ADF-SERIALS
Australian
& New Zealand Military Aircraft Serials &
History
RAAF A84 Government Aircraft Factories
Canberra Mk.20 & Mk.21,
English Electric Canberra B.2, T.4
| RAAF.Serial. | Type | Aircraft History |
| A84-1 | B.2 | Built by English Electric 08/05/51 c/n 71015
(one of 631 built by English Electric Co. at
Preston). Allocated RAF serial WD935. Seventh production B.2. Delivered to Vickers Armstrong's Guided Weapons Division test section 08/08/51. It was selected to be the missile launch platform for the Red Dean missile trials. RAAF Serial A84-1 allocated 27/11/51 pending aircraft being loaned to Weapons Research Establishment (WRE) for trails on behalf of the UK Ministry of Defense. RAAF crew Geoff Tuck & Geoff Wilson did a training flight on this at Hurn 5/12/51 prior to delivering A84-2 to Australia. Modified to carry missiles under wings. Conversion completed 10/53 with first test flight with missiles 01/54. On 21/09/55 it suffered brake failure after landing at Wisley airfield and ended up damaged in a field. WD935 remained in the UK and the A84-1 serial was not applied. Served with RAF untill going into store at St Athan 23/11/71. Allocated Instructional Airframe serial 8440M in 1976. Sold at auction in 09/89. Scrapped 23/11/89. Nose section on display at the South Yorkshire Aviation Museum Aeroventure Park, Doncaster, UK. |
| A84-2 | B.2 | Built by English Electric 29/05/51 c/n 71024 Allocated RAF serial WD942. Delivered to Vickers Armstrong 28/09/51. Aircraft loaned to WRE for trials on behalf of the UK Ministry of Defence and allocated RAAF serial A84-2. Geoff Tuck & Geoff Wilson ferried this aircraft from Hurn to Laverton 12/03/52. Flight time to Darwin was a record 20hr 20 mins & to Laverton in 24.20. Average ground speed 450 knots. Geoff Wilson adds "My logbook continually referred to A84-2 but I am pretty sure it carried only the WD942 number. I recall I used callsign MP-RGD on the flight home. Comms were a lot of fun - several times we arrived before the departure signal was received and Bombay would not accept that we were cruising at 48000ft or that we had a groundspeed of 450-500 knots! They reckoned my Morse Code was in error! Jets were very rare over India in 1952. The Indonesians were unbelieving also." The starboard tiptank nose was crumpled by a bird strike in the Laverton circuit area. In 05/52 the aircraft was taken to Woomera to commence the Blue Boar TV Guided Bomb trials. It may have worn its RAAF serial during this time. During 10/53 it lent an nose wheel oleo to Canberra A84-201 which was competing in the London to Christchurch Air Race. In 03/55 it was modified for proposed use in the flight trial program of the Red Dean air to air missile. However in early 1956 the Red Dean missile was cancelled and the aircraft was returned to its standard configuration. It was returned to Air Ministry charge 06/12/56 and reverted to its RAF serial WD942. It remained in Australia and was held on a custodial basis at DAP Parafield from 21/12/56 to 21/01/57. It was loaned to de Havilland's at No.12 Joint Services Trials Unit at Woomera until it was returned to the UK 03/10/57. Went to the MoS Air Weapons Research Establishment at Shoeburyness 16/04/62. Believed destroyed on the weapons range. |
| A84-3 | B.2 | Built by English Electric 27/02/53 c/n 71179. Allocated RAF serial WH710. Aircraft loaned to WRE arriving at Woomera on 02/06/53. Allocated A84-3 on 13/06/53. Not known if RAAF Serial was applied. It was returned to RAF 07/58. This aircraft was later converted to a U.10 drone and returned to Australia. (Also see RAF serials Canberra page.).
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| A84-125 | B.2 Mk.21 |
Built by English Electric c/n 71053. Diverted off RAF contract (serial WD983). Allocated to RAAF 16/03/51. Conflicting reports have this aircraft was flown from the UK by either SQNLDR Peter Raw & FLGOFF Bill Kerr or SQNLDR P Fisher and FLTLT J Sharp Michael Hamerston adds "I can confirm that A84-125 was not ferried by SqLdr Raw in 1952. His first Canberra flight was with Cuming on 22 April 1953 in preparation for the Air Race. You may be interested to know that Peter Raw took delivery of both A84-201 and 202 from Avalon on 1 July 1953 and 27 August 1953 respectively. Both were flown to Laverton for use by #1 Long Range Flight. On a flight to Perth (pilot, Peter Raw) on 29 August 1953, 201 diverted to Kalgoorlie. The following day, 201 completed Kalgoorlie-Perth-Laverton. It flew again on 3 September (pilot, Peter Raw) after an engine change (presumably the cause for diversion to Kalgoorlie)." From 05/53 it was used by No.1 Long Range Flight at Laverton in the preparations for the entries in the 10/53 England to New Zealand Air Race. It was later converted by GAF to Mk.21 trainer configuration, first flight 09/02/59, re-delivered 10/06/59. Entered RAAF Amberley restoration hangar 01/03. Was held for the proposed but stillborn NASMA. On static display Amberley Airshow 10/04 Currently at RAAF Amberley, Qld. A84-125
is another Canberra we do not have an RAAF
Aircraft Status card for. |
| A84-201 | Mk.20 Mk.21 |
First Australian built GAF Canberra. First flight was on 29/5/53, piloted by John Mills. Fitted with Avon Mk.1 RA.3 engines. Aircraft equivalent to RAF B.2 specification The GAF Canberra Mk.20 is often referred to by the technically incorrect designation B.20. This is from a British based system and the RAAF official documentation refers to the Australian built Canberra bomber as Mark 20 and the trainer conversion Mark 21 (Marks 22 to 24 were also allocated for further GAF produced Canberra but these were not built). Delivered to RAAF 02/07/53. Michael Hamerston adds " Peter Raw took delivery of both A84-201 and 202 from Avalon on 1 July 1953 and 27 August 1953 respectively. Both were flown to Laverton for use by #1 Long Range Flight. On a flight to Perth (pilot, Peter Raw)on 29 August 1953, 201 diverted to Kalgoorlie. The following day, 201 completed Kalgoorlie-Perth-Laverton. It flew again on 3 September (pilot, Peter Raw) after an engine change (presumably the cause for diversion to Kalgoorlie)." To 1 AD 03/07/53. To No.1 Long Range Flight at Laverton 06/07/53. 3 long range tanks (approx 1350 gallons total) fitted in bomb bays involving removal of bomb doors and tanks conforming to fuselage (Mod C161). Various navigation and radio mods carried out. This aircraft took second place in the London-Christchurch Air-Race which started 08/10/53. Race no.5. Radio callsign VMZIPA The crew were aircraft captain; SQNLDR Peter F Raw DFC, FLTLT Francis Noel Davis and FLTLT W D (Bill) Kerr. The total time for the England to NZ race was 24Hrs 31Mins. Actual flight time was 22 Hrs 27.5 Mins (It finished only 40min 54.7 seconds behind the winner, RAF Canberra PR3 WE139 which had an actual flight time of 22Hrs 25Mins). The total time included a delay of 83 minutes to repair a damaged nosewheel. To 1 AD 06/11/53. To ARDU 25/06/54. To 82 Wing 18/07/54. Engine failed to relight and asymetric landing carried out 28/07/54. Incident 29/07/55 where front fuselage was damaged at Amberley. (probably belly landing as shown in our gallery) To GAF Avalon 23/08/55 for mods and repair. To 82 Wing 31/08/55. To GAF 05/56. Converted to prototype Mk.21 Trainer. First flight 17/06/58. Redelivered to 1 AD 04/09/58. To ARDU 22/09/58. To 82 Wing 06/02/59. Issued to East Sale for a period from 29/07/59. To 3 AD 16/10/59. To ARDU 27/10/59. To 3 AD 26/04/61 for E Servicing. To 82 Wing 06/09/61. To GAF Avalon 14/12/61 for mods. To 82 Wing 17/08/62. To 3 AD 23/08/66 for E Servicing. To 82 Wing 18/11/66. To ARDU 14/04/67. To 82 Wing 01/06/67. To 1 (B)OCU 02/05/68. To 3 AD 20/05/69. To 1 OCU 16/04/70. To 3 AD 13/11/70, E Servicing 04/10/71. To 2 Sqn 02/03/72. To 3 AD 23/10/72, Prototype mods on 13/03/73. To 2 Sqn 10/09/73. To 3 AD 20/12/77 for E servicing. Engines removed around 06/04/82. Display aircraft for Amberley 15/04/82, on display 02/08/82. Struck off 1985 at Amberley. Gate Guard at RAAF Amberley, QLD. Was removed from gate and underwent external refurbishment. Returned to gate 21/05/2011. Located under a sail cover in memorial garden inside RAAF Amberley. |
