CONTENTS
LOCKHEED OR VEGA?
LIST OF RAAF B-34 VENTURAS
LIST OF RAAF PV-1 VENTURAS
MSN TO RAAF SERIAL CROSS REFERENCE
ALMOST VENTURA SQUADRONS
NON COMBAT USAGE
COMMUNICATION UNITS
NO. 1 OPERATIONAL TRAINING UNIT
UNIT LOCATIONS
POSTWAR DISPOSITION
ABBREVIATIONS
THE VENTURA AMBULANCE
NO 13 SQUADRON (separate page)

 

 

 

Lockheed or Vega?

Like the Hudson before it which was a military derivative of the Lockheed Model 14 Super Electra, the Ventura was a military derivative of the Lockheed Model 18 Lodestar.

By 1940, Lockheed was building the Hudson and the P-38 Lightning in its Burbank Plant B-1 and did not have the capacity to build the Ventura there, so decided to build the Model 37 in the Vega Airplane Company’s Plant A-1 at the Union Air Terminal in Burbank. The Vega Airplane Company, formed in August 1937 as the AiRover Company and renamed Vega Airplane Company in 1938, was a wholly owned subsidiary of Lockheed that had been established to build light, general aviation aircraft. Vega was merged with Lockheed on 31 December 1941 and finally absorbed in November 1943. (Source: 11)

Thus the Ventura was a Lockheed design that was built by the Vega Airplane Company which was a wholly owned subsidiary of Lockheed. The above data plate from MSN 4506 would appear to spell it out in no uncertain terms that it was the Vega Ventura. While some twenty-first century sources refer to the "Boeing DC-3" there can be no doubt that it is correct to refer to the Ventura as either a Vega product or a Lockheed product.

 

L-137-27-02
B-34 VENTURA MK IIA


Two hundred B-34 were ordered for the RAF under Lend-Lease as Ventura Mk IIA with RAF serials FD568 to FD767. These aircraft were also allocated USAAF serials for contractual purposes. In the event, only 25 were delivered to the RAF with the remainder being diverted to Commonwealth air forces and some being retained by the USAAF as RB-34 (the R indicating limited combat capability). Twenty RB-34A-VE were delivered to the RAAF in advance of the more capable USN version which was designated PV-1. It should be noted that many RAAF serials were not issued in MSN sequence. Please refer to the cross reference table at the foot of the page. In instances where there are conflicting dates between the 13SQ ORB and the aircraft Status Cards, preference has been given to the ORB.



RAAF
MSN
MODEL USAAF RAF CALL SIGN
A59-1
137-4707
RB-34A-VE 41-38051 FD599 -
18MAY43
Received at 2AD, Richmond.
29DEC43
Received at 13SQ.
02AUG45
Received at 2AD for storage.
24JUN48
Passed to DAP for disposal.
06SEP49
Disposal action completed.
A59-2
137-4710
RB-34A-VE 41-38054 FD602 -
18MAY43
Received at 2AD, Richmond.
18SEP44
Received at 1AD Ferry Flight.
07NOV44
Received at 1APU for trials of SCR717 radar equipment.
30NOV44
Received at 2AP for trials with the Radiophysics Laboratory.
14FEB45
Received at 2AD ex 2AP.
20MAR45
Received at 1APU for further radar trials.
21OCT45
Received at 7AD for storage ex 1APU.
03APR52
Offered for disposal ex 7AD Tocumwal.
A59-3
137-4715
RB-34A-VE 41-38059 FD607 -
18MAY43
Received at 2AD, Richmond.
29JUN44
Issued 1AD Ferry Flight for escort duties.
12DEC44
Starboard undercarriage collapsed on landing at Mallacoota, Vic.
23DEC44
Approval given to convert to components.
20FEB45
Issued to 1CRD ex 1AD.
A59-4
137-4716
RB-34A-VE 41-38060 FD608 -
18MAY43
Received at 2AD, Richmond.
25JUN43
Issued to 1AD ex 2AD for determination of loading details.
26JUN43
Received at SDF ex 1AD.
04JUL43
Received at 1AD ex SDF.
28OCT43
Received at SDF ex 1AD for take-off and landing tests.
13DEC43
Aircraft to be retained at 1PU until 20DEC for engine cooling tests. Allotted to 1AD on completion. The meaning of SDF is unknown but this entry implies that SDF was co-located with 1PU/1APU at Laverton.
10JAN44
Allotted to 1APU for engine cooling trials.
01MAY44
Received at 2AD ex 1APU for 240 hourly inspection.
15NOV45
To be stored.
24JUN48
Passed to DAP for disposal ex 2AD.
06SEP49
Disposal action completed.
A59-5
137-4723
RB-34A-VE 41-38067 FD615 -
18MAY43
Received at 2AD, Richmond.
28DEC43
Received at 13SQ.
28APR44
Received at 2AD.
05JAN45
Approval given to convert to components.
06SEP49
Sold by DAP.
A59-6
137-4735
RB-34A-VE 41-38079 FD627 -
18MAY43
Received at 2AD, Richmond.
01JAN44
Received at 13SQ.
04MAY44
Received at 2AD.
25AUG44
Issued 2AP Ferry Flight for escort duties.
18JUL45
Received at 1OTU.
10JAN46
Received at 7AD for storage.
17FEB53
Sold to F.E. Hendy, Numurkah, Vic. The aircraft was broken up at Tocumwal and only components were transported to Numurkah. See also A59-17.
A59-7
137-4741
RB-34A-VE 41-38085 FD633 -
18MAY43
Received at 2AD, Richmond.
05JAN44
Received at 13SQ.
28APR44
Received at 2AD.
05JAN45
Approval given to convert to components.
02NOV48
Passed to DAP for disposal.
A59-8
137-4742
RB-34A-VE 41-38086 FD634 -
18MAY43
Received at 2AD, Richmond.
28DEC43
Received at 13SQ.
03MAY44
To 2AD.
15NOV44
Issued 1AD Ferry Flight later 1AD Test and Ferry SQ.
12MAR46
Issued 1AD for storage.
19MAY48
Passed to DAP for disposal ex 1AD, Laverton.
08AUG49
Disposal action completed. Photo proof of scrapping at Laverton early 50s.
A59-9
137-4764
RB-34A-VE 41-38108 FD656 -
18MAY43
Received at 2AD, Richmond.
23NOV43
Received at 2SQ.
25DEC43
Issued 1AD ex 2SQ.
14APR44
Received 1OTU, East Sale, Vic.
23FEB45
Struck ground at high speed near East Sale. All 6 crew killed.
19MAR45
Approval given for conversion to components.
A59-10
137-4777
RB-34A-VE 41-38121 FD669 -
18MAY43
Received at 2AD, Richmond.
30DEC43
Received at 13SQ.
12MAY44
Received at 2AD.
05JAN45
Approval given to convert to components.
02NOV48
Passed to DAP for disposal.
06SEP49
Disposal action completed.
A59-11
137-4713
RB-34A-VE 41-38057 FD605 -
21JUN43
Received at 2AD, Richmond.
25FEB44
Received at 13SQ.
01MAY44
Received at 2AD.
26JUL44
Issued to 2AP for 14 days trial flying on escort duties. To report on conclusion.
15AUG44
Allotted 2AP Ferry Flight for escort duties.
22NOV44
Received at 3AD ex 2AP for 240 hourly inspection.
01OCT46
To be stored 3AD.
14NOV46
Authorised for write-off.
07OCT48
Passed to DAP for disposal ex 3AD Amberley.
10MAR50
Sold by DAP and cleared from the area.
A59-12
137-4718
RB-34A-VE 41-38062 FD610 -
21JUN43
Received at 2AD, Richmond.
03MAR44
Received at 13SQ.
04MAY44
Received at 2AD.
21AUG44
Issued 2AP for escort duties.
24OCT44
Fitted with VHF at 1AD
29DEC44
Received at 2AD.
25FEB45
Forced landing at Wyong due engine failure.
15MAY46
Received at 2AD Storage.
19NOV46
Authorised for write-off.
03SEP48
Passed to DAP for disposal ex 2AD.
06SEP49
Disposal action completed.
A59-13
137-4720
RB-34A-VE 41-38064 FD612 -
21JUN43
Received at 2AD, Richmond.
15MAR44
Received at 13SQ. Aircraft was unserviceable so was returned to 2AD next day. Did not return to 13SQ.
16MAR44
Received at 2AD.
04JUL44
Received at 1AD Ferry Flight for escort duties.
04JUN45
Ran off the runway at Jackson's Strip, Port Moresby when port tyre burst on take-off. The port undercarriage collapsed but there were no injuries.
22JUN45
Received at 15ARD for repair.
01OCT45
Issued 1AD Ferry Flight ex 15ARD.
06DEC45
Received at 7AD for storage.
08APR52
Offered for disposal ex 7AD Tocumwal. (Final entry on card).
A59-14
137-4721
RB-34A-VE 41-38065 FD613 -
21JUN43
Received at 2AD, Richmond.
06FEB44
Received at 13SQ.
05MAY44
Received at 2AD.
08SEP44
Issued 13ARD / 3 Reserve Pilot Pool at Breddan, Qld as escort aircraft to replace A59-5.
20OCT44
Collided with a radio mast at Mackay, Qld. Pilot was later dismissed by court martial for low flying.
The Mackay Daily Mercury of Saturday 21 October 1944 states that the incident occurred "yesterday".
10NOV44
Field repairs completed at Mackay.
09APR45
Received at 1AD Test & Ferry SQ.
17APR46
Received at 1AD Storage.
19NOV46
Authorised for write-off.
19MAY48
Passed to DAP for disposal ex 1AD, Laverton.
08AUG49
Disposal action completed.
A59-15
137-4722
RB-34A-VE 41-38066 FD614 -
21JUN43
Received at 2AD, Richmond.
01FEB44
Received at 13SQ.
04MAY44
Received at 2AD.
15NOV45
To be stored at 2AD.
19NOV46
Authorised for write-off.
03SEP48
Passed to DAP for disposal ex 2AD.
06SEP49
Disposal action completed.
A59-16
137-4725
RB-34A-VE 41-38069 FD617 -
21JUN43
Received at 2AD, Richmond.
07SEP43
Received at 1AD ex 2AD.
20MAY44
Received at 1OTU ex 1AD.
04APR46
Received at CMU Tocumwal ex 1OTU.
08APR53
Offered for disposal ex CMU, Tocumwal. (Final entry on card).
A59-17
137-4747
RB-34A-VE 41-38091 FD639 -
21JUN43
Received at 2AD, Richmond.
04JUL44
Received at 1AD Test Pilots Training Flight after fitment of dual controls and extra pilot seat. To be held in lieu of Hudson.
17AUG45
Received at 15ARD for repair.
07MAR46
Received at CMU Tocumwal.
01OCT46
To be stored.
08APR52
Offered for disposal ex CMU, Tocumwal.
17FEB53
Instruments, fittings, gear and undercarriage sold to F.E. Hendy, Numurkah, Vic for £20/-/-. The aircraft was broken up at Tocumwal and only components were transported to Numurkah. See also A59-6.
A59-18
137-4781
RB-34A-VE 41-38125 FD673 -
-
NOTE: The USAAF serial for this aeroplane is duplicated on the Status Card for A59-20 (which see).
19AUG43
Received 1AD, Laverton.
25MAY44
Received at 2AD, Richmond.
15NOV45
To be stored.
19NOV46
Authorised for write-off.
03SEP48
Passed to DAP for disposal ex 2AD.
06SEP49
Disposal action completed.
A59-19
137-4786
RB-34A-VE 41-38130 FD678 -
19AUG43
Received 1AD, Laverton.
02JAN44
Received at 13SQ.
08MAY44
Received at 2AD.
15NOV45
To be stored.
19NOV46
Authorised for write-off.
03SEP48
Passed to DAP for disposal ex 2AD.
06SEP49
Disposal action completed.
A59-20
137-4828
RB-34A-VE 41-38172 FD720 -
-
NOTE: The Status Card for A59-20 records its USAAF serial as 41-38125 which is duplicated with A59-18. A document obtained from archives lists the USAAF serials of all 20 RB-34 aircraft supplied to the RAAF. These aircraft were delivered in three batches of 10, 7 and 3 aircraft. Although the aircraft were delivered to Australia in random USAAF serial order, RAAF serials were issued in sequence with the USAAF serials in each batch. On this basis, it is fairly certain that the correct USAAF serial for A59-20 is 41-38172 as shown above.
19AUG43
Received 1AD, Laverton.
05JUL44
Received at 2AD ex 1AD.
15NOV45
To be stored.
19NOV46
Authorised for write-off.
03SEP48
Passed to DAP for disposal ex 2AD.
06SEP49
Disposal action completed.

 


L-237-27-01
PV-1 VENTURA




Serials A59-21 to A59-49 were not allocated. It should be noted that many RAAF serials were not issued in MSN sequence. Please refer to the cross reference table at the foot of the page. In instances where there are conflicting dates between the 13SQ ORB and the aircraft Status Cards, preference has been given to the ORB.



