Aircraft History
Built by Douglas. Constructors Number 12249. USAAF Serial Number 42-92447. On January 18, 1944 departed Fairfield Airfield on a ferry flight across the Pacific to Australia.

Wartime History
On February 18 1944, delivered to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) as Dakota serial number A65-35 and received by 3 Air Depot (3 AD). On March 11, 1944 assigned to 33 Squadron with call sign VHCUH. Behind the cockpit windows was "H" in yellow. On March 25, 1945 this Dakota was parked for an inspection at Lae Airfield and caught fire but was extinguished.

On August 26, 1944 assigned to 7 Air Depot (7 AD). On September 2, 1944 assigned to Parachute Training Unit (PTU). On October 22, 1944 returned to 33 Squadron with fuselage code BT-K.

Mission History
On September 9, 1945 took off piloted by F/Lt Frederick H. Dyke, 406439 and force landed at Hayfield Airfield. On September 24, 1945, transfered to 12 Repair Salvage Unit (12 RSU) and was approved for conversion to components per File #9/16/2946 Min #1. On December 12, 1945 officially stricken from charge.

Wreckage
The fuselage of this Dakota remains in situ in kunai grass at Hayfield Airfield.

References
ADF Serials - Dakota A65-38
WW2 Nominal Roll - Frederick Henry Dyke

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Last Updated
January 31, 2018