First Flight in Australia

This entry to my "Australia @ War" Blog has been provided by Gordon Clarke of ADF Serials:-

On the 5 December 2009 it was the centenary anniversary of what I believe was the first flight in Australia of an Australian designed heavier than air aircraft.

On Sunday 5th December 1909 George Taylor assembled his original designed glider on the sand dunes of Narrabeen, NSW and took off into the wind from the sea watched by some friends, helpers, locals and his wife which according to Taylor numbered over 100 people. An event reminiscent of the Wright brothers some seven years before.

George was a pupil of Lawrence Hargraves and it showed in his design of the biplane glider which sported a box tailplane directly inspired by Hargraves. Others have said the glider was inspired by a Voisin design. The reports indicate that there were made around 20 flights that day, varying in length from 100 yards (approximately 93 metres) to 250 yards (234 metres). But the firsts didn't end there. Apparently his wife Florence, also flew the glider either that day or the next and so she becomes the first Australian women aviatrix!

It makes an interesting comparison that six years ago there was a big fuss and write up about the centenary anniversary of the Wright brother first powered flight in nearly all the Australian aviation magazines/journals. However, there has been precious little in the Australian aviation press about this event. The only article that I'm aware of is one by Ian Debenham in Flightpath volume 21.1 earlier this year. Perhaps I'm too quick to criticise, as it has only been a little over a week since the anniversary, or is it that we know other countries' aviation history better than our own? I would have thought that we would be writing about the anniversary prior to (like Ian did), or around the event at least. But then again trying to determine who actually flew first is a murky area, as pointed out by Debenham in his article "Who Flew First?" Maybe we only have ourselves to blame.

So despite Taylor's historical bias in his writings, well done George and Florence on the records you both set. Some Australians recognise your achievements and perhaps others will now too.

Gordon Clarke

Airlines & Aircraft of the Ansett Group 1921 - 2002 by David Niven

Airlines & Aircraft of the
Ansett Group 1921 - 2002
by Fred Niven
Edition 7 (December 2009)

This data DVD covers the history and aircraft of:-

Ansett Airways, ANSETT-ANA, Ansett Airlines of Australia, Ansett. & Ansett Australia, including Victorian Air Coach Services, Ansett International & Cook Islands International, Engineering & computer systems; A.N.A./Tasmanian Aerial Services/Holyman's Airways & Airlines of Australia & all their many predecessors, including Adelaide Airways, Air Beef, New England Airways, North Queensland Airways, Rockhampton Aerial Services & Western/West Australian Airways; Adastra Airways (airline services); Aeropelican; Aircrafts Pty. Ltd. & Queensland Airlines; Airlines of Northern Australia & Ansett N.T.; Ansett Air Freight & Ansett Australia Cargo; Ansett Flying Boat Services, Barrier Reef Airways & Trans Oceanic Airways; Butler Air Transport, Airlines of N.S.W., Ansett Airlines of N.S.W., Air New South Wales, Air N.S.W., Ansett N.S.W. & Ansett Express; Connellan Airways/Survey & Inland Transport, Connair & Northern Airlines; East-West Airlines & Eastwest, including Wollongong & South Coast Aviation Service & South Coast Airways; Guinea Airways & Airlines of South Australia, including Air Gold & Holdens Air Transport Service & a major coverage of GAL’s New Guinea operations; Hazelton; Kendell; Lloyd Aviation (airline services); MacRobertson-Miller Aviation/MMA/Commercial Aviation Co./Air Beef, Airlines (W.A.), Airlines of Western Australia; & Ansett W.A.; Mandated Airlines Ltd. (M.A.L.)/W.R. Carpenter Air Service, ANSETT-M.A.L., Ansett Airlines of Papua New; Guinea, including Gibbes Sepik Airways, Island Airways, Madang Air Charter/Services & Papuan Airways; Pacific Aviation (airline services); Patair (Papuan Air Transport/Papuan Airlines) & Stol Commuter; Skywest & Trans West & their many predecessors (including Civil Flying Services (WA)/Stillwell; Jet Charter (WA), Murchison, Noeska, Nor’West Air Taxi, Pilbara, Southern & Wittenoom Air Charter; South Pacific Airlines of N.Z. (SPANZ) & Ansett New Zealand (including Newmans Air, Ansett Newmans, Tranzair; Ansett New Zealand Regional); Southern Airlines/Goulburn Valley Air Services; and Transcorp Airways.

The DVD contains 160 files (approximately 5,700 pages - 1,700 more than in Edition 6), not including the 27 video presentations.

This Edition 7 version of the DVD includes:

• Full details of each aircraft operated by any Ansett-related airline 1921-2002; including their previous & subsequent histories, updated to 23 November, 2009; indexed by both registration & airline.
• Around 10,000 photos/charts/maps of Ansett-related aircraft & personalities, since 1921 (up from around 8,000 in Edition 6).
• A detailed history for each airline, including its fleet, history, points served & logos.
• 'Milestones' of Ansett Group airline-related aviation events; by airline & for the group.
• Route-maps, timetable covers & lots of other memorabilia & some 'What might have beens'. The amount of memorabilia has increased very significantly in this edition.
• Updated Flight Crew lists for all Ansett Group airlines 1921-2002.
• Separate sections on A320s, BAe 146s, 727s, 737s, 747s, 767s, Convair CV-340/CV-440s, Fokker F.27s, F28s & 50s, DC-2s, DC-3s, DC-4s, DC-5s, DC-6 & DC-6Bs, DC-9s, Lockheed 188 Electras, Short S.25 Flying Boats & Vickers Viscounts.
• Details of all known Ansett Group-related aircraft accidents/incidents.
• Flight Attendant & other uniforms from the 1940s onwards.
• A major increase in the contents of the In-Flight Service section.
• A brand new section on model aircraft kits/decals available.
• 27 great video & TV commercial presentations (compared with just 8 in Edition 6).

Click here for details to order your copy of this amazing DVD

For details of many other Military Books and DVD's

Book - "Never a Dull Moment" by Philip Dulhunty

Philip Dulhunty, OAM, has lived a life packed with adventure, narrow escapes from death and truly remarkable achievements in the realms of business, aviation and sailing. A self-taught engineer, his technical innovations and entrepreneurial drive have helped transform the face of the global electricity supply industry.

This autobiography traces Philip's story from his idyllic childhood at Port Macquarie through to his current role as a doyen of the power industry. Not only does it chart his highly successful career as a businessman, it also covers his Army service during World War II and the unforgettable period that he spent in atom bomb devastated Japan with the Allied Occupation Forces.