RAAF
MSN
MODEL
USN
CALL SIGN
A59-50
237-5330
PV-1 33321 -
20JUN43
Departed Honolulu.
23JUN43
Received 3AD, Amberley.
24JUN43
Received at 2AD Richmond.
28JUN43
Received at 1AD Laverton for weighing and technical evaluation.
03JUL43
Ground-looped at Laverton with minor damage.
16DEC43
Allocated 1AD for installation of prototype SCR729.
14JUN44
Received at 1APU for error determination of SCR729.
31OCT44
Issued 1AD Ferry Flight ex 1APU.
21JAN45
Ran off strip at unknown location after tyre blew out on landing. Minor damage to aircraft.
27FEB45
Received at 13ARD for repair.
28FEB45
Received at 1AD Test & Ferry SQ ex 13ARD.
13MAY46
Received at 1AD Storage.
19NOV46
Authorised for write-off.
19MAY48
Passed to DAP for disposal ex 1AD.
08AUG49
Disposal action completed. Photo proof of scrapping at Laverton early 50s.
A59-51
237-5325
PV-1 33316 VHRGM
23JUN43
Departed Honolulu.
26JUN43
Received at 3AD, Amberley.
10SEP43
Received at 13SQ.
25OCT43
Port undercarriage collapsed at Bundaberg, Qld while taxying on soft surface. Did not return to 13SQ.
18NOV43
Received at 3AD for repair.
22FEB45
To be converted to transport.
27MAY45
Received at 11CU. Used call-sign VHRGM.
17AUG45
Morotai-Manila flown by F/O M. Boyd with the AOC. (Source: 11CU ORB)
12SEP45
Morotai-Melbourne flown by F/O M. Boyd with MAJ GEN Lloyd. (Source: 11CU ORB)
20SEP45
Allotted 1AD for removal of turret and fitment of VHF.
23NOV45
Morotai-Melbourne flown by S/L C.E. Cox with AOC A/C R.J. Brownell. (Source: 11CU ORB)
16DEC45
Morotai-Madang-Morotai flown by S/L C.E. Cox with Commander Kinsford-Smith (sic). (Source: 11CU ORB) (Presumably Commander Eric Kingsford-Smith RAN - Smithy's brother).
22DEC45
Morotai-Balikpapan flown by F/L J. Rowell with GEN Milford. Last recorded movement with 11CU. (Source: 11CU ORB)
15MAR46
Received at 2AD Storage ex 11CU.
19NOV46
Authorised for write-off.
24JUN48
Passed to DAP for disposal ex 2AD.
06SEP49
Disposal action completed.
A59-52
237-5453
PV-1 33444 VHRGN
16JUL43
Departed Honolulu.
19JUL43
Received at 2AD, Richmond.
16AUG43
Received at 13SQ.
19OCT43
Dual control set returned to 1OTU via rail freight.
10NOV43
Struck tree during bombing exercise from Canberra. Damage to be repaired within unit.
07JAN44
Received at 14RSU ex 13SQ and not returned.
21MAR44
Received at 18RSU for completion of repairs.
19JUN44
Received at 2AD for completion of repairs.
22FEB45
To be converted to transport.
10APR45
Issued to 11CU for use by senior Army officers. Used call-sign VHRGN.
08JUN45
Hollandia-Morotai flown by S/L C.E. Cox with Army Survey Company. Accompanied by A59-80. (Source: 11CU ORB)
12JUL45
Morotai-Manila flown by S/L C.E. Cox with GEN Berryman. (Source: 11CU ORB)
15NOV45
Morotai-Balikpapan-Makassar flown by F/L J. Delany with BRIG Woodward. (Source: 11CU ORB)
13DEC45
Received at 2AD Storage.
19NOV46
Authorised for write-off.
03SEP48
Passed to DAP for disposal ex 2AD.
06SEP49
Disposal action completed.
A59-53
237-5455
PV-1 33446 -
16JUL43
Departed Honolulu.
19JUL43
Received at 2AD, Richmond.
26AUG43
Received at 13SQ. Coded SF-W.
26MAY44
Received at 1APU for finalisation of installation of SCR729 equipment.
28JUN44
Received at 13SQ.
06JUN45
Taxying accident at Gove due brake failure.
18JUL45
Received at 14ARD for repair.
10SEP45
Received at 1AD Test & Ferry SQ.
13SEP45
Received at 2AD Storage.
19NOV46
Authorised for write-off.
24JUN48
Passed to DAP for disposal ex 2AD.
06SEP49
Disposal action completed.
A59-54
237-5542
PV-1 34652 -
20AUG43
Departed Honolulu.
25AUG43
Received at 2AD, Richmond.
10SEP43
Received at 13SQ.
22NOV43
Crashed through a boundary fence and into a revetment in the N.E. corner of Archerfield, Qld at 1245 hrs on landing. Aircraft damaged beyond repair. Only minor injuries to crew.
25NOV43
Received at 3AD.
28DEC43
Approval given to convert to components (see below).
NOTE
The log book of Flt Sgt Frank Allen Bowden (13SQ) records several flights in A59-54 between Canberra, Coffs Harbour, Mascot and Essendon in the period 18-24APR44. This is inconsistent with the fate of the aircraft recorded on the status card and supported by the 13SQ ORB. RESOLVED - It is almost certain that these flights were in A59-64.
A59-55
237-5541
PV-1 34651 -
22AUG43
Departed Honolulu.
25AUG43
Received at 2AD, Richmond.
16SEP43
Received at 13SQ.
07DEC43
Crashed and destroyed at Gundaroo, ACT on a training flight from Canberra. Five crew killed.
17DEC43
Received at 5AD Wagga Wagga.
23DEC43
Approval given to convert to components.
A59-56
237-5644
PV-1 34754 -
14SEP43
Departed Honolulu.
21SEP43
Received at 2AD, Richmond.
03OCT43
Received at 13SQ. Coded SF-T. Named Coffee Pot.
29DEC43
Ran through a boundary fence landing at Camden after brake failure. There was no subsequent allotment for repairs so evidently the aircraft was repaired within 13SQ.
24OCT44
Received at 14ARD for double engine change.
06DEC44
Received at 13SQ.
27JAN45
Crashed into sea off Bremer Island near Gove, N.T. while on a gunnery exercise. Three crew were killed and three survived.
18FEB45
Authorised for write-off.
A59-57
237-5645
PV-1 34755 VHRGO
01OCT43
Departed Honolulu.
06OCT43
Received at 2AD, Richmond.
16OCT43
Received at 13SQ.
01NOV44
Received at 14ARD for maintenance and not returned to 13SQ.
10SEP45
Received at 12ARD ex 14ARD.
24OCT45
Allotted to 6CU for use by AOC replacing Beaufort A9-728. This allotment was cancelled three days later and there was no subsequent allotment for transport duties. This casts doubt on reports that the aircraft was converted to a transport. The radio call-sign VHRGO may have been planned but it seems unlikely that it was used. The ORB for 6CU does not mention a Ventura at this time.
13DEC45
Received at 7AD ex 12ARD.
01OCT46
To be stored.
08APR52
Offered for disposal ex 7AD Tocumwal. This is the last entry on the card.
A59-58
237-5748
PV-1 34858 -
22OCT43
Departed Honolulu.
25OCT43
Received at 2AD, Richmond.
17NOV43
Received at 13SQ.
21JAN44
Damaged beyond repair at Camden. The aircraft over-ran the runway on landing, went through the boundary fence and collapsed the undercarriage. (The Status Card shows 01JAN44 but the 13SQ ORB shows 21JAN44)
05FEB44
Received at 2AD ex 13SQ.
15MAR44
2AD to forward starboard wing to Coffs Harbour for fitment to A59-61.
31AUG44
Received at 2CRD ex 2AD.
12SEP44
Approval given to convert to components.
A59-59
237-5750
PV-1 34860 -
22OCT43
Departed Honolulu.
25OCT43
Received at 2AD, Richmond.
20NOV43
Received at 13SQ. Coded SF-P.
25JAN45
Received at 4RSU for maintenance and not returned 13SQ.
16JUL45
Received at 1AD Ferry Flight, later 1AD Test & Ferry SQ.
17APR46
Received at 1AD Storage.
19NOV46
Authorised for write-off.
19MAY48
Passed to DAP for disposal ex 1AD.
08AUG49
Disposal action completed. Photo proof of scrapping at Laverton early 50s.
A59-60
237-5749
PV-1 34859 VHRGP
26OCT43
Departed Honolulu.
31OCT43
Received at 2AD, Richmond.
25NOV43
Received at 13SQ. Coded SF-O.
22MAR45
Landed at Gove with a blown tyre. The port undercarriage collapsed and the aircraft ground looped.
23APR45
Received at 14ARD for repair.
16JUN45
6CU ORB states; "AOC's Beaufort force landed at Tennant Creek on return from Melbourne. AOC and party rescued by Ventura next day." Neither aircraft is identified. See 17DEC45.
Status Card identifies the AOC's Beaufort as A9-98 allotted 6CU on 10APR45.
16JUL45
Allotted to 11CU. Seats to be fitted at 5RSU Morotai from aircraft selected as replacement. (see below)
28AUG45
Allotment to 11CU cancelled.
  Reported to have used the radio call-sign VHRGP.
08SEP45
Received at 12ARD ex 14ARD.
17DEC45
Issued to 6CU for use by AOC in lieu A59-57. Note: 6CU disbanded at Darwin approx two weeks later on 30DEC45. The only mention of a Ventura in the 6CU ORB appears under 16JUN45 (see above).
04FEB46
Allotted 2AD ex 6CU for storage.
05MAR46
Received at 2AD Storage ex 6CU.
19NOV46
Authorised for write-off.
24JUN48
Passed to DAP for disposal ex 2AD.
06SEP49
Disposal action completed.
 
NOTE: It is also reported that this aircraft was left with the NEIAF in Morotai. (Source: unknown)
A59-61
237-5882
PV-1 34992 VHRGQ
20DEC43
Departed Honolulu.
22DEC43
Received at 2AD, Richmond.
20JAN44
Received at 13SQ. Fitted with dual controls. Coded SF-X and SF-U.
07MAR44
Crashed on landing, damaging the starboard mainplane.
08MAR44
Allotted 3AD for starboard mainplane change to be effected at Coffs Harbour.
15MAR44
Above allotment cancelled. Main plane change to be effected by 13SQ. 2AD to arrange to forward serviceable starboard mainplane ex A59-58 to Coffs Harbour for fitment.
25APR44
Stalled while landing during night circuits. Apparently the aircraft was undamaged as the next allotment was for a 240 hourly inspection at 4RSU in OCT44.
04JUN45
Received at 1AD Test & Ferry SQ to replace A59-89.
  Used call-sign VHRGQ.
24SEP45
Approval given for conversion to components.
22DEC45
Issued to 1CRD ex 1AD for conversion to components. Possibly the Ventura Ambulance
A59-62
237-5884
PV-1 34994 -
18DEC43
Departed Honolulu.
22DEC43
Received at 2AD, Richmond.
26DEC43
Received at 13SQ. Coded SF-T and SF-U.
02JUL45
Received at 2AD Ferry Flight.
12MAR46
Received at 2AD Storage.
03SEP48
Issued to DAP for disposal ex 2AD.
06SEP49
Disposal action completed.
A59-63
237-5885
PV-1 34995 VHRGR
20DEC43
Departed Honolulu.
22DEC43
Received at 2AD, Richmond.
26DEC43
Received at 13SQ.
27JUN45
Received at 2AD Ferry Flight.
09JUL45
Received at 1AD Test & Ferry SQ.
 
