Australian Military Aircraft - Chart 5

The Australian War Memorial

AUSTRALIAN MILITARY AIRCRAFT

CHART 5 : 1944 - 1953

The fifth wall chart in the series reproducing the War Memorial mural painted by Harold Freedman continues the story of Australian military aircraft between the years 1944 and 1953. Aircraft flown by Australians are identified by the numbers 168 to 220, and representative enemy aircraft by the letters AP and AQ.

By 1944 the Allied air, sea and land offensive in the Pacific had dealt a crippling blow to the retreating Japanese. Island after island was captured and early strikes by RAAF Beaufighters and Vengeance dive- bombers were augmented, later, by similar attacks made by Bostons, Mitchells and Venturas. It was while flying Bostons with No. 22 Squadron that Flight Lieutenant W.E. Newton was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross on 16 March 1943. In 1945 several RAAF squadrons of four-engined Liberators joined the offensive and for the first time the RAAF possessed a long-range bomber force of considerable strength with which to implement the policy of air power in the Pacific.

Meanwhile, Catalina flying-boats and amphibians successfully mined enemy waters and restricted enemy sea power operations and communications. Other flying-boats used as transports in home waters included Sunderlands and Mariners. On the mainland a transport support element came into being with the formation of Dakota squadrons. These aircraft replaced a variety of civilian-impressed small machines which were trying to cope with transport tasks.

A momentous event occurred on 6 August 1945 when a USAAF B-29 Superfortress dropped the first operational atomic bomb on Hiroshima. Three days later a similar bomb fell on Nagasaki. V-J Day occurred on 15 August and Japan signed an unconditional surrender on 2 September. RAAF aircraft immediately began flying home prisoners of war.

During the 1939-45 War the RAAF attained its highest personnel strength in 1944 with 20,000 officers, 144,000 men, and 18,000 WAAAF. Total enlistments for the war were 189,700 men and 27,200 women. In the Pacific alone the RAAF had 131,622 personnel and 3,187 aircraft in 52 squadrons. Awards to RAAF men include 2 VCs, 62 DSOs with 4 Bars, 5 MCs, 1880 DFCs with 118 Bars, 126 AFCs, 10 CGMs, 3 MMs, and 42 BEMs. The casualty list of 13,754 included 10,562 killed or died and 3,192 seriously injured.

In the last year of the war locally-built Mosquitoes and Mustangs made their appearance and these aircraft, together with Catalinas and Dakotas, formed the basis of the post-war Interim Air Force. They were joined in 1946 by the Lincoln, the largest aircraft constructed in Australia. In the same year No. 81 (Fighter) Wing deployed to Japan for occupation duties.

But for the Interim Air Force it was a time of interim peace only. In 1948-49 RAAF aircrews participated in the Berlin Airlift flying RAF Yorks and Dakotas, and in 1950 Lincolns and Dakotas proceeded to Malaya to combat the Communist terrorists. During the same year the Korean War broke out—a war which eventually witnessed the RAAFs first jet combats between Meteors and MiG-15s. At home, Meteor and Vampire jets had been appearing in Australian skies since 1946.

RAAF maritime operations included the provision in 1947 of a Kingfisher and Walrus aircraft for RAN ships in the first post-war Antarctic expedition. Plans were also announced in 1947 to establish a Fleet Air Arm for the RAN. The first aircraft carrier, HMAS Sydney, commissioned in 1948 with Sea Furies and Firefly aircraft. In 1950 Sydney returned to the UK and embarked two more similar squadrons. Sydney's Sea Furies and Fireflies operated in Korean waters in 1951 and 1953. The latter tour of duty was interrupted by the armistice which ended the Korean War.

168. BRISTOL BEAUFIGHTER British-built Beaufighters of various marks were imported for RAAF strike operations in the Pacific, 1942-45. Speed: 315 mph. Engine: 2x1670 hp Bristol Hercules. Span: 57 ft 10 in.

169. NOORDUYN NORSEMAN. Fourteen Canadian-built Norseman transports operated with the RAAF in Australia between 1943-47. Speed: 170 mph. Engine: 600 hp PW Wasp. Span: 51 ft 6 in.

170. VULTEE VENGEANCE. Five RAAF squadrons used the Vengeance dive-bomber on operational strikes in the SW Pacific 1942-44. Speed: 279 mph. Engine: 1700 hp Wright Cyclone. Span: 48 ft.

171. CURTISS SHRIKE. Ten Shrike dive-bombers—the USAAF version of the USN Helldiver— were taken on strength by the RAAF in 1943-44. Speed: 275 mph. Engine: 1700 hp Wright Cyclone. Span: 49 ft 9 in.