During World War II while bases in Sydney, Philip witnessed the Japanese flying boat flying across Sydney Harbour the night before the Japanese Midget submarines attacked the harbour. Many years later Philip helped to locate this Japanese flying boat which had been scuttled after it was damaged when landing beside the Japanese mother submarine off Sydney.

Philip was attached to the 16th Heavy Anti-aircraft Battery in Townsville at Mount St John. He later moved to Magnetic Island with this unit. After this he retrained at Bathurst camp for entry into Australian Infantry Intelligence.

In recent years, Philip was also involved in a project to purchase and refurbish a Catalina in Portugal and fly it back to Australia. For more information on this book.

For more information and details on how to order your copy of this book click here.

AHS Centaur found

The Australian Hospital Ship Centaur has been found.

www.ozatwar.com/ozatwar/centaur.htm


-- Post From My Ipod Touch

Search for the hospital ship "Centaur"

At approximately 4.10am on Friday 14 May 1943, the hospital ship A.H.S. Centaur, ablaze with lights, was torpedoed by Japanese submarine I-177 south east of Cape Moreton. The Centaur was struck in an oil fuel tank on the port side behind No. 2 Hatch. Centaur caught fire, and sank within two or three minutes .

Of the 332 persons on board, only 64 survived. Of the 12 Army Nurses on board, Sister Ellen Savage was the only survivor.

Late on the evening of Saturday 12 December 2009, the search for the hospital "Centaur" started in earnest when renowned shipwreck hunter David Mearns and his team left Brisbane, Queensland on board the 72 metre search vessel "Seahorse Spirit".

After months of research, David Mearns and his team were finally on their way to solve the mystery of the resting place of "Centaur". $4 million have been provided by the Australian and Queensland governments to fund the search for the "Centaur".

For full details of the search visit this link.

On this Day 10 December

This entry to my "Australia @ War" Blog has been provided by Gordon Clarke of ADF Serials:-

On this day 10th December 2009, it is the 90th anniversary of the arrival in Darwin of one Vickers Vimy G-EAOU, crewed by Ross and Keith Smith, Jim Bennett and Wally Shiers, after their epic flight from England. The Vimy of course was a twin engined bomber from World War 1 and was purchased as surplus in 1919 and then fitted out for the flight. They were met by hundreds of people at Darwin eager to get a glimpse of these intrepid or foolish airmen.

Another significant event on this date, but this time the location was Brisbane, was the departure in 1934 of the first Qantas air mail service from Brisbane to London. There was not the fanfare or turn out for this event as there was for the arrival of the Vickers Vimy, but a very significant event all the same.

3 Squadron RAAF engaged in its first aerial combat of WW2

This entry to my "Australia @ War" Blog has been provided by Gordon Clarke of ADF Serials:-

On this day (19th November), 69 years ago 3 Squadron RAAF was engaged in its first aerial combat of WW2. At 1340 four Gloster Galdiator IIs took off from Gerawla led by F/L Blake Pelly (260226) on a tactical reconnaissance operation of enemy positions (ie. the Italians). F/L Pelly was in Gladiator N5753 and had as escort S/L Peter Heath (87) in N5750, F/O Alan Rawlinson (386) in L9044 and F/O Alan Boyd in N5752. As they approached the township of Rabia they spotted Italian Fiat CR.42s strafing British troops and tanks that were engaged in a battle with Italian artillery.

At 1300 hours 18 Fiat CR.42 from 13 Gruppo took off from Gambut and comprised of 12 aircraft led by Secondo Revetria with an escort of 6 aircraft led by Guglielmo Chiarini which were some 6,000' higher and behind the initial group of CR.42s. They came across the battle between the Italian artillery and British tanks and Revetria led his formation on a strafing attack of the British positions.

When the Australians led by Pelly saw the Italian Fiats they turned around and headed for their base as per their orders. However, before they had managed to fly any distance they were jumped by the 6 Fiats led by Chiarini, who had estimated the Australian strength at 8 Gladiators. In the ensuing combat the Australian formation was broken up and the other Italian formation entered the fray. In the opening moves of the combat F/O Boyd was attacked by 3 CR.42s, presumably from the section led by Chiarini. By manoeuvring desperately Boyd managed to shoot down two of his attackers and damage the third, unfortunately during the engagement his guns jammed though he managed to free two of them. Then he saw Pelly, who was attempting to land, being attacked by two CR.42s. He went to Pelly's aid. Boyd managed to shoot down one before his two remaining guns jammed again. He took off, hotly pursued by the remaining Fiat at low level, before the latter eventually gave up. Boyd joined up with Pelly, but the latter had to land early when his engine gave out.

The Italian pilots claimed 6 Gladiators shot down with a seventh shared probable and the eighth seriously damaged, which is interesting given there were only 4 in the combat. Of the Australians as already mentioned Pelly landed early due to a damaged oil tank, while Alan Boyd and Alan Rawlinson both landed back at their base. S/L Peter Heath was shot down and killed and it appears buried next to his aircraft by Libyan army personnel, who claimed to have confirmed the six aircraft shot down by the Italians. F/O Boyd claimed four destroyed, but was given three destroyed with the fourth that was last seen trailing black smoke and spinning towards the ground as a probable. F/L Pelly claimed he shot down a CR.42 but was given no credit, while F/O Rawlinson claimed a damaged. Perhaps Pelly did shoot down a Fiat and that is what the Libyan's counted on the ground - one Gladiator and five CR.42s.

Holidaying on the Continent

Holidaying on the Continent
The Journey of an RAAF Volunteer: 1940-45
460 RAAF Squadron
by Richard Munro



When Jim Munro wanted to join the RAAF he had a medical problem with his kidneys so he arranged another person to provide the test sample and Jim was soon training for his Pilot's wings. Like many others, he was "scrubbed" as a pilot and became a bomb aimer and was soon on his way to the United Kingdom.

After further training, he was sent to 460 Squadron RAAF flying Lancasters and then the night raids over German occupied Europe began.

Over the following months Jim and other members of the crew became a tight-knit team, raiding targets such as the notorious Ruhr Valley, Turin in Italy, Cologne, Hamburg, the previously secret Peenemunde rocket works and finally Berlin.

The raid to Berlin was one too many and they were singled out by the famous German night fighter ace, Wilhelm Herget. Using his innovative upward-firing cannons Herget attacked their Lancaster and, on his fourth pass, it was all over.

