DHC-4 CARIBOU A4-173
MSN 173
(AA000041)

Radio Call-sign VM-LWB

Near Death Experience #1
1965
 Crashed in Vietnam. Conversion to components began but the decision was reversed and the aircraft was repaired in the field and returned to service.
Near Death Experience #2
1966
 Crashed in Vietnam. Repaired in the field and returned to service.
Near Death Experience #3
1990s
 Converted to components.

 

 

 

1964
1965
1966
1967
1968
1969
1970
1971
1972
1973
1974
1975
1976
1977
1978
1979
1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987
1988
Vietnam SEP64 - FEB72
35SQN Vietnam Explanatory Notes
35SQN Richmond FEB72 - JUN76
35SQN Townsville JUL76 - AUG83
38SQN Richmond SEP83 - JUN87
35SQN Townsville JUN87 - FEB88
38SQN Richmond FEB88 -
Glossary

 

Click where this icon appears in the chronology to read a PDF summary
of the Vietnam sorties for each year.

 

 
1964
    
    A4-173 was delivered directly to the RAAF Transport Flight Vietnam (RTFV) at Vung Tau ex the de Havilland Canada factory in Toronto, Canada (together with A4-191 and A4-193).
23JUL64
   Toronto - Fredericton (4hr 10min) FLTLT Bellamy, FLGOFF B. Brown (Source: 4)
(Barrie Brown served with the Transport Flight/35 Sqn from 12MAY65 to 12JAN66)
24JUL64
   Fredericton - Toronto (4hr) FLTLT Bellamy, FLGOFF B. Brown (Source: 4)
27JUL64
   Toronto - Muskoka (