AUSTRALIAN STINSON L-5 SENTINEL Compiled by Geoff Goodall

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1 Latest update AUSTRALIAN STINSON L-5 SENTINEL Compiled by Geoff Goodall Australia's civil Stinson L-5 Sentinels came from USAAF post-war disposals sales in Philippines and India. This is a typical USAAF 25th Liaison Squadron L with TSgt D. Nichols in New Guinea during 1944, with the unit's slogan Guinea Short Lines painted on the cowling. This particular L-5 did not survive the war. Photo: Civil Aviation Historical Society Sentinel VH-BFR visits Berwick Vic from Tasmania in February Photo by Geoff Goodall The Stinson Model 76 Sentinel was a military development of the pre-war Stinson Model 75 Voyager series of civil touring aircraft. The Sentinel was a heavier aircraft with larger fuselage construction of fabric coverage steel tube with extensive glasshouse and side windows, which opened outwards. The wing and tailplane were all wood construction to save strategic materials. The engine was a 185hp Lycoming The prototype first flew at the Stinson plant at Wayne, Michigan on 28 June Flight tests resulted in the full-length leading edge wing slots being reduced to half length, and the tail

2 surfaces enlarged. This produced an exception STOL performance and large orders were received from USAAF (L-5 series) and US Navy/Marines (OY- series). Production ceased in November 1945 after a grand total of 3,590 Sentinels were built. Stinson Aircraft became a division of Vultee Aircraft in October 1939 and in November 1941 Consolidated Aircraft and Vultee were merged under the control of Aviation Corporation (AVCO). Stinson was later renamed Stinson Division of Convair (Consolidated Vultee) in March The Stinson works at Wayne Michigan were closed in June 1948 and Piper Aircraft took over marketing of post-war civil production Voyagers. WWII use of Sentinels in New Guinea L-5 Sentinels were operated in New Guinea by USAAF 25th Liaison Squadron from November 1943 for army cooperation and ambulance evacuation work. They had the ability to land in small clearings in the jungle or on beaches, and their cabins were fitted for stretcher or sitting patients. The unit painted the cowlings with a distinctive Guinea Short Lines and kangaroo. As well as injured troops, the USAAF Sentinels rescued downed airmen in the rugged New Guinea terrain. USAAF also operated Taylorcraft L-4 Cubs in the New Guinea theatre. Previously USAAC Stinson L-1 Vigilants had been operating in New Guinea. By early October 1942 they were evacuating wounded troops from the Kokoda Trail using the marginal strip at Myola Lake. Three L-1Cs were officially attached to RAAF No.33 Squadron effective 10 November 1942 for search and rescue operations in New Guinea: Sqn Assigned radio call-sign VHCOG. Crashed Chestnut Bay NG Sqn Assigned radio call-sign VHCOH. Crashed Myola Lake NG Sqn Assigned radio call-sign VHCOI. Crashed near Myola Lake NG RAAF pilots flew American Stinson O-49s, L-5 Sentinels and Piper L-4 Cubs on Army cooperation duties in New Guinea. The RAAF personnel record for RAAF Flt Sgt Norman Padgett shows that on 23 January 1944 he commenced 6 weeks of intense operational flying while attached to Headquarters 9 th Australian Division AIF at the front line of fighting against the Japanese. Aircraft flown included US Army Air Force Piper L-4 Cubs, Stinson L-5 Sentinel on army liaison duties. His skilful flying during this attachment included a mission to rescue a wounded radio operator from behind enemy lines and resulted in him being awarded the Air Force Medal. His pilot logbook records 230 hours on L- 4s and L-5s A single L-5 was actually taken on RAAF charge. "99129" ( ) was received by RAAF No.36 Squadron at Townsville Qld on loan from USAAF on 30 May The RAAF record card at first incorrectly reported it as a Piper Cub. A logbook entry records Flying Officer F. Watt of 36 Squadron making a local flight at Townsville on 8 November 1944 in "L ", carrying photographer John Harrison to take photographs in the area for the Allied Works Council. On 25 November was received by No.37 Squadron in New Guinea ex 36 Squadron. 37 Squadron's unit records state it was on their strength from 30 November 1944 to 1 February A December summary of non-operational flying quotes a mere 30 minutes for the Sentinel, and 90 minutes during January On 26 January 1945 the RAAF record card states "To be returned to FEASC representative at Townsville Air Depot. 37 SQ to arrange delivery as soon as possible." On 1 February 1945 it was struck-off RAAF charge as "Issued to USAAC (sic) ex 37 Squadron." With the US advance on Japan, USAAF 25 th Liaison Squadron moved with its L-5s to the Philippines. Stinson L-5 Identities There is considerable doubt over the identities for civilianised Sentinels. In the listings of Australian aircraft below, the quoted identities and sources are given at the end of each aircraft's history. - Frame number was stamped on the forward landing gear trunnion: this is not the construction number, but the factory production line sequence number. - Construction number was stamped on a Consolidated Vultee plate fixed to the metal shroud at the front of the cockpit, out of sight behind the instrument panel - USAAF identification plate was fixed to the fuselage at the starboard wing root, which had a space for the c/n but most were delivered with that space left blank Sometimes the fuselage frame number matches the c/n but the difference can be as much as twenty. The USAAF airplane record cards survive but quote only the air force serial number, no manufacturer s number.

3 Jim Grey, founder of the Sentinel Owners and Pilots Association in USA wrote: There is no bullet-proof tie-up between frame numbers and USAAF numbers. The theoretical correlation is, at best, a tenuous one because no factory production records are known to have survived. On many existing aircraft where the original plate exists and no obvious airframe swapping occurred, there is often a discrepancy between numbers. Some match the theoretical links and some do not. There is a lot of circumstantial evidence however, so we can usually narrow the true USAAF identity to within about a dozen airplanes, and through a process of elimination based on Air Force records, photographs and other material we can narrow it down to just a few. 1) THE CLIVE "KILLER" CALDWELL STINSON IMPORTS FROM MANILA These four L-5 Sentinels were brought to Australia as cargo on board six Douglas C-47s ferried from Manila to Sydney in November-December 1946, all purchased from USAAF disposals sales in Philippines. The C-47 selection and delivery was carried out on behalf of the Zinc Corporation by Clive R. "Killer" Caldwell, former RAAF wartime ace, who had joined wealthy pastoralist George B. S. Falkiner to re-start Falkiner's pre-war firm Aerial Transport Co. While in Manila acquiring the C-47s, Caldwell purchased four USAAF Stinson L-5s. They were for resale on the Australian civil market and were reportedly in poor condition. DCA's Import Permit ledger has an application on 9 October 1946 by Aerial Transport Co for three Stinson L-5s, recorded as imported in November that year. However four were acquired in Philippines, and a separate Import Permit was issued by DCA in December 1946 for the fourth , noted as being allocated VH-ALQ. Mascot 1947: two of the USAAF L-5s air-freighted from Manila can be seen at the rear left, still wearing camouflage. Ed Coates Collection

4 This close-up of the photograph above shows the white-tailed L-5 serial beginning with 2994, which makes it either /VH-ALQ, or /VH-BFR. The four Caldwell Stinson imports, listed in order of addition to the Civil Register: C/n Stinson L-5 VH-ALQ Built by Stinson Aircraft Division of Consolidated Vultee Aircraft Corporation at Wayne, Michigan, to USAAF order. To USAAF as L Disposal by US Foreign Liquidation Commission at Manila, Philippines.46 One of 4 Stinson L-5s purchased in Manila by Aerial Transport Co, Sydney NSW through their agent Clive R. Caldwell, former wartime RAAF ace "Killer" Caldwell. Caldwell was a partner of George B. S. Falkiner in the firm Aerial Transport Co..46 Caldwell was in Manila arranging the purchase and ferry of 6 Douglas C-47s to Sydney on contract to The Zinc Corp. The Stinsons would be carried as cargo in the C-47s for refurbishment in Sydney and civil resale The 4 Stinson L-5s arrived Sydney, dismantled in six C-47s ferried from Manila for The Zinc Corp DCA letter to Aerial Transport Pty Ltd: Aerial Transport Pty Ltd has imported Stinson L- 5s from overseas. This Department has no objections to the release by Customs Department of the Consolidated Vultee Stinson L-5 aircraft which you have acquired The 4 Stinson L-5s were stored at Marshall Airways at Mascot, pending overhauls for civil CofA. Marshall Airways moved to Bankstown Airport in Registration application: Aerial Transport Pty Ltd, 4 O'Connell Street, Sydney CofA issued after civil inspection by Marshall Airways at Mascot Registered VH-ALQ Change of owner s name effective this date: Falkiner, Caldwell & Doyle Pty Ltd, Sydney. The Board of Directors and management is unchanged. Company letterhead: Falkiner, Caldwell & Doyle (incorporating Aerial Transport Co) Exporters, Brokers, General merchants, Aviation Falkiner, Caldwell & Doyle Pty Ltd letter to DCA: VH-BEE has been sold to F.W. Hewson, Augathella Qld, and that ownership of VH-ALQ is transferred to G.B.S.Falkiner Ownership change to: George Brereton Sadlier Falkiner, 4 O'Connell Street, Sydney, later Haddon Rig, Warren NSW Annual CofA renewal at Mascot Crashed at Bankstown, pilot C.R.Caldwell 9.48 Falkiner advises DCA that the aircraft is being repaired CofA renewed at Bankstown after repair Change of ownership: Keith Leahy, Manna Station, Condobolin NSW, later Sydney, later Oban Station, Dajarra Qld 1.52 Annual CofA renewal at Bankstown by Marshall Airways