The Lancaster was in distress, and as it headed down, the crew frantically tried to exit the burning aircraft. Only three of the crew survived when the aircraft suddenly exploded throwing them clear and they parachuted to the ground. The rest of their mates were dead and the three survivors were too badly injured to attempt an escape from the Germans.

After weeks in hospital they were sent to prison camps and Jim Munro became a resident of Stalag IVB.

This excellent book tells the story of Jim Munro, his crew mates, the Lancaster they flew in and the way of life, fears and hopes that the young flyers experienced.

Hard Cover with General and People indexes
251 pages
135 Photographs and Sketches
13 Maps
4 Appendices

To order you copy of this excellent book, send a Cheque
or Money Order for $45:00 (includes postage) to:-

Richard Munro
PO Box 273
Beecroft
NSW 2119
Australia

For overseas orders please contact Richard Munro to determine extra postage charges

Make sure you tell Richard Munro that you found
out about his book on Peter Dunn's "Australia @ War" web site

http://www.ozatwar.com/

In Just Five Years - The RAAF & Nhill in WWII

IN JUST FIVE YEARS

THE RAAF & NHILL

IN WORLD WAR II 1941 - 1946

The operational history of the RAAF during WWII – its aircraft, battles and heroes – has been well documented. Less well known are the extraordinary contributions of the training systems set up in Australia to support the war efforts not only of Australia but of the Commonwealth.

Kevin O`Reilly has indeed provided a valuable historical reference for RAAF operations in Nhill: its establishment as a training base with No 2 Air Observers (Navigators) School, the early presence of No 1 Operational Training Unit and No 97 Reserve Squadron and finally Air Armament and Gas School. But it is much more than that. The book draws you in with its recollections of a childhood in Nhill in the lead up to and during World War II.

A 208 page pictorial collection of reminiscences, RAAF records, news reports, photographs and official documents covering life in Nhill and the RAAF base in the War years between 1941 - 1946.

Contents include Nhill and District citizens who served in the RAAF and the names of over 800 personnel who served at Nhill either as Trainees, Instructors or Base Staff.

Click here to order your copy

of this excellent book

Please let Kevin O'Reilly know
you found out about his book on
Peter Dunn's "Australia @ War" web site

Miracle of the Mountains

MIRACLE OF THE MOUNTAINS

Bernard O'Reilly and the Stinson Crash

"Miracle of the Mountains"
60th Commemoration Edition

An outstanding docu-drama which relives the true story of a humble Australian bushman who sets out to solve the mystery of the Stinson airliner... and succeeds.

Extended version - New footage added!

This is the awe inspiring true story of the resourcefulness, courage and endurance of Australian mountain man, Bernard O'Reilly.

Working on no more than a bushman's intuition, O'Reilly battled for days over miles of dense and seemingly impenetrable rainforest; across ranges so treacherous that a single slip meant certain death, through constant blinding rain to try and locate a downed Stinson airliner.

While the official search continued hundreds of miles to the South, Bernard O'Reilly relentlessly followed his hunch. After a 2 day battle with the elements, he not only miraculously located the crashed Stinson but physically assisted in carrying out the 2 survivors.

This heroic epic is told in graphic docu-drama style with re-enactments so "real" that people who were there in 1937 believed they were seeing film of the actual event.

This is a documentary that will stoke the first of imagination in the most jaded viewer. Acclaimed within Australia, it gives overseas viewers their first unique glimpse of the tough, resilient and courageous breed of men on whom the Australian bush legends are based.

Click here to order your copy of this DVD Video

Please let John Schindler know you found out
about this DVD on the "Australia @ War" web site

By the Seats of their Pants

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BY THE SEATS OF THEIR PANTS
(DVD Video)

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An enthralling flight with the men and women of Australia's aviation past and the spirit they share with the space pioneers of today.

When pilot Dick Scobee blasted off aboard the ill-fated Challenger Space Shuttle, he took with him a unique piece of Australia's aviation history: a rib from Bert Hinkler's glider.

As Dick's widow June recounts, this same piece was miraculously recovered floating in the ocean amongst the Challenger debris.

"By The Seats of their Pants" is a fascination look at Australia's aviators. From pioneers such as Sir Charles Kingsford-Smith, Charles Ulm, and Lores Bonney, through to the pilots of both World Wars and Vietnam, to the barnstorming antics of today's airmen and women.

Experience the thrills of cattle mustering by helicopter in Australia's wild outback, spectacular aerobatics in a rugged Pitt Special, the life-saving endeavours of the Royal Flying Doctor Service and low-level manoeuvers by crop-duster adventurers.

A breathtaking view of Spitfires, F18's, Boston Bombers, Zeros, Kittyhawks. Sopwith Camels, Iroquois Helicopters, Tiger Moths, Catalinas, the Challenger Space Shuttle and many more! This is a first hand account from the pilots who were, and still are, flying "by the seats of their pants".

Director: Peter Wiltshire
Editor: Bob Blasdall
Producer: John Schindler

Click here to Order your copy of this great DVD Video

Please let John Schindler know you found out
about this DVD on the "Australia @ War" web site

The Story of the Krait - Tigers & Snakes

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THE STORY OF THE KRAIT
TIGERS & SNAKES
(DVD Video)

A gripping special of intrigue, heroism and tragedy. More powerful than fiction because it actually happened.

"Tigers and Snakes" is the story of Z Special Unit and it's men. It is the story of operation "JAYWICK" - a mission that should never have succeeded. It's also the story of a follow up mission that went tragically wrong.

Until now, little was known about the men of Z Special Unit. They were sworn to secrecy. The men of Z Special Unit would never speak of their experiences, not even to each other. "Tigers & Snakes" takes you on the two missions to experience the intrigue, danger and emotions of men at war.

Fourteen men and a tiny ex-Japanese fishing boat the "KRAIT" set out from Exmouth Gulf, to the islands south of Singapore. Reaching their destination, they transfer to canoes and armed with limpet mines proceed to destroy the forty thousand tons of Japanese shipping before returning through Japanese infested waters to Australia.

The second mission "RIMAU" took place almost exactly one year later and with many of the original men. Their objective, much the same as the first mission, enter Singapore Harbour and sink as much as you can. With their target in sight, something went horribly wrong - not one man survived. Why?

We talk to some of the survivors of Operation "JAYWICK" and find out why men volunteer for missions where violent death is an everyday experience.

Click here to order your copy of this great DVD Video

Please let John Schindler know you found out
about this DVD on the "Australia @ War" web site

Hangar 7 Open Day

Eagle Farm Aviation Society (EFAS) open day at Hangar 7 at Eagle Farm in Brisbane this Sunday 16 Aug 2009 at 1 - 3 pm.