Converted to transport. Used call-sign VHRGR.
09AUG45
Received at 7AD
26NOV45
Received at 1AD Test & Ferry SQ.
22MAY46
Issued to 1AD for storage.
13APR48
Approval granted for free issue to DCA for training purposes.
15OCT48
Departed Laverton by road with A59-90. See the Monegeetta Monster
10NOV48
Struck off charge.
A59-64
237-5985
PV-1 48749 -
11JAN44
Departed Honolulu.
14JAN44
Received at 2AD, Richmond.
28JAN44
Issued to 14RSU ex 2AD for 40 hourly inspection.
30JAN44
Force landed near Mt Gambier, SA due engine failure.
10FEB44
Received at 2AP ex 14RSU.
12APR44
Received at 32SQ ex 2AD.
16APR44
Received at 13SQ ex 32SQ. Coded SF-H.
07FEB46
Received at 2AD for storage.
19NOV46
Authorised for write-off.
03SEP48
Issued to DAP for disposal ex 2AD.
06SEP49
Disposal action completed.
A59-65
237-5984
PV-1 48748 -
12JAN44
Departed Honolulu.
16JAN44
Received at 2AD, Richmond.
21JAN44
Received at 13SQ. Coded SF-R and SF-Z
06JAN46
Received at 2AD for storage.
19NOV46
Authorised for write-off.
03SEP48
Issued to DAP for disposal ex 2AD.
06SEP49
Disposal action completed.
A59-66
237-5986
PV-1 48750 -
12JAN44
Departed Honolulu.
16JAN44
Received at 2AD, Richmond.
11MAR44
Received at 2AP for escort duty.
29MAR44
Received at 13SQ.
21AUG44
Damaged beyond repair at Camden, NSW when undercarriage collapsed on landing.
24AUG44
Received at 2AD.
24OCT44
Approval given to convert to components.
08NOV44
Received at 2CRD for conversion.
A59-67
237-6090
PV-1 48854 -
02FEB44
Departed Honolulu.
06FEB44
Received at 2AD, Richmond.
24FEB44
Received at 13SQ. Coded SF-F, SF-O and SF-K.
18JAN46
Received at 2AD for storage.
19NOV46
Authorised for write-off.
03SEP48
Issued to DAP for disposal ex 2AD.
06SEP49
Disposal action completed.
A59-67#2
237-5378
PV-1 33369 -

 

Extant Aircraft - see VH-SFF

 

A59-68
237-6091
PV-1 48855 -
08FEB44
Departed Honolulu.
10FEB44
Received at 2AD, Richmond.
17MAR44
Received at 1OTU ex 2AD.
12APR44
Received at 32SQ ex 1OTU.
28APR44
Received at 2AP ex 32SQ for storage.
02JUN44
Received at 7SQ ex 2AP.
03JUL44
Received at 13ARD Reserve Pool ex 7SQ as reserve aircraft for 13SQ.
03JAN45
Received at 13SQ. Coded SF-L.
06JAN46
Received at 2AD for storage.
19NOV46
Authorised for write-off.
03SEP48
Issued to DAP for disposal ex 2AD.
06SEP49
Disposal action completed.
A59-69
237-6135
PV-1 48899 -
29JAN44
Departed USA West Coast.
09FEB44
At Honolulu.
13FEB44
Departed Honolulu.
17FEB44
Received at 2AD, Richmond.
14MAR44
Received at 2AP ex 2AD.
29APR44
Received at 13SQ ex 2AP. Coded SF-G and SF-W.
18JAN46
Received at 2AD for storage.
19NOV46
Authorised for write-off.
03SEP48
Issued to DAP for disposal ex 2AD.
06SEP49
Disposal action completed. (Refer A59-70)
A59-70
237-6137
PV-1 48901 -
30JAN44
Departed USA West Coast.
09FEB44
At Honolulu
17FEB44
Departed Honolulu.
22FEB44
Received at 2AD, Richmond.
14MAR44
Received at 2AP ex 2AD.
03JUN44
Received at 7SQ ex 2AP.
26JUN44
Received at 13ARD ex 7SQ as reserve aircraft for 13SQ.
01SEP44
Received at 13SQ ex 13ARDRP. Coded SF-Y.
15JAN45
Flown by Flying Officer A.G. Goudie, the aircraft was struck by gunfire during a low level attack on enemy shipping in Bima Harbour. The starboard engine was shut down and guns and ammunition were jettisoned. With careful fuel management, the aircraft returned safely to Gove. The navigator was E.G. Whitlam, later Prime Minister of Australia.
17DEC45
The 13SQ ORB states: "A59-69 unserviceable at Balikpapan. Permission granted for Flt Lt Geshke and crew to return 18 December. Leave aircraft."
At this time 13SQ was within weeks of disbandment. It is likely that this entry should have referred to A59-70 at Koepang. At this time there was no mention of destroying the aircraft.
22DEC45
The 13SQ ORB states that Flt Lt Geshke proceeded south with A59-71 on this date.
08JAN46
A59-70 allotted to 2AD for storage.
16JAN46
The 13SQ Personnel Occurrence Report of 16JAN46 states that Flt Lt Geshke departed on 16JAN46 on posting to No 1 Personnel Depot. This was the last POR issued by 13SQ before disbandment. (Source: NAA, Series A10605)
09APR46
"Aircraft was flown into Koepang after developing engine trouble by Flt. Lt C.N. Geschke (sic) who had to leave the aircraft at Koepang on becoming ill. It has been decided not to return this aircraft to Australia and authority has been granted for its destruction." (Source: Status Card for A59-70)
Evidently the aircraft had been forgotten and this is a post-war clean-up action. A similar entry under this date on the Status Card for A59-95 discusses its destruction at Singapore.
03JUN46
Confirmation that aircraft has been destroyed by NEI forces as instructed by RAAF HQ.
A59-71
237-6134
PV-1 48898 -
29JAN44
Departed USA West Coast.
11FEB44
At Honolulu.
24FEB44
Departed Honolulu.
27FEB44
Received at 2AD, Richmond.
27APR44
Received at 2AP ex 2AD.
09MAY45
Received at 7SQ ex 2AP.
26JUN44
Received at 13ARD as reserve aircraft for 13SQ.
12OCT44
Received at 14ARDRP.
16OCT44
Received at 13SQ. Coded SF-Q
31DEC44
Flown by Wg Cdr Keenan, operated the first armed reconnaissance over Ambon by a Ventura.
06JAN46
Received at 2AD for storage.
19NOV46
Authorised for write-off.
03SEP48
Issued to DAP for disposal ex 2AD.
06SEP49
Disposal action completed.
A59-72
237-6136
PV-1 48900 -
30JAN44
Departed USA West Coast.
09FEB44
At Honolulu.
26FEB44
Departed Honolulu.
29FEB44
Received at 2AD, Richmond.
23APR44
Received at 2AP ex 2AD.
06MAY44
Received at 13SQ. Coded SF-T and SF-F. Named Southern Job.
25NOV45
During take-off at Balikpapan ran off the strip into a drain and damaged beyond repair. No injuries.
18DEC45
Approval given to convert to components.
A59-73
237-6142
PV-1 48906 -

 

Extant Aircraft - see A59-73

 