172. VULTEE-STINSON VIGILANT. No. 33 Sqn used several Vigilants on loan from the USAAF in New Guinea, 1942, under the RAAF identification number A64. Speed: 122 mph. Engine: 295 hp Lycoming R-608-9. Span: 50 ft 11 in.

173. MARTIN MARINER. The gull-winged Mariner flying-boat operated with Nos. 40 and 41 Sqns, RAAF, as transport aircraft, 1943-46. Speed: 225 mph. Engine: 2x1700 hp Wright Cyclone. Span: 118 ft.

174. CONSOLIDATED CATALINA. As from 1943-44 black painted RAAF Catalina flying-boats and amphibians were used for night mine-laying operations in enemy waters. Speed: 175 mph. Engine: 2x1200 hp PW R-1830-92. Span: 104 ft.

175. LOCKHEED VENTURA. Ventura Mks I, II, and GR5s served with No. 13 Sqn, RAAF, 1943-47, and transport versions (known as the Lodestar) also operated during the same period. Speed: 312 mph. Engine: 2x2000 hp PW R-2800-31. Span: 65 ft 6 in.

176. SHORT SUNDERLAND. In 1944 six Sunderland Mk III flying boats were flown from UK-Aust to operate with Mo. 40 Sqn, RAAF, in the transport  role. Speed: 212 mph. Engine: 2x1065 hp Bristol Pegasus. Span: 112 ft 9 1/2 in.

177. CONSOLIDATED LIBERATOR. Over 280 B-24 Liberators operated from 1944 with Nos. 12, 21, 23, 24, 25, 99 and 102 Sqns, RAAF, in the strategic bombing role. Speed: 290 mph. Engine: 4x1200 hp PW R-1830-65. Span: 110 ft.

AP. MITSUBISHI A6M. By 1944-45 RAAF long-range bomber and strike aircraft were being intercepted by improved Zeke 52 fighters of the A6M5 type. Speed: 351 mph. Engine: 1130 hp Nakajima Sakae. Span: 36 ft 1 1/16 in.

178. DAP BEAUFIGHTER. Australian-built Bristol Beaufighter 21s joined the RAAF in 1944, and 364 were constructed by the end of 1945. Speed: 320 mph. Engine: 2x1735 hp Bristol Hercules. Span: 57 ft 10 in.

179. AUSTER AOP. These Air Observation Post light planes operated with the RAAF from 1944 to 1959, and two were used in the Antarctic in 1953-6. Speed: 130 mph. Engine: 130 hp Gipsy Major. Span: 36 ft.

180. DOUGLAS BOSTON. Boston attack bombers served with No. 22 Sqn, RAAF, 1942-44, and Boston pilot Flt Lt Newton was posthumously awarded only RAAF VC in Pacific. Speed: 304 mph. Engine: 2x1600 hp Wright GR-2600-A5B. Span: 61 ft 4 in.

181. NORTH AMERICAN MITCHELL. Fifty Mitchell Mks I and Il medium bombers equipped No. 2 Sqn, RAAF, from 1944 to 1946. Speed: 272 mph. Engine: 2x1700 hp Wright R-2600-92. Span: 67 ft 7 in.

182. WACO YQC-6. A civilian Waco biplane, VH-UVW, was impressed by the RAAF as A54-1 as a communications aircraft between 1942-45. Speed: 142 mph. Engine: 225 hp Jacobs L-4M. Span: 34 ft 7¾ in.

183. DHA GLIDER. Eight troop-carrying gliders were built in Australia by de Havilland, 1942-43, and were towed by various aircraft including the Westland Wapiti. Speed: Diving 200 mph —free 185 mph—towing 130 mph—stalling 48 mph. Span: 50 ft 6 in.

184. DAP BEAUFREIGHTER. At the end of the war Australian- built Beaufreighters (modified Beauforts) were used to display surrender messages to isolated Japanese troops. Speed: 232 mph. Engine: 2x1200 hp PW Wasps. Span: 57 ft 10 in.

185. DOUGLAS DAKOTA. Camouflaged Dakota Mks I and III were first used by RAAF squadrons as from 1943 in the transport, paratroop, and supply roles. Speed: 230 mph. Engine: 2x1200 hp PW R-1830-92. Span: 95 ft 6 in.

186. D.H. MOSQUITO. Imported RAF, and locally-built DHA, Mosquitoes began entering the RAAF in 1943, although they did not commence operating until later in the war. Speed: 373 mph. Engine: 2x1460 hp Packard Merlin 31 or 33. Span: 54 ft 2 in.