Please spread the word.

http://www.hangar7.org.au

Ph 07 3343 8407 if you would like to attend.


-- Post From My Ipod Touch

EFAS Public Meeting on the North side of Brisbane

"Pub #2", the second in a series of proposed
'around the suburbs' PUBLIC Meetings
to which we aim to attract interested
visitors / cum potential EFAS Inc members.

Eagle Farm Aviation Society Inc.
is holding a 2nd General Meeting at:-

Nundah and Districts Historical Society Inc., rooms,
adjacent to the BCC Nundah Library,
PRIMROSE Lane, NUNDAH

Assemble at 7:00 pm for a 7:30 pm start
on 18 June 2009

Visitors and prospective new
members are welcome to attend.

Help us to renew "The Legend of Hangar 7".

Visit our web page at:-

http://www.hangar7.org.au

Members of A.T.A.I.U. – Allied Technical Air Intelligence
Unit rebuilding a Japanese aircraft in Hangar 7 at Eagle Farm

The Eagle Farm Aviation Society, Inc. (EFAS) has been formed by AHQ - Aerospace Heritage Queensland to develop and then operate the Eagle Farm Community Heritage Centre located in Hangar 7 on the site of the old Eagle Farm airfield. This community heritage facility will be housed in the heritage listed “Hangar 7” which was used by the A.T.A.I.U. – Allied Technical Air Intelligence Unit during WWII.

Aerospace Heritage Queensland (AHQ) was formed with the assistance of the State Government to provide a single voice to Government on aviation heritage matters and to co-ordinate aviation heritage projects within Queensland. It is an amalgamation of several of this State’s present aviation and military museum/collection bodies. Its aim is to promote and provide a Brisbane based showcase for its members’ parent displays.

The Eagle Farm Aviation Society Inc. (EFAS) will work with the Brisbane City Council, the current owner of Hangar 7 towards establishing this community heritage centre. EFAS is working to secure the relevant lease for the hangar and is in negotiations with the Victoria Barracks Historical Society, Brisbane Inc. with the view to a shared occupation of the hangar. EFAS will be responsible for the day to day management and operation of the facility.

We would love to see you at our 2nd General Meeting at:-

Nundah and Districts Historical Society Inc., rooms,
adjacent to the BCC Nundah Library,
PRIMROSE Lane, NUNDAH

Assemble at 7:00 pm for a 7:30 pm start.
on 18 June 2009

AMPLE PARKING AVAILABLE


Please ring Roger Marks (07-3343 8407) to advise if you are able to attend the meeting.

Beaufort Bomber Memorial Unveiling Ceremony

At 1720 hours on 10 April 1945, Beaufort bomber A9-670 of 32 Squadron RAAF, crashed at Greenbank, SSW of Brisbane, killing the crew of four. It crashed after completing an air to ground gunnery practice exercise at the nearby Gailes Gunnery Range (also known as the Gailes Armament Range or Gailes Bombing Range) which is now part of the Greenbank Military Camp.

An unveiling Ceremony was held on 27 May 2009 at Grande Park, Grande Avenue, Springfield Lakes in Memory of the following men who were all tragically killed in this accident.

F/O Eric David Stephenson, Pilot
Flt. Sgt. Neville James Barron, Wireless Operator Air Gunner
P/O John George Harvey, Observer
LAC Raymond Patrick McGuigan, passenger

Unveiling of the Memorial by Mayor Paul Pisasale, Mayor of Ipswich, Councillor

Sheila Ireland and Darlene Clark, Project Director Delfin Springfield Lakes



The "missing" Barron Family at the Beaufort Bomber Memorial ceremony.
L to R:- Monica Barron (sister-in-law), Maree Wylie (nee Barron - niece),
Neil Barron (nephew), Sandra Kerr, Jack McClelland (brother-in-law) and
Garry Burton (nephew). Except for Sandra Kerr, all are related (as indicated)
to the late Flt. Sgt. Neville James Barron

http://www.ozatwar.com/ozcrashes/qld91ceremony.htm

500,000th Visitor to "Australia @ War"

Congratulations to Don Clark who confirmed with me that he was the half millionth visitor to my "Australia @ War" web site at 8:20 pm on 26 May 2009 (US Time).

A copy of the "Australia @ War" Data DVD will be in the mail to Don for being the 500,000th visitor to the main page.

Regards Peter Dunn
Webmaster of the "Australia @ War" web site.

Half Millionth Visitor soon

Gidday ALL,

My "Australia @ War" web site started on 22 June 1996. I just noticed a while ago that the counter for the front page was 499, 372 so in a few days time it will have its half millionth visitor.

I'd like to point out that this is a counter for visitors just to that page only. It is not a site counter, just a page counter. These days I usually get somewhere between 70 and 100 visitors a day to the main front page. I now have well over 5,000 different web pages in the "Australia @ War" web site.

www.ozatwar.com

If you do happen to be the half millionth visitor to the site, send me a screen shot. Just press the "Print Screen" button and paste it into an e-mail or save it as a file and attach it to an e-mail.

Send it to me and I'll send you a complimentary copy of my "Australia @ War" Data DVD.

Regards Peter Dunn

Spitfire collided with B-24 Liberator 18 Sep 1944

RAAF B-24 Liberator

RAAF Spitfire

On 18 September 1944, Flying Officer Arthur Keith Kelly (401968) of 452 Squadron RAAF, piloting Spitfire A58-435, was taking part in an interception and attack exercise on B-24 Liberator #42-40935 of the 380th Bomb Group, 5th Air Force over Cape Van Diemen. During a head on simulated attack, F/O Kelly's Spitfire collided with the B-24 and spiralled into the sea. His body was never found.

Collision of a D-82A Tiger Moth with a P-39 Airacobra

RAAF Tiger Moth

I received a bundle of photos a few days ago of the 36th Fighter Squadron, 8 Fighter Group. Then last night Justin Taylan of Pacific Wrecks asked me about the crash of a Tiger Moth at Halifax Bay near Townsville on 10 September 1942.

I already had a web page on this crash and at that stage I knew that the pilot, Captain "Hoot" Bevlock, had been killed in this crash and his passenger had bailed out safely. There was a suggestion that the Tiger Moth had collided with another aircraft.