A59-74
237-6198
PV-1 49382 -
22FEB44
Departed USA West Coast.
03MAR44
At Honolulu
11MAR44
Departed Honolulu.
14MAR44
Received at 2AD, Richmond.
08JUN44
Received at 2AP ex 2AD.
29JAN45
Received at 2AD Care & Maintenance Section, Evans Head for storage.
09FEB45
Received at 1AOS, Evans Head for storage.
31MAR45
Damaged in a storm at Evans Head.
19NOV46
Authorised for write-off.
06FEB48
Passed to DAP for disposal ex CMU, Evans Head, NSW.
25MAR49
Disposal action completed.
A59-75
237-6199
PV-1 49383 -
22FEB44
Departed USA West Coast.
03MAR44
At Honolulu
20MAR44
Departed Honolulu.
26MAR44
Received at 2AD, Richmond.
26MAY44
Issued 7SQ ex 2AP.
01JUN44
Allotted 13ARD ex 7SQ for repairs. (Damage not specified)
13JUL44
Received 13ARDRP ex 13ARD.
06SEP44
Received 14ARDRP ex 13ARDRP
26SEP44
Received at 13SQ. Coded SF-Q, SF-P and SF-U.
02OCT44
Landed at Gove, NT with undercarriage retracted.
05DEC44
Received at 4RSU after temporary repairs at 13SQ.
24FEB45
Received at 13SQ ex 14RSU.
04JUN45
Received at 14ARD for 240 hourly inspection.
05SEP45
Still at 14ARD. Parts from A59-73 being used.
03OCT45
Received at 2AD ex 14RSU for storage.
19NOV46
Authorised for write-off.
03SEP48
Issued to DAP for disposal ex 2AD.
06SEP49
Disposal action completed.
A59-76
237-6200
PV-1 49384 -
24FEB44
Departed USA West Coast.
28FEB44
At Honolulu.
06MAR44
Departed Honolulu.
09MAR44
Received at 2AD, Richmond.
12APR44
Received at 2AP ex 2AD.
01MAY44
Received at 13SQ. Coded SF-E.
45
To Tokyo to work with the 1st Tactical Air Force (RAAF).
08NOV45
Damaged beyond repair when aircraft swung on take-off at Labuan. No injuries.
16NOV45
Received at 1RSU ex 13SQ.
18DEC45
Approval given to convert to components.
A59-77
237-6201
PV-1 49385 -
24FEB44
Departed USA West Coast.
28FEB44
At Honolulu.
06MAR44
Departed Honolulu.
13MAR44
Received at 2AD, Richmond.
12APR44
Received at 2AP ex 2AD.
16MAY44
Received at 13SQ ex 2AP. Coded SF-D and SF-M.
18JAN46
Received at 2AD for storage.
19NOV46
Authorised for write-off.
03SEP48
Issued to DAP for disposal ex 2AD.
06SEP49
Disposal action completed.
A59-78
237-6244
PV-1 49428 -
19MAR44
Departed USA West Coast.
25MAR44
At Honolulu.
28MAR44
Departed Honolulu.
01APR44
Received at 2AD, Richmond.
11MAY44
Received at 13SQ ex 2AP. Coded SF-J.
02JUN45
This aircraft required for conversion course for four Ventura crews prior departure for 1TAF.
28JUN45
Received at 14ARD ex 13SQ for 480 hourly inspection and double engine change.
19SEP45
Received at 13SQ ex 14ARD.
31DEC45
13SQ request allotment to 12ARD for repair (unspecified).
13JAN46
Received at 12ARD.
25FEB46
Received at 2AD ex 12ARD for storage.
19NOV46
Authorised for disposal.
03SEP48
Issued to DAP for disposal ex 2AD.
06SEP49
Disposal action completed.
A59-79
237-6245
PV-1 49429 -
19MAR44
Departed USA West Coast.
25MAR44
At Honolulu.
04APR44
Departed Honolulu.
07APR44
Received at 2AD, Richmond.
23APR44
Received at 2AP ex 2AD.
18MAY44
Received at 13SQ. Coded SF-B and SF-F.
24JUN45
Crashed on take-off at Gove.
11JUL45
Received at 14ARD ex 13SQ for repair.
09OCT45
Received at 2AD for storage.
19NOV46
Authorised for write-off.
03SEP48
Issued to DAP for disposal ex 2AD.
06SEP49
Disposal action completed.
A59-80
237-6246
PV-1 49430 VHRGS
12APR44
Departed USA West Coast.
20APR44
At Honolulu.
27APR44
Departed Honolulu.
01MAY44
Received at 2AD, Richmond.
24JUL44
Received at 2AP ex 2AD.
21DEC44
Received at 2AD Evans Head for storage.
09FEB45
Received at 1AOS Evans Head for storage.
20MAR45
Received at 2AD.
22MAR45
Fitted with seats ex Lodestar A67-7 for personnel transport. Used call-sign VHRGS.
17APR45
Received at 11CU.
19APR45
Morotai-Hollandia-Lae-Torokina-Mareeba-Brisbane flown by F/L Patrick with BRIG Rogers. (Source: 11CU ORB)
01MAY45
Arrived 3AD for 40 hourly inspection. Cleaning tray caught fire and caused minor damage to aircraft resulting in a delay of only 48 hours.
07MAY45
Morotai-Leyte flown by F/O M. Boyd with W/C Thompson. (Source: 11CU ORB)
11MAY45
Allocated for use by Army.
08JUN45
Hollandia-Morotai flown by F/L N.I. McCahon with Army Survey Company. Accompanied by A59-52. (Source: 11CU ORB)
20JUN45
Morotai-Manila flown by F/L N.I. McCahon with BRIG Burham and Col. Booker. Manila-Morotai with Col. Wilson. (Source: 11CU ORB)
03AUG45
Morotai-Lae flown by F/L N.I. McCahon with Army officers. (Source: 11CU ORB)
23JUL45
Morotai-Manila flown by F/L N.I. McCahon with BRIG McCallum and Col. Morrow. (Source: 11CU ORB)
02OCT45
Morotai-Balikpapan flown by F/L J. Delany with GEN Northcote. (Source: 11CU ORB)
24OCT45
Morotai-Oakey flown by F/L J. Delany escorting 12 Spitfires. (Source: 11CU ORB)
31OCT45
Withdrawn from service.
05MAR46
Issued to 2AD for storage.
19NOV46
Authorised for write-off.
03SEP48
Issued to DAP for disposal ex 2AD.
06SEP49
Disposal action completed.
A59-81
237-6247
PV-1 49431 -
19MAR44
Departed USA West Coast.
25MAR44
At Honolulu.
04APR44
Departed Honolulu.
07APR44
Received at 2AD, Richmond.
24APR44
Received at 2AP ex 2AD.
25MAY44
Received at 13SQ ex 2AP to replace A59-68. Coded SF-D. Named Wiff-Oh.
08OCT45
Slid off trestles during maintenance at Labuan. Damaged beyond repair.
16OCT45
Received at 1RSU ex 13SQ.
03DEC45
Approval given to convert to components.
A59-82
237-6248
PV-1 49432 VHRGT
19MAR44
Departed USA West Coast.
25MAR44
At Honolulu.
11APR44
Departed Honolulu.
14APR44
Received at 2AD, Richmond.
26APR44
Received at 2AP Bankstown.
08MAY44
Damaged at 2AP when aircraft slipped off cradle during inspection.
23JUN44
Received at 2AD for repair ex 2AP.
12OCT44
Received at 2AP for storage.
20NOV44
Allotted 2AD Care & Maintenance Section, Evans Head ex 2AP.
05DEC44
Authority granted for use in collection of urgently required WT sets ex 6 Stores Depot for 452 SQ Spitfire Mk VIII.
06DEC44
Authority granted for use on escort duties for seven days in view unserviceability of B-34 aircraft.
03JAN45
Allocated to 2AD Ferry Flight for escorting P-40 to 75SQ ex 22RSURP.
29JAN45
Allotted to Pacific Echelon ex 2AD.
31JAN45
To be delivered to Leyte to check with 7TMO detachment Hollandia en route.
11MAR45
Issued to 11CU ex 2AD. Used call-sign VHRGT.
03APR45
Received at 11CU ex 2AD.
APR45
Detached to Manila for AOC Pacific Echelon. (Source: 11CU ORB)
08JUL45
Received 7AD ex 11CU for double engine change.
26AUG45
Issued to 11CU ex 7AD.
03SEP45
Received at 7AD ex 11CU for removal of equipment and installation of chairs.
01OCT45
Received at 11CU ex 7AD.
28NOV45
Morotai-Sydney flown by F/L J. Rowell with W/C Rose. (Source: 11CU ORB)
10JAN46
Morotai-Makassar flown by F/L J. Rowell with Army officers. No mention of return flight. (Source: 11CU ORB)
16JAN46
Morotai-Lae with Army officers. No mention of return flight. (Source: 11CU ORB)
04FEB46
Morotai-Melbourne flown by F/L J. Rowell with GEN Milford. Last recorded movement with 11CU. (Source: 11CU ORB)
13MAR46
Received at 2AD ex 11CU for storage.
19NOV46
Authorised for write-off.
03SEP48
Issued to DAP for disposal ex 2AD.
06SEP49
Disposal action completed.
A59-83
237-6249
PV-1 49433 -
19MAR44
Departed USA West Coast.
25MAR44
At Honolulu.
11APR44
Departed Honolulu.
14APR44
Received at 2AD, Richmond.
27APR44
Received at 2AP ex 2AD for storage.
26MAY44
Allotted to 7SQ.
03JUN44
Aircraft being fitted with dual controls.
09JUN44
Allotment to 7SQ cancelled. Re-allotted to 13SQ "may be issued if fitted with dual controls".
27JUL44
Received at 13SQ.
19OCT44
Ditched off West Island en route Gove to Higgins after double engine failure. Crew survived.
28OCT44
Approval for write-off. NEA to take necessary action to destroy aircraft.
13NOV44
Received at 1RSU ex 13SQ.
A59-84
237-6250
PV-1 49434 -
12APR44
Departed USA West Coast.
20APR44
At Honolulu
23APR44
Departed Honolulu.
12MAY44
Received at 2AD, Richmond.
26JUN44
Issued temporarily to 2AP for P-40 escort duty.
26JUL44
Issued 2AP Ferry Flight.
29AUG44
"Now in storage" at 2AP.
25OCT44
Received at 13SQ ex 14ARDRP. Coded SF-N.
27JAN45
Crashed and burned on approach to Gould airstrip near Batchelor. All six crew killed.
31JAN45
Issued to 8CRD ex 13SQ.
23MAR45
Approval for write-off.
A59-85
237-6251
PV-1 49435 -
12APR44
Departed USA West Coast.
20APR44
At Honolulu.
27APR44
Departed Honolulu.
01MAY44
Received at 2AD, Richmond.
29JUN44
Received at 2AP for storage.
24OCT44
Received at 14ARDRP ex 2AP.
25OCT44
Received at 13SQ ex 14ARDRP. Coded SF-R. Named Reluctant Dragon.
27NOV45
Tailwheel broken while taxying at Labuan.
04DEC45
Received at 1RSU for repair.
10JAN46
Received at 84OBU ex 1RSU.
30JAN46
Received at 2AD ex 84OBU for storage.
19NOV46
Authorised for write-off.
03SEP48
Issued to DAP for disposal ex 2AD.
06SEP49
Disposal action completed.
A59-86
237-6252
PV-1 49436 VHRGU
12APR44
Departed USA West Coast.
20APR44
At Honolulu.
23APR44
Departed Honolulu.
12MAY44
Received at 2AD, Richmond.
15AUG44
Received at 2AP ex 2AD for storage.
04NOV44
Received at 2AD ex 2AP.
13FEB45
Issued to 14ARDRP ex 2AD.
18FEB45
Received at 13SQ ex 14ARDRP. Coded SF-G and SF-C.
07MAR45
Gove-Townsville-Archerfield flown by F/O Dargie. Also flew a local test flight (40 min) at Townsville. (Source: 4CU ORB)
  Used the radio call-sign VHRGU but it is uncertain when this came into use.
15MAR45
Archerfield-Eagle Farm (30 min) flown by F/O Davies and crew. (Source: 4CU ORB)
15MAR45
Eagle Farm-Gove-Morotai-Leyte flown by F/O Davies with G/C Grant and party. (Source: 4CU ORB)
17MAR45
Leyte-Morotai flown by F/O Dargie with G/C Grant and party. (Source: 4CU ORB)
18MAR45
Morotai-Gove-Archerfield flown by F/O Dargie with G/C Grant and W/C Glasscock. (Source: 4CU ORB)
19MAR45
Local test flight Archerfield (30 min) flown by F/O Dargie. (Source: 4CU ORB)
19MAR45
Archerfield-Amberley-Archerfield-Eagle Farm-Darwin flown by F/O Dargie with AVM Bostock, G/C Candy and party. (Source: 4CU ORB)
21MAR45
Darwin-Morotai flown by F/O Davies with AVM Bostock, G/C Candy and party. (Source: 4CU ORB)
24MAR45
Morotai-Madang-Lae flown by F/O Dargie with AVM Bostock and party. (Source: 4CU ORB)
25MAR45
Lae-Higgins-Archerfield flown by F/O Dargie with AVM Bostock and party (arrived 26MAR). (Source: 4CU ORB)
02APR45
Local test flight Archerfield (30 min) flown by F/O Dargie and crew. (Source: 4CU ORB)
05APR45
Archerfield-Eagle Farm test flight and ferry by F/O Dargie and crew. (Source: 4CU ORB)
05APR45
Eagle Farm-Gove flown by F/O Dargie with AVM Bostock and party. (Source: 4CU ORB)
06APR45
Gove-Morotai flown by F/O Dargie with AVM Bostock and party. (Source: 4CU ORB)
07APR45
Morotai-Leyte flown by F/O Dargie with G/C Thompson and party. (Source: 4CU ORB)
08APR45
Leyte-Morotai flown by F/O Dargie with G/C Thompson and party. (Source: 4CU ORB)
13APR45
Morotai-Coomalie-Darwin flown by F/O Dargie with AVM Bostock and party. (Source: 4CU ORB)
14APR45
Darwin-Charleville-Archerfield flown by F/O Dargie with AVM Bostock and party. (Source: 4CU ORB)
16APR45
Test flight at Archerfield and ferry to Eagle Farm flown by F/O Dargie and crew. (Source: 4CU ORB)
16APR45
Eagle Farm-Gove flown by F/O Dargie with AVM Bostock and party. (Source: 4CU ORB)
17APR45
Gove-Morotai flown by F/O Dargie with AVM Bostock and party. (Source: 4CU ORB)
18APR45
Morotai-Leyte-Morotai flown by F/O Dargie with AVM Bostock and party. (Source: 4CU ORB)
20APR45
"Presently attached to 4CU for use by RAAF Command". (Source: Status Card)
23APR45
Morotai-Leyte-Morotai flown by F/O Dargie with G/C Munroe and party. (Source: 4CU ORB)
27APR45
Morotai-Gove flown by F/O Dargie with G/C Grant and party. (Source: 4CU ORB)
28APR45
Gove-Archerfield flown by F/O Dargie with G/C Grant and party. (Source: 4CU ORB)
28MAY45
Force landed at Maryborough due weather. (Source: 4CU ORB)
29MAY45
Archerfield-Eagle Farm ferry flight by F/L Brannigan and crew. (Source: 4CU ORB)
30MAY45
Eagle Farm-Morotai flown by F/L Brannigan with A/C Candy and party. (Source: 4CU ORB)
01JUN45
Leyte-Morotai-Manila flown by F/L Brannigan with G/C Munro and party. (Source: 4CU ORB)
02JUN45
Manila-Morotai flown by F/L Brannigan with G/C Munro and party. (Source: 4CU ORB)
04JUN45
Morotai-Manila flown by F/L Brannigan with G/C Munro and party. (Source: 4CU ORB)
05JUN45
Manila-Leyte-Morotai flown by F/L Brannigan with G/C Munro and party. (Source: 4CU ORB)
08JUN45
Morotai-Leyte flown by F/L Brannigan with S/L Kennedy and party. (Source: 4CU ORB)
09JUN45
Leyte-Manila flown by F/L Brannigan with S/L Kennedy and party. (Source: 4CU ORB)
10JUN45
Manila-Morotai flown by F/L Brannigan with S/L Kennedy and party. (Source: 4CU ORB)
11JUN45
Morotai-Leyte-Gove flown by F/L Brannigan with S/L Kennedy and party. (Source: 4CU ORB)
12JUN45
Gove-Cloncurry-Archerfield flown by F/L Brannigan with S/L Kennedy and party. (Source: 4CU ORB)
13JUN45
Archerfield-Mascot flown by F/O Dargie with W/C Black and party. (Source: 4CU ORB)
14JUN45
Mascot-Benalla-Archerfield flown by F/O Dargie with S/L Kennedy. (Source: 4CU ORB)
16JUN45