| A84-202 | Mk.20 | First flight 25/08/53. Delivered to RAAF 27/08/53. (Pilot Peter Raw) . To No.1 Long Range Flight. at Laverton 31/08/53. Took part in the London to Christchurch Air-Race in 1953. Same mods as A84-201, aircraft captain; WGCDR D.R. Cuming AFC, FLGOFF R.J. Atkinson and SQNLDR C.H.Harvey. Race No.4. Radio callsign VMZIPB. Was leading but blew a tyre on landing at Cocos Island and was delayed for 2 days. Its actual flying time was 22hrs 23.5 mins. It is quite amazing that all the actual flights times were so close. To 1 AS 06/11/53. To 82 Wing 22/12/53. Crashed at Amberley 16/06/54 while attempting a low slow pass. Killed were FLTLT Francis Noel Davis, PLTOFF F B Adler and FLTLT David Nicholls DFC. Converted to components 30/07/54 with engines 3031 and 3017. |
| A84-203 | Mk.20 Mk.21 |
First flight 19/11/53. Delivered 02/54. Converted Mk.21 trainer. First flight as Mk.21 31/10/58. Re-delivered 11/12/58. Struck off 1985 at Amberley. In RAAF Amberley restoration hangar for most of 2002. Rolled out 12/02 and was allocated to PNG Museum. On static display Amberley Airshow 10/04. Currently at RAAF Amberley, Qld. 26/08/2015 offered for disposal via tender 02/2016 gifted to Evans Head Memorial Aerodrome Heritage Aviation Museum Delivered by road and is now on static display |
| A84-204 | Mk.20 Mk.21 |
First flight 05/03/54. Delivered to 1 AD 08/07/54 at a cost of £490,000. To 82 Wing 18/08/54. Served with 2 Sqn. Aircraft entered high speed dive 17/01/55 during limited-panel training. The navigator FLGOFF R. Martin RAF ejected below 5,000 ft 9 nm east of Stanthorpe, Qld and was killed. The pilot FLGLT J. Stewart recovered aircraft and returned to base. To ARDU 01/03/55. To 3 AD 02/10/56. To GAF for conversion to Mk.21 trainer. First flight as Mk.21 03/04/59. Re-delivered to 1 AD 26/05/59. To 82 Wing 21/09/59. To 3 AD 23/08/61 for E Servicing. To 82 Wing 07/12/61. Attached to No 38 Sqn Communication Flight. To GAF Avalon 22/05/62 for Mods. To 82 Wing 11/08/64, immediate reserve. Out of Reserve 06/10/64. Corrosion treatment 13/07/65 and back to 82 Wing. To 3 AD 20/10/65 for E Servicing. To 82 Wing 07/12/65. To 2 Sqn 04/01/66. To 82 Wing 27/05/66. To 2 Sqn 02/06/66. To Transupflt 09/05/67. To 2 Sqn 14/09/67. To 82 Wing 25/10/67. To Parafield for Mods 09/02/68. To ARDU 29/03/68. To 3 AD 30/07/71 for E Servicing. To ARDU 18/11/71. To 3 AD 03/07/73 to repair fuel tanks and then back to ARDU. To 3 AD 15/07/74 for mods. To ARDU 06/12/74. To 2 Sqn 06/04/78 for loan and back to ARDU. To 2 Sqn 02/10/78. To GAF 08/11/78. To 3 AD 07/12/78, E Servicing 04/02/79. To 2 Sqn 12/02/80. To 3 AD 21/05/82. Struck off 1985 at Amberley. Sold 06/85 to Rob Keys. Currently mounted aloft inside the military museum at Meandarra QLD |
| A84-205 | Mk.20 Mk.21 |
First flight 10/06/54. Delivered to 1 AD 04/08/54. To ARDU 04/08/54. To 1 AD 22/06/56 for mods. To GAF 03/07/57 for modification to Mk.21. First flight as Mk.21 20/11/58. Allocated to 1 AD 08/12/58. Re-delivered 10/02/59. To 3 AD 12/11/59. To 82 Wing 31/08/60. To GAF Avalon 05/03/62 for mods and back to 82 Wing. To 3 AD 08/10/62 for E Servicing. To 82 Wing 17/01/63. To ARDU 04/04/63. To Parafield 12/06/65 for repairs. To 82 Wing 08/08/67. To 3 AD 19/09/67 for E Servicing. To 82 Wing 10/01/68. To 1 (B)OCU 02/05/68. Crashed and destroyed 23/03/70, Amberley, QLD. Crew killed; FLGOFF H. Badower (Pilot) & FLTLT J. Siffer (Nav).
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| A84-206 | Mk.20 Mk.21 |
First flight 26/07/54. Delivered 13/08/54. Served with 1 (B)OCU Lost control during asymmetric overshoot and crashed at RAAF Amberley 16/02/65 Crew killed; PLTOFF K. Kluska & FLTLT B. Kercher. Aircraft approved for write off including Avon Mk.1s 3058 and 3023, 17/03/65. |
| A84-207 | Mk.20 | First flight 17/08/54. Delivered 27/08/54. Michael Hamerston adds "During the 1956 Buffalo Trials at Maralinga, the a/c was flown by RAAF crews between Edinburgh and Maralinga. RAAF crews flew RAF Canberra for the detonations and post-firing exercises. On 11 October 1956, -207 flew MAA-EDN-MAA at night after the weapon drop by Valiant WZ366; on 17 Oct, -207 flew EDN-MAA; on 23 Oct, -207 flew MAA-EDN". Struck off 27/07/73 at Amberley. Reported displayed mounted on pylons outside TVW Channel 7 studios in Perth. Was stored at the West Australian Museum of Aviation at Jandakot Airport, W.A. Departed Perth on M.V. Envoyager bound for New Zealand 26/03/93. Currently at Wanaka Tansport Museum as gate guard. |
| A84-208 | Mk.20 | First flight 08/09/54. Delivered 15/09/54. Approval for conversion to instructional airframe for use at fire school Point Cook 08/12/71. Was held at the RAAF Museum Point Cook since 1992. At one stage rear fuselage filled with rain water and aircraft tipped up with nose in air. Sold by tender for slightly more than the scrappies were offering. Partially dismantled in 1996 and removed by road. Currently owned by Ron Schneider at Rupanyup, Vic. |
| A84-209 | Mk..20 | First flight 21/09/54. Delivered 11/54. Placed in storage 15/12/68. Approved for disposal 19/11/71. Sold to Hookway Aviation 12/04/72. Flown to Essendon Airport. The flights from Amberley to Essendon used registration/callsign VH-PTQ Fitted with tip tanks off A84-222. Stored at Essendon Airport. Scrapped at Essendon Airport 1980 Cockpit section salvaged by Robert Cage and later to Harold Thomas Currently located at the Camden Museum of Aviation This is a privately owned collection and is not open to the public. |
| A84-210 | Mk.20 | First flight 29/09/54. Delivered 04/11/54. Approved for disposal 19/11/71. Sold 12/04/72 Currently on display Sid Beck Collection, Mareeba, QLD. |
| A84-211 | Mk.20 | First flight 12/11/54. Delivered 07/12/54. Status card shows approved for disposal on 19/11/71 and sold on 12/04/72 to Hookway Aviation Stripped for spares at Amberley Remainder donated back to RAAF We
have a photo of an early (ie pre A84-228)
Canberra at Woomera being set up as a target
for the CRV-7 rocket trials. |
| A84-212 | Mk.20 | First flight 22/11/54. Delivered 08/12/54. Approved for disposal 19/11/71. Sold to Hookway Aviation 12/04/72. Noted at Essendon Airport Vic. 18/05/75 having flown there. Had Hookway logo on tail and "Hookway" and maybe "aviation" under covers on nose in mid-blue. The flights from Amberley to Essendon used registration/callsign VH-PTQ Scrapped at Essendon Airport 1980 |
| A84-213 | Mk.20 | First flight 14/12/54. Delivered 23/12/54. Crashed 07/04/65, Darwin NT. Cat.5 damage. Approved for conversion to components "in situ" 10/65. Bruce Budd adds "I was an ATC officer on exercise in Darwin at the time with fighters from Williamtown. Although I didn't see the incident, I was on the field some minutes later. The aircraft was taking off on the northerly runway (I don't remember the number) and suffered compressor stalls on at least one engine just before lift off. I think that there was a crosswind component on the runway. It was carrying 4 x 1,000lb live bombs. The pilot aborted the take-off but was unable to stop before the end of the runway. The aircraft continued off the end of the runway wiping out various ILS installations before dropping over a small concrete wall and breaking its fuselage just in front of the bomb bay as it came to a halt. As it did so, at least 2 of the bombs broke loose and came to rest some distance from the aircraft. The crew evacuated the aircraft very quickly, the pilot swearing that he had the nav's bootprint on the top of his helmet. I don't think this was ever substantiated. Fortunately the aircraft didn't burn, the ejection seats didn't fire and the bombs did not explode. However, Darwin was closed for some considerable time while the bombs were disarmed and the runway swept clear of a large quantity of metal shavings from the Canberra's brakes." John Tyrrell, who was a Flying Officer at the time adds " I was the navigator in A84-213 when it crashed on takeoff in Darwin. FLTLT Peter Jones was the pilot. I jettisoned the navigator's hatch - the top half of the compartment - and left that way. Peter left the same way some time later." Remains were taken to Leanyer Range, Darwin for use as a target. Still present in 1975 however all traces had been removed by 1984. |
