. Cost us a helicopter charter and then
a flight across to Kokoda to sort things out."
Display
Today, this wreck is on display at the PNG
War Museum in Port Moresby.. The
plane's wings are removed, and stored separately. Despite this plane's
age and long history, it is in exceptional condition.
References
Thanks to Daniel Leahy for RAAF information and registration
codes.
Ford 5 AT
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