Local test flight Archerfield (25 min) flown by F/O Dargie and crew. (Source: 4CU ORB)
18JUN45
Archerfield-Maryborough flown by F/O Dargie and crew on a Radar Test with Sgt Richardson. (Source: 4CU ORB)
19JUN45
Maryborough-Archerfield-Cloncurry flown by F/O Dargie and crew. (Source: 4CU ORB)
05JUL45
Local fuel test flight (30 min) at Morotai by F/O Dargie and crew. (Source: 4CU ORB)
05JUL45
Morotai-Gove-Archerfield (arrived 07JUL) flown by F/O Dargie with A/C Candy and party. (Source: 4CU ORB)
08JUL45
Local test flight Archerfield (30 min) flown by F/O Davies and crew. (Source: 4CU ORB)
08JUL45
Archerfield-Eagle Farm-Gove-Morotai (arrived 10JUL) flown by F/O Dargie with A/C Candy and party. (Source: 4CU ORB)
17JUL45
Local test flight (15 min) Morotai flown by F/O Dargie and crew. (Source: 4CU ORB)
22JUL45
Morotai-Gove-Archerfield (arrived 23JUL) flown by F/O Dargie with A/C Candy and party. (Source: 4CU ORB)
03AUG45
Morotai-Samar-Morotai flown by F/O Dargie with G/C Armstrong and party. Previous arrival at Morotai is not recorded. (Source: 4CU ORB)
06AUG45
Morotai-Samar-Morotai flown by F/O Dargie to collect RAAF Command personnel but returned with nil pax. (Source: 4CU ORB)
07AUG45
Morotai-Darwin-Cloncurry-Archerfield (arrived 08AUG) flown by F/O Dargie with A/C Candy and party. (Source: 4CU ORB)
11AUG45
Archerfield-Eagle Farm-Gove-Morotai (arrived 12AUG) flown by F/O Dargie with RAAF Command personnel and LT COL Findlay. (Source: 4CU ORB)
13AUG45
Morotai-Gove-Archerfield (arrived 14AUG) flown by F/O Dargie with G/C Grant and party. (Source: 4CU ORB)
16AUG45
"PEACE DAY celebrations. NIL flying." (Source: 4CU ORB)
20AUG45
Local test flight Archerfield (20 min) flown by F/O Dargie and crew. (Source: 4CU ORB)
28AUG45
Archerfield-Morotai with RAAF Command personnel. Nil other details. (Source: 4CU ORB)
03SEP45
Morotai-Labuan flown by F/O Dargie with G/C Grant and party. (Source: 4CU ORB)
04SEP45
Labuan-Tawi Tawi-Morotai flown by F/O Dargie with G/C Grant and party. (Source: 4CU ORB)
06SEP45
Morotai-Gove-Archerfield (arrived 07SEP) flown by F/O Dargie with G/C Grant and party. (Source: 4CU ORB)
11SEP45
Archerfield-Eagle Farm-Townsville-Merauke-Morotai (arrived 12SEP) flown by F/O Dargie with personnel to Townsville en route Morotai to evacuate personnel. (Source: 4CU ORB)
13SEP45
Morotai-Samar-Morotai flown by F/O Dargie with RAAF Command personnel. (Source: 4CU ORB)
14SEP45
"Unit is 3 years old." (Source: 4CU ORB)
15SEP45
Morotai-Iron Range-Townsville-Archerfield (arrived 16SEP) flown by F/O Dargie with RAAF Command personnel. (Source: 4CU ORB)
18SEP45
Archerfield-Melbourne with A/C Candy and party. (Source: 4CU ORB)
25SEP45
Melbourne-Archerfield with G/C Cohen. (Source: 4CU ORB)
03OCT45
Archerfield-Amberley flown by F/O Dargie and crew for inspection at 3AD. (Source: 4CU ORB)
22NOV45
Amberley-Archerfield flown by F/O Dargie and crew. (Source: 4CU ORB)
23NOV45
Archerfield-Mascot-Laverton flown by F/O Dargie with 10 pax. (Source: 4CU ORB)
24NOV45
Laverton-Essendon-Archerfield flown by F/O Dargie. (Source: 4CU ORB)
27NOV45
Archerfield local (15 min) flown by F/O Dargie. Conversion of CO S/L Newstead. (Source: 4CU ORB)
29NOV45
Archerfield-Amberley-Archerfield flown by S/L Newstead with W/O Schilleman the only other crew plus 3 LACs as pax. (Source: 4CU ORB)
30NOV45
Archerfield-Amberley-Archerfield flown by S/L Newstead with W/O Schilleman the only other crew plus 3 LACs as pax. (Source: 4CU ORB)
03DEC45
Archerfield-Essendon flown by S/L Newstead plus 2 crew with personnel. (Source: 4CU ORB)
06DEC45
Essendon-Richmond flown by S/L Newstead plus 2 crew. (Source: 4CU ORB)
10DEC45
Richmond-Archerfield flown by S/L Newstead and crew. (Source: 4CU ORB)
12DEC45
Archerfield-Kingaroy flown by S/L Newstead plus three crew. (Source: 4CU ORB)
13DEC45
Kingaroy-Archerfield flown by S/L Newstead plus three crew and LTDonaldson as pax. (Source: 4CU ORB)
19DEC45
Archerfield-Amberley-Archerfield flown by S/L Newstead plus two crew (including F/L Albrecht). Local flying (40 min). (Source: 4CU ORB)
19DEC45
Allotted 2AD for storage.
03JAN46
Archerfield-Bundaberg-Archerfield flown by S/L Newstead and three crew plus two nurses to collect a medical case. (Source: 4CU ORB)
10JAN46
Archerfield-Oakey-Archerfield flown by S/L Newstead and three crew plus two nurses to navigate 4CU Kittyhawk A29-369 to 6AD Oakey and return pilot to Archerfield. (Source: 4CU ORB)
10JAN46
Local flying Archerfield (55 min) flown by F/O Paterson and three crew. (Source: 4CU ORB)
15JAN46
Advice received that A59-86 is not to be delivered to 2AD until allotted B-25s arrive at 4CU ex 3AD. (Source: 4CU ORB)
23JAN46
Advice received from RAAF HQ that 4CU is to disband forthwith. (Source: 4CU ORB)
25JAN46
Local test flight (45 min) Archerfield flown by S/L Newstead plus four crew and four LACs as pax. (Source: 4CU ORB)
30JAN46
Archerfield-Bundaberg-Archerfield flown by F/L Albrecht plus two crew. "Duty" otherwise unspecified. Aircraft crashed during a forced landing with engine failure at Maryborough on the return flight. (Source: 4CU ORB)
  It would appear that F/L Albrecht was endorsed on the Ventura by S/L Newstead on 19DEC45. Although he had flown Beaufreighter and Beaufighter and other 4CU aircraft, it would appear that this was his first Ventura flight after being endorsed on the aeroplane.
26MAR46
Approval given to convert to components.
28MAR46
"Ventura A59-86 delivered to 3AD." (Source: 4CU ORB)
01APR46
Issued to 3AD Amberley ex 4CU for conversion to components. (Source: Status Card)
  There are reports that the airframe was buried at Maryborough.
16APR46
4CU disbanded. (Source: 4CU ORB)
A59-87
237-6253
PV-1 49437 -
19MAR44
Departed USA West Coast.
25MAR44
At Honolulu.
28MAR44
Departed Honolulu.
01APR44
Received at 2AD, Richmond.
30MAY44
Starboard wheel collapsed while taxying after conversion flight and radio test. Repairable at 2AD.
01NOV44
Received at 2AP ex 2AD for storage.
03JAN45
Received at 2AD Care & Maintenance Evans Head for storage.
09FEB45
Received at 1AOS Evans Head for storage.
16APR45
Received at 1APU ex 1AOS for prototype fitment TR5043.
21JUN45
Following fuel system failure, both engines failed and the aircraft was landed wheels up at Kangaroo Valley, NSW while en route Laverton-Nowra-Williamtown. No injuries.
03JUL45
Received at 2CRD ex 1APU.
24JUL45
2CRD recommend aircraft be converted to components.
A59-88
237-6254
PV-1 49438 VHRGV
12APR44
Departed USA West Coast.
20APR44
At Honolulu.
27APR44
Departed Honolulu.
01MAY44
Received at 2AD, Richmond.
26JUL44
Received at 2AP ex 2AD for storage.
20NOV44
Allotted 2AD Care & Maintenance Section Evans Head for storage.
15DEC44
Allocated to 2AP to escort eight Mk VIII Spitfires from 3AD to 457SQ pending availability of B-34 A59-12.
31DEC44
Received at 2AD Care & Maintenance Section Evans Head.
09FEB45
Received at 1AOS Evans Head for storage.
16MAR45
Received at 2AD ex 1AOS for conversion to transport.
22MAR45
Aircraft to proceed from 2AD to 11CU for fitment of chairs ex Lodestar.
17APR45
Received at 11CU. Used call-sign VHRGV.
11MAY45
For use by AOC First TAF.
20MAY45
Melbourne-Morotai flown by F/L F.N. Guthrie with the AOC. (Source: 11CU ORB)
15JUN45
Morotai-Manila flown by F/L F.N. Guthrie with W/C Nicholl and Sanga Sanga to Morotai with the AOC. (Source: 11CU ORB)
19JUN45
Morotai-Labuan flown by F/L F.N. Guthrie with the AOC. (Source: 11CU ORB)
02AUG45
Morotai-Melbourne flown by F/L F.N. Guthrie with G/C Murdoch. (Source: 11CU ORB)
24SEP45
Issued to 22RSU ex 11CU for 13SQ use by AOC 81WG.
OCT45
Used in Japan by a team led by Air Commodore Scherger to evaluate airfields suitable for use by the British Commonwealth Occupation Force.
06OCT45
Received at 2AD ex 13SQ.
08APR46
Received at 2AD Ferry Flight.
27AUG46
Received at 2AD for storage.
19NOV46
Authorised for write-off.
03SEP48
Issued to DAP for disposal ex 2AD.
06SEP49
Disposal action completed.
A59-89
237-6255
PV-1 49439 -
12APR44
Departed USA West Coast.
20APR44
At Honolulu.
09MAY44
Departed Honolulu.
12MAY44
Received at 2AD, Richmond.
06JUL44
Received at 2AP ex 2AD for storage.
30OCT44
Received at CFS Point Cook.
22FEB45
Allotted to 1AD for modifications for escort duties.
02MAR45
Received at 1AD Test & Ferry SQ ex CFS.
11APR45
Received at 1AD ex 1AD Test & Ferry SQ. Tailwheel damaged in pot hole while taxying.
14MAY45
Allotted to 13SQ ex 1AD. Aircraft is to be fully operational with front and rear bomb bay tanks and CO2 cylinders.
23JUN45
Received at 13SQ. Coded SF-V.
11JUL45
Received at 14ARD ex 13SQ for repairs to damage caused during gun practice.
09AUG45
Received at 13SQ ex 14ARD.
08JAN46
Received at 2AD for storage.
19NOV46
Authorised for write-off.
03SEP48
Issued to DAP for disposal ex 2AD.
06SEP49
Disposal action completed.
A59-90
237-6256
PV-1 49440 -
12APR44
Departed USA West Coast.
20APR44
At Honolulu.
09MAY44
Departed Honolulu.
12MAY44
Received at 2AD, Richmond.
27JUL44
Received at 2AP ex 2AD.
21DEC44
Received at 2AD Storage Evans Head.
19FEB45
Issued 1AD Test & Ferry SQ temporarily for escort P-40 1TAF RAAF.
30APR45
Undercarriage collapsed on take-off at Laverton.
03MAY45
Received at 1AD ex 1AD Test & Ferry SQ.
25SEP45
Force landed at Laverton.
17APR46
Issued to 1AD Storage.
13APR48
Approval granted for free issue to DCA for training purposes. See the Monegeetta Monster
15OCT48
Departed Laverton by road with A59-63.
10NOV48
Struck off charge.
A59-91
237-6257
PV-1 49441 -
12APR44
Departed USA West Coast.
20APR44
At Honolulu.
12MAY44
Departed Honolulu.
15MAY44
Received at 2AD, Richmond.
02JUL44
Received at 2AP ex 2AD.
05AUG44
Allocated ex 2AP to escort duty for Ansons of 71SQ and 73SQ. To be stored when A59-11 is serviceable.
07AUG44
Returned to storage at 2AP.
10AUG44
Both engines caught fire on landing at Amberley.
11AUG44
Allotted 3AD for repair.
14AUG44
Received at 2AP ex 3AD.
21DEC44
Received at 2AD Storage Evans Head.
09FEB45
Received at 1AOS Evans Head for storage.
01MAR45
Received at 1AD ex 1AOS for mods for test and ferry escort duties.
09APR45
Received at 2AD Ferry Flight ex 1AD.
12MAR46
Received at 2AD Storage ex 2ADFF.
19NOV46
Authorised for write-off.
03SEP48
Issued to DAP for disposal ex 2AD.
06SEP49
Disposal action completed.
A59-92
237-6258
PV-1 49442 -
12APR44
Departed USA West Coast.
20APR44
At Honolulu
12MAY44
Departed Honolulu.
15MAY44
Received at 2AD, Richmond.
30JUN44
Received at 2AP ex 2AD.
07AUG44
With 2AP. "a/c now en route NWA escorting (10) Spitfires."
03JAN45
Received at 2AD Care & Maintenance Evans Head for storage.
09FEB45
Received at 1AOS Evans Head for storage.
14MAY45
Allotted to 2AD for operational fitment. Ensure aircraft fitted with bomb bay tanks and CO2 cylinders.
31MAR45
Aircraft damaged in a storm at Evans Head.
17AUG45
Allotment to 2AD cancelled.
19NOV46
Authorised for write-off.
06FEB48
Passed to DAP for disposal ex CMU, Evans Head, NSW.
25MAR49
Disposal action completed.
A59-93
237-6361
PV-1 49545 -
19MAY44
Departed USA West Coast.
24MAY44
At Honolulu.
29MAY44
Departed Honolulu.
31MAY44
Received at 2AD, Richmond.
10OCT44
Received at 2AP ex 2AD.
01DEC44
Received at 2AD Care & Maintenance Section Evans Head for storage.
09FEB45
Received at 1AOS Evans Head for storage.
14MAY45
Allotted to 2AD for operational fitment.
17AUG45
Allotment to 2AD cancelled.
19NOV46
Authorised for write-off.
16FEB48
Passed to DAP for disposal ex CMU, Evans Head, NSW.
25MAR49
Disposal action completed.
A59-94
237-6362
PV-1 49546 -
19MAY44
Departed USA West Coast.
31MAY44
Departed Honolulu.
02JUN44
Received at 2AD, Richmond.
15SEP44
Received at 2AP ex 2AD.
01DEC44
Received at 2AD Storage Evans Head.
09FEB45
Received at 1AOS Evans Head for storage.
01MAR45
Received at 1AD for mods for test and ferry escort duties.
09APR45
Received at 2AD Ferry Flight.
06AUG45
Received at 2AD ex 2ADFF.
26NOV45
Received at 1AD Ferry Flight ex 2AD to escort aircraft to 6AD Oakey.
03DEC45
Received at 2AD.
30JUL46
Received at 2AD for storage.
01OCT46
Aircraft to be stored.
19NOV46
Authorised for write-off.
03SEP48
Issued to DAP for disposal ex 2AD.
06SEP49
Disposal action completed.
A59-95
237-6368
PV-1 49552 -
19MAY44
Departed USA West Coast.
31MAY44
Departed Honolulu.
02JUN44
Received at 2AD, Richmond.
02AUG44
Received at 2AP ex 2AD.
04NOV44
Received at 2AD ex 2AP for operational fitment.
29DEC44
Received at 1AD ex 2AD for fitment of LORAN.
20JAN45
Received at 24SQ ex 1AD for use by LORAN Tactical Development Flight. At that time 24SQ were operating B-24 Liberators from Fenton, NT.
06APR45
Received at 13SQ ex 4RSU. Coded SF-S and SF-Y.
08JAN46
Allotted 2AD ex 13SQ for storage.
11MAR46
Unserviceable at Kallang, Singapore.
09APR46
Approved for destruction as not practicable to repair and return to Australia.
16APR46
Aircraft allocated to 39OMU RAF Seletar for breakdown. (See also A59-70)
A59-96
237-6371
PV-1 49555 -