I went through the photos I had received earlier in the week and found two photos of "Hoot" Bevlock and then to my amazement I found a photo of a Tiger Moth at Ross River Airfield in Townsville with the following caption written in pencil on the back of the photo:-

"Bill Bennett - standing. 'Hoot' Bevlock in Gypsy Moth, Ross River, Townsville, Aust. August 1942. 'Hoot' was killed in this plane same day picture was taken. Collided with a P-39 flown by Lt. Grover Gholson."

The above caption incorrectly stated that it was a Gypsy Moth and also stated that the crash was in August 1942 rather than on 10 September 1942. This caption did however confirm that the Tiger Moth had collided with a P-39 Airacobra piloted by Lt. Grover Gholson.

So this would have been the last photograph taken of "Hoot" Bevlock sitting in the Tiger Moth on the day that he was killed.

I have now added the new photos and added some more information about the crash to the following web site.

www.ozatwar.com/ozcrashes/qld133.htm

.

Eagle Farm Aviation Society General meeting 30 April 2009

Eagle Farm Aviation Society Inc. is holding a General Meeting at the Royal Queensland Aero Club (RQAC) at Beatty Road, Archerfield, President's Room at 7.30 PM THURSDAY, 30 APRIL 2009.

Visitors and prospective new
members are welcome to attend.

Help us to renew "The Legend of Hangar 7".

Visit our web page at:-

http://www.hangar7.org.au

Members of A.T.A.I.U. – Allied Technical Air Intelligence
Unit rebuilding a Japanese aircraft in Hangar 7 at Eagle Farm

The Eagle Farm Aviation Society, Inc. (EFAS) has been formed by AHQ - Aerospace Heritage Queensland to develop and then operate the Eagle Farm Community Heritage Centre located in Hangar 7 on the site of the old Eagle Farm airfield. This community heritage facility will be housed in the heritage listed “Hangar 7” which was used by the A.T.A.I.U. – Allied Technical Air Intelligence Unit during WWII.

Aerospace Heritage Queensland (AHQ) was formed with the assistance of the State Government to provide a single voice to Government on aviation heritage matters and to co-ordinate aviation heritage projects within Queensland. It is an amalgamation of several of this State’s present aviation and military museum/collection bodies. Its aim is to promote and provide a Brisbane based showcase for its members’ parent displays.

The Eagle Farm Aviation Society Inc. (EFAS) will work with the Brisbane City Council, the current owner of Hangar 7 towards establishing this community heritage centre. EFAS is working to secure the relevant lease for the hangar and is in negotiations with the Victoria Barracks Historical Society, Brisbane Inc. with the view to a shared occupation of the hangar. EFAS will be responsible for the day to day management and operation of the facility.

We would love to see you at our General Meeting at:-

Royal Queensland Aero Club (RQAC)
Beatty Road,
Archerfield
President's Room

7.30 PM THURSDAY, 30 APRIL 2009.

Please ring Roger Marks (07-3343 8407) to advise you are able to attend the meeting.

Anzac Day Brisbane 25 April 2009

Two mates helping each other on Anzac Day

I had the honour again today to march with the veterans of 460 Squadron RAAF on Anzac Day in Brisbane. My late father-in-law, John Goulevitch, was a member of 460 Squadron RAAF.

After the march the 460 Squadron group traditionally retires to the Irish Club in Elizabeth Street, for a meal and few friendly drinks to remember their mates who did not return

Click on the link above to see a new web page with many photos of Anzac Day in Brisbane - 25 April 2009.

6 Stores Depot RAAF, Dubbo, NSW

6 Stores Depot RAAF Dubbo

The nucleus of 6 Stores Depot RAAF was formed at at 2 Stores Depot at Waterloo in New South Wales on 1 December 1942. The advance party of 6 Stores Depot moved to Dubbo in New South Wales by train on 4 December 1942. Wing Commander Denis Archibald John Creal (03126) was the initial Commanding Officer for 6 Stores Depot.

The 45 hectare (110acre) site of the former 6 Stores Depot is bounded by the Mitchell Highway (Cobra Street) at its northern boundary, a railway line to the east, High Street at the southern boundary and Palmer Street on the western boundary. It comprised 5 type W3 igloo hangars (Buildings 4, 5, 7, 8 and 11) and 3 Bellman hangars, a "Rabaul" design storehouse and a number of other smaller buildings including a Sidney Williams hut. The 5 main igloos and two Bellman hangars can still be clearly seen on Google Earth.

Open Day at Caboolture Airfield 2 August 2009

The Beaufort Restoration Group in conjunction with the Warplane Museum and the Caboolture Aero Cub is holding an Open Day at Caboolture Airfield on 2nd August 2009 between 10.00a.m. and 4.00p.m.

The Beaufort Restoration group have a fabulous raffle prize on sale. How would you like to have

- a 20 minute flight in a P-51 Mustang!!!

- or a flight in a CAC Wirraway!!

- or a flight in a powered glider!

The Spirit of the Forty-Second

Spirit of the Forty-Second, Narrative of the 42nd Battalion
11th Infantry Brigade, 3rd Division, Australian Imperial Forces,
during the Great War, 1914-1918
by Vivian Brahms

Around Christmas time in 1915, the 42nd Battalion under Commanding Officer Lt.-Colonel A. R. Woolcock, was allocated a site at Thompson's Paddock, at Enoggera, some few miles distant from Brisbane.

Then ensued the preparation of rolls, attestation-papers, allotments and pay-books. Issues of clothing and equipment followed in due course. Spasmodic training, fatigue duties and the furnishing of picquets, vaccination and innoculations, gradually eliminated the civilian side of life from the embryo soldier.

They were soon headed off overseas to England for training and then into battle.

Story of the 42nd Australian Infantry Battalion in WWII

Story of the 42nd Australian Infantry Battalion in World War II
by Cpl. S.E. Benson

From Yeppoon the story follows the battalion on its moves to Tiaro, north again to Townsville and New Guinea, through the Salamua campaign to Lae, back again to Australia and finally over to Bougainville, where the battalion saw its last action before being broken up at the end of the war.

Collision of 2 Airspeed Oxfords 1 mile west of the You Yangs

Airspeed Oxford

Airspeed Oxford BM712 collided with Airspeed Oxford X7115 whilst formation flying one mile west of the You Yangs in Victoria at approximately 1420 hours E.A.S.T. on 23 January 1943. Both aircraft were with 1 Service Flying Training School (1 S.F.T.S.)

Aircraft BM712 while in a turn to the left collided with the tail fin of X7115 and went into a spin one mile west of the You Yangs hitting the ground. The crew of three personnel were killed in this tragic accident.