5 CofA suspended Struck-off Register due CofA invalid since Parked at Mount Isa for some years, went derelict. Moved to airport dump and half buried. Later salvaged by Airport Fire Service for use for fire practice exercises. Parts acquired by Howard D Alton, Hobart Tas for rebuild of Stinson L-5 VH-BFR. D'Alton recalls It gradually disappeared at Mount Isa. I procured parts from it as well as VH-BOE at Finch Hatton. 65/79 Fuselage held by DCA Airport Fire Service, Mount Isa Qld 9.79 ALQ fuselage noted at Mount Isa Airport Fire Service, dummy wings fitted, has been burnt several times. Identities Australian Application for Registration form: 2751 AHSA Civil Register quotes VH-ALQ: 2751 ex ( should be c/n ) VH-ALQ at Mascot 1947, just after civil overhaul by Marshall Airways. Greg Banfield collection Another view at the same location at Mascot, around the same time. Frank Walters collection

6 C/n Stinson L-5 VH-BEE, VH-BOE Built by Stinson Aircraft Division of Consolidated Vultee Aircraft Corporation at Wayne, Michigan, to USAAF order. To USAAF as L Disposal by US Foreign Liquidation Commission at Manila, Philippines.46 One of 4 Stinson L-5s purchased in Manila by Aerial Transport Co, Sydney NSW through their agent Clive R. Caldwell, former wartime RAAF ace "Killer" Caldwell. Caldwell was a partner of George B. S. Falkiner in the firm Aerial Transport Co..46 Caldwell was in Manila arranging the purchase and ferry of 6 Douglas C-47s to Sydney on contract to The Zinc Corp. The Stinsons would be carried as cargo in the C-47s for refurbishment in Sydney and civil resale The 4 Stinson L-5s arrived Sydney, dismantled in six C-47s ferried from Manila for The Zinc Corp DCA letter to Aerial Transport Co: Aerial Transport Co has imported Stinson L-5s from overseas. This Department has no objections to the release by Customs Department of the Consolidated Vultee Stinson L-5 aircraft which you have acquired The 4 Stinson L-5s were stored at Marshall Airways at Mascot, pending overhauls for civil CofA. Marshall Airways moved to Bankstown Airport in Registration application: Falkiner, Caldwell & Doyle Pty Ltd, 9 Loftus Street, Sydney CofA issued after civil inspection by Marshall Airways at Bankstown Registered VH-BEE Falkiner, Caldwell & Doyle Pty Ltd letter to DCA: VH-BEE has been sold to F.W. Hewson, Augathella Qld, and that ownership of VH-ALQ is transferred to G.B.S.Falkiner Change of ownership: Falkiner W. Hewson, Highfields Station, Augathella Qld CofA expired. DCA approve ferry flight to Archerfield after expiry. During the ferry by Hewson the aircraft was stranded at Charleville awaiting a magneto part Letter to DCA from Hewson: BEE is at Archerfield awaiting parts to be manufactured or imported from USA. His new Proctor VH-BLU will be in Brisbane at the end of this month Hewson flew VH-BEE from "Highfield" Station to Archerfield to supervise the assembly of his new Proctor VH-BLU, which had just arrived by ship from England CofA renewed Archerfield DCA policy on aircraft registrations that conflict with the radio callsigns and the Q Code. VH-BEE is on the list, and suggested change is to VH-BOE. The repainting of the airframe can be delayed until the next major overhaul F.W.Hewson died. VH-BOE & Proctor BLU to be sold by Executors of the Estate Change of ownership: Walter H.C. Mayne, Texas Qld Annual CofA renewal Re-registered VH-BOE 2.52 Maintenance by Carswell & Dalgleish, Archerfield 50s Change of ownership: Owen W. Gillham, Suttor Creek, Nebo via Mackay Qld, later 44 Gordon Street, Mackay Qld Gillham was an earthmoving contractor, built the first airstrip at Brampton Island, and improved it using his bulldozers and equipment shipped to island. He became involved with Somerset Airways Auster flights to Brampton Island, then purchased Avro Ansons for tourist flights to Brampton island. Operated as Gillham Airways with Ansons VH-BEV & BBI. The Stinson VH-BOE was for his private use, later sold to his brother Ray Gillham Change of ownership: H. (Ray) Gillham, Suttor Creek, Nebo via Mackay Qld VH-BOE photo at Mackay, parked outside complete but not airworthy Struck-off Register as withdrawn from service 64 Stinson parked in hangar Mackay with expired CofA. Ray Gillham wanted to move it from the airport, so flew it from Mackay early one morning before ATC Tower opened. It was the first time he had flown his aircraft. Flew to Finch Hatton, where parked. DCA investigated the unauthorised flight. The Lycoming engine, propeller and cowlings were removed by Mackay aircraft engineer Ivan Unwin for sale to Agricultural Aviation, Archerfield where they were used in the modified agricultural Auster VH-SCO Prairie Flower. Stinson VH-BOE abandoned in open weather at Finch Hatton airstrip Qld, due lack of finances to commence a rebuild with a replacement engine. Became totally derelict. Remaining parts of BOE were purchased by Howard D Alton, Hobart, and collected from Finch Hatton to be used in his rebuild of VH-BFR Identities Australian Application for Registration form:

7 VH-BOE at Mackay Qld in June 1962 Photo by David Johnson C/n Stinson L-5 VH-BFR Built by Stinson Aircraft Division of Consolidated Vultee Aircraft Corporation at Wayne, Michigan, to USAAF order. To USAAF as L Disposal by US Foreign Liquidation Commission at Manila, Philippines.46 One of 4 Stinson L-5s purchased in Manila by Aerial Transport Co, Sydney NSW through their agent Clive R. Caldwell, former wartime RAAF ace "Killer" Caldwell. Caldwell was a partner of George B. S. Falkiner in the firm Aerial Transport Co..46 Caldwell was in Manila arranging the purchase and ferry of 6 Douglas C-47s to Sydney on contract to The Zinc Corp. The Stinsons would be carried as cargo in the C-47s for refurbishment in Sydney and civil resale The 4 Stinson L-5s arrived Sydney, dismantled in six C-47s ferried from Manila for The Zinc Corp DCA letter to Aerial Transport Pty Ltd: Aerial Transport Pty Ltd has imported Stinson L- 5s from overseas. This Department has no objections to the release by Customs Department of the Consolidated Vultee Stinson L-5 aircraft which you have acquired The 4 Stinson L-5s were stored at Marshall Airways at Mascot, pending overhauls for civil CofA. Marshall Airways moved to Bankstown Airport in Registration application: Falkiner, Caldwell & Doyle Pty Ltd, 9 Loftus Street, Sydney Testflown Bankstown after civil conversion by Marshall Airways, pilot C. R. Caldwell CofA issued Registered VH-BFR. To be based Mascot CofA lapsed. Renewal delayed awaiting parts from USA CofA renewed, agent for Falkiner, Caldwell & Doyle was J. L. Waddy Ownership changed to: Falkiner, Caldwell Pty Ltd, 9 Loftus Street, Sydney Testflown Bankstown after CofA renewal by Marshall Airways, pilot Keith Robey Change of ownership: Lionel V. Everson, Sydney 9.51 Annual CofA renewal at Bankstown by Marshall Airways Annual CofA renewal at Bankstown by Marshall Airways Minor accident at Bankstown: damage to prop, starboard wing tip and tyre Change of ownership: Christopher J. Neale, Neale Industries Pty Ltd, Sydney Testflown Bankstown, following accident damage repairs completed by Marshall Airways, pilot Frank E. Lawler Change of ownership: Keith A. Findlay, Findlays Broadcasting Services, Launceston Tasmania Operated Tasmanian commercial radio stations 7BU, 7AD, 7SD CofA renewal at Launceston, then renewed annually at Launceston Inspection at Launceston: Floor and seat in rear cockpit removed for conversion to cropduster. Agriculture hopper and equipment will be manufactured Change of ownership: Tasmanian Air Work Pty Ltd, Launceston Tas