| A84-214 | Mk.20 | First flight 11/01/55. Delivered 21/01/55. To GAF Avalon for strip testing 20/08/71. (For ARL stress tesing), later scrapped. |
| A84-215 | Mk.20 | First flight 15/02/55. Delivered 02/03/55. Loss of hydraulic fluid prevented unlocking of nose-wheel. Landed in tail down attitude with minimal damage 22/10/58 Status card shows approved for disposal on 19/11/71 and sold on 12/04/72 to Hookway Aviation and stripped for spares. Remainder donated back to RAAF. Used for fire training and destroyed on Amberley fire-dump. |
| A84-216 | Mk.20 | First flight15/03/55. Delivered 04/04/55. Approved for disposal 19/11/71. Disposed of 12/04/72. Sold to Hookway Aviation. Trucked to Morwell, Vic Stored at the former Lurgi Coal Gasification Plant until scrapped in 1989 |
| A84-217 | Mk.20 | First flight 04/04/55. Delivered 27/04/55. Approved for disposal 19/11/71. Sold to Hookway Aviation 12/04/72. Noted at Essendon Airport, Vic. 18/05/75 having flown there. The flights from Amberley to Essendon used registration/callsign VH-PTQ Scrapped at Essendon Airport 1980
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| A84-218 | Mk.20 | First flight 25/05/55. Delivered 21/06/55. Approved for disposal 19/11/71. Sold to Hookway Aviation 12/04/72. Noted at Essendon Airport, Vic. 18/05/75 having flown there. The flights from Amberley to Essendon used registration/callsign VH-PTQ Scrapped at Essendon Airport 1980 |
| A84-219 | Mk.20 | First flight 22/05/55. Delivered 20/06/55. Approved for disposal 19/11/71. Sold 12/04/72. Struck off 20/09/75 at Amberley. Stored at Les Arthur's yard. Moved to Brymaroo with assistance of Oakey based Army personnel Currently mounted on pylons at Alex Campbell Park, Brymaroo Qld.
Alex Campbell Park was opened on
28/02/87 and the Canberra was unvielled by Group
Captain Arthur Barnes DFC. |
| A84-220 | Mk.20 | First flight 12/07/55. Delivered 03/08/55. Status card shows approved for disposal on 19/11/71 and sold on 12/04/72 to Hookway Aviation Stripped for spares, remainder donated back to RAAF. Transported to Woomera used in the Karinga Bomb Trials. Its remains were left in a pile at the Woomera airstrip . In 2015 the tailplane was salvaged and is now on display at the Air Warfare Centre at RAAF Edinburgh. One half is displayed outside (see photo) and the other half in the courtyard of the same building. |
| A84-221 | Mk.20 | First flight 12/08/55. Delivered 30/08/55. Received 1AD 02/09/55. Took part in flight of 5 Canberra on good-will trip to USA 13/05/56 to 06/06/56. Approved for disposal 19/11/71. Status card shows sale on 12/04/1972 to Hookway Aviation. It was stripped for parts and the hulk remained at Amberley were, painted bright yellow, it was used as a training aid for 12 Squadron's Chinooks. Incorrectly reported as destroyed by the Karinga Bomb Trials in 1986. A tailfin that appears to have been painted yellow and carried the 12 Squadron buffalo head and horns has turned up at the South Australian Aviation Museum's storage facility. While it certainly appears to have been fitted to -221 at some stage it has been repainted in camouflage scheme. Persons at Woomera for the Karinga trials state -221 was not there nor used in the trials. Another reliable source has stated that it was still at Amberley in 1988 and scrapped by 1991 This aircraft was also reported in Flightpath magazine as being scrapped at Morwell in 1989 however I believe this to be incorrect
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| A84-222 | Mk.20 | 16/08/55 first
flight 01/09/55 received 1AD ex GAF 23/09/55Staus card reads "To be made available for Dept. of Air staff visit to Pearce Oct 5-9) 11/12/55 Allotted 82 Wing Mod C336 to be completed prior to issue 15/12/55 aircraft ready for collection 18/05/56 Amberley, loss of oil pressure Avon No.21 10/03/59 allocated GAF Avalon ex-82 Wing for retro mods 15/05/59 received GAF 16/12/59 received 82 Wing ex-GAF 11/04/60 to 3AD for E servicing 5/07/60 returned to 82 Wing 5/03/62 to GAF Avalon for for incorporation of Mod 605, return to 82 Wing on completion 21/03/63 to GAF for Mod. 208, return to 82 Wing on completion 27/03/63 to 3AD for E servicing 10/09/63 to 82 Wing Immediate reserve Cat.B storage. 5/12/63 to 82 Wing equipment 7/10/65 to ARW Parafield for corrosion repair 29/11/65 returned to 82Wing as Wing Equipment 15/06/66 to 3AD for E servicing 1/08/66 to 82 Wing as Wing Equipment 5/09/67 to ARW Parafield for incorporation of Mod.690, return to 82 Wing on completion 2/05/68 to 1(B)OCU 18/12/68 to 3AD 20/02/69 to 1(B)OCU 16/11/70 Request allot. E Serv. Avail 9/11 BSAmb. 16/11/70 to 3AD 16/02/71 to 1(B)OCU 3/06/71 to 3AD 19/11/71 approval for disposal 8/12/71 crossed out entry on status card showing 222 was to go to RSTT Wagga. "Now prefers A84-226" rather ironic really as the salvaged cockpit section of 222 is being used as a source of parts in the restoration of A84-226 12/04/72 sold to Hookway Aviation Trucked to Morwell, Vic Stored at the former Lurgi Coal Gasification Plant until scrapped in 1989 Nose/cockpit section purchased by Mr David Wheatland from the scrappie. Moorabbin Air Museum later purchased this from Mr Wheatland and it was transported to the museum arriving on 09/09/95. The cockpit of A84-222 is now providing the missing bits needed in the cockpit restoration of the museum's A84-226 The stripped cockpit has been acquired by Dick Winterburn |
| A84-223 | Mk.20 | First flight 07/09/55. Delivered 06/10/55. Its recorded cost was £490,000. The aircraft was allocated to 82 Wing, based at Amberley, Queensland. In 1956, QANTAS carried the Olympic Flame from Greece to Darwin. 6 Squadron's A84-223 carried it to Cairns for the start of the Torch Relay down the east coast to Melbourne. The 1956 Olympics were the first to involve air transport of the flame, using Davey miner's safety lamps that enable the flame to be carried on the aircraft. Approved for disposal 19/11/71. Sold 12/04/72. Displayed at the Chewing Gum Field Museum in Queensland and then at Luskintyre in NSW. The Temora Aviation Museum acquired the aircraft in 1998 with a view to a return to airworthiness however after an inspection of the aircraft it was decided that it was uneconomical to proceed. Ex RAF Canberra TT.18 WJ680 was acquired instead (and is now painted as A84-234). Vietnam era camouflage scheme replaced with overall silver scheme in late 2002. Was displayed as gate guard at Temora Aviation Museum, NSW. Now owned by 2 Squadron and has undergone a static restoration back in Vietnam era camouflage as a tribute to those that served and those that were lost in the Vietnam War. Displayed outside 2 Squadron headquarters at RAAF Williamtown. |
| A84-224 | Mk.20 | First flight 19/10/55. Aircraft grounded 09/12/55 as a precaution due to faulty material discovered in portion of mainplane. Delivered 24/04/56. Took part in flight of 5 Canberra on good-will trip to USA 13/05/56 to 06/06/56. In 1970 two Canberra (A84-224 and -225) were used by 1 (B) OCU as Target Tugs at Butterworth. Two orange bands were painted around the fuselage to aid visibility so the Mirage pilots of 3 and 75 Squadrons did not lock onto the tug, instead of the aluminium spreader-bar of target banner. A "G-Limitation" placard was later placed just forward of the crew entry door on the starboard front fuselage. Approved for disposal 19/11/71. Disposed of 12/04/72 to Hookway Aviation. Trucked to Morwell, Vic . Stored at the former Lurgi Coal Gasification Plant until scrapped in 1989 Bare cockpit section with private owner in Dennison.Vic.