Radioman, An Eyewitness Account of Pearl Harbor and World War II in the Pacific

A new book by by Carol Edgemon Hipperson

"Radioman" is the biography of Ray Daves, a non-commissioned officer in the U.S. Navy and an eyewitness to World War II. It is based on the author's handwritten notes from a series of interviews that began on the 82nd birthday of the combat veteran and gives a first-person account of the world's first battles between aircraft carriers.

"Radioman is the best written biography of a World War II career I've ever read."

Mal Middlesworth, National President Pearl Harbor Survivors Association, Inc.

Crash of a B-24 Liberator near Fenton Airfield - 2 Feb 1945

B-24 Liberator

RAAF B-24L Liberator, A72-88 (#44-41460), of 24 Squadron RAAF, crashed when attempting to land at Fenton airfield in the Northern Territory on 2 February 1945 after a bombing raid on shipping targets. Six aircraft from 24 Squadron had taken part in this raid. The Liberator was out of fuel and losing height rapidly. It was just before midnight and conditions were very hazy and the pilot, Flight Lieutenant Arthur Cambridge could not see the runway flare path. On his first approach to land he was too far to the left of the runway. He was advised of this by radio contact with ground control.

On his second attempt to land, three of the four fuel pressure gauges dropped to zero and the Liberator swung violently to port. Cambridge ordered the crew to crash positions and with his undercarriage still retracted the Liberator crashed through some trees 3 kilometres from Fenton airfield and struck the ground in a more or less level attitude. A fire broke out below the flight deck, possibly due to damage to the auxiliary power unit.

The fire spread quickly and crew members Flight Lieutenant J.R. Parkinson and Flying Officer J.M. Pitt were trapped in the aircraft and killed. They were buried at Adelaide River cemetery the following day. A small section of this Liberator is now on display at the Darwin Aviation Museum.

Crash of a De Havilland DH84 Dragon at Mt Druitt, NSW

DH84 Dragon

De Havilland DH84 Dragon A34-65 of 2 Aircraft Depot Richmond (2 AD) RAAF encountered engine problems and attempted to make a forced landing at about 1215 hours on 5 January 1945 during a travel flight. Whilst attempting to reach a small clearing it stalled and spun into the ground at Plumpton Road, Mt. Druitt, New South Wales. The five personnel on board, 3 RAF and 2 RAAF were all killed.

Crash of a Lockheed Hudson near Richmond Airfield

Lockheed Hudson

Lockheed Hudson A16-68 of 2 Aircraft Depot (2 A.D.) crashed after a test flight on its landing approach to Richmond airfield at 1635 hours on 20 December 1944. Whilst making a normal landing approach with wheels and flaps down, when it was approximately a 1/4 of a mile for the airfield boundary at about 200 - 300 feet it was seen to make a flat turn to port slowly, and then drop the port wing, strike overhead wires in falling, then spin into the ground on a vacant block in Dight Street and burst into flames. The 8 RAAF personnel on board were all killed.

Crash of an Avro Anson on Richmond Golf Course, NSW

Avro Anson N4887 of 1 Flying Training School (1 F.T.S.) crashed on the Richmond Golf Course near Richmond, New South Wales at 0119 hours on Monday 18 December 1939 during a a night reconnaissance flight to Point Cook, Victoria.

The following crew were all killed in this tragic crash:-

Flight-Lieutenant Arthur Moorehouse Watkins, 25 yrs old
Flight-Lieutenant Hugh Vaughan Bonham Horner, 27 yrs, married (Service No. 2)
Flying Officers Henry Parker Fitzgerald, 21 yrs, married
Flying Officer Malcolm Musgrave McInnes, 21 yrs
Leading Aircraftman Leonard John King, 23 yrs (Service No 3891)

The aircraft had arrived at Richmond from Victoria on Friday 15 December 1939.

Crash of an Avro Anson at Riverstone, NSW

Avro Anson A4-32 of 6 Squadron RAAF crashed at Riverstone, NSW on 28 April 1939.
Four men were killed.

After leaving Richmond Airfield the Avro Anson was flown out to sea in the vicinity of Smith Head, Sydney. The crew maintained constant radio communication with the airfield and the flight proceeded without incident until approximately 3:30pm. At 3:27pm a radio message was received from the aircraft to the effect that the aerial was being reeled in preparatory to landing. At that time the aircraft was within a few miles of the airfield and within a few minutes of landing. This was the last message received from the aircraft.

At 3:30pm Avro Anson A4-32 crashed into the ground. There were several eye witnesses. It would appear the aircraft was flying in normal level flight at about 1,000 feet when eye witnesses heard some spluttering from the engines along with the noises of backfiring and puffs of smoke were seen coming from the aircraft.

The nose of the Avro Anson dropped to an angle of 30 degrees and it started to lose height. Eye witnesses then indicated they could hardly hear the noise of the engines but they then made a sudden roaring noise and the nose pulled up again.. But then it went into a steeper dive and crashed directly into the ground with its engines roaring.

Crash of Wirraway 1/2 mile east of Wagga airfield

At 2255 hours whilst on a solo night flying practice on 30th August 1940, Wirraway A20-33 of No. 2 Service Flying Training School Wagga RAAF ( 2 S.F.T.S.) dipped its right wing during take-off and the aircraft veered to the right and flew into ground half a mile east of RAAF Station Wagga.

Crash of a B-26 Marauder 100 miles NW of Darwin

B-26 Marauder

B-26B Marauder #41-17593, 2nd Bomb Squadron, 22nd Bomb Group piloted by Lt. Charles I. Hitchcock, was forced to crash land in the sea off Cape Helvetius, about 100 miles NW of Darwin,

Prior to his tragic death, Sgt. Glenn A. Campbell, had shot down four Japanese aircraft. Australia on 3 November 1942. It was returning on one engine after being hit while over the target at Dili, Timor. Turret Gunner Sgt. Glenn A. Campbell died from injuries sustained in the crash and was buried at sea. Others were rescued by boat 17 hours later.

Crash of a Wirraway near Wagga

On 16 February 1941, Wirraway A20-4 No 2 Service Flying Training School (2 S.F.T.S.) at Wagga, New South Wales struck trees at high speed while diving on a friends homestead 10 miles west of Wagga.

Crash of an Airspeed Oxford near Seaspray, VIC

On 12 May 1943 Airspeed Oxford BM-711 of 3 Bomb and Gunnery School (3BAGS), West Sale, crashed on the completion of a gunnery exercise about 5 miles north east of Seapsray, Victoria. The aircraft apparently went out of control at 2,000 feet and dived into the sea about 1/4 mile off the coastline.The crew of three were all tragically killed.