8 Director of the company is Reg W. Munro, who is also Manager of the Tasmanian Aero Club, Launceston. Shareholders are pastoralist E. D. Mills who is President of the Tasmanian Aero Club and K.A.Findlay, who is Vice President of the Club Weighed Launceston with 6 cwt of cropdusting equipment fitted in rear cockpit 8.58 Internal DCA memos re agricultural use of this aircraft: approval to increase All Up Weight for agricultural ops must not be given unless flight handling trials are to DCA satisfaction DCA flight testing for CofA with full load of 6cwt of superphosphate which raises the AUW above the certified limit. Failed flight tests due to compaction of the superphosphate load over several days of flying. Wing leading edge slots had been covered but DCA required them reopened to improve takeoff performance Additional flight testing: failed to dump the full load of superphosphate granules in the required 5 seconds. Approved by DCA for operation at standard certified AUW CofA renewed Launceston by Tasmanian Aero Club CofA renewed Launceston by Tasmanian Aero Club Starboard undercarriage leg collapsed on landing on an ag strip on Flinders Island during dusting operations. Pilot Peter Ahrens went around and flew across to Flinders Island Airport, where the aircraft ground-looped on landing, damaging undercarriage, prop and starboard wing. DCA report: Following a loss of engine power due carburettor icing, the pilot touched down heavily collapsing the undercarriage. As power had then been regained, a baulked landing was executed and the aircraft flown to another aerodrome where further damage was sustained in the subsequent landing. Pilot had 151 hours experience on type noted at Launceston in aero club hangar, in service, belly hopper chute Damaged in forced landing Memana, Flinders Island Tas. Engine failure due fuel starvation while conducting superphosphate spreading. Undercarriage struck a drain, aircraft tilted on to nose. Pilot R. W. Munro Stinson Sentinels VH-BGQ & BFR seen stored at back of Aero Club hangar at Launceston. Both dismantled, BGQ on its belly DCA write to Tasmanian Aero Club: permission has been given to replace the fuselage assembly of Stinson L-5 VH-BFR with the fuselage assembly removed from Stinson L-5 VH-BGQ which has been reduced to spares. (refer VH-BGQ history) Struck-off Register BFR & BGQ purchased as is by Howard T. D Alton, Hobart Tas BFR & BGQ noted dismantled in hangar Launceston 7.65 Australian Air Log 7.65: Two interesting aircraft which arrived at Hobart during July were Stinson L-5s BFR & BGQ. The Sentinels have for a number of years reposed in the back of the Tasmanian Aero Club at Western Junction, gradually rotting away. Both were transported to Hobart by road by the new owners Max Price and H. D Alton and it is their intention to combine the two airframes to make one airworthy example. As there is some doubt on the soundness of the normal L-5 wooden box spar wing it is interesting to note that, subject to DCA approval, the completed aircraft will use the metal wings from Stinson Voyager VH-AKI, which crashed at Launceston in The fuselage of BGQ has been recovered aft of the cabin section and, although not yet decided, will probably be the one that is used noted at Cambridge: fuselage on wheels under restoration, VH-BGQ marked on rudder, work proceeding on assembly using parts of BGQ & BFR. It is reported that DCA have agreed to using the wings of crashed Stinson Voyager VH-AKI noted at Cambridge: uncovered wings attached to BFR fuselage. BGQ is in good condition but not enough parts to build up two aircraft Restored to Register VH-BFR: Howard T. D Alton, Moonah Tas 2.72 VH-BFR noted at Cambridge VH-BFR noted at Cambridge, blue & white civil scheme visited Melton-Fogarty s Field Vic airshow visited airshow at Berwick Vic: blue & white civil scheme 75/77 Overhaul and restoration at Point Cook Vic Change of ownership: Malcolm J. Long, Melbourne Vic, later Elanora Qld mid 77 noted at Moorabbin in Schutt hangar, waiting to be repainted in USAAF khaki scheme flew at Point Cook fly-in, USAAF khaki as "299465", with Long s Auster AOP-3 VH-BED & Tiger VH-ABL both camouflaged visited Sunbury Vic airshow visited Lilydale Vic airshow Three of Malcolm Long's aircraft departed Moorabbin for 2 day ferry flight to Coolangatta Qld where he will now base his fleet: Stinson L-5 VH-BFR, Fairchild VH-CMB, Auster AOP.3 VH-BED all painted in military markings

9 79/83 VH-BFR based Coolangatta and at CGFAM, Tallebudgera as USAAF Two Stinson L-5s displayed at Chewing Gum Field Air Museum, Tallebudgera Qld: VH-BFR as "299465" and "417643" (RP-C545) noted at Chewing Gum Field Air Museum, painted as USAAF Guinea Short Lines 3.85 visited Mangalore Vic airshow, USAAF " Guinea Short Lines" 85/86 Malcolm Long moved his aircraft collection from CGFAM to Drage Air World at Wangaratta Vic VH-BFR noted at Wangaratta Vic displayed inside Drage Air World, " Guinea Short Lines" VH-BFR noted at Coolangatta Qld in Air Gold Coast hangar "299465". Also , , , , Report: Malcolm Long has retired VH-BFR pending a full restoration at his Air Gold Coast maintenance facility at Coolangatta, which has restored four other L-5s. Paint scheme later changed to USAAF Sport Change of ownership: Long Beach Aviation Pty Ltd, Coolangatta Qld t/a Air Gold Coast, Pty Ltd Change of ownership: Stephen Searle/ Wirraway Station, Beaudesert Qld Change of ownership: PDRL Pty Ltd, Fern Bay NSW After Steve Searle's death, his warbird fleet changed ownership to this company name Change of ownership: Bennet Aviation Pty Ltd, Redhead NSW 9.13 Advertised for sale: quoted as L-5E, total airframe time 926 hours Identities Australian Application for Registration form: 2744 Restored to Register after rebuild, using BGQ's fuselage: 2744 Painted in USAAF scheme in 1977 as "299465" (ie. VH-BGQ's identity) Fuselage frame and components left over from the rebuild of BFR/BGQ in Tasmania were moved to Schutt hangar at Moorabbin, then Coolangatta where noted Bankstown circa 1948, at Marshall Airways hangar, with one of Marshall's ex RAAF DC-2s behind. Greg Banfield collection

10 Launceston Tasmania circa 1954, light green with red trim and red shadowed registration letters, and polished metal cowling. Photo by Eddie Coates Launceston in late 1950s in new paint scheme. Geoff Goodall collection

11 Newspaper picture of VH-BFR cropdusting near Launceston in September Launceston December 1961, as a cropduster with belly hopper chute. The Collection p

12 Sentinels VH-BFR & -BGQ dismantled at Launceston September Photo by Geoff Goodall Under rebuild at Cambridge Airport, Hobart March 1966, rudder marked VH-BFR. Photo by Dave Eyre

13 Cambridge April 1972, restoration completed, painted metallic blue and white. Photo by Bob Wills VH-BFR restored to military configuration and USAAF markings, wearing VH-BGQ's serial number and "Guinea Short Lines" on the nose, Mangalore Vic March Photo by Geoff Goodall C/n Stinson L-5 VH-BGQ Built by Stinson Aircraft Division of Consolidated Vultee Aircraft Corporation at Wayne, Michigan, to USAAF order. To USAAF as L c46 Disposal at Manila by US Foreign Liquidation Commission.46 One of 4 Stinson L-5s purchased in Manila by Aerial Transport Co, Sydney NSW through their agent Clive R. Caldwell, former wartime RAAF ace "Killer" Caldwell. Caldwell was a partner of George B. S. Falkiner in the firm Aerial Transport Co..46 Caldwell was in Manila arranging the purchase and ferry of 6 Douglas C-47s to Sydney on contract to The Zinc Corp. The Stinsons would be carried as cargo in the C-47s for refurbishment in Sydney and civil resale The 4 Stinson L-5s arrived Sydney, dismantled in six C-47s ferried from Manila for The Zinc Corp DCA letter to Aerial Transport Pty Ltd: Aerial Transport Pty Ltd has imported Stinson L-