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| A84-225 | Mk.20 | Scheduled first flight 07/10/55, abandoned. First flight 11/10/55. Aircraft grounded 09/12/55 as a precaution due to faulty material discovered in portion of mainplane. Recieved 05/05/56 1AD ex GAF. Fitted with two CAC built Avon Mk. 1 Engines (Serials CAC 26 and CAC 27). Took part in flight of 5 Canberra on good-will trip to USA 13/05/56 to 06/06/56. Established Perth - Brisbane Record of 3 Hours, 20 Minutes and 5 seconds 01/08/56. Fitted with two CAC built Avon RA22 Mk.101 engines (serial no.s RR387 and RR741) on 10/07/59 for tests. Replaced with Avon Mk.1s again on 01/02/61. Painted in camouflage 06/11/64. Fitted with target towing equipment 27/01/70. In 1970 two Canberra (A84-224 and -225) were used by 1 (B) OCU as Target Tugs at Butterworth. Two orange bands were painted around the fuselage to aid visibility so the Mirage pilots of 3 and 75 Squadrons did not lock onto the tug, instead of the aluminum spreader-bar of target banner. Final flight 19/11/70 (crack found in wing spar during routine ultrasonic inspections 17/12/70). Aircraft removed from flight duty with 3395 hours and 15 minutes flight time. It had also completed 636 landings. Struck off 27/07/73 at Amberley. Sold to Queensland branch of the Aviation Historical Society of Australia for $1360.00 21/11/73. Moved to Kuraby Qld. 13/02/74. Moved to Lower Nudgee Qld. 15/05/77. Moved to Brisbane Airport 09/04/80. Moved to Queensland Air Museum, Caloundra, Qld. 13/06/86. Repainted in No.1 Sqn colours 10/86. Currently on display Queensland Air Museum, Caloundra, Qld. |
| A84-226 | Mk.20 | 28/10/55 first flight. 9/12/55 aircraft grounded as a precaution due to faulty material discovered in portion of mainplane 24/04/56 received 1AD ex GAF 29/04/56 received 82 Wing ex-1AD 13/05/56 to 06/06/56 took part in flight of 5 Canberra on good-will trip to USA 3/02/57 aircraft damaged Status Card unreadable 27/03/57 held serviceable 82 Wing 21/04/58 6Sqn brakes couldn't be used due to fouling of brake lever 3/09/58 to 3AD for E service 28/05/59 received 82 Wing ex-3AD 23/06/60 received GAF Avalon ex-82Wing 13/02/61 received 82Wing ex-GAF Avalon 28/03/62 to 3AD for E service by 482 Maintenance Squadron 31/10/62 to 82Wing Immediate Reserve Cat.B storage 12/12/62 to GAF Avalon for Mods 605. Return to 82Wing when completed 24/05/63 to GAF Avalon for installation of Canberra Mod. 636 26/06/63 to ARDU for flight testing of Canberra Mod.636 2/10/63 to 82Wing ex-ARDU Immediate Reserve Cat.B storage 20/07/65 to ARW Parafield for corrosion rectification. 23/07/65 to 82 Wing Aircraft to be positioned at Edinburgh 10/03/66 to 3AD for E service 26/05/66 to 82Wing ex-3AD Immediate Reserve Cat.B storage 1/11/66 82Wing wing equipment 1/12/67 to ARW Parafield for incorporation of Mod 690 6/02/68 to 82Wing ex-ARW Parafield as Unit Equipment 2/05/68 to 1(B)OCU ex-82Wing 22/09/70 to 3AD 13/07/71 to 2Sqn 19/11/71 approved for disposal 19/11/71. 23/12/71 HQSC advised aircraft to be flown to full limit of 25 hours extension prior to its disposal. 8/12/71 approval was given for conversion to training aid for use at RSTT Wagga. Allocated Instructional No.2. Installed Avon Mark 1s CAC 41 (Instructional No.18) and RR3052 (Instructional No.19). Was on display within RAAF Forest Hill, Wagga Wagga. NSW. 26/08/2015 offered for disposal via Tender 02/2016 gifted to Australian National Aviation Museum, (ANAM) Moorabbin, Vic 06/2016 transported by road to ANAM Moorabbin where it will undergo restoration to static display standard Cockpit section of A84-222 held by ANAM to be used as a source of parts in this restoration On static display Moorabbin, Vic. |
| A84-227 | Mk.20 | This aircraft appears to have had a less than
glamorous career. Grounded prior to delivery 09/12/55 due to discovery of faulty material in mainplane, after rectification first flight 22/03/56 and finally delivered 27/04/56. Final aircraft built with Avon Mark 1 engines, CAC 31 and RR 3020 installed. Took part in flight of 5 Canberra on good-will trip to USA 13/05/56 to 06/06/56 However on 04/06/56 it suffered engine failure on take off at Hickman Airfield, Hawaii and PLTOFF W.R.Raynor made a wheels up landing. Extensively damaged and dismantled for shipping home. Received at GAF for major repairs 22/06/56. It appears repairs didn't go well as it was still u/s at 1 AD 03/12/56, returned to GAF, had a survey of repairs 05/57, Returned to 1 AD on 21/09/59 and finally issued to 82 wing on 10/11/59. Went to 3 AD for Cat.B storage 12/11/64. To Parafield for corrosion rectification 09/12/65. Returned to 82 wing 12/03/67. To long term storage 18/12/68. Approved for disposal 19/11/71. Sold to Hookway Aviation 12/04/72. Noted at Essendon Airport, Vic. 18/05/75 having flown there. The flights from Amberley to Essendon used registration/callsign VH-PTQ Scrapped at Essendon Airport 1980
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| A84-228 | Mk.20 | First flight 22/03/56. Delivered 23/04/56. First of the upgraded spec aircraft (equivalent to RAF B.6 specification) with 7,500 lb thrust Avon Mark 109/RA.7 engines and the provision for wing leading edge fuel tanks. Served with 2 Sqn in Vietnam as part of USAF 35th Tactical Fighter Wing based at Phan Rang Air Base (approx 150 miles north east of Saigon). Arrived 05/67. Destroyed 14/03/71 after being hit by two SA-2. Surface to Air Missiles (SAMS). Both Crew; WGCDR (P) F. Downing and FLTLT (N) A. Pinches ejected near Quang Tri, Vietnam at 14,000 ft and 290 kts, suffering various moderate to serious injuries and were rescued 27 hours later. RAAF Ejection number 39. A report at the time states " On 14 March 1971 Wg Cdr Downing was flying Canberra Bomber A84-228 with 32334 Flight Lieutenant (Flt Lt) Allen John Pinches when their aircraft was hit by two SA-2. Surface to Air Missiles (SAMs). Downing and Pinches were both able to eject out of the aircraft, which had suffered critical damage but were not rescued until 27 hours later. The two Australian airmen were winched to safety by a US Army rescue helicopter and taken to the hospital at Quang Tri as both had sustained injuries on ejection. Wg Cdr Downing had a fractured kneecap and Flt Lt Pinches fractured vertebrae in the lower back. Later, after being transferred to a hospital at Da Nang and then Vung Tau, the two were flown back to Australia for a protracted convalescence." |
| A84-229 | Mk.20 | First flight 22/11/56. Delivered 23/04/57. Served with 6 Squadron Served with 2 Squadron based at Butterworth Malaysia. Served with ARDU at Laverton in a variety of paint schemes Noel Fenton reports "When Canberra A84-229 was at ARDU (1959), it was undergoing trials (deployed to Darwin) relating to the venting to atmosphere of the fuselage fuel tanks. Unfortunately, the test engineer (we used to call him NASA as at that time, everything NASA did, did not work) installed the vents incorrectly, ie., the wrong way around. During flight tests, instead of venting to atmosphere, No3 fuselage fuel tank was pressurised and expanded into the bomb-bay fouling the elevator and rudder control rods and caused the 'freezing' of control of the elevator and rudder. The pilot (a USAF Major on exchange to ARDU) landed the aircraft using the electric trim on both control surfaces. As well, the fuselage also 'expanded' giving what we called a Canberra with an 'area rule' fuselage. It was disassembled in Darwin and flown to Avalon in a Hercules for major repair and modification after which it was returned to ARDU. As well, I can recall the testing of the fitting of bomb hangers and supports (for 500 pound iron bombs) on the wing-tips in lieu of the tip-tanks to 229 in 1966. Initially, there were a few problems relating to stress at the wing-tip, but these were overcome. The bombs were dropped using the wing-tip fuel tank 'dump' button and was prior to Canberra being deployed to Vietnam. There are many 'photo's of Canberra in Vietnam showing this fitment." Noted at Edinburgh 26/04/79 wearing 2 Sqn tail fin flash Struck off 1982 at Amberley. 