Airshow tipped for Townsville 26-27 Sep 2009

A SPECTACULAR air show, which may feature the world's leading formation flying team the USAF Thunderbirds, is tentatively scheduled for Townsville later this year.

It is believed there will be an afternoon twilight aerial display on Saturday, 26 September 2009, with Sunday 27 September 2009 being a possible open day at RAAF Garbutt, with a possible second flying program. Clearly nothing is firm at this stage.

City of Rayville sunk by German Mine

The American registered freighter "MS City of Rayville" (5,833 tons, owned by American Pioneer Lines) with stars and stripes painted on both sides of its hull, left Adelaide for Melbourne on 7 November 1940.

At approximately 7:47pm on Friday 8 November 1940 it was reported from Cape Otway Port War Signal Station that an explosion had been heard and seen and that a sinking ship could be seen in the fading light about 6 miles south of the Signal Station.

Fishing vessels from nearby Apollo Bay were directed to go to her assistance.

Wide Bay Australia International Air Show

Just a reminder that the Wide Bay Australia International Airshow 2009 will be held at Bundaberg airfield for three days of aviation action from Friday 3rd to Sunday 5th July 2009.

Friends of MacArthur Museum Brisbane

The Friends of MacArthur Museum Brisbane will be holding its inaugural meeting on Tuesday 21st April 2009 at 2:30 pm.

The meeting will be held in the MacArthur Museum Brisbane on 8th Floor MacArthur Chambers.

Monomeith Park Airfield, Victoria

On 14 October 1942, a letter was sent to the Secretary Directorate of Works, Department of Interior regarding RAAF Station Monomeith Park, Victoria advising that "Requisition No. D.W.B. 38/42-43 for £100,000 for the construction of parent aerodrome, also dispersal facilities for the above RAAF Establishment, in accordance with plans and schedules to be supplied."

War Cabinet Minute No. 2342 to Agendum No. 354/42 approved of an authorised allotment of funds to the extent of £100,000, for the construction of an aerodrome at Monomeith Park, Victoria, chargeable to Division No. 189 - "Reciprocal Lend-Lease" Item No. 2 - "Expenditure on Joint Australian-US Account" and to Project No. U.S. 84 - "Dive Bomber Squadron, Monomeith Park, Victoria."

Koo-wee-rup Internment Camp, Victoria

I believe there was an Internment Camp for Italians near Koo-wee-rup in Victoria during WWII. Carolyn Griffiths is looking for information on her grandfather who was held there. He was one of the crew of a shipping company owned by Lloyd Tristino who was held at Koo-wee-rup.

Crash of a Tiger Moth north of Nhill, Victoria

Tiger Moth A17-751 of the Air Armament and Gas School (A.A. & G.S.) at Nhill in Victoria crashed 10 miles north of Nhill airfield on 4 May 1945. Flying Officer Keith Schofield (14937) of 1 Operational Training Unit (1 OTU) was killed. The pupil on board was LAC John Francis Considine (441907) who was seriously injured with a fractured left femur, fractured left tibia and fibula severe shock and generalised bruises and abrasions. The aircraft struck the ground in full flight whilst carrying out training circuits and precautionary flying training.

Now the "Australia @ War" DVD

I have now exceeded the storage limit on a CD-R for my "Australia @ War" web site.

So it's now the "Australia @ War" DVD!!

No change in price.

"Australia @ War" DVD

Crash of a Wirraway at Camden, NSW

Wirraway A20-162 was damaged in an accident at Central Flying School at Camden in New South Wales on 30 November 1940 when it attempted to land too high and then dropped suddenly, severely damaging the starboard wing and aileron.

Crash of a Wirraway south of Goodna

On 18 January 1941, Wirraway A20-162 of 3 Service Flying Training School 3SFTS Amberley (Intermediate Training Squadron) spun and crashed into the ground 8 miles south of Goodna, east of Ipswich in south east Queensland at approximately 1300 hours. The pilot had been engaged in a solo height test flight.

The Brisbane Line

On 16 March 1943, General Douglas MacArthur held an "off-the-record" talk to the Press from 12:15pm to 2:15pm at his General Headquarters Southwest Pacific Area (GHQ SWPA) in the AMP building on the corner of Queen Street and Edward Street, Brisbane.

General MacArthur caused quite a flurry of interest from the press members present when he mentioned the infamous "Brisbane Line". It was reported in the Brisbane "Courier Mail" on 17 March 1943 that MacArthur had indicated that the Brisbane Line ran from Perth to Brisbane. When further questioned by the Press on his statement he then distanced himself from his earlier statement. Many years later General Douglas MacArthur stated in his reminisces that the Australian General Staff planned to defend Australia on a line of defence that followed the Darling River from Brisbane to Adelaide.

I have just updated my web page on the "Brisbane Line".

"Pip" Borrman dies in stunt plane crash

Well known Australian aerobatic pilot, "Pip" Borrman was killed in a plane crash at Shepparton Airfield on 25 February 2009 while preparing a routine for the Avalon Air Show.

54 year old Peter "Pip" Borrman, was tragically killed while preparing a Pitts Samson aerobatic aircraft for its first outing at the Avalon Air Show. "Pip" Borrman has performed at the Avalon Airshow every year since 1992.

"Pip" had completed a loop-the-loop above the northern end of Shepparton Airfield, when his plane failed to climb again, crashing into a paddock and bursting into flames.

Crash of a P-39 Airacobra at Woodstock Airfield

On 27 July 1942, the aircraft of the 35th Fighter Squadron of the 8th Fighter Group, USAAF, took off to fly from Woodstock airfield to the Weir Airfield in Townsville. This was normally a 20 minute flight. Hervey Carpenter of the 35th Squadron stated that 2nd Lieutenant Gilbert L. Oxley (0-428558) took off in the first P-39 Airacobra, but soon lost power and crashed into the gum trees near the Woodstock airfield and burnt. Oxley, who had also spent some time in the 80th Fighter Squadron, died in this tragic accident.

Was there a US Army Camp at Mon Repos?

In March 2009 Michael Latter told me that a Mon Repos turtle rookery ranger had told him that there was a US Army training base (most probably US although it could have been Australian) at Mon Repos near Bundaberg during WWII. She told Michael that at the southern end of the beach there was a large concrete slab there for bringing up amphibious vehicles from the beach. Mon Repos Beach is just north of Bargara.

