Vietnam veteran to be saved in Australia - hopefully

HGUCSU · **Posted:** Thu Oct 18, 2007 8:21 am

"A Canberra jet bomber will be transported to the National Vietnam Veterans
Museum on Phillip Island for restoration with the help of a $6000 Australian
Government grant, the Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Bruce Billson
announced today.

Minister Billson said the British-built Canberra bomber, A84-307, currently
in New South Wales, is at risk of being sold for scrap unless moved.

"This plane is the first Canberra bomber put into service by the Royal
Australian Air Force, arriving at RAAF Laverton in August 1951. It was the
first of two British-built jet bombers ordered by Australia to provide
training and familiarisation before Australian production of the Canberra
bomber began," Mr Billson said.

In 1950, the Australian Government placed an order for 48 English Electric
Canberra jet bombers which were to be built under licence by the Government
Aircraft Factory at Fishermen's Bend in Victoria. The Australian- built
aircraft were designated the Canberra Mk 20. The first of these flew in May
1953 and the last was delivered in September 1958. Number 2 Squadron
continued to fly Canberras until 30 June 1982.

"During the Vietnam War, A84-307 was used for training pilots in low level
bomber roles that they undertook while flying out of Phan Rang air base with
Number 2 Squadron RAAF. It was retired from service in August 1973.

"The $6000 Saluting Their Service grant will help fund transport costs to
move the bomber from its current location to the Museum on Phillip Island
where it will be restored," Mr Billson said. "

I wonder when we Americans might get a B-57 to fly again does anyone know?

I heard NASA has 2 WB-57? and there some RAF B-57s? in USA as warbirds but no pure built Glen Martin B-57s.. Can anyone tell me otherwise?

herkman · **Posted:** Thu Oct 18, 2007 8:31 pm

I do not think this aircraft is a Vietnam Veteran.

Was used a crew trainer for crews assigned to Vietnam.

It is a English built one, and could be the oldest surviving one in the world.

Regards

Col

proped up · **Posted:** Thu Oct 18, 2007 10:57 pm

This Canberra is not a Nam Vet but who cares. Only Mk 20 GAF Canberra's went on deployment. This is a B2 Mk21 and is the first jet to fly UK to Aust on 31-07-51 This is the oldest remaining Canberra and to see it go to such a deserving museum is great.

JDK · **Posted:** Thu Oct 18, 2007 11:16 pm

http://www.adf-serials.com/2a84.shtml

http://www.adf-serials.com/

Quote:

A84-307 B.2 Mk.21 Built by English Electric c/n 71020.

Diverted from RAF contract (serial WD939). Delivered to RAAF on 01/08/51. (Allocated to be A84-307 back on 07/12/50). The first Canberra to arrive 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 1 AD 31/07/51. Officially delivered 06/08/51. 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 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.
Currently located at No.1 Central Ammunition Store, Kingswood, NSW. It is reported to have been dismantled for removal 10/04, destination unknown at this time.(Bankstown?) Still extant at Kingswood 04/05.
The world's oldest surviving Canberra (and will hopefully remain so).

muddyboots · **Posted:** Thu Oct 18, 2007 11:45 pm

big...grey...text...block...didn't read.

Bad editor
*slaps James' hand*

JDK · **Posted:** Fri Oct 19, 2007 1:19 am

muddyboots wrote:

big...grey...text...block...didn't read.

Ya gets what ya pays for...

For MB: It's old, it did stuff, move around a bit, has some things which make it historic, got parked, forgot as a memorial, getting moved, alleged Vietnam connection, no passport stamps.

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Vietnam veteran to be saved in Australia - hopefully

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