 

Extant Aircraft - see A59-96

 

A59-97
237-6370
PV-1 49554 -
19MAY44
Departed USA West Coast
31MAY44
At Honolulu.
02JUN44
Departed Honolulu.
04JUN44
Received at 2AD, Richmond.
23JUL44
Received at 2AP ex 2AD.
21DEC44
Received at 2AD Storage Evans Head.
09FEB45
Received at 1AOS Evans Head for storage.
09MAR45
Received at 2AD ex 2AP.
22MAR45
Taxying accident.
25MAR45
Allotted 26RSU for field repairs.
09APR45
Back at 2ADFF by this time.
11MAY45
Received at 2AD ex 2ADFF for operational fitment.
18OCT45
To be made available to 1AD Ferry Flight to escort aircraft to 6AD.
01APR46
Issued to 2AD Ferry Flight ex 2AD.
30JUL46
Received at 2AD for storage.
19NOV46
Authorised for write-off.
03SEP48
Issued to DAP for disposal ex 2AD.
06SEP49
Disposal action completed.
A59-98
237-6372
PV-1 49556 -
19MAY44
Departed USA West Coast.
31MAY44
At Honolulu.
02JUN44
Departed Honolulu.
04JUN44
Received at 2AD, Richmond.
29JUL44
Received at 2AP ex 2AD.
22DEC44
Received at 2AD Care & Maintenance Section for storage Evans Head.
04APR45
Issued to 14ARDRP ex 2AD
06APR45
Received at 13SQ ex 14ARDRP. Coded SF-T.
06NOV45
Received at 1RSU ex 13SQ for repairs (unspecified).
27NOV45
S/L Barton departed Labuan in A59-98 for 2AD Richmond. (Source: 13SQ ORB)
29NOV45
Received at 2AD ex 1RSU for storage.
19NOV46
Authorised for write-off.
03SEP48
Issued to DAP for disposal ex 2AD.
06SEP49
Disposal action completed.
A59-99
237-6364
PV-1 49548 -
19MAY44
Departed USA West Coast.
24MAY44
At Honolulu.
17JUN44
Departed Honolulu.
20JUN44
Received at 2AD, Richmond.
20JUL44
Received at 2AP ex 2AD.
04NOV44
Received at 2AD ex 2AP for operational fitment.
14FEB45
Issued to 14ARDRP ex 2AD.
20FEB45
Received at 13SQ ex 14ARDRP. Coded SF-M and SF-K.
06SEP45
Crashed and burned on take-off from Balikpapan. All crew and seven passengers escaped without injury.
20SEP45
Received at 6RSU ex 13SQ.
07NOV45
Approval given to convert to componenets.
A59-100
237-6366
PV-1 49550 -
19MAY44
Departed USA West Coast.
24MAY44
At Honolulu.
17JUN44
Departed Honolulu.
21JUN44
Received at 2AD, Richmond.
24JUL44
Received at 2AP ex 2AD.
16NOV44
Allocated to 2AP Ferry Flight for temporary escort duty until B-34 aircraft return.
22DEC44
Received at 2AD Storage.
16JUL45
Received at 13SQ ex 2AD.
10OCT45
Received at 2AD ex 13SQ. To be fitted with "gear" (presumably seats) ex A59-88.
02DEC45
Received at 81WG ex 2AD for use by Air Officer Commanding.
21MAY46
Received at 2AD ex 81WG for storage.
19NOV46
Authorised for write-off.
03SEP48
Issued to DAP for disposal ex 2AD.
06SEP49
Disposal action completed.
A59-101
237-6363
PV-1 49547 -
19MAY44
Departed USA West Coast.
24MAY44
At Honolulu.
18JUN44
Departed Honolulu.
21JUN44
Received at 2AD, Richmond.
24JUL44
Received at 2AP ex 2AD.
23DEC44
Received at 2AD ex 2AP for fitment Ventura Order No. 27 (Propeller governor control cable shield).
21MAY45
Received at 13SQ ex 2AD. Coded SF-B.
06JAN46
Received at 2AD ex 13SQ for storage.
19NOV46
Authorised for write-off.
03SEP48
Issued to DAP for disposal ex 2AD.
06SEP49
Disposal action completed.
A59-102
237-6369
PV-1 49553 VHRGW
19MAY44
Departed USA West Coast.
16JUN44
Departed Honolulu.
21JUN44
Received at 2AD, Richmond.
01NOV44
Received at 2AP ex 2AD.
28NOV44
Received at 4CU ex 2AP for use by AOC RAAF Command. To be fitted with seats ex Hudson A16-55. Used call-sign VHRGW. (4CU AOB states 29NOV44)
24DEC44
Archerfield-Evans Head with W/C Glasscock. (Source: 4CU ORB)
01JAN45
Local test flight Archerfield (30 min) flown by F/L Hawthorne and crew. (Source: 4CU ORB)
05JAN45
Archerfield-Essendon-Archerfield flown by S/L Marshall with G/C Candy and party. (Source: 4CU ORB)
06JAN45
Archerfield-Essendon (4hr 10min) flown by S/L Marshall with S/L Cox and party. (Source: 4CU ORB)
08JAN45
Essendon-Mascot-Archerfield flown by S/L Marshall with S/L Byrnes and party. (Source: 4CU ORB)
18JAN45
Local test flight Archerfield (1hr 30min) flown by S/L Marshall and crew. (Source: 4CU ORB)
19JAN45
Archerfield-Mascot-Bankstown-Mascot-Archerfield flown by S/L Marshall with AVM Bostock and party. (Source: 4CU ORB)
23JAN45
Archerfield-Cloncurry-Darwin-Noemfoor-Morotai flown by S/L Marshall with AVM Bostock and party. (Source: 4CU ORB)
25JAN45
Morotai-Leyte flown by S/L Marshall with AVM Bostock and party. (Source: 4CU ORB)
25JAN45
Local test flight Leyte (15min) flown by S/L Marshall and crew only. (Source: 4CU ORB)
26JAN45
Leyte-Noemfoor-Tadji-Lae flown by S/L Marshall with AVM Bostock and party. (Source: 4CU ORB)
27JAN45
Lae-Dobodura-Piva-Townsville-Archerfield (arrived 28JAN) flown by S/L Marshall with AVM Bostock and party. (Source: 4CU ORB)
31JAN45
Circuits Archerfield and Lowood returning Archerfield. Flown by F/L Hawthorne and crew.
02FEB45
Archerfield-Leyburn-Archerfield flown by F/L Hawthorne to inspect strips and deliver safe hand. (Source: 4CU ORB)
02FEB45
Local test flight Archerfield and night flying by F/L Hawthorne and crew (1hr 30min). (Source: 4CU ORB)
03FEB45
Local test flight Archerfield by F/L Hawthorne and crew (20min). (Source: 4CU ORB)
05FEB45
Archerfield-Leyburn-Archerfield flown by F/L Hawthorne with Sir Leslie Wilson, Governor of Queensland, AVM Bostock and Colonel Stark. (Source: 4CU ORB)
06FEB45
Local night Radar test flight Archerfield by F/L Hawthorne and crew (2hr 15min). (Source: 4CU ORB)
07FEB45
Local test flight Archerfield ("Astra and gun") by F/L Hawthorne and crew (1hr). (Source: 4CU ORB)
15FEB45
Archerfield-Forest Hill (Wagga Wagga)-Essendon-Laverton flown by F/L Hawthorne and crew with 9 pax. (Source: 4CU ORB)
16FEB45
Laverton-Essendon-Mascot flown by F/L Hawthorne and crew with 6 pax. (Source: 4CU ORB)
18FEB45
Mascot-Archerfield flown by F/L Hawthorne and crew with 5 pax. (Source: 4CU ORB)
19FEB45
Archerfield-New Guinea with AVM Bostock and party. (Source: 4CU ORB)
25FEB45
New Guinea-Archerfield with AOC RAAF Command. (Source: 4CU ORB)
01MAR45
Local test flight Archerfield flown by F/L Hawthorne and crew (10min). (Source: 4CU ORB)
05MAR45
Archerfield-Essendon flown by F/L Hawthorne with AVM Bostock and party. (Source: 4CU ORB)
07MAR45
Essendon-Canberra-Archerfield flown by F/L Hawthorne with AVM Bostock. (Source: 4CU ORB)
09MAR45
Archerfield-Kingaroy-Archerfield flown by F/L Hawthorne with MAJ de Havilland. (Source: 4CU ORB)
12MAR45
Archerfield-Essendon flown by F/L Hawthorne with W/C Glasscock and party. (Source: 4CU ORB)
13MAR45
Essendon-Archerfield with W/C Glasscock. (Source: 4CU ORB)
16MAR45
Received at 3AD Amberley ex 4CU.
17APR45
Amberley-Archerfield ferry flight by F/L Hawthorne and crew. (Source: 4CU ORB)
19APR45
Archerfield-Essendon-Richmond flown by F/L Hawthorne with F/L Hill and party. (Source: 4CU ORB)
21APR45
Richmond-Archerfield flown by F/L Hawthorne and crew returning to base. (Source: 4CU ORB)
22APR45
Archerfield-Morotai with G/C Cohen and party. (Source: 4CU ORB)
07MAY45
Morotai-Gove-Archerfield flown by F/L Hawthorne with AVM Bostock and party. (Source: 4CU ORB)
09MAY45
Archerfield-Eagle Farm ferry flight by F/L Hawthorne and crew. (Source: 4CU ORB)
09MAY45
Eagle Farm-Gove flown by F/L Hawthorne and crew with AVM Bostock and party. (Source: 4CU ORB)
10MAY45
Gove-Morotai flown by F/L Hawthorne with AVM Bostock and party. (Source: 4CU ORB)
11MAY45
Morotai-Gove-Archerfield flown by F/L Hawthorne with A/C Candy and party. (Source: 4CU ORB)
14MAY45
Archerfield-Eagle Farm ferry flight by F/L Hawthorne and crew. (Source: 4CU ORB)
14MAY45
Eagle Farm-Gove flown by F/L Hawthorne and crew with A/C Candy and party. (Source: 4CU ORB)
14MAY45
Gove-Morotai flown by F/L Hawthorne with A/C Candy and party. (Source: 4CU ORB)
16MAY45
Morotai-Cloncurry-Archerfield (arrived 17MAY) flown by F/L Hawthorne with G/C Munro and party. (Source: 4CU ORB)
20MAY45
Archerfield-Cloncurry-Gove-Morotai flown by F/L Hawthorne with G/C Munro and party. (Source: 4CU ORB)
22MAY45
Morotai-Gove flown by F/L Hawthorne with AVM Bostock and party. (Source: 4CU ORB)
24MAY45
Gove-Archerfield flown by F/L Hawthorne with AVM Bostock and party. (Source: 4CU ORB)
01JUN45
Archerfield-Essendon-Archerfield flown by F/L Hawthorne with AVM Bostock and party. (Source: 4CU ORB)
02JUN45
Archerfield-Eagle Farm ferry flight by F/L Hawthorne and crew. (Source: 4CU ORB)
02JUN45
Eagle Farm-Morotai flown by F/L Hawthorne with AVM Bostock and party. (Source: 4CU ORB)
09JUN45
Morotai-Sanga flown by F/L Hawthorne with AVM Bostock and party. (Source: 4CU ORB)
12JUN45
Sanga-Morotai flown by F/L Hawthorne with AVM Bostock and party. (Source: 4CU ORB)
13JUN45
Morotai-Sanga-Morotai flown by F/L Hawthorne with G/C McLaughlin and party plus GEN Morsehead on return flight. (Source: 4CU ORB)
15JUN45
Morotai-Leyte-Morotai flown by F/L Hawthorne with G/C Candy. (Source: 4CU ORB)
20JUN45
Morotai-Gove-Archerfield flown by F/L Hawthorne (arrived 21JUN) with AVM Bostock and party. (Source: 4CU ORB)
23JUN45
Archerfield-Eagle Farm-Morotai flown by F/L Hawthorne with AVM Bostock and party. (Source: 4CU ORB)
12JUL45
Morotai-Gove-Archerfield (arrived 13JUL45) flown by F/L Hawthorne with AVM Bostock and party. Evidently the aircraft was in Morotai from 24JUN to 12JUL as no movements are recorded in this period. (Source: 4CU ORB)
16JUL45
Archerfield-Essendon flown by F/L Hawthorne with AVM Bostock and party. (Source: 4CU ORB)
17JUL45
Essendon-Archerfield flown by F/L Hawthorne with AVM Bostock and party. (Source: 4CU ORB)
19JUL45
Archerfield-Maryborough Radar test flight by F/L Hawthorne with Matron Franklin as pax. (Source: 4CU ORB)
20JUL45
Maryborough-Archerfield flown by F/L Hawthorne with Matron Franklin as pax. (Source: 4CU ORB)
01AUG45
Morotai-Gove-Archerfield (arrived 02AUG) flown by F/L Hawthorne with S/L Milbourn and party. Previous arrival at Morotai is not recorded. (Source: 4CU ORB)
06AUG45
Local test flight Archerfield (20 min) flown by F/L Hawthorne and crew. (Source: 4CU ORB)
16AUG45
"PEACE DAY celebrations. NIL flying." (Source: 4CU ORB)
19AUG45
Archerfield-Eagle Farm-Gove flown by F/L Hawthorne with AVM Bostock and party. (Source: 4CU ORB)
20AUG45
Gove-Archerfield flown by F/L Hawthorne with AVM Bostock and party. (Source: 4CU ORB)
23AUG45
Eagle Farm-Gove-Morotai-Manila-Okinawa (arrived 25AUG) flown by F/L Hawthorne with AVM Bostock and party. (Source: 4CU ORB)
04SEP45
Okinawa-Manila-Morotai-Gove-Archerfield (arrived 05SEP) flown by F/L Hawthorne with AVM Bostock and party. (Source: 4CU ORB)
07SEP45
Local test flight (15 min) Archerfield flown by F/L Hawthorne and crew. (Source: 4CU ORB)
07SEP45
Archerfield-Eagle Farm-Gove en route Morotai for evacuations flown by F/L Hawthorne. (Source: 4CU ORB)
09SEP45
Gove-Morotai-Gove flown by F/L Hawthorne with RAAF Command personnel. (Source: 4CU ORB)
10SEP45
Gove-Archerfield flown by F/L Hawthorne with RAAF Command personnel. (Source: 4CU ORB)
12SEP45
Archerfield-Gove-Morotai (arrived 13SEP) flown by F/L Hawthorne to evacuate LT GEN Morshead. (Source: 4CU ORB)
14SEP45
"Unit is 3 years old." (Source: 4CU ORB)
15SEP45
Morotai-Darwin flown by F/L Hawthorne with LT GEN Morshead and party. (Source: 4CU ORB)
17SEP45
Darwin-Cloncurry-Archerfield flown by F/L Hawthorne with LT GEN Morshead and party. (Source: 4CU ORB)
18SEP45
Archerfield-Mascot-Archerfield flown by F/L Hawthorne with LT GEN Morshead and party to Mascot. (Source: 4CU ORB)
20SEP45
Archerfield-Richmond flown by F/L Hawthorne for 360 hourly inspection also carried personnel. (Source: 4CU ORB)
24SEP45
Received at 2AD for 360 hourly and double engine change and to remove armour, guns, turret and radar. Bulkhead to be fitted and compartment to be sound-proofed. LORAN to be fitted.
09NOV45
Richmond-Archerfield flown by F/L Hawthorne with personnel. (Source: 4CU ORB)
12NOV45
Archerfield-Breddan flown by F/L Hawthorne with the Governor of Queensland, Sir Leslie Wilson and party to Charleville. (Source: 4CU ORB)
14NOV45
Breddan-Archerfield flown by F/L Hawthorne with the Governor of Queensland, Sir Leslie Wilson and party from Charleville. (Source: 4CU ORB)
16NOV45
Archerfield-Mascot flown by F/L Hawthorne. No other details recorded. (Source: 4CU ORB)
  The status card suggests that the aircraft went to 2AD at Richmond for a 120 hourly inspection.
04DEC45
Local test flight (30 min) at Richmond flown by S/L Shields. (Source: 4CU ORB)
04DEC45
Richmond-Archerfield-Rockhampton flown by F/L Hawthorne plus two crew and one pax to Archerfield. (Source: 4CU ORB)
05DEC45
Rockhampton-Mascot flown by F/L Hawthorne with Minister for Defence Mr Forde and party. (Source: 4CU ORB)
06DEC45
Mascot-Essendon flown by F/L Hawthorne with Minister for Defence Mr Forde and party. (Source: 4CU ORB)
10DEC45
Essendon-Archerfield flown by F/L Hawthorne with four pax. (Source: 4CU ORB)
17DEC45
Archerfield-Rockhampton-Oakey-Archerfield flown by F/L Hawthorne and three crew navigating Mustangs from Rockhampton to Oakey. (Source: 4CU ORB)
18DEC45
Archerfield-Oakey-Archerfield flown by F/L Hawthorne plus two crew to collect medical case.
15JAN46
Allotted to 1CU for VIP duties. (Source: 4CU ORB)
23JAN46
Advice received from RAAF HQ that 4CU is to disband forthwith. (Source: 4CU ORB)
05FEB46
Test flight at Archerfield (40 min) flown by F/L Hawthorne plus three crew. (Source: 4CU ORB)
07FEB46
Ferried Archerfield-Mascot (2 hr 30 min) flown by F/L Hawthorne plus four crew. F/L H.D. Hawthorne and F/O Carran proceeded to 1CU on VIP flying duties. (Source: 4CU ORB)
19FEB46
First operation with 1CU. Essendon-Canberra with Capt Pelgarth R.N. (Source: 1CU ORB)
11MAR46
Departed Essendon for New Guinea with BRIG Binns but returned with engine trouble. (Source: 1CU ORB)
  The 1CU ORB records only two operations with Ventura A59-102. (Source: 1CU ORB)
03JUN46
Aircraft to be stored at 1CU.
31JUL46
To be transferred to DCA at Essendon, Vic.
17DEC46
Written off.
05JUN47
Disposed of by DAP to DCA, Essendon. There is no evidence of further use by DCA and the aircraft was probably broken up at Essendon.
A59-103
237-6365
PV-1 49549 -
19MAY44
Departed USA West Coast.
24MAY44
At Honolulu.
28JUN44
Departed Honolulu.
02JUL44
Received at 2AD, Richmond.
18AUG44
Received at 2AP ex 2AD for storage.
13NOV44
Received at 2AD ex 2AP for operational fitment.
29JAN45
Issued 14ARDRP ex 2AD.
31JAN45
Received at 13SQ ex 14ARDRP. Coded SF-U and SF-A.
23JAN46
Received at 2AD ex 13SQ for storage.
19NOV46
Authorised for write-off.
03SEP48
Issued to DAP for disposal ex 2AD.
06SEP49
Disposal action completed.
A59-104
237-6367
PV-1 49551 -
04JUN44
Departed USA West Coast.
13JUN44
At Honolulu.
28JUN44
Departed Honolulu.
02JUL44
Received at 2AD, Richmond.
09AUG44
Received 2AP ex 2AD for storage.
11NOV44
Received 2AD ex 2AP for operational fitment.
28MAR45
Received at 14ARDRP ex 2AD.
06APR45
Received at 13SQ ex 14ARDRP. Coded SF-S.
06JAN46
Received at 2AD for storage.
19NOV46
Authorised for write-off.
03SEP48
Issued to DAP for disposal ex 2AD.
06SEP49
Disposal action completed.