06/82 allocated to RAAF museum in airworthy condition. In exchange for A84-229 Aero Nostalgia provided a Lockheed Ventura for the RAAF museum. Aero Nostalgia was unable to take delivery and it remained at Amberley from 1982 untill 1990 when Steve Picatti purchased it from Aero Nostalgia and ferried it to USA 08/08/90 as N20AN. Now N229CA. Appeared at Oshkosh 07/1991. Returned to Australia to appear at the 1991 RAAF Richmond airshow, 1992 Avalon International Airshow and perform at the Adelaide Formula One Grand Prix on 05/11/92. Returned to USA during 03/93. Reported as subject of legal dispute and ownership changed to Tom Leek. Reportedly damaged when it suffered an accidental landing gear retraction whilst parked. Registered to Jack Stringer of California 28/03/00. Noted in Australian Aviation 11/04 as being parked in the GA area of Redding Airport, California as of 04/08/2004. 06/2018 It would appear that 229's flying days are over. It is still parked at Reddding Airport and it has been announced that 229 will become a static display at the Redding Veteran's Museum painted black to represent an RB-57A. Further more its spare CAC built Avon 109 engines have been acquired by Air Atlantique of Coventry UK to be fitted to Canberra WK163 
A84-229 is another Canberra we do not
have an RAAF Aircraft Status card for. It may
of gone with the aircraft to USA. |
| A84-230 | Mk.20 | First flight 20/12/55. Delivered 27/01/56. Served with 2 Sqn in Malayan Emergency. Took part in the RAAF's first jet bombing mission 03/09/58. Served with 2 Sqn in Vietnam as part of USAF 35th Tactical Fighter Wing based at Phan Rang Air Base. Arrived 16/04/67 after a 2 hour flight from Butterworth, Malaysia. Returned to Darwin 04/06/71. During 1972/73 it was modified for cartographic survey missions (see below) Status card shows approval granted for free issue to RAAF Assosiation 26/10/83. Last Flight 07/11/83 from RAAF Base Amberey Qld. to RAAF Base Pearce, Bull Brook W.A. Crew was; Pilot SQNLDR N Williamson, Navigator FLTLT F Delandelles and Maintenance SGT. D Gardner. Wings taken off by members of the RAAF based at Pearce, placed on trucks and transported by road from Bull Brook to Bull Creek on 17/11/83. It was then rebuilt by the same team of men and put on display in the Museum's North Wing. No restoration work has been carried out by the Museum and as far as they know no special work was carried out before its delivery to RAAF Pearce. It was fully airworthy on arrival there. The rear fuselage currently fitted appears to be that off A84-248. Jim Grant of the RAAFA adds "The change of the rear fuselage is a minor mystery as you can see the overpainted numbers 48 behind the numbers 30. However there is no record in the maintenance manuals that this change actually occurred which leaves us with the option of poor record keeping or a mistake during repainting at some time" A rear fuselage marked A84-230 is fitted to A84-248 at Willowbank Qld and this is definitely a different fuselage section as the camouflage paint lines do not align at the fuselage joint. (see images of A84-248). Currently on display RAAF Association Aviation Heritage Museum of WA - Bull Creek.
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| A84-231 | Mk.20 | First flight 30/05/56. Delivered 19/06/56 Served with 2 Sqn in Vietnam as part of USAF 35th Tactical Fighter Wing based at Phan Rang Air Base. Arrived 16/04/67 after a 2 hour flight from Butterworth, Malaysia. Disappeared 03/11/70 in poor weather during a skyspot mission over South Vietnam. Crew MIA; FLGOFF Michael Herbert (Pilot) & PLTOFF Robert Carver (Nav). After many years of countless missions without the loss of an aircraft and its crew 2SQN suffered its first loss. Missing after a night time bombing operation in the Da Nang area, Vietnam. Flying as Magpie 91 the pilot. FLGOFF Herbert, last reported that he was flying at 22,000ft after just having released his bombs over a target under the direction of a USAF (not USMC as reported previously) Captain Bill Hanig working from OL-24 (Operating Location) located at Phu-Bai. His callsign MILKY. Acknowledging a transmission from the controller, releasing Magpie 91 at 20:22hrs (no heading or direction given to Phan Rang as previous mentioned), the aircraft was not heard from again. Standard procedure was for aircraft to head east then track south to Phan Rang. With the co-ordination of the US 3RD Air Rescue and Recovery Group, and despite an intensive 3 day search, which saw the squadron fly 38 sorties. The aircraft had flown a total of 4193.35 flight hours at the time of its loss. In 2009 Operation Magpies Return found the crash site in the rugged countryside of Quang Nam Province, Vietnam, near the Laotian border. The remains of FLGOFF Michael Herbert and PLTOFF Robert Carver have been recovered and returned to their families in Australia.
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| A84-232 | Mk.20 | First flight 31/05/56. Delivered 09/07/56. Served with 2 Sqn in Vietnam as part of USAF 35th Tactical Fighter Wing based at Phan Rang Air Base. Arrived 08/67. Returned to Darwin 04/06/71. During 1972/73 it was modified for cartographic survey missions (see below) Issued to GAF for restoration and display 06/85. Served as gate guard at Avalon Airport Vic. In 09/2006 Marc Chapman sent us this condition report.; "Unfortunately 232 has deteriorated dramatically since the pictures taken in 2004 were posted on this site, I made an extensive inspection of 232 and although largely complete she isnt fairing well, during my inspection I noted the following: Extensive corrosion in tail section of fuselage underneath the tail plane and also rear fuselage has apparently filled with water but has not tipped up due to bracing of rear fuselage. Paint has peeled off the fuselage leaving the skin exposed to the elements. Moss noted growing at many places on the airframe, particularly at the fuselage/wing joint and along the trailing edges of the wings. Rearmost perspex window in Nav's compartment is broken allowing birds to nest in the cockpit. Corrosion evident in main and nose wheel bays, also all tyres except port main wheel cracked and flat. Birds nesting in port engine bay. Corrosion evident around cockpit area, and perspex has crazed and clouded but thankfully thus far has escaped the attention of vandals (mainly due to the main security post being not more than 50m away methinks) After making my inspection of 232 I talked for a while with the security team and a couple of the workers from the airport and all confirmed that nobody is responsible for maintaining the appearance of 232 and there has been no work done on the aircraft for many years, sadly it seems she is being left to rot." Thankfully the 90th anniversary of the RAAF saw A84-232 receive a much needed external restoration for static display at the 2011 Avalon air show. She was repainted in her Vietnam era camouflage scheme. After the air show it once again was left sitting out in the open suffering the elements. It deteriorated to such a degree that another repaint was needed in 02/2015 in preparation for display at the 2015 Avalon air show. A84-232 was supposed to be stored inside one of Avalon's disused hangars but these are now fenced off from airside and leased out for non-aviation commercial uses. Last see once again sitting out in the open. Received a further cosmetic touch-up in preparation for the 2017 Avalon Airshow Stored at Avalon Airport |