14 5s from overseas. This Department has no objections to the release by Customs Department of the Consolidated Vultee Stinson L-5 aircraft which you have acquired The 4 Stinson L-5s were stored at Marshall Airways at Mascot, pending overhauls for civil CofA. Marshall Airways moved to Bankstown Airport in Registered VH-BGQ: Falkiner, Caldwell & Doyle Pty Ltd, 9 Loftus Street, Sydney CofA issued after civil inspection by Marshall Airways at Bankstown CofA renewed Mascot Change of ownership: Stodhart M. Martin, Baneda Station, via Charleville Qld retired, withdrawn from use Struck-off Register as withdrawn from use Restored to Register Change of ownership: Max W. Hopp, Brisbane, Qld Change of ownership: Alexander Ian (Scott) McLeod, Terrica, Inglewood Qld CofA renewal inspection completed at Archerfield by Carswell & Dalgleish CofA and CofR renewed Annual CofA renewal at Archerfield by Carswell & Dalgleish CofA expired. McLeod advises DCA that the aircraft is currently unserviceable due engine in worn state. He is planning to locate a complete new engine Testflown Archerfield by McLeod, following CofA inspection by Carswell & Dalgleish CofA renewed Change of ownership to Gordon F. Lynam, Hughenden Dry Cleaners, Hughenden Qld 1.57 Annual CofA renewal at Archerfield by Craswell & Dalgleish Change of ownership: Don D. Burns, Julia Creek Qld 57 Letter to DCA from G.Lynam states during sale negotiations, I flew young D. Burns to Cairns for Neville Mitchell to endorse him on the Stinson (Neville Mitchell operated Mitchell Aerial Services, Cairns on charter operations) 2.59 Change of address: D. D. Burns, Royal Hotel, Lismore NSW. DCA memo notes that ownership appears to be shared between D. D.Burns and Max Burns, an earthmoving contractor CofA expired, retired at Archerfield Struck-off Register, later back-dated to this date Advertisement: Stinson L-5 for sale: Don Burns, Ambon, Woody Point Qld: "nil hours since overhaul. Airframe has 720 hours since new. Fitted Kippers Aeromatic propeller. CofA expired Available for inspection at Archerfield. Price a gift." Change of ownership: Tasmanian Air Work Pty Ltd, Launceston Tas 6.60 DCA Memo: BGQ sold recently to Tasmanian Airwork Pty Ltd, who flew the aircraft to Tasmania where it will allegedly be reduced to spares. A permit to fly was issued after inspection at Archerfield for a ferry flight Archerfield to Launceston. The inspection revealed deterioration in glue joints in box type wing spars and wing structure, and fabric was in poor condition. The new owner is aware of these deficiencies DCA write to Tasmanian Airwork Pty Ltd stating that due to its poor condition a complete strip-down and overhaul will be necessary before CofA could be renewed, and expressing concern over the condition of their other Stinson VH-BFR R. W. Munro, Manager Tasmanian Airwork Pty Ltd replies (on company letterhead Aerial Agricultural Contractors ) stating that no CofA application is contemplated. The aircraft now has been partly dismantled. Based on this letter, VH-BGQ is struck-off the Civil Register backdated to CofA expiry of Stinson Sentinels VH-BGQ & BFR seen stored at back of Aero Club hangar at Launceston. Both dismantled, BGQ on its belly. BFR & BGQ purchased as is by Howard T. D Alton, Hobart Tas 7.65 Australian Air Log 7.65: Two interesting aircraft which arrived at Hobart during July were Stinson L-5s BFR & BGQ. The Sentinels have for a number of years reposed in the back of the Tasmanian Aero Club at Western Junction, gradually rotting away. They were transported to Hobart on a trailer by the new owners, Max Price and H D Alton and it is their intention to combine the two airframes to make one airworthy example. As there is some doubt on the soundness of the normal L-5 wooden box spar wing it is interesting to note that, subject to DCA approval, the completed aircraft will use the metal wings from Stinson Voyager VH-AKI, which crashed at Launceston in The fuselage of BGQ has been recovered aft of the cabin section and, although not yet decided, will probably be the one that is used noted at Cambridge: L-5 fuselage on wheels under restoration, VH-BFR marked on rudder, work proceeding on assembly using parts of BGQ & BFR. It is reported that DCA have agreed to using the wings of crashed Stinson Voyager VH-AKI noted at Cambridge: uncovered wings attached to BFR fuselage. BGQ is in good condition but not enough parts to build up two aircraft.

15 The airworthy L-5 constructed at Cambridge was registered as VH-BFR but quoted VH- BGQ's identity.77 stripped dismantled airframe purchased by Malcolm Long, Melbourne Vic. Included in the sale of the airworthy VH-BFR. Long intended to restore the second L-5 at Moorabbin 82/84 VH-BGQ under rebuild at Moorabbin in Schutt hangar by Ron Lee, reported now owned by Ron Lee, Melbourne Vic Stinson L-5 fuselage noted in Schutt Aviation hangar Moorabbin. Believed to be VH- BGQ but unconfirmed 95 Report: Ron Lee, noted Melbourne warbird rebuild engineer, has spent the summer at Coolangatta assisting Malcom Long with the restoration of 4 L-5s: Ron Lee owns one of these Sentinels L-5B and has another (VH-BGQ) under rebuild in Melbourne L-5 fuselage frame and components referred to as "BGQ" stored in Air Gold Coast hangar at Coolangatta Airport where owner Ron Lee is restoring L-5s for Malcolm Long. The fuselage is in fact the original VH-BFR Identities - Australian Application for Registration form: VH-BGQ's identity was quoted for VH-BFR after the rebuild using both airframes in Tasmania. Refer VH-BFR listing. VH-BGQ in the same light green with red trim as the other 4 Caldwell imports. Ed Coates Collection 2) TWO MORE SENTINELS WERE REGISTERED DURING 1954 C/n Stinson L-5E VH-CSA Built by Stinson Aircraft Division of Consolidated Vultee Aircraft Corporation at Wayne, Michigan, to USAAF order. To USAAF as L-5E c45 Abandoned by USAAF at Henderson Field, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands Laurie Cowley wrote to compiler: Two Stinson L-5s were left at Henderson Field by the US Army. I bought them to Lae, New Guinea and made one out of two and registered it as VH-CSA. I used it as an ambulance plane and general cargo for a few years. I kept the registration VH-CSA and later used it on a Piper Aztec Registered VH-CSA: Laurence Crowley, Crowley Airways, Lae, New Guinea 6.54 Laurie Crowley entered a Stinson L-5E in the 1954 Redex Air Trial around Australia, but changed to Percival Gull VH-UTP borrowed from Goilala Air Service, Tapini, New Guinea Struck off Register as Withdrawn from Service Pencil note in DCA Register: Registration reserved for return to service. Nothing further. Note: Laurie Crowley recalled in 2007 that he sold VH-CSA to Dennis Faithful, Laigum New Guinea. However the compiler believes he has confused Faithful's Stinson L-5 VH- BEN purchased much later in March Identities Australian Civil Register:

16 C/n Stinson L-5B VR-HEO, VH-BEN Built by Stinson Aircraft Division of Consolidated Vultee Aircraft Corporation at Wayne, Michigan, to USAAF order. To USAAF as L-5B c46 Disposal in Philippines by US Foreign Liquidation Commission is listed among a large number of L-5s sold to China as flyable aircraft Alternative source: In January 1948 Roy Farrell, the American founder of Cathay Pacific Airways at Hong Kong who was also operating Amphibious Airways in Philippines with Catalinas, negotiated with the US disposals authorities in Manila to purchase the entire remaining stock at a Manila "aircraft dump". This included unsold C-46s, C-47s, PBY-5s and quantities of parts and engines, which he used to establish PAMAS (Pacific Air Maintenance & Supply Company) heavy aircraft engineering facility at Kai Tak. PAMAS was incorporated with Directors including Australian notables Ivan N. Holyman, Ian H. Grabowsky, Sydney H. dekantzow. PAMAS merged with Jardine Aircraft Maintenance to form The Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Company (HAEC). 49 Log: uncrated at Hong Kong-Kai Tak by Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Co Registered VR-HEO as a L-5B Floatplane: Vincent Wong, c/- Far East Flying Training School, Hong Kong Vincent Wong imported several other Sentinels to Hong Kong CofA issued as a floatplane 49 VR-HEO flown as a floatplane with name Marco Polo Change of ownership: Far East Flying Training School Ltd, Hong Kong-Kai Tak Fitted with dual controls 50 Kai Tak report: Stinson VR-HEO on floats and other L-5s VR-HEQ & HEW reported with Hong Kong Fying Club 51 HK Civil Register: VR-HEO owner FEFTS Ltd - Change of ownership: Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Co, Kai Tak 51/53 Operated by Air Asia Ltd, Hong Kong. Charter operator with DC-3 VR-HFE Air Asia Ltd was incorporated with original shareholders: Daniel Beard, airline pilot John Patrick Reid, airline executive Eric William Aylward, aircraft engineer 52 Air Asia ceased operations Application for Australian Import Licence for a Stinson L-5B by Mr. Daniel Beard New CofA issued as landplane Change of ownership: Daniel Beard, Hong Kong Struck-off Hong Kong Register as sold to Australia. Log: hours flown as VR-HEO were 659 hrs Import Permit No.436 issued: imported by agents Carswell & Dalgleish, Archerfield Qld.54 Shipped to Australia by the three Air Asia partners Daniel Beard, John Reid & Eric Aylward. Daniel Beard had been a Director of Air Asia. He planned to use the Stinson on his cattle property near Clermont Qld. Eric Aylward was an experienced ground engineer, previously with Cathay Pacific Airways. In 6.49 he had attached a complete starboard wing of a crashed DC-3 HS- TA180 at Rangoon-Mingaladon under the belly of Cathay Pacific DC-3 VR-HEN to fly to Bhamo, Burma where Cathay DC-3 VR-HDB had been severely damaged by a enginestart fire on Assembled at Archerfield by Carswell & Dalgleish Registered VH-BEN: Daniel Beard, "Huntlay" Station, Mount Oscar, Clermont Qld, later c/- T.D.A.Wilson, "Mount Oscar" Station, Clermont Qld Advertised for sale in Aircraft magazine: Stinson L-5B 12 months CofA, engine hours 477 since overhaul. Ambulance version: Change of ownership: M.I. Adare, N.J. Gregg, Dr R. F. Gregg, Cunamulla Qld DCA accident report: Stinson L-5B: substantial damage when pilot lost directional control landing on a roadway and undercarriage collapsed near Charleville Qld. No injuries. Unconfirmed report that pilot was Dr. R. Gregg who was landing on a road to collect a patient..59 Trucked to Bankstown for rebuild by Fawcett Aviation Change of ownership: A.Mills, Sydney NSW noted at Bankstown 5.63 noted at Bankstown in Fawcett Aviation hangar noted at Bankstown, dark blue overall with white registration