Michael was not able to locate any slabs but he did find what looked like two possible makeshift machine gun posts made of rocks with an entrance on one side. These where located at the semi top of a hill looking down upon a large open area. A fair percentage of the area also seemed unnatural.

Crash of Dragon DH84 at Toowoomba 20 Mar 44

Dragon DH84 A34-58 of 4 Communications Unit, crashed at the edge of Toowoomba Airfield at 1150 hours E.A.S.T. on 20 March 1944 during a non-operational down-wind landing. All four RAAF personnel on board, comprising the crew of two from 4 Communications Unit and two high ranking passengers, were killed in this tragic crash.

Flight Sergeant Jack Hume Bird (409131), 4 Communications Unit
Leading Aircraftman John Royal Twyford (20460), 4 Communications Flight
Squadron Leader James Joseph Henry (1688), Air Force Headquarters
Squadron Leader Oswald Terence Cantor (261104), Headquarters North Western Area

Avalon Airshow 13 - 15 March 2009

Don't miss going to the Avalon Airshow near Geelong in Victoria.

http://www.airshow.net.au/avalon2009/index.html

Crash of a Vultee Vengeance at Nelsons Bay, NSW

At 1007 hours on 7 April 1944, RAAF Vultee Vengeance A27-91, of 4 OTU ORB, crashed into the sea in Nelsons Bay on the moving target range, Port Stephens, New South Wales whilst carrying out dive-bombing exercises. It hit the water about 200 yards from the Target Boat.

Pilot Officer James Percival Plastow (6734), pilot, and Flight Sergeant Basil Oliver Lowe (412555), navigator, were both killed.

Please click on the link above to see a web page on the topic indicated.

Mystery Crash at Chermside may be solved

Much mystery has surrounded the crash of an aircraft at Chermside on the north side of Brisbane during WWII. Initial information suggested that this was a P-40 Kittyhawk. So strong was the story that a street that runs beside the Kedron Wavell Services Club was named Kittyhawk Street to remember that fact that the P-40 had supposedly crashed in this vicinity.

Some detailed research by Rob and Beverley Isdale, Pat O'Shea and Glenys Bolland of the Chermside and District Historical Society has established the name of the pilot who was tragically killed. A newspaper report on their research indicated that 2nd Lt. Sol Stanley Schier of the 317th Repair Squadron, was the name of the pilot. It also indicated that the aircraft crashed near today's Ballantine Street, Chermside.

Ron Alviso confirmed the aircraft was a Thunderbolt rather than a Kittyhawk and indicated that it had clipped a latrine as it crashed. The plans of Camp Chermside show two latrines near today's location of Ballantine Street, Chermside.

Please click on the link above to see a web page on the topic indicated.

Air Raid Shelters - Elizabeth St, Brisbane

During WWII numerous Air Raid Shelters were built in Elizabeth Street, Brisbane, Queensland. A large water pipe was also installed in the street to fight fires during and after any possible Japanese air raid. It was supplied with water from the Brisbane River. Large pumps and motors were installed on the banks of the Brisbane River to pump the water through the large pipes.

RAAF Eastern Area Headquarters

RAAF Eastern Area Headquarters was established at "Kilmory", 6 Wentworth Street, Edgecliff, Sydney on 15 May 1942.

61st Machine Records Unit

The 61st Machine Records Unit was located in the Edwards Dunlop building in Edward Street, Brisbane during WWII. This unit used IBM Tabulators to record the details and locations of all US Army personnel in the Southwest Pacific Area. The former Edwards Dunlop building is now the Catholic Centre.

-- Post From My Ipod Touch

Monkton Farleigh Ammo Depot

A large area of the old stone quarry workings at Monkton Farleigh in Wiltshire were converted into the country's largest ammunition depot during WWII. The tunnels span some 80 acres and are arranged into districts.

Please click on the link above to see a web page about the Monkton Farleigh WW2 Ammunition Depot.

New Book - "Morning of the Rising Sun"

Morning of the Rising Sun
The Heroic Story of the Battles for Guadalcanal
By Kenneth I. Friedman, Ph. D

A monumental series of battles between the Americans and the Japanese Empire occurred between 7 August 1942 and 8 February 1943 that changed the course of the War in the Pacific.

The greatest amphibious operation ever launched by the U.S. Navy to date took place on 7 August 1942. What followed was the one of the longest, bloodiest, and pulse-pounding series of battles in the history of warfare. The fate of the Pacific war hung in the balance.

Please click on the link above to see a web page about this new book called "Morning of the Rising Sun".

New Book - "Refugees and Rebels"

"Refugees and Rebels"
"Indonesian Exiles in Wartime Australia"
by Jan Lingard

In accounts of wartime Australia the influx of over 5,000 Indonesian men women and children has been largely overlooked. These people were military personnel, merchant sailors, civilians and even political prisoners of the Dutch, all evacuees from the Japanese occupied Netherlands East Indies. They arrived as subjects of the Dutch colonial empire, and the majority of them left after the war as rebels – supporting the fledgling Indonesian republic which Soekarno had proclaimed when the Japanese surrendered.

Please click on the link above to see a web page about this new book called "Refugees and Rebels".

New Book - "Dearest Bert"

"Dearest Bert - A Collection of Letters from World War II Hero, Alvin Mueller, Jr."
By Roxolin Bose Krueger

Alvin J. Mueller, Jr. joined the U.S. Army Air Corps and eventually became a decorated B-17 bomber pilot in the war in the Southwest Pacific Area (SWPA).

In 1942, 31 year old Alvin J. Mueller wrote letters home from the war. He described his day to day life and his role in the USAAC. His loving wife Roberta Mueller kept Alvin's letters. She carefully folded them into envelopes and placed them in order into her scrapbooks.

When Roberta died in 1998, Roxolin Krueger took home her late aunty's scrapbooks containing the letters which had been kept in her attic.

Roxolin Krueger upon reading the letters, realised their importance and compiled this book "Dearest Bert" utilising the letters from Alvin.

Please click on the link above to see a web page about this new book called "Dearest Bert".

Record Treasure Haul from WWII Shipwreck

An American salvage company is claiming a record treasure haul from a World War II shipwreck

According to Sub Sea Research, there are 70 tonnes of platinum, 10 tonnes of gold and about 1.5 tonnes of industrial diamonds and gemstones within the shipwreck.

At today's market prices, the ship could contain between $6 billion and $11 billion worth of treasure. worth billions of dollars.

Please click on the link above to see a web page about the WWII Treasure worth billions of dollars.