| A84-233 | Mk.20 | First flight 18/07/56. Delivered 07/09/56 at a cost of £490,000. To 1 AD 25/06/57. To 82 Wing 04/11/57. To 3 AD 19/11/57 for mods. To 82 Wing 11/04/58. To 2 Sqn 02/05/58. Served with 2 Sqn in Malayan Emergency. Took part in the RAAF's first jet bombing mission 03/09/58. To 82 Wing 13/10/58. To 3 AD 26/05/60 for E Servicing. To 82 Wing 22/09/60. To GAF Avalon 01/05/62 for mods. To 82 Wing 06/12/62. To GAF Avalon 09/10/63 for corrosion rectification. To 3 AD 30/01/64 for E Servicing. To 82 Wing 07/05/64. To 2 Sqn 11/01/66. To 82 Wing 15/07/66. To Parafield 28/10/66 for mods. To 82 Wing 28/03/67. To 3 AD 16/03/67 for E Servicing. To 2 Sqn 14/07/67. Served with 2 Sqn in Vietnam as part of USAF 35th Tactical Fighter Wing based at Phan Rang Air Base. Arrived 09/67. To 478 Maint Sqn 16/03/68 for D Servicing and back to 2 Sqn. To 478 Maint Sqn 08/04/68 for D Servicing and back to 2 Sqn. To 478 Maint Sqn 12/07/68 for D Servicing and back to 2 Sqn. To 478 Maint Sqn 26/11/68 for D Servicing and back to 2 Sqn. To 3 AD 13/06/69 for E Servicing. To 1 (B)OCU 22/10/69. To 2 Sqn 05/06/70. To 478 Maint Sqn 26/08/70 and back to 2 Sqn. To 478 Maint Sqn 08/12/70 and back to 2 Sqn 18/02/71. To 478 Maint Sqn 25/02/71 and back to 2 Sqn. Returned to Darwin 04/06/71. (Status card shows To Amberley 13/05/71?) To 3 AD 31/08/71 for repairs. To 2 Sqn 04/02/72. To 3 AD 13/11/72 for E Servicing. During 1972/73 it was modified for cartographic survey missions (see below) To 2 Sqn 15/08/73. Reported as struck off 27/07/73 at Amberley, however this is not correct. To 3 AD 13/05/77 for E Servicing. To 2 Sqn 03/10/77. To 3 AD 03/09/80 for long term storage. Free issue to the Central Service Laboratory and Trials Division 11/06/82 for use as a target for Karinga Lethality trials at Woomera. Destroyed 07/82. Barry Wilson comments: "I was Trials Manager for the Karinga/CBU-58 cluster bomb trials at Woomera in 1980-82. I had to get actual aircraft for target damage assessment and originally had a couple of Dakotas. However, aircraft preservation groups prevailed and they were withdrawn and replaced by two Canberra Mk20. These were located at Evetts Field in two target complexes - one for each munition type - along with many other real military targets. The aircraft were never destroyed. They were hit many times by sub-munitions and suffered several gaping holes, but were largely intact. I see mention of 4 or 5 Canberra being destroyed there. My trials finished in 1982 and there may have been a Phase II later in 1983, but to 1982 only two Canberra were employed. The one ending up at the Woomera missile park sounds plausible." |
| A84-234 | Mk.20 | First flight 24/07/56. Delivered 17/09/56 Served with 2 Sqn in Vietnam as part of USAF 35th Tactical Fighter Wing. Arrived at Phan Rang Air Base 16/04/67 after a 2 hour flight from Butterworth, Malaysia. On 09/02/71 WNGCDR John Downing and SQNLDR B A Johnson were providing close air support for troops engaging the enemy. On the last of 5 bombing runs the aircraft was hit in the nose by shrapnel from one of its own bombs, narrowly missing the crew, partially severing the elevator cable s and embedding itself in the IFF panel. Their actions that day saw Downing and Johnson awarded the American DFC ( which suprisingly they never recieved!). On 07/04/71 this time crewed by FLGOFF S Fenton and PLTOFF Murphy 234 provided close air support to an US Army Infantry company in contact with a large enemy force. Despite the close proximity of friendly forces and heavy ground fire 6 single drop bombing runs were made without any US casualties. The enemy suffered 80 lost and retreated. The heroics of these actions influenced the Temora Aviation Museum's choice of identity for their Canberra. Returned to Australia 05/71. Reported as struck off 27/07/73 at Amberley but this must be incorrect. During 1972/73 it was modified for cartographic survey missions (see below) Noted at Edinburgh 26/04/79 wearing 2 Sqn tail fin flash Offered for Tender in 05/84. Purchased by Neville Mason 06/85. The front fuselage is displayed at the RAAF Museum, Point Cook Vic. The rest of the aircraft turned up at in pieces at Capalaba in 1989, their current location is unknown however it is likely they were scrapped. Temora Aviation
Museum's Canberra is
painted as A84-234. It is an ex-RAF TT.18 serial WJ680. Registered VH-ZSQ |
| A84-235 | Mk.20 | First flight 03/09/56. Delivered 22/10/56. Served with 2 Sqn in Vietnam as part of USAF 35th Tactical Fighter Wing. Arrived at Phan Rang Air Base 05/67. Returned to Australia 08/70. Struck off 27/07/73 at Amberley To RSTT Wagga as training aid then displayed at front gate Underwent external refurbishment 05/2011. Currently on display at the museum at RAAF Forest Hill, Wagga Wagga, NSW.
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| A84-236 | Mk.20 | First flight 21/09/56. Delivered 30/10/56. Served with 2 Sqn, ARDU and No.1 Bomber Conversion Unit. Served with 2 Sqn in Vietnam as part of USAF 35th Tactical Fighter Wing. Arrived at Phan Rang Air Base 16/04/67 after a 2 hour flight from Butterworth, Malaysia. Returned to Darwin 04/06/71. Reported as struck off 27/07/73 at Amberley but this must be incorrect Noted at Edinburgh 26/04/79 wearing 2 Sqn tail fin flash Approval given for conversion to an exhibit for RAAF museum 27/07/82. Currently on display at RAAF Museum, Pt. Cook, Vic. Was in taxiable condition.
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| A84-237 | Mk.20 | 05/10/56 First flight 03/11/56 Delivered to 1AD 08/11/56 to GAF from 1AD for fitment of Green Satin, retro mods and servicing From GAF to 1AD then Bought On Charge after RAAF acceptance flight 12/12/57 to 1AD 30/07/58 to 82Wing from 1AD for operational fitment of mods and test trials (???) 01/09/58 to 2Sqn from 82Wing A/c to be flown ???? for instrumentation etc prior to issue to Butterworth 27/06/60 to 3AD from 2Sqn for E Servicing 21/09/60 to 2 Sqn from 3AD 17/12/62 Request allot for E servicing 28/12/62 o 3AD from 2SQn for E servicing 16/01/63 to GAF Avalon for Canberra Mod 605 07/02/63 to 3AD from GAF Avalon 18/04/63 to 2Sqn from 3AD 11/12/64 to 3AD from 2Sqn pending allot to GAF Avalon 28/01/65 to GAF Avalon fron 3AD for repair and corrosion repair 28/01/65 to 3AD from GAF Avalon for Immediate Reserve Category "B" storage 23/05/65 to 82Wing from 3AD 08/06/66 Request allot for E servicing 15/06/66 to 3AD for E servicing 01/09/66 to 82Wing from 3AD 10/10/66 to ARW Parafield for incorporation of Mod 690 and corrosion rectification then return to 82Wing 16/02/67 to 2Sqn from 82Wing 16/04/67 Arrived Phan Rang Air Base Vietnam after a 2 hour flight from Butterworth, Malaysia. Served with 2 Sqn in Vietnam as part of USAF 35th Tactical Fighter Wing. 30/05/67 toTranSupFlt, D servicing and return to 2Sqn 07/08/67 15/11/67 05/03/68 to 478 Maintenance Sqn for D Servicing and return to 2Sqn 03/05/68 06/08/68 to 3AD for E servicing 2?/12/68 to 1(B)OCU 20/08/71 to ARDU after E service 26/06/74 Woomera; Left main wheel would not extend. Jettisoned Navigators hatch and landed on foamed runway Crew SQNLDR Kev Doyle (Pilot) FLTLT Ron Ewing (Nav) Free issue to Central Service Laboratories and trails division 11/06/82. Dismantled and trucked to Woomera were it was destroyed as part of Karinga cluster bomb trials. |
| A84-238 | Mk.20 | First flight 25/10/56. Delivered 09/11/56. Served with 2 Sqn in Vietnam as part of USAF 35th Tactical Fighter Wing. Arrived at Phan Rang Air Base 07/69. Returned to Australia 02/71. During 1972/73 it was modified for cartographic survey missions (see below) Held for disposal by 3AD 21/03/82. Struck off 1985 at Amberley. Sold 06/85 to "South East Asia Museum" but resold 06/86 to Willowbank Caravan Park. Suffering from the elements, nesting birds and showing signs of vandalism. Currently displayed on a pylon at Willowbank, Qld. |
| A84-239 | Mk.20 | First flight 06/12/56. Delivered 04/04/57. Crashed 03/60 during the take off on a navigation exersice, Butterworth Malaysia. The crew, Flt Lt G M Collins and Flt Lt R F Wyatt, escaped with only minor injuries. The aircraft was badly damaged and after salvage of serviceable items, the aircraft will be converted to scrap. Ken Jackson adds; "My father was stationed at Butterworth at the time. The one thing I can remember of this crash was Dad saying that the starboard engine was still at absolute screaming full throttle when the aircraft finally came to a stop after the crash. The fuel cut-off switches would not work from the cockpit so the pilots couldn't turn it off! It ran that way for a full 15 minutes or so with the pilots and rescue crews all looking on in disbelief. Finally one of the engine fitters armed with a hacksaw walked onto the wing and opened an inspection hatch and cut through the fuel line of the 'never say die' engine". Converted to components in situ 06/60 According to the Commonwealth gazette 13/10/60 "Her Majesty the Queen has been graciously pleased to approve the following Awards in recognition of the brave services rendered by the undermentioned following the crash of a Canberra aircraft at Butterworth, Malaya, on 8 March 1960. A294 Sgt Victor Anderson received the British Empire Medal for Gallantry for the same incident" I wonder if that was Sgt Anderson who cut that fuel line? |