17 3.65 Purchased by D. E. Faithful through Central Aircraft Exchange, Sydney Change of ownership: Denyse E. Faithful, Mount Hagen PNG Faithful was a patrol officer in the New Guinea highlands noted Camden, dark blue noted Camden, had just been repainted red and white 66 based at Laiagam, elevation 7000 feet, flown by Denyse E. Faithful who is Assistant District Commissioner at Lagaip PNG. Manufacturer's plate inspected at Mount Hagen during 1966: quotes but shows a blank space for acceptance date by USAAF 71 hangared at Cairns waiting for CofA renewal overhaul by Bush Pilots Airways.71 VH-BEN stolen from Cairns Airport by a disgruntled aircraft engineer who landed at Coen Qld due engine trouble and abandoned the aircraft.71 Ground-looped Coen Qld during attempted takeoff. The pilot was a Bush Pilots Airways engineer sent from Cairns to inspect the Stinson and ferry it back to Cairns months later the aircraft was returned to Cairns by road. Considered uneconomical to repair Sid Beck of Townsville inspected the damaged Stinson stored in a hangar at Cairns. He commenced negotiations to acquire the aircraft from the insurance company VH-BEN noted at Cairns Airport, alongside a hangar with wings removed and signs of a heavy landing.72 Purchased damaged by Sid Beck, Townsville Qld who moved it by truck from Cairns to his farm property at Condon near Townsville. Here he had a collection of engines and parts salvaged from WWII military aircraft wrecks. He later acquired a Neptune, Dakota, Canberra, Sea Venom, Sycamore and other aircraft SOR at owner's request VH-BEN noted stored dismantled in a shed on Sid Beck's farm at Beck Road, Townsville noted at Beck's Townsville Aviation Museum at Condon in a display building.90 Sid Beck was forced to vacate the Condon site due land rezoning laws and relocated to a farm near Mareeba, Qld. He moved his entire collection of aircraft, engines, and wartime crash site recoveries to Mareeba where the more complete airframes are displayed inside a large igloo hangar. Open to public as Beck's Military Collection, Mareeba. 92/12 VH-BEN stored dismantled in a small shed on Beck's farm, still in civil colour scheme, not displayed to public 13 Sid Beck died, future of his collection uncertain Identities VR-HEO: Hong Kong Civil Register: VH-BEN: Australian Civil Register: Note: VR-HEO has also been reported as c/n ex which went to Central Air Transport Corporation, Canton, China as XT-703. At least two CATC Stinson L-5s were imported to Hong Kong in 1949 and registered VR-HEQ & VR-HEW.

18 VR-HEO at Kai Tak Airport, Hong Kong in the early 1950s. Leo Callahan collection Bankstown The Collection p

19 Bankstown September 1964, all over dark blue with white registration. Photo by David Eyre Bankstown 1964, all over dark blue. The Collection p

20 Bankstown 1965 just after it was repainted white & red. The Collection p Mount Hagen, New Guinea Photo by Alan Bovelt

21 Sid Beck's farm, Townsville June Photo by Geoff Goodall in a storage shed at Sid Beck s museum at Mareeba Qld in Photo by Paul Howard

22 VH-BEN s Snoopy nose art could still be seen in Photo by Paul Howard 3) MALCOLM LONG/ AIR GOLD COAST L-5 RESTORATIONS AS WARBIRDS: Malcolm J. Long was a Melbourne flying enthusiast who, from 1975, commenced purchasing a variety of former military aircraft, from Auster Mk.3 to Lockheed Hudsons. As his collection grew, he moved from original base of RAAF Point Cook Vic to Coolangatta Airport on Queensland's Gold Coast. Using the name Wings of Yesterday, he arranged with Cliff Douglas of Chewing Gum Field Air Museum at nearby Tallebudgera to display his aircraft. The smaller types flew from a grass strip on a golf course bordering the museum. In 1984 the Long Collection moved again, to the large premises of Drage Air World at Wangaratta Airport Vic. Air Gold Coast Pty Ltd was an established aircraft maintenance company at Coolangatta Airport purchased by Malcolm Long in 1988 and operated by his sons Peter and Michael Long. Malcolm's particular interest in the Stinson Sentinel type (see VH-BFR & BGQ above) resulted in his purchase of two retired civilianised Stinson L-5s from Philippines in In 1993 Malcolm acquired a package of 4 retired Sentinels with a stock of Lycoming O-435 engines recovered from India by Brisbane warbird enthusiast Randal McFarlane in September These provided the basis of high quality rebuilds back to military configuration by Air Gold Coast for the Australian warbird market, where the Sentinel had been a rare type. By early 1995 a production line of four "ground-up" Sentinel rebuilds was under way in the Air Gold Coast hangar at Coolangatta Airport, with the assistance of experienced warbird restoration engineer Ron Lee. 4 were under active restoration, metal airframes having been X-rayed and corrosion treated. Authentic wartime fittings such as first aid kits, webbing installed while the wings were being worked on. They were joined later by another Indian L-5, which had been imported by Perth aviation enthusiast John Markham. Malcolm Long died on 16 November He is remembered as an important contributor to the Australian warbird and aviation museum movement, acknowledged as personally saving a range of endangered aircraft. Malcolm continued to fly his first Stinson Sentinel VH- BFR until just prior to his death. The photograph below appeared in Classic Wings Downunder magazine March 1995 issue, with a report listing the four aircraft under restoration at Coolangatta as: (VH-CCO), owned by Ron Lee, Melbourne L-5B Cliff Douglas (VH-CDF) was previously well advanced with fabric applied

