Aircraft History
Built by Short in Rochester, Kent United Kingdom. Constructors Number S.1025. One of two hybrid S.33 models built. Assigned the British registration G-AFPZ. Operated by Qantas Empire Airways (QEA). Nicknamed "Clifton" on both sides of the nose with "Qantas Airways London" on both sides of the fuselage and "G-AFPZ" on the rear fuselage.

Wartime History
On March 4, 1942 impressed into service with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) as serial number A18-14. Armed with 50 caliber and 30 caliber machine guns recovered from wrecked aircraft.

On March 14, 1942 took off from Rose Bay piloted by Flt Lt Caldwell and assigned to 33 Squadron at Townsville. For the remainder of March 1942 this flying boat made daily and nightly flights from Townsville to Port Moresby ferrying personnel and cargo. On May 30, 1942 transported U.S. Army Lt. General George H. Brett, Commander Allied Forces South West Pacific Area (SWPA).

On August 21, 1942 assigned to 41 Squadron (Sea Transport) at Townsville along with S.23 "Coolangatta" A18-13 as A Flight with fuselage code DQ-B. Transported personnel and cargo to and from Horn Island, Port Moresby and Merauke. During January 1943, allocated call sign VH-CRC. Armament was removed and the hull was strengthened to carry a payload of 53,000 lbs.

During July 1943 returned to Qantas Empire Airways (QEA) and registered in Australia as VH-ACD and operated from Rose Bay.

Mission History
On January 18, 1944 crashed while landed at Rose Bay.

References
Air Enthusiast "C-Class 'Boats at War" by David Vincent page 33-37
ADF Serials - S23 A18-14
AussieAirliners.org - VH-ACD. Short S-33C Empire Flying Boat. c/n S.1025

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Last Updated
August 5, 2023