| A84-240 | Mk.20 | 10/01/57 first flight 8/03/57 Status Card is a bit of a muddle with 240 shown at going to GAF from 1AD for fitment of Green Satin, retro mods and servicing 13/03/57 shown on Status Card as date of receipt 15/04/58 received 1AD ex-GAF 30/05/58 received 2 Sqn ex-1AD 28/07/58 leading edge of tailfin severely damaged by hail 3/09/58 took part in the RAAF's first jet bombing mission (Served with 2 Sqn in Malayan Emergency) 12/03/59 under repair 2/05/59 2 Sqn Unit equipment 1/09/59 port main undercarriage collapse (we have a photo of this incident but there is no mention of it on the Status Card) 19/10/59 to GAF ex-2Sqn for repair 3/03/60 to 1AD ex GAF Avalon 16/03/60 to 2 Sqn ex-1AD 4/05/61 to 3AD for E servicing 7/09/61 returned to 2 Sqn ex-3AD 29/04/64 to 3AD for E servicing 8/04/64 to GAF Avalon ex-3AD for corrosion repair, return on completion 4/11/64 to 2 Sqn ex-3AD Immediate reserve Cat.B storage 11/12/64 2 Sqn unit equipment 12/02/66 held 2 Sqn 09/66 to ARDU 16/04/67 served with 2 Sqn in Vietnam as part of USAF 35th Tactical Fighter Wing. Arrived at Phan Rang Air Base 16/04/67 after a 2 hour flight from Butterworth, Malaysia. 31/07/67 D Servicing and then returned to 2 Sqn There must one of the Status Cards missing because it jumps to 3/05/68 3/05/68 to 2 Sqn ex-1(B)OCU 16/08/68to 478 (M) Sqn for D servicing 25/09/68 return to 2 Sqn 11/12/68, 11/10/69, 17/03/70, 11/05/70 to 478 (M) Sqn for servicing and returned to 2 Sqn 9/6/70 to 3AD 5/10/70 to 1(B)OCU 22/06/71 to 2 Sqn Amberley 6/03/73 to 3AD for mod 755 1/11/74 to 3AD for E servicing 20/05/75 received 2 Sqn ex-3AD 14/04/78 to ARDU 4/04/79 to 3AD for E servicing 7/06/79 to 3AD (???) 21/08/80 to 2 Sqn 23/08/81 to ARDU 25/08/82 to 2 Sqn 8/10/82 to 3AD received 14/10/82 Ended service with 6515 Hours. 22/08/84 free issue to RNZAF n a trade involving the acquisition of a Harvard (NZ1034) by the RAAF museum. Flew to New Zealand, was escorted on final part of flight by RNZAF Skyhawks Currently on display at the RNZAF museum at Wigram near Christchurch. |
| A84-241 | Mk.20 | First flight 01/04/57. 10/04/57 to GAF survey preparations to fitment of Green Satin Delivered 17/05/57. Damaged while under tow on the ground at Laverton VIC.27/08/58. 12/08/62 held 2 Sqn Buuetrworth Served with 2 Sqn in Vietnam as part of USAF 35th Tactical Fighter Wing. Arrived at Phan Rang Air Base 06/68. On 11/07/70 PLTOFF M Birks and PLTOFF A Curr made a nosewheel up landing at Phan Rang. The U.S. C.O. of the base ordered it be pushed off the runway with a bulldozer. However 2 sqn C.O., WNGCMD J. Boast, and other squadron personnel stood between the aircraft and the bulldozer until it was safely and with out further damage removed from the runway. After temporary repairs aircraft flown back to Australia for major repairs. 29/01/71 to 1(B)OCU 22/06/71 to 2 SQN 22/09/78 to ARDU Noted at Edinburgh 26/04/79 wearing 2 Sqn tail fin flash 23/08/79 to 3AD 11/06/82 Approved for free issue to Central Service Laboratory and Trials Division Dismantled and trucked to Woomera were it was to be used as a target during Karinga cluster bomb trials. Survived this fate and has been restored. Currently on display at the Woomera Missile Park, Woomera S.A. |
| A84-242 | Mk.20 | First flight 06/06/57. Delivered 16/08/57. Served with 2 Sqn in Malayan Emergency. Took part in the RAAF's first jet bombing mission 03/09/58. Served with 2 Sqn in Vietnam as part of USAF 35th Tactical Fighter Wing. Arrived at Phan Rang Air Base 16/04/67 after a 2 hour flight from Butterworth, Malaysia. Returned to Darwin 04/06/71. Allocated to Amberley fire section 12/08/86 and used as a fire training aid, sprayed with foam but not torched. 12/2007 entered Amberley restoration hangar. Years of being sprayed with fire fighting foam have left a severe amount of corrosion. An extensive refurbishment has been carried out and has been completed in Vietnam era configuration including wingtip mounted bombs. Went on public display at the RAAF Amberley Aviation Heritage Centre 21/04/2013 Currently on display RAAHC Amberley. |
| A84-243 | Mk.20 | First flight 02/08/57. Delivered 09/09/57. Converted to components after accident (undercarriage failure) Butterworth, Malaya 08/58.
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| A84-244 | Mk.20 | First flight 09/09/57. Delivered 15/10/57. Served with 2 Sqn in Vietnam as part of USAF 35th Tactical Fighter Wing. Arrived at Phan Rang Air Base 05/68. 31/05/71 Flew last RAAF Canberra bombing mission in Vietnam, flown by FLGOFF David Smith and FLGOFF Peter Murphy (Nav). The last bomb dropped was painted white and the armourers had printed in red the words "76,389th and last bomb compliments to Charlie from RAAF No. 2 Squadron RAAF Uc Dai Loi". Murphy was given the honour of flying the squadron's final mission as his 310 Vietnam missions with No. 2 Squadron was the Squadron's highest number of Vietnam missions. Returned to Darwin 04/06/71. Approved for free issue to Central Service Laboratory and Trials Division 11/06/82. Reported as destroyed as target as part of Karinga cluster bomb trials at Woomera. |
| A84-245 | Mk.20 | First flight 16/10/57. Delivered 29/11/57. Served with 2 Sqn in Vietnam as part of USAF 35th Tactical Fighter Wing. Arrived at Phan Rang 16/04/67 after a 2 hour flight from Butterworth, Malaya. Returned to Darwin 04/06/71. During 1972/73 it was modified for cartographic survey missions (see below) Free issue to ARL 27/07/83. Currently on display at Port Melbourne Vic. in the grounds of DSTO site. |
| A84-246 | Mk.20 | First flight 22/11/57. Delivered 17/12/57. Served with 2 Sqn in Malayan Emergency. Took part in the RAAF's first jet bombing mission 03/09/58. Served with 2 Sqn in Vietnam as part of USAF 35th Tactical Fighter Wing.Arrived at Phan Rang Air Base 07/67. Returned to Darwin 04/06/71. Initially allocated to Australian War Memorial because it was the highest Vietnam mission tally holder however because of this hard life it ended up being cut up at RAAF Richmond for a stress analysis and corrosion audit. Final entry on status card reads "20/08/80 approved for destructive testing and disposal". |
| A84-247 | Mk.20 | First flight 16/05/58. Delivered 08/08/58. Served with 2 Sqn in Vietnam as part of USAF 35th Tactical Fighter Wing. Arrived at Phan Rang Air Base 07/67. Returned to Australia 02/71. Approval for aircraft and installed Avons nos. CAC 416 and CAC 420 to be issued to Australian War Memorial 19/07/82. Currently in storage dismantled at Treloar Technology Centre ACT. |
| A84-248 | Mk.20 | Last Australian built Canberra. First flight 02/07/58. Delivered 01/10/58. It was fitted with Orange Putter at Avalon prior to delivery to the RAAF. Orange Putter was a very smart hostile aircaft tail-warning radar device from the UK. A84-248 then went for trials at ARDU where tests showed that the weight of the electronics at the extreme rear-end caused control problems and it was removed. Served with 2 Sqn in Vietnam as part of USAF 35th Tactical Fighter Wing. Arrived at Phan Rang Air Base 06/67. Returned to Australia 03/71. Allocated to RAAF Base East Sale for display on main gate 18/12/86. This never happened and the aircraft stayed at Amberley. Fitted at some stage with the rear fuselage off A84-230. Noted with upper section of tail cut/broken off. Sold 13/06/91 to Bexgold for $11,012. Sitting with its nose off the ground, canopy and nose glazing smashed and suffering badly from the elements and at the hands of vandals. Such a waste. Currently located in paddock adjoining A84-238 at Willowbank, Qld.