23 By October 1998 a total of eight Sentinels were noted in the Air Gold Coast hangar in various stages of restoration. Identities of the completed aircraft are clouded by the probability of component swapping and aircraft being stripped down for parts which went into the flying examples. Sentinels under rebuild at Coolangatta early The rear two are "299399" which became VH-CHN and "299639" which has so far not been registered. Classic Wings Down Under Stinson L-5E RP-C545, VH-CDF Built by Stinson Aircraft Division of Consolidated Vultee Aircraft Corporation at Wayne, Michigan, to USAAF order. To USAAF as L-5E c46 Disposal in Philippines by US Foreign Liquidation Commission c60 Registered in Philippines PI-C New Republic of the Philippines registration series RP-C545: A. Gomez, Echague Log: last flight. Total time 1051 hours RP-C545 noted at Manila Domestic Airport.79 Purchased in Manila by Malcolm Long/ Wings of Yesterday, Melbourne Vic. Red and cream paint scheme, Lycoming O Shipped from Philippines to Australia on Australian Enterprise Arrived at Moorabbin Airport, Melbourne in a shipping container, red and cream colour scheme. Owned by Malcolm Long RP-C545 noted at Chewing Gum Field Air Museum, Tallebudgera Qld. Reportedly owned by Malcolm Long, moved up from Point Cook RP-C545 noted inside CGFAM, painted in USAAF olive drab as "417643", ambulance stretcher in the cabin with dummy. 81 Two Stinson L-5s displayed at Chewing Gum Field Air Museum, Tallebudgera Qld: "417643" (RP-C545) and airworthy VH-BFR as "299465" "417643" noted at Chewing Gum Field Air Museum, Tallebudgera Qld L-5 fuselage displayed at Chewing Gum Field Air Museum: painted USAAF olive drab with serial "417643" on tail: displayed as a stretcher bearer. Reported ex Philippines 4.86 RP-C545 noted at Moorabbin Vic, dismantled in hangar, also RP-C84 reportedly as a parts source 89 Stinson L-5s & listed with Drage Airworld/Long Collection Restoration project by Air Gold Coast at Coolangatta Airport 1.95 Four L-5s under restoration at Coolangatta by Malcolm Long: identities reported as , , and Of these has been purchased by Cliff Douglas who will fly it from one of the fairways of his golf course at Tallebudgera on the site where he previously operated his Chewing Gum Field Air Museum Registered VH-CDF Clifford C. Douglas, Tallebudgera Qld VH-CDF noted at Coolangatta in Air Gold Coast hangar "417643", also , Change of ownership: Brad Hurley/ Guinea Short Lines Pty Ltd, Melbourne Vic visited Avalon Vic airshow, olive drab and white "417643" with "Guinea Short Lines" on left cowling, and "Grumpy" on right cowling

24 note: Grumpy was the sobriquet of aircraft engineer Ron Lee, experienced warbird restorer who was employed by Air Gold Coast to restore the Stinson L-5s visted Echuca Vic fly-in, " Grumpy" (right side), pilot Brad Hurley noted at Lilydale Vic, flying " Guinea Short Lines" (left side) notedat Lilydale Vic, flying " Grumpy" (right side), also VH-CDF "Grumpy" tipped on to one wing by a windstorm while parked at Avalon. Departed on a truck for repairs Ownership transferred to Kathryn L. Hurley/ Vintage Airways, Yarra Glen Vic Current Identities Air Britain SE Asia Civil Aircraft Registers: RP-C545: ex Australian Civil Register: L-5B 2380 On arrival Moorabbin 7.79 log book: L-5E RP-C545 ex last flown Four L-5s under restoration at Coolangatta 1.95: quoted as (Cliff Douglas), , , Advertised for sale in Classic Wings magazine June 2001: airworthy, ambulance/cargo variant, photo as USAAF with "Guinea Short Lines" in white on nose: quoted identity as VH-CDF c/n ex Fuselage of RP-C545 at Chewing Gum Field Air Museum in April Photo by Mike Vincent

25 VH-CDF at Avalon Vic airshow, March 2005 "Grumpy" (right side). Photo by Phil Vabre VH-CDF at Avalon March 2005 (left side) "Guinea Short Lines". Photo by Phil Vabre Stinson L-5E RP-C84 Built by Stinson Aircraft Division of Consolidated Vultee Aircraft Corporation at Wayne, Michigan, to USAAF order. To USAAF as L-5E Disposal by US Foreign Liquidation Commission at Manila, Philippines.47 Registered in Philippines PI-C84 Pacific Airways Corp, Manila - Change of ownership: P. C. Pelaez, Cebu City New Republic of the Philippines registration series RP-C84: Paul C. Pelaez, Cebu City 70s Change of owner: Air Ads Inc, Manila.85 Purchased in Manila by Malcolm Long/ Wings of Yesterday, Melbourne Vic 4.86 RP-C545 noted at Moorabbin Vic, dismantled in hangar, also RP-C84 reportedly as a parts source 89 Stinson L-5s & listed with Malcolm Long Collection at Drage Airworld, Wangaratta Vic

26 8.99 A Philippines L-5 airframe in Air Gold Coast hangar at Coolangatta reported to have been broken up for parts for other L-5 rebuilds Identities Air Britain SE Asia Civil Aircraft Registers: RP-C84: ex Stinson L-5B VT-CCO, VH-CED, VH-CCO Built by Stinson Aircraft Division of Consolidated Vultee Aircraft Corporation at Wayne, Michigan, to USAAF order. To USAAF as L-5B Operated in China/Burma/India (CBI) theatre with 2nd Air Commando Group, Burma. c46 Disposal in India by US Foreign Liquidation Commission 4.46 Registered VT-CCO: Aeronautical Corp of India Change of ownership: V. K. Reddy & R. A. Ansari, Nagpur Change of ownership: C. P. & Berar Flying Club, Nagpur.58 Nagpur Flying Club, Sonegaon Aerorome, Nagpur Log book: first entry: Total flying time 416 hours Log book: last entry: Total flying time 5001 hours Retired at Nagpur, struck-off Indian Civil Register..91 One of 4 derelict L-5s purchased in India by Randal W. McFarlane, Brisbane Qld 9.91 Arrived Coolangatta Qld after shipped from India.93 The package of 4 Indian Stinson L-5s and stocks of Lycoming O-470 engines was purchased from Randal McFarlane by Malcolm Long, Coolangatta Qld Restoration project by Air Gold Coast at Coolangatta Airport 1.95 Four L-5s under restoration at Coolangatta by Malcolm Long: identities reported as , , and VT-CCO noted at Coolangatta Airport under rebuild by Air Gold Coast, plus 4 other L-5s acquired from India in Registered VH-CED Malcolm Long c/- Air Gold Coast Pty Ltd, Coolangatta Qld Registered VH-CCO Malcolm Long c/- Air Gold Coast Pty Ltd, Coolangatta Qld "416890" noted at Coolangatta in Air Gold Coast hangar, no civil registration VH-CCO noted at Coolangatta in Air Gold Coast hangar "416890" First flight at Coolangatta, pilot Malcolm Long. Painted allover USAAF khaki "416890" with "40" in yellow on cowling VH-CCO noted at Coolangatta in Air Gold Coast hangar "416890", also /08 Operated by Steve Searle/ Wirraway Station, Beaudesert Qld. Flying in USAAF olive drab "416890" "Angel of Mercy" visited Watts Bridge Qld fly-in, khaki "416890" "Angel of Mercy" and "Sponsored by students of Parkman School Detroit Michigan" Change of ownership: Stephen Searle/ Wirraway Station, Beaudesert Qld Change of ownership: PDRL Pty Ltd, Fern Bay NSW After Steve Searle's death, his warbird fleet changed ownership to this company name Change of ownership: Bennet Aviation Pty Ltd, Cardiff NSW 9.13 Advertised for sale: major work carried out in 2005, total airframe time 5201 hours Ownership transferred to: James P. Twiss/ Bennet Aviation Pty Ltd, Cardiff NSW Current

27 VH-CCO at the annual Watts Bridge Qld fly-in, August Photo by Bert van Drunick Stinson L-5B VT-CRO, VH-PWZ, VH-CRO.44 Built by Stinson Aircraft Division of Consolidated Vultee Aircraft Corporation at Wayne, Michigan, to USAAF order. Fuselage frame number To USAAF as L-5B : see Identities section below Ten Stinson L-5s to arrived India by ship from USA. All were issued to USAAF 1st Air Commando Group, Burma and operated in China/Burma/India (CBI) theatre. c46 Disposal in India by US Foreign Liquidation Commission.48 Registered VT-CRO Change of ownership: N. K. Sanghi, Jodhpur Change of ownership: Madhya Pradesh Flying Club, Senegaon Aerodrome, Nagpur By 1975 the Indian Civil Register had changed identity of VT-CRO to , probably because of a rebuild using all or sections of the fuselage of was ex RAF Sentinel Mk.II KJ460 KJ460 was one of 100 newly built Sentinels delivered to RAF under Lend-Lease, shipped from US to India to RAF Air Command South East Asia (ACSEA) Following demobilisation of British WWII forces in India, large numbers of RAF aircraft were left at Indian military airfields. Most were dumped as scrap, but Dakotas and Liberators were transferred to the Indian Air Force, while those with civil potential were placed up for disposal in India as local civil sales. Similarly, USAAF L-5s left in India were sold locally by the US Foreign Liquidation Commission Significant numbers of Sentinels appeared on the Indian civil register from 1947 and were popular with Indian flying clubs across the country. None quote identity However It seems reasonable to assume that numerous spares were held in reserve, including fuselage frames..73 VT-CRO retired, withdrawn from service VT-CRO left in a hangar at Indore, poor condition 89 Perth-based pilot John Markham saw VT-CRO at Indore Indian Air Force. He was ferrying a Piper PA-31 Chieftan from USA to Perth when an engine failure caused him divert to Indore Air Base. There in a hangar Markham saw a derelict Tiger Moth and Stinson VT-CRO. Markham was keen to acquire both, and commenced negotiations Markham returned to Indore to finalise a purchase deal Purchased by John R. P. Markham, Perth, Western Australia 4.91 Indian Government approved the purchase and export of both aircraft plus spare parts