 

 

MSN TO RAAF SERIAL CROSS REFERENCE


MSN
RAAF
4707
A59-1
4710
A59-2
4713
A59-11
4715
A59-3
4716
A59-4
4718
A59-12
4720
A59-13
4721
A59-14
4722
A59-15
4723
A59-5
4725
A59-16
4735
A59-6
4741
A59-7
4742
A59-8
4747
A59-17
4764
A59-9
4777
A59-10
4781
A59-18
4786
A59-19
4828
A59-20
5325
A59-51
5330
A59-50
5378
A59-67 (#2)
5453
A59-52
5455
A59-53
5541
A59-55
5542
A59-54
5644
A59-56
5645
A59-57
5748
A59-58
5749
A59-60
5750
A59-59
5882
A59-61
5884
A59-62
5885
A59-63
5984
A59-65
5985
A59-64
5986
A59-66
6090
A59-67
6091
A59-68
6134
A59-71
6135
A59-69
6136
A59-72
6137
A59-70
6142
A59-73
6198
A59-74
6199
A59-75
6200
A59-76
6201
A59-77
6244
A59-78
6245
A59-79
6246
A59-80
6247
A59-81
6248
A59-82
6249
A59-83
6250
A59-84
6251
A59-85
6252
A59-86
6253
A59-87
6254
A59-88
6255
A59-89
6256
A59-90
6257
A59-91
6258
A59-92
6361
A59-93
6362
A59-94
6363
A59-101
6364
A59-99
6365
A59-103
6366
A59-100
6367
A59-104
6368
A59-95
6369
A59-102
6370
A59-97
6371
A59-96
6372
A59-98

 

 

RAAF VENTURA NON-COMBAT USAGE

MENTIONED IN CONNECTION WITH ESCORT DUTY
A59-3, 6, 11, 12, 13, 14, 66, 82, 84, 88, 90, 91, 92, 94, 96, 97, 100
OPERATED BY FERRY FLIGHTS (NOT INCLUDED ABOVE)
A59-2, 8, 50, 53, 59, 62, 63
OPERATED BY COMMUNICATIONS UNITS (1, 4, 6 & 11)
A59-51, 52, 60, 80, 82, 86, 88, 102
MISC VIP OPERATIONS
A59-100
STORED AT EVANS HEAD
A59-74, 80, 82, 87, 88, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 96, 97, 98

It should be noted that after the end of hostilities, 13 Squadron Venturas were stripped of armament and used to repatriate service personnel and prisoners of war.

 

 

 

No 1 Communication Unit Venturas

No 1 Communication Unit was formed at Laverton on 1 November 1939, moving to Essendon on 6 January 1943. 1CU began moving back to Laverton at the end of June 1946 and eventually disbanded on 22 July 1948. The Unit began operations with Demons and Bulldogs and operated a wide range of aircraft types up to and including the B-24 Liberator. The Unit operated only one Ventura, A59-102, which was allotted to 1CU on 15 January 1946 as 4CU began to disband. Two Ventura aircrew also transferred from 4CU with their aircraft. The aircraft's first recorded operation with 1CU was on 19 February 1946 when a Royal Navy officer was flown to Canberra. On 11 March 1946 the Ventura departed Essendon for New Guinea but turned back with engine trouble. This would appear to be its second and last operation with 1CU. The aircraft was stored on 3 June 1946 and subsequently handed over to the Department of Civil Aviation for unknown purposes.

 

 

No 4 Communication Unit Venturas

No 4 Communication Flight was formed at Archerfield, Brisbane on 7 September 1942. It was renamed No 4 Communication Unit on 25 November 1943. The Unit disbanded on 16 April 1946. Aircraft types operated were Anson, Tiger Moth, Norseman, Vengeance, Wirraway, Kittyhawk, Hudson, Ventura, Beaufort, Beaufreighter and Beaufighter. The Unit operated two Venturas, A59-86 and A59-102. Please refer to the table above for detailed histories of both aircraft.

 

 

No 6 Communication Unit Venturas

No 6 Communication Flight was formed at Manbulloo, NT on 8 December 1942, moving to Batchelor, NT in February 1943 and finally to Darwin in October 1945. The unit was renamed No 6 Communication Unit in November 1943. Aircraft operated include Tiger Moth, Dragon, Dragonfly, Anson, Walrus, Beaufort. and Lodestar. The status card for Ventura A59-60 states that the aircraft was allotted to 6CU on 17 December 1945 for use by the Air Officer Commanding. However, this writer can find only one reference to a Ventura in the 6CU ORB and that appears under 16 June 1945 where it states; "AOC's Beaufort (A9-98) force landed at Tennant Creek on return from Melbourne. AOC and party rescued by Ventura next day." The identity of the Beaufort was derived from the aircraft status card but the Ventura is not identified. If this Ventura was A59-60, its appearance at 6CU predates its allotment by six months. It is possible that the AOC had commandeered the aircraft earlier and it took the paperwork six months to catch up. No 6CU disbanded at Darwin on 30 December 1945.

 

 

No 11 Communication Unit Venturas

No 11 Communication Unit was formed at Morotai on 13 March 1945 with a mixture of Venturas and Beauforts. Only Ventura strength at the end of each month is shown.

APR45
A59-51, 52, 80, 82, 88
MAY45
A59-52, 80, 82, 88
JUN45
A59-51, 52, 80, 82, 88
JUL45
A59-51, 52, 80, 82, 88
AUG45
A59-51, 52, 80, 82, 88
SEP45
A59-51, 52, 80, 82, 88
OCT45
A59-51, 52, 80, 82
NOV45
A59-51, 52, 82
DEC45
A59-51, 82
JAN46
A59-51, 82
FEB46
A59-51, 82

During the period 4-15 October 1945, 11CU Venturas and Beauforts were engaged almost daily flying 82 Wing personnel from Balikpapan to Morotai. During December 1945, all technical musterings were posted out. This was evidently a prelude to disbandment although an actual date is not recorded. A59-82 departed Morotai for Melbourne on 4 February 1946, the last 11CU Ventura movement recorded. The final entry in the 11OCU ORB is 26 February 1946 when Beaufort A9-704 was ferried to Wagga. Please refer to the table above for detailed histories of 11CU Venturas.

 

 

No 1 Operational Training Unit Venturas

No 1 Operational Training Unit was formed at Nhill, Vic on 8 December 1941. The unit relocated to Bairnsdale in June 1942 pending the completion of their new base at East Sale which 1OTU eventually occupied from April 1943. The unit trained crews on many types including Battle, Anson, Oxford, Hudson and Beaufort. The unit also operated several Venturas but information on their use of the type is sparse. Indeed, the only reference in available 1OTU files is a mention of the crash of A59-9 on 23 February 1945 with the loss of all six crew. The 13SQ ORB records that in October 1943, the dual controls which had been fitted to A59-52 were returned to 1OTU via rail freight. This implies an earlier use of Venturas by 1OTU but it is likely that the Ventura and Hudson shared common dual controls. Status Cards show that the following Venturas served with 1OTU.