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| A84-307 | B.2 Mk.21 |
Built by English Electric c/n 71020. Diverted from RAF contract (serial WD939). 7/12/50 allocated RAAF serial A84-307 1/08/51 handed over to RAAF at RAF Lyneham 5/08/51 the first Canberra arrived in Australia (in fact the first jet to fly UK to Australia). It was flown by WGCDR D R Cuming with FLTLT Col Harvey as navigator on 31/07/51. The flight totalled 10,235 miles (16,487km) and was covered in a flying time of 21Hrs 41mins giving an avarage speed of 477.62mph (768.63) This was a speed record at the time albeit unofficial as no FAI observers were present. To 1AD 6/08/51 To ARDU 25/08/51. To 82 Wing 04/10/51. Unserviceable 22/11/51, waiting for parts for rudder from England. To ARDU 19/12/51. Minor repairs required at ARDU 18/09/52. Port engine failed on 07/02/53 at ARDU. To 1 LRF 19/05/53. Was prepared as the second entry in the 1953 London to Christchurch Air-Race in case A84-202 was not completed in time To 1 AD 06/11/53. To 82 Wing 14/12/53. The fuselage was damaged on 01/07/55, taken to GAF at Avalon 21/07/55 for repairs and modification. Modified to Mk.21 trainer configuration from 15/08/56, first flight 26/09/58, re-delivered on 07/11/58. To 82 Wing 12/12/58. To 3 AD 01/09/61 for E servicing. To 82 Wing 16/04/62. To GAF Avalon 22/05/62 for modification. To 86 Wing 11/07/62 - Served with 38 Sqn Comms Flight. To 82 Wing 19/09/62. To 2 Sqn 02/04/63 and still held 12/06/65. To Parafield for corrosion repair 11/01/66. To 82 Wing 11/03/66. To 3 AD 05/06/67. To 1(B) OCU 02/05/68. To 3 AD 18/12/68. To 3 AD 03/03/69. To 1 (B)OCU 21/05/69. To 1(B)OCU 24/09/69. To 2 Sqn 30/06/71. To 3 AD 07/03/72 for E servicing and repair. To 2 Sqn 23/10/72. To 3 AD 12/09/73. To 1 CAMD 11/06/83 and converted to training aid. Was on outside display at No.1 Central Ammunition Store, Kingswood, NSW. Dismantled for removal 10/2004, Still at Kingswood 04/2005. Was stored at Kemps Creek for a while. Purchased by The National Vietnam Veterans Museum and relocated to their museum initially at San Remo and then Newhaven on Phillip Island, Victoria Currently undergoing an intensive restoration inside the newly constructed display hangar.
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| A84-501 | T.4 | Built by English Electric 23/09/55. Allocated RAF serial WT491. Fitted with Avon Engines 6967 and 6969. Delivered to RAAF 05/04/56. While enroute from the UK the aircraft used the callsign VM-HEA. It refueled in Pakistan 13/04/56. Arrived 18/04/56. To 82 Wing/6 Sqn 19/04/56. Allocated A84-501 04/05/56. Still with 6 Sqn 10/10/58. 10/10/58 a pilot incorrectly retracted the undercarriage when meaning to alter flap selection, aircraft damaged. To 3 AD 23/04/59 for E Servicing. To Base Sqn East Sale 07/10/59. To GAF Avalon for modification 22/05/62. Recommended that both T.4's be allocated to Dept of Supply for sale to WRE 04/10/63. The sale to WRE was not successful and as the aircraft were using up valuable storage space at East Sale they were moved to ARDU at Laverton 12/02/64. They were considered for sale to India between 18/03/64 to 21/07/64. Considered for use by ARL for fatigue testing 07/08/64. Issued to Melbourne Lord Mayor on sales advice Note SV50515. Removed from Laverton by 28/11/66. To Portsea Holiday Camp Vic. 11/66, later scrapped. |
| A84-502 | T.4 | Built by English Electric 07/10/55. Allocated RAF serial WT492. Fitted with Avon Engines RR 6966 and RR 6971. Delivered to RAAF 03/05/56. Arrived 12/05/56 at 82 Wing. Was at Wagga NSW. Allocated A84-502 on 14/05/56. Online with 82 Wing 28/05/56. 02/57 noted at Essendon, Vic. wearing 2 Squadron fin flash Aircraft touched down short of threshold and was damaged 02/07/58. Forced landing at Amberley 30/09/58, with 6 Sqn. Gradual brake failure due to hydraulic leak 26/02/59. To 3 AD 04/03/59. To East Sale 21/07/59. To GAF Avalon for modification 06/11/61. To East Sale 29/11/62. Recommended that both T.4's be allocated to Dept of Supply (for sale to WRE) 04/10/63. The sale to WRE was not successful and as the aircraft were using up valuable storage space at East Sale they were moved to ARDU at Laverton 12/02/64. They were considered for sale to India between 18/03/64 to 21/07/64. Considered for use by ARL for fatigue testing 07/08/64. It was decided that one of the T4's was required at RSTT Wagga 11/05/66 and approved 13/09/66. To RSTT Wagga Wagga 14/10/66 as instructional airframe No.1. Only the rear section of the fuselage was required, however the rest of the aircraft was stored in view of its historical value. It was decided on 06/08/73 that it was not required by the RAAF Museum. Photos show A84-502 was at Wagga until at least 1981 Photographed in security compound at St Marys munition factory, NSW 11/93. Purchased by HARS and initially displayed at the Australian Aviation Museum at Bankstown. Relocated to HARS complex at Albion Park 03/2010 where it underwent an external restoration Currently on display at HARS Albion Park, NSW. |
A photographic tribute to RAAF 2 Squadron's service in Vietnam 1967 to 1971
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12 early build RAAF Canberra were purchased in April 1972 by Peter Hookway of Hookway Aviation. Their
fates are believed to be as follows: The 5 flights from Amberley
to Essendon used registration/callsign VH-PTQ Barry Wilson comments: "I flew five Canberra purchased by Peter Hookway from Amberley to Essendon. Navs were Jim Hanigan (4) and Ron Irwin (1). As I recall, Peter bought 12 aircraft and got the 5 flying. He donated one or two other aircraft to Amberley and the rest were knocked down. I had flown Canberra as an ARDU tp and the ferry flights were on my PPL with the callsign VH-PTQ allocated to me on a flight-by-flight basis. The Amberley-Essendon trip on a VFR flight plan (max 21,000-ft) on a PPL was an interesting exercise. Peter was trying to ferry the aircraft to Bolivia but that did not come off. I understand they ended up in boxes heading to the UK. I am based in India and my logbook is in Oz so I can't readily give details." |
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During late 1972 and 1973 six
Canberra from 2 Squadron were modified for
cartographic survey missions After the Canberras were retired in
1982 6 Squadron operated a Survey Flight using
leased Lear
Jets |
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Retired
RAAF Canberra were transported to Woomera and
used as targets in Karinga Cluster Bomb trials |
This page written and updated by Martin Edwards
John
Bennett's article on RAAF Canberra markings
John
Sheehan has helped us with what the Canberra
modification numbers represent, thanks John.
Source: RAAF Aircraft Status Cards, "Lincoln, Canberra and F-111 in Australian Service" by Stewart Wilson, Australian Aviation Magazine, Australian Aviation Annual , National Archives, Temora Aviation Museum Website, Queensland Air Museum website, "Odd Jobs" by Steve Eather, Australian War Memorial Website, Court of Enquiry for A84-231, Flightpath Magazine Vol 1 Number 4 (Morwell Scrappings). Airpower Magazine. The English Electric Canberra Tribute Site (Les Bywaters). Canberra WT333 Operating Team Website, "The Electronic Blue Beret" (Website of the RAAF Airfield Defence Guards), "Target Charlie" by Steve Eather , Flypast Magazine 05/89 & 05/99, "Fire Across the Desert" by Peter Morton, "Australian Air Force since 1911" by N.M. Parnell and C.A. Lynch, "English Electric Canberra and Martin B-57" by Barry Jones, "English Electric Canberra" by Ken Delve, Peter Green and John Clemons.
Emails: Thanks for the information provided by; John Bennett, Gordon Birkett, Brendan Cowan,Tjalling Boelman, Jim Bourke, Bruce Budd, John Bushell, Les Bywaters, Al Clarke, Gordon Clarke, CMDR John Crawley, Andrew Curry, Ron Cuskelly, Graeme Edwards, Rod Farquhar, Noel Fenton, Neil Fitzclarence, Paul Galea, Jim Grant, Kas Grigonis, Mark Hadley-Powell, Michael Hamerston, Nick Harris, Ben Hennessey, Ken Jackson, Chris Jamesson, Martin Kaye, Dave Kearton, Kevin Kerle, Daniel Leahy, Waynne Lee, Morgan Midgley, Craig Murray, Dean Norman, Peter O'Connell, Ross Polkinghorn, Mark Royle, John Sheehan, Noel Sproles, Danny Tanner, John Tyrrel, Geoff Wilson, Barry Wilson.
Main Photograph: RAAF Official Photo.
Updated 1st September 2019
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