187. NORTH AMERICAN MUSTANG. American P-51Ds and Ks, and locally-built CAC Mustangs joined the RAAF late in 1945 as replacements for Kittyhawks and Spitfires. Speed: 437 mph. Engine: 1490 hp Packard Merlin V-1650-7. Span: 37 ft.

188. AVRO YORK. The RAAF used an Avro York, MV140, as a VIP transport for the Governor-General of Australia, HRH the Duke of Gloucester. Speed: 298 mph. Engine: 4x1620 hp RR Merlin T.24. Span: 102 ft.

189. DOUGLAS DAKOTA. VIP-equipped Dakota Mk IV transports were also used by the RAAF's Governor-General Communications Flight. Speed: 230 mph. Engine: - 2x1200 hp PW R-1830-92. Span: 95 ft 6 in.

190. AVRO ANSON. In 1945 two Ansons—Mks I and XII-joined the G-G's Communications Flight, and during the 1950s two Anson C.19s operated at the Woomera Rocket Range. Anson XII—Speed: 171 mph. Engine: 2x420 hp AS Cheetah 15. Span: 56 ft 6 in.

191. PERCIVAL PROCTOR. Built by the firm controlled by Australian Edgar Percival, one Proctor Mk IV, NP336, joined the G-G’s Communications Flight, 1945-47. Speed: 157 mph. Engine: 210 hp DH Gipsy Queen II. Span: 39 ft 6 in.

192. VOUGHT-SIKORSKY KINGFISHER. In 1947 Kingfisher seaplane, A48-13, operated from HMAS Wyatt Earp during the first post-WWII Antarctic expedition. Speed: 164 mph. Engine: 450 hp PW R-985-SB3. Span: 35 ft 11 in.

193. SUPERMARINE WALRUS HMAS Labuan carried Walrus II amphibian, HD 874, during the 1947 Antarctic voyages. Speed: 135 mph. Engine: 775 hp Bristol Pegasus. Span: 45 ft 10 in.

194. DOUGLAS DAKOTA. Post-WWII RAAF transport support was provided by Dakota IVs, which also maintained a courier service for the Occupation Forces in Japan. Speed: 230 mph. Engine: 2x1200 hp PW R-1830-92. Span: 95 ft 6 in.

195. NORTH AMERICAN MUSTANG. Mustangs of Nos. 76, 77, and 82 Sqns deployed to Japan for occupation duties in 1946. Speed: 437 mph. Engine: 1490 hp Packard Merlin V-1650-7. Span: 37 ft.

196. DHA MOSQUITO. Australian-made mosquitoes escorted RAAF Mustangs to Japan, and later completed a mapping survey of Australia. Speed: 373 mph. Engine: 2x1460 hp Packard Merlin 31 or 33. Span: 54 ft 2 in.

197. CAC CA-15. Built by the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation, the CA-15 single-seat fighter A62-1001 completed RAAF prototype trials between 1946-50. Speed: 448 mph. Engine: 2035 hp RR Grifin. Span: 36 ft.

198. GAF LINCOLN. Avro Lincolns, built under licence by the Government Aircraft Factory as from 1946, were the largest aircraft produced in Australia. Speed: 305 mph. Engine: 4x1750 hp RR Merlin. Span: 120 ft.

199. GAF SPECIAL LINCOLN. Several Lincolns were modified for special duties, including two VIP versions, A73-14 and 18, equipped with fuselage windows. Speed: 305 mph. Engine: 4x1750 hp RR Merlin. Span: 120 ft.

200. DAP BEAUFIGHTER: Beaufighters of No. 30 (TT) Sqn were used to tow targets for bomber and fighter air-to-air firing practice in the post-war years. Speed: 320 mph. Engine: 2x1735 hp Bristol Hercules. Span: 57 ft 10 in.

201. GLOSTER METEOR. The first jet-engined aircraft to fly in Australia was Meteor F.4, A77-1, which carried out trials in 1946. Speed: 585 mph. Engine: 2x3500 lb st RR Derwent 5. Span: 37 ft 2 in.

202. D.H. VAMPIRE. Three UK Vampires, an F.1, F.2, and FB.5 were imported for trials in 1947, 1948, and 1949 respectively. Speed: 540 mph. Engine: 3100 lb st DH Goblin 2. Span: 40 ft.

203. DHA VAMPIRE. The first locally-built jet aircraft, built by de Havilland Australia, flew in 1949 and was the forerunner of 80 fighters and 104 trainers. FB. 31— Speed: 548 mph. Engine: 5000 lb st CAC Nene 2-VH. Span: 38 ft.

204. SUPERMARINE SEAFIRE. Before the formation of the RAN Fleet Air Arm in 1948, Australian naval fighter pilots trained with RN Seafires on British aircraft carriers. Speed: 383 mph. Engine: 1850 hp RR Griffon. Span: 36 ft 10 in.