 

1OTU Chronology

Date Aircraft Event
17MAR44 A59-68 Received 1OTU ex 2AD
12APR44 A59-68 Issued to 32SQ
14APR44 A59-9 Received 1OTU ex 1AD
20MAY44 A59-16 Received 1OTU ex 1AD
23FEB45 A59-9 Crashed
18JUL45 A59-6 Received 1OTU ex 2AP
10JAN46 A59-6 Issued to 7AD Tocumwal
04APR46 A59-16 Issued to CMU Tocumwal

 

1OTU Venturas by Serial

Aircraft Date Event
A59-6 18JUL45 Received 1OTU ex 2AP
A59-6 10JAN46 Issued to 7AD Tocumwal
 
A59-9 14APR44 Received 1OTU ex 1AD
A59-9 23FEB45 Crashed
 
A59-16 20MAY44 Received 1OTU ex 1AD
A59-16 04APR46 Issued to CMU Tocumwal
 
A59-68 17MAR44 Received 1OTU ex 2AD
A59-68 12APR44 Issued to 32SQ

 

 

 

Almost Ventura Squadrons

In August 1943, RAAF Command issued a plan for the re-arrangement of units within the North-Eastern, Eastern and Southern Areas with the purpose of obtaining "greater economy of force". At this time, the only unit operating Venturas was No 13 Squadron based in Canberra with a mixture of Venturas and Beauforts but it was proposed that No 32 Squadron would also operate a mixed fleet of Venturas and Beauforts!

A subsequent letter from HQ RAAF Command dated 1 May 1944 signalled several changes to the original plan. It had been proposed that 13SQ would move to Lowood and Bundaberg, Qld but it emerged that Venturas could not operate from Bundaberg without extensive runway works. Therefore, it was proposed that the two Ventura squadrons would be located in the NEA to simplify maintenance and logistics. The letter from HQ RAAF Command further stated that; "No action has yet been taken to re-arm No 32 Squadron with PV-1s". Furthermore, it was decided that 32SQ would remain a Beaufort squadron to be based at Lowood and Bundaberg while 13SQ would relinquish its Beauforts to 32SQ and move to Cooktown, Qld as a Ventura squadron. The second Ventura squadron would now be 7SQ which was already located at Higgins on Cape York, Qld.

Although RAAF Command had decided not to proceed with re-arming 32SQ with Venturas, the wheels were already in motion and A59-64 along with A59-68 arrived at 32SQ at Camden on 12 April 1944. While the 32SQ ORB does not record any Venturas having been on strength, it does record that A59-68 arrived at the 32SQ detachment in Bundaberg on 23 April flown by Flt Lt Brown who flew the aeroplane back to Camden the following day. The exercise was repeated with the same aeroplane on 26/28 April but this time Flt Lt Brown was accompanied by the Commanding Officer, Squadron Leader C.A. Loneragan. These are the only Ventura movements recorded in the 32SQ ORB. The allotment of A59-64 to 32SQ was cancelled on 12 April, the same day that the aeroplane arrived at the squadron! Three days later, on 15 April, A59-64 was issued from 32SQ to 13SQ. A59-68 was received at 2AP Bankstown on 28 April, the same day that it returned from its second trip to Bundaberg. This brought down the curtain on 32 Squadron's brief flirtation with the Ventura.

32 Squadron Chronology

Date
Aircraft
Event
06MAR44 A59-64 Allotted 32SQ ex 2AP
22MAR44 A59-68 Allotted 32SQ ex 1OTU
12APR44 A59-64 Received 32SQ ex 2AP
12APR44 A59-68 Received 32SQ ex 1OTU
12APR44 A59-64 Allotment 32SQ cancelled. Allotted 13SQ.
13APR44 A59-68 Allotment 32SQ cancelled
15APR44 A59-64 Issued 13SQ ex 32SQ
19APR44 A59-68 Allotted 2AP ex 32SQ
28APR44 A59-68 Issued 2AP ex 32SQ

 

32 Squadron Venturas by Serial

Aircraft
Date
Event
A59-64 06MAR44 Allotted 32SQ ex 2AP
A59-64 12APR44 Received 32SQ ex 2AP
A59-64 12APR44 Allotment 32SQ cancelled. Allotted 13SQ.
A59-64 15APR44 Issued 13SQ ex 32SQ.
 
A59-68 22MAR44 Allotted 32SQ ex 1OTU
A59-68 12APR44 Received 32SQ ex 1OTU
A59-68 13APR44 Allotment 32SQ cancelled
A59-68 19APR44 Allotted 2AP ex 32SQ
A59-68 28APR44 Issued 2AP ex 32SQ

 

Enter 7 Squadron


On 20 May 1944, RAAF Organisation Memorandum No. 492 ordered that No 7 Squadron would re-arm with Ventura PV-1 aircraft at an early date in lieu of No 32 Squadron. It was proposed to re-arm only one flight with ten aircraft, one of which would be fitted with dual controls, with an estimated completion date of 1 June 1944. The remainder of the squadron was to continue operating Beauforts until further Venturas arrived from overseas. The 7SQ ORB notes that the Beauforts would be known as "A" Flight and the Venturas would constitute "B" Flight.

On 10 June, advice was received from HQ NEA that equipping the Squadron with Venturas was now unlikely. This was confirmed by RAAF Organisation Memorandum No 511 dated 13 June 1944. On 17 June, the ORB noted that "Venturas were being reallotted from 7SQ indicating that the Squadron is to continue using Beauforts only". Although the ORB faithfully records all Beaufort operations, the Venturas were allowed to arrive and depart without acknowledgement! From the Status Cards it can be established that the following aircraft were involved. Aircraft that had been allotted to 7SQ were reallotted to 13ARD as spares for 13SQ.

 

7 Squadron Chronology

Date
Aircraft
Event
09MAY44 A59-71 Received 7SQ ex 2AP
26MAY44 A59-75 Issued 7SQ ex 2AP
26MAY44 A59-83 Allotted 7SQ ex 2AP with dual controls
01JUN44 A59-75 Allotted 13ARD ex 7SQ
02JUN44 A59-68 Received 7SQ ex 2AP. Prev with 32SQ.
03JUN44 A59-70 Received 7SQ ex 2AP
09JUN44 A59-83 Allotment to 7SQ cancelled
26JUN44 A59-71 Received 13ARD ex 7SQ
26JUN44 A59-70 Received 13ARD ex 7SQ
03JUL44 A59-68 Received 13ARD ex 7SQ

 

7 Squadron Venturas by Serial

Aircraft
Date
Event
A59-68 02JUN44 Received 7SQ ex 2AP
A59-68 03JUL44 Received 13ARD ex 7SQ
 
A59-70 03JUN44 Received 7SQ ex 2AP
A59-70 26JUN44 Received 13ARD ex 7SQ
 
A59-71 09MAY44 Received 7SQ ex 2AP
A59-71 26JUN44 Received 13ARD ex 7SQ
 
A59-75 26MAY44 Issued 7SQ ex 2AP
A59-75 01JUN44 Allotted 13ARD ex 7SQ
 
A59-83 26MAY44 Allotted 7SQ ex 2AP with dual controls
A59-83 09JUN44 Allotment to 7SQ cancelled

 

 

 

 

SUMMARY OF NO 13 SQUADRON VENTURA OPERATIONS

 


ABBREVIATIONS

A/C Air Commodore
AD Aircraft Depot
AOC Air Officer Commanding
AOS Air Observers' School
APU Aircraft Performance Unit
ARD Aircraft Repair Depot
AVM Air Vice-Marshal
BRIG Brigadier
CFS Central Flying School, Point Cook
CMU Care and Maintenance Unit
CO Commanding Officer
CRD Central Recovery Depot
CU Communication Unit
DAP Department of Aircraft Production
DCA Department of Civil Aviation
F/L Flight Lieutenant
F/O Flying Officer
G/C Group Captain
GEN General
LAC Leading Aircraftman
LT COL Lieutenant Colonel
LT GEN Lieutenant General
LORAN Long Range Navigation
MSN Manufacturer's Serial Number
NEA North Eastern Area
NEIAF Netherlands East Indies Air Force
NWA North Western Area
OBU Operational Base Unit
ORB Operations Record Book
OTU Operational Training Unit
RAF Royal Air Force
RAAF Royal Australian Air Force
RAN Royal Australian Navy
RP Reserve Pool
RPP Reserve Pilot Pool
RSU Repair and Salvage/Servicing Unit
SD Stores Depot
SDF Unknown. Believe associated with 1APU Laverton.
S/L Squadron Leader
TAF Tactical Air Force (RAAF)
USAAF United States Army Air Force
USN United States Navy
W/C Wing Commander
WG Wing
W/O Warrant Officer

 

UNIT LOCATIONS

Bases are relevant to the above chronology

 

1AD Laverton, Vic
2AD Richmond, NSW
3AD Amberley, Qld
5AD Wagga Wagga, NSW
6AD Oakey, Qld
7AD Tocumwal, NSW
1AOS Evans Head, NSW
2AP Bankstown, NSW
1APU Laverton, Vic
12ARD Werribee, Vic. Moved to Darwin, NT AUG44.
13ARD Breddan, Qld
14ARD Ascot Vale, Vic. Moved to Gorrie, NT FEB43.
CFS Point Cook, Vic
1CRD Werribee, Vic
2CRD Richmond, NSW
1CU Essendon, Vic. Moved to Laverton, Vic JUN46.
4CU Archerfield, Qld
6CU Darwin, NT
11CU Morotai, Dutch East Indies
1OTU East Sale, Vic
1RSU Labuan, Malaya
14RSU Mt Druitt, NSW. Moved to Pell, NT in MAR44.
18RSU Mt Druitt, NSW. Moved to Pell, NT in AUG44.
22RSU Noemfoor, Dutch New Guinea
6SD Dubbo, NSW
13SQ 13SQ Page

 

 

 
SOURCES
1
NAA: RAAF Form E/E.88 Airframe Record Card (aka Status Card). Series number A10297
2
NAA: RAAF Unit History sheets (Form A50) [Operations Record Book - Forms A50 and A51] Number 13 Squadron Jun 40 - Dec 45, Series number A9186.
3
RAAF Historical Section, Units of the Royal Australian Air Force, Vol. 3 Bomber Units, Vol. 4 Maritime and Transport Units.
4
NAA: RAAF Unit History sheets (Form A50) [Operations Record Book - Forms A50 and A51] Numbers 1, 2 and 3 Communication Unit Feb 40 - Feb 46, Series number A9186
5
NAA: RAAF Unit History sheets (Form A50) [Operations Record Book - Forms A50 and A51] Communication Unit Number 4 Sep 42 - Apr 46, Series number A9186
6
NAA: RAAF Unit History sheets (Form A50) [Operations Record Book - Forms A50 and A51] Communication Flights 5-13 Dec 42 - Oct 45, Series number A9186
7
NAA: RAAF Unit History sheets (Form A50) [Operations Record Book - Forms A50 and A51] Number 7 Squadron Jun 40 - Dec 45, Series number A9186
8
NAA: Formation Organisation and Movement No 7 (GR/B) Squadron, Series number A705
9
NAA: RAAF Unit History sheets (Form A50) [Operations Record Book - Forms A50 and A51] Number 32 Squadron Feb 42 - Sep 45, Series number A9186
10
NAA: HQ 1 OTU. Organization and Administration. Historical Record A50 - A51 [No.1 Operational Training Unit] Series number A12650
11
Jack McKillop http://www.microworks.net/pacific/aviation/pv_ventura.htm

 




Issue Date Remarks
14 22MAR24
Corrected the date of the incident involving A59-14 at Mackay from 23OCT44 to 20OCT44.
13 22SEP21
Added a new section Lockheed or Vega?
12 25NOV20
Created a new page on the Monegeetta Monster.
11 24NOV20
Moved the coverage of the Ventura Ambulance to a new page.
10 19JAN17
Added a section on the short-lived use of Venturas by 7SQ.
9 17JAN17
The Ventura pages have undergone a major update from sources shown. Aircraft histories are now shown in greater detail. Allotments for routine maintenance have been ignored.
8 24DEC16
Details of 13 Squadron Venturas have been updated from Source #2. The ORB for 13SQ records the arrival and departure of almost all of the Venturas so these dates have been used in preference to those shown on the Status Cards (Source #1).
7 14DEC16
Table completely reformatted to list aircraft in RAAF serial order. Previously aircraft were listed in MSN order. A table has been added to cross reference MSNs to RAAF serial numbers.
6 08SEP15
Table completely reformatted. Nil change to data.
5 25JUL06
Added departure dates ex West Coast and arrival Honolulu for Bu No 48898 to 49556 incl. Thanks to Gordon Birkett.
4 24JUN06
Added departure dates ex Honolulu thanks to Gordon Birkett.
Also corrected the date A59-51 was received at 3AD.
Also added the date A59-50 was received at 3AD (previously missing).
3 20JUN06
On the basis of new information received it would appear that the USAAF serials for A59-18 and A59-20 are correct as shown above. Thanks to Gordon Birkett.
2 12MAR06
Frank Bowden has advised that his father's log book records several flights in A59-54 in April 1944, hence it can't have been written off in late 1943 as indicated on the status card.
1 15JAN00
Original issue



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