This wonderful photo depicts five pilots from No. 1 Photographic Reconnaissance Unit with one of their Lightnings at Coomalie Creek in 1943. Given that Flt Lt Robilliard converted on to the Lightning in April 1943 and Sqn Ldr Law left 1PRU in June 1943, this would probably date the photo as April-June 1943. An examination of camouflage demarcation lines under the nose of the aircraft suggests that it is more likely A55-3 than A55-1 which was the only other F-4 in service at the time. It is noteworthy that all pilots are wearing pith helmets. The pilots are (left to right):

Squadron Leader Colin Lawrie of Rockhampton, Qld (Succeeded Law as CO)
Flight Lieutenant Bruce Sinnott of Melbourne, Vic
Squadron Leader Lloyd Law of Canberra, ACT (First CO)
Flight Lieutenant Bill Talberg of Sydney, NSW
Flight Lieutenant Robbie Robilliard of Adelaide, SA


Photo: Australian War Memorial (NWA0566)

THE LOCKHEED FILEwww.adastron.com