205. FAIREY FIREFLY. Early versions of the Firefly two-seat fighter-reconnaissance aircraft were also used by RAN pilots while training with the RN. Speed: 316 mph. Engine: 1730 hp, or 1990 hp, RR Griffon. Span: 44 ft 6 in.

206. FAIREY FIREFLY. After Australia's first aircraft carrier, HMAS Sydney, commissioned in 1948 Firefly FR.4 and AS.5 aircraft were embarked in 1949. Speed: 386 mph. Engine: 2250 hp RR Griffon 74. Span: 41 ft 2 in.

207. HAWKER SEA FURY. The first fighter-bomber aircraft embarked by Sydney in 1949 were Sea Fury FB.IIs. Speed: 460 mph. Engine: 2480 hp Bristol Centaurus 18. Span: 38 ft 4¾ in.

208. SUPERMARINE SEA OTTER. The Sea Otter replaced the Walrus in the RN during 1944, and three Sea Otters were used by the RAN in the 1950s for air-sea rescue. Speed: 150 mph. Engine: 855 hp Bristol Mercury XXX. Span: 46 ft.

209. AUSTER AUTOCAR. Two J-5G Autocar four-seat communication aircraft flew with the RAN in the 1950-60s. Speed: 117 mph. Engine: 130 hp DH Gipsy Major I. Span: 36 ft.

210. D.H. TIGER MOTH. Imported and locally-built Tiger Moths were employed by the RAN for land-based elementary training in the 1950s. Speed: 109 mph. Engine: 130 hp DH Gipsy Major I. Span: 29 ft 4 in.

211. CAC WIRRAWAY. Some 17 Wirraways were modified to CA-20 standard for land-based advanced training at HMAS Albatross. Speed: 220 mph. Engine: 600 hp CAC/PW Wasp S1 H1-G. Span: 43 ft.

212. FAIREY FIREFLY TRAINER. During the 1950s two RAN Firefly AS.5s were converted in Australia to dual control trainers with raised rear cockpits. Speed: 386 mph. Engine: 2250 RR Griffon 74. Span: 41 ft 2 in.

213. DOUGLAS DAKOTA. As from the 1950s, Dakotas were operated by the RAN for communication and, later, radar training duties. Speed: 230 mph. Engine: 2x1200 hp PW Wasp R-1830-92. Span: 95 ft.

214. VICKERS VIKING. Between 1947-51 the RAAF operated a Viking C.2 transport at RAAF Edinburgh and the Woomera Rocket Range. Speed: 263 mph. Engine: 2x1690 hp Bristol Hercules 634. Span: 89 ft 3 in.

215. DOUGLAS DAKOTA. Ten RAAF aircrews flew RAF Dakotas during the Berlin Airlift crisis in 1948-49. Speed: 230 mph. Engine: 2x1200 hp PW Wasp R-1830-92. Span: 95 ft.

216. AVRO YORK. Four-engined York transports were also used in the Berlin Airlift by RAAF aircrews with No. 24 (Commonwealth) Squadron, RAF. Speed: 298 mph. Engine: 4x1620 hp Merlin T.24. Span: 102 ft.

217. GLOSTER METEOR. RAAF Meteor F.8s first went into action on 29 July 1951 when they replaced the piston-engined Mustangs of No. 77 Sqn. Speed: 590 mph. Engine: 2x3600 lb st RR Derwent 8. Span: 37 ft 2 in.

218. GLOSTER METEOR. The Meteor T.7 two-seat trainer was used by the RAAF in Korea and Australia from 1951. Speed: 585 mph. Engine: 2x3600 lb st RR Derwent 5 or 8. Span: 37 ft 2 in.

219. FAIREY FIREFLY. In 1951 and 1953 Fireflies, with black and white identification stripes, operated from HMAS Sydney against North Korean forces. Speed: 386 mph. Engine: 2250 hp RR Griffon 74. Span: 41 ft 2 in.

220. HAWKER SEA FURY. HMAS Sydney also operated Sea Furies, with United Nations markings, during the Korean War. Speed: 460 mph. Engine: 2480 hp Bristol Centaurus. Span: 38 ft 4¾ in.

AQ. MIKOYAN-GUREVICH MiG-15. On 1 December 1951 a MiG-15, as used by North Korea, was the first of three to be shot down by RAAF Meteors of No. 77 Sqn. Speed: 665 mph. Engine: 5004 lb st Klimov RD-45F. Span: 33 ft ¾ in.

(Text by Keith Isaacs) AN AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIAL PUBLICATION Chart No. 5