28 c92 The Stinson and Tiger Moth were packed into a container and shipped from India to Australia. Arrived Jandakot Airport, Perth At Jandakot the parts from both aircraft were sorted and catalogued by Markham s engineer Philip Smith c96 VT-CRO was crated and sent from Perth to Coolangatta Qld for airworthy restoration by Air Gold Coast at Coolangatta Airport. 97 VT-CRO c/n noted at Coolangatta, reported as a recent arrival from WA. Fabric stripped from fuselage frame, colour scheme faded mustard yellow. Ambulance version Registered VH-PWZ John R. P. Markham, Perth WA VH-PWZ noted at Coolangatta in Air Gold Coast hangar. Painted as "299645/50" in the markings of USAAF 2 nd Air Commando Group John Markham left the airworthy Stinson at Coolangatta for two years VH-CRO noted at Coolangatta in Air Gold Coast hangar "299645/50" Re-registered VH-CRO John R. P. Markham, Perth WA This was Markham's preferred registration but had not originally been available VH-CRO noted at Coolangatta in Air Gold Coast hangar "299645" 1.02 noted Coolangatta Qld in Air Gold Coast hangar, painted as VH-CRO "299645". Three other L-5s under restoration in the hangar Markham flew the Stinson Coolangatta-Murwillumbah-Coolangatta accompanied by Warwick Henry s Cessna 182 VH-SZC Markham departed Coolangatta for the long ferry flight to Perth, accompanied by his engineer Philip Smith Damaged on arrival at Kalgoorlie WA on the delivery flight. Landing in a cross-wind the aircraft ground-looped, damaging a wheel, and hitting a wing-tip on the ground. Because of concerns that the fuselage structure could have been damaged, it was dismantled and returned to Coolangatta by road. 03 Rebuilt at Coolangatta by Air Gold Coast, using the same jig that had been used in her previous restoration Air Gold Coast Maintenance Release on completion of repair John Markham departed Coolangatta on a 4-day solo ferry flight to Perth noted at Perth-Jandakot, flying, olive drab, USAAF "299645/50" 4.10 Sold to: Warwick Henry, Maryborough Qld Aircraft was in the same USAAF olive drab finish as "299645/50" Warwick Henry flew VH-CRO for a circuit at Jandakot, after purchasing the Stinson Civil Register change of ownership date to Warwick Henry Warwick Hentry departed Jandakot on a 10-day solo ferry flight to Maryborough Qld. He visiting the annual Watts Bridge Qld fly-in ( ) en route Arrived Maryborough Qld Aircraft relocated to Kilcoy Qld. Owner Warwick Henry, Chapel Hill, Brisbane Current Identities The aircraft did not have a USAAF data plate when it reached Australia. Frame number 1886 was stamped on the forward landing gear trunnion. 1) Because VT-CRO s identity was changed during Indian civil operation, both need to be considered: - Originally which should be L-5B : however the disposals sales in india were of L-5s operated in China/Burma/India (CBI) theatre with USAAF 1st Air Commando Group, Burma. But served with USAAF 5 th Air Force in New Guinea or later Philippines. Stinson specialist Jim Gray writes: Theoretically, frame number 1886 should be , which is the probable reason that number was chosen for the reproduction data plate and tail number painted on when it was restored. But didn't go to the CBI Theatre. Without bogging you down with the esoteric points of serial number archaeology, the actual identity most likely lies within the range of and , all of which arrived in India in November I have every reason to believe that your airplane is based on information received. By the 1975 the Indian DCA had changed the identity to: - c/n which should be L-5B , to RAF KJ460. If indeed was , confirmation that it became RAF serial KJ460 comes from the books British Military Aircraft Serials by Bruce Robertson, and Air Britain s

29 The British Air Commission and Lend-Lease. Both quote the following: KJ368-KJ467 (100) Sentinel Mk.1 (L-5) and Sentinel Mk.II (L-5B): KJ Mk.I, KJ Mk.II. All 100 were new and shipped direct to India: KJ (40) were (20), (10), (10) KJ (60) were (20), (17), (3), (20) 2) Air Britain Indian Civil Register (1979) quoted VT-CRO as: ex ) Australian Civil Register quotes VH-CRO as L-5B ) VH-CRO was painted as USAAF during its restoration at Coolangatta, based on research by Malcolm Long for the USAAF serial for c/n ) Advertised for sale in Classic Wings magazine June 2001: airworthy, ambulance/cargo variant, photo as USAAF with yellow 50 on nose: quoted identity as VH-CRO c/n ex ) In 2011 aircraft owner Warwick Henry quotes identity as 1886 ex VT-CRO, ) Note: US registration N9217Y has been quoted for this L-5. It is believed to have been a registration reservation for a US attempted purchase while in India. Jim Grey of the Sentinel Owners and Pilots Association writes: One of our club members in the U.S. quite badly wanted to own VT-CRO, but timing, logistics of dismantling and shipping it and other issues stood in the way of that happening. VH-CRO at Watts Bridge Qld, 22 April Photo via Warwick Henry

30 The restored stretcher compartment on VH-CRO. Photo by John Markham VH-CRO at Bundaberg Qld August 2011, painted as USAAF "299645/50". Photo by Phil Vabre

31 View from the airshow Tower, Bundaberg Qld August Photo by Phil Vabre Stinson L-5 VT-CHN, VH-CHN.43 Built by Stinson Aircraft Division of Consolidated Vultee Aircraft Corporation at Wayne, Michigan, to USAAF order. To USAAF as L Disposal in India by US Foreign Liquidation Commission Registered VT-CHN His Highness The Nawab, Ruler of Bhopal, Bhopal, India logbook: first civil log entry: airframe time time 16:15hrs last flight in log book: airframe time time 170:05 hrs.60 Change of ownership: Madhya Pradesh Flying Club, Senegaon Aerodrome, Nagpur Logbook: first flight with club Club changed name to Nagpur Flying Club, Senegaon Aerodrome, Nagpur Logbook: last flight: airframe time time 7629:10 hrs.91 One of 4 derelict L-5s purchased in India by Randal W. McFarlane, Brisbane Qld 9.91 Arrived Coolangatta Qld after shipped from India.93 The package of 4 Indian Stinson L-5s and stocks of Lycoming O-470 engines was purchased from Randal McFarlane by Malcolm Long, Coolangatta Qld Restoration project by Air Gold Coast at Coolangatta Airport 1.95 Four L-5s under restoration at Coolangatta by Malcolm Long: identities reported as , , and Photo shows one of the four painted as USAAF "299399" 97 Registration VH-JVH reserved. Re-allocated to a Bell 206B in Registered VH-CHN John V. Hitzke, Woody Point Qld VH-CHN noted at Coolangatta in Air Gold Coast hangar "299399", also First flight at Coolangatta, pilot Malcolm Long. USAAF khaki all over "299399", no codes visited Archerfield Qld airshow, owned John Hitzke, flying as /2S-G Change of ownership: Stepwood Nominees Pty Ltd, Woody Point Qld c/- John V. Hitzke 8.06 visited Watts Bridge Qld fly-in, owned by John Hitzke, painted khaki in USAAC markings /2S-G Lil American Beauty, in the markings of a USAAF B-17 flown during WWII by his uncle noted at Caboolture Qld in Ralph Cusack s hangar, dismantled for maintenance, khaki Current Identities Air Britain SE Asia Civil Aircraft Registers: ex Australian Civil Register: L Classic Wings Downunder magazine: Four L-5s under restoration at Coolangatta: quoted as , , , One of these was painted as "299399" At time of first flight after restoration VH-CHN was quoted as

32 VH-CHN having engine maintenance at Redcliffe Qld in Photo by Ian McDonell Stinson L-5 VT-CDL, VH-NLR.43 Built by Stinson Aircraft Division of Consolidated Vultee Aircraft Corporation at Wayne, Michigan, to USAAF order. To USAAF as L c46 Disposal in India by US Foreign Liquidation Commission 4.46 Registered VT-CDL Aeronautical Corp of India Change of ownership: C.P & Berar Flying Club, Nagpur Change of ownership: Nagpur Flying Club, Sonegaon Aerodrome, Nagpur first civil log book entry: total time 00:00 hrs: "totally rebuilt: fuselage originally ex VT-CDA, port wing ex VT-CCT, starboard wing ex VT-CCW." (Note: VT-CDA was also with Nagpur Flying Club in 1960, ex ) last civil log book entry: total airframe time 813:15 hrs Retired at Nagpur. Struck-off Indian Register.91 One of 4 derelict L-5s purchased in India by Randal W. McFarlane, Brisbane Qld 9.91 Arrived Coolangatta Qld after shipped from India.93 The package of 4 Indian Stinson L-5s and stocks of Lycoming O-470 engines was purchased from Randal McFarlane by Malcolm Long, Coolangatta Qld Restoration project by Air Gold Coast at Coolangatta Airport Registered VH-NLR Marlene E. Wiltshire, Sydney NSW, later Melbourne Vic noted at Coolangatta in Air Gold Coast hangar "29931" noted Wangaratta Vic, flying, all olive drab, USAAF "299331" visited airshow Avalon Vic, all olive drab, USAAF "299331" Current Identities Air Britain SE Asia Civil Aircraft Registers: ex Australian Civil Register: L Four L-5s under restoration at Coolangatta 1.95: quoted as , , ,

33 VH-NLR at Wangaratta Vic, September Photo by Phil Vabre Stinson L-5B VT-CPS, (VT-CQH) "299639".44 Built by Stinson Aircraft Division of Consolidated Vultee Aircraft Corporation at Wayne, Michigan, to USAAF order. To USAAF as L-5B c46 Disposal in India by US Foreign Liquidation Commission Registered VT-CPS Government of India, New Delhi Struck-off Register, withdrawn from service ( also quoted for another L-5 in Indian Civil Aircraft Register: VT-CQH registered Government of India, Bhubaneswhar. Later cancelled) - Imported to Australia from India. Importer and date unknown under restoration in Air Gold Coast hangar painted in USAAF khaki camouflage as "299639". Report owned by Ron A. Lee, Melbourne Vic "299639" in USAAF khaki camouflage in a row of L-5s being restored in the Air Gold Coast hangar at Coolangatta Airport "299639" noted in Air Gold Coast hangar, no civil registration, also Two L-5s stored at Wangaratta Vic with Precision Aerospace Productions, where Ron Lee was chief engineer (one assumed to be "VH-BGQ", the other ?) Under restoration in hangar at Caboolture in which Ralph Cusack s Beaufort is being restored to airworthy and where Ron Lee is now based: L-5 completed fuselage standing on itswheels, USAAAF khaki paintwork Identities should have been L-5B : but see VH-CRO quoted on Indian Civil Register for both VT-CPS & VT-CQH, which were on the Register for overlapping periods. Classic Wings Downunder magazine March 1995 issue reported four L-5s under restoration at Coolangatta, including and photograph showed "299639" fuselage basic structure complete: the report stated that was a L-5B model owned by Ron Lee, Melbourne.

34 VT-CPS at Caboolture Qld in 2015, under restoration as USAAF Photo by Ian McDonell - Stinson L-5 VT-DPL Built by Stinson Aircraft Division of Consolidated Vultee Aircraft Corporation at Wayne, Michigan, to USAAF order. To USAAF c46 Disposal in India by US Foreign Liquidation Commission 4.63 Registered VT-DPL Nagpur Flying Club, Nagpur Rebuild by the club, identity quoted as "NFC/L-5/1" first civil log book entry: Total airframe time 00:00 hrs: "Rebuilt: fuselage no previous known identity, wing from VT-CCT" last flight in log book: Total airframe time 2769:20 hrs.91 purchased in India by Randal W. McFarlane, Brisbane Qld 9.91 Arrived Coolangatta after shipping from India.93 The package of 4 Indian Stinson L-5s and stocks of Lycoming O-470 engines was purchased from Randal McFarlane by Malcolm Long, Coolangatta Qld 90s Identities Stored dismantled by Air Gold Coast at Coolangatta Airport Air Britain SE Asia Civil Aircraft Registers: NFC/L-5/1 Reported that had been read off the airframe at Coolangatta Four L-5s under restoration at Coolangatta 1.95: quoted as , , , C/n Stinson L-5E to OY-1 VH-NOY.44 Built by Stinson Stinson Aircraft Division of Consolidated Vultee Aircraft Corporation at Wayne, Michigan, to USAAF order To USAAF as L-5E Transferred to US Navy as OY-1 BuAer Delivered to US Navy at NAS Miramar, California 4.47 Issued to Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point NC.47/49 Issued to Naval Aircraft Test Centre, Patuxent River MD 4.49 Issued to Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point NC Civil disposal from MCAS Cherry Point Registered N USCR: Civil Air Patrol, Front Royal Squadron, Front Royal, Virginia

35 66 USCR: Civil Air Patrol, Virginia Wing, Sandston, Virginia 69 USCR: James D. Bennett, Front Royal, Virginia 70/72 USCR: Sky Ads Inc, Aurora, Illinois 76 USCR: not listed Restored to USCR N66528 James H. Gray, Payson, Arizona (Gray was founder of the Sentinel Owners and Pilots Association) Struck-off USCR as exported to Australia Stripped airframe purchased from Jim Gray by Steve Searle, Beaudesert Qld Shipped from California to Australia Airframe arrived at Coolangatta Airport Qld for restoration by Air Gold Coast Registered as L-5E VH-NOY Steve Searle, Kallangur Qld, Operated by Air Gold Coast Pty Ltd, Coolangatta Qld First flight at Coolangatta after rebuild, pilot Mike Long, Chief Engineer of Air Gold Coast Pty Ltd. Painted in glossy sea blue scheme as NAVY OY San Diego. Reported as the 6th Sentinel rebuilt by Air Gold Coast at Coolangatta Airport Delivered from Coolangatta to Steve Searle's property at Beaudesert Qld 09 Searle establishing his property airfield named Wirraway Field as a warbird base. He has purchased a number of ex military aircraft and operates under the name Wirraway Aviation Museum Change of ownership: PDRL Pty Ltd, Fern Bay NSW After Steve Searle's death, his warbird fleet changed ownership to this company name Change of ownership: Bennet Aviation Pty Ltd, Redhead NSW 9.13 Advertised for sale: restored in 2007 including Ceconite re-cover, total airframe time hours Change of ownership: Robert W. Kemmis, Berrima NSW visited Echuca Vic fly-in, blue US Navy paint scheme Current Identities US Civil Register: L-5E Australian Civil Register: L-5E VH-NOY at Watts Bridge Qld fly-in, August Photo by Bert van Drunick

36 VH-NOY departs the 2008 Watts Bridge Qld fly-in. Photo by ian McDonell 4) UNIDENTIFIED AUSTRALIAN SENTINELS i) The Australian Civil Aircraft Register original hand-written ledgers have the following two allocations circa 1947 which were Not Taken Up: VH-BEF Stinson L-5B Sentinel - reallocated to Catalina ex A24-10, also NTU VH-BEG Stinson L-5B Sentinel - reallocated to Percival Proctor January 1954 Nothing further is known of these two. However, it is worth noting the Catalina VH-BEF was owned in 1948 by Ralph R. Cobley, Melbourne VIC, who was flying his other Catalina VH-BDP in support of the Indonesian republic rebels in the Netherlands East Indies. Cobley was killed while attempting a single engine takeoff under gunfire from Dutch troops at Djambi, Sumatra on 29 December ii) An advertisement in the May 1953 issue of Aircraft magazine is intriguing: "Stinson L-5E: three seater cabin aircraft with Lycoming flat six engine. Both with nil hours since overhaul and full 12 months CofA. Will accept the best offer about 1500: Sepal Pty Ltd, 52 Wentworth Avenue, Mascot, Sydney." iii) A Stinson L-5 was entered in the 1954 Redex Air Trial around Australia, by Mr. C. Hyland of Pymble, Sydney but scratched before the start. References: Special thanks to Melvyn Davis for his detailed notes on the Coolangatta rebuilds. - Australian Civil Aircraft Register, Department of Civil Aviation, Melbourne and its successors - DCA aircraft files, National Archives of Australia, Melbourne - DCA Annual Accident Summary, 1955 to RAAF unit records, RAAF Historical, Dept of Air Canberra - RAAF Status Card: Stinson L-5V 99129, RAAF Historical Section, Canberra - National Library of Australia - Trove newspaper archive website - British Military Aircraft Serials , Bruce Robertson, Patrick Stephens, Cambridge The British Air Commission and Lend-Lease, K. J. Meekcoms, Air Britain, US Civil Aircraft Register, FAA printed editions , on-line since South-East Asia Civil Aircraft Registers, Air Britain, 1979: Indian and Philippines Registers - Aviation Historical Society of Australia Journal, monthly, various issues NSW Air Log, monthly journal: airport and accident reports, various issues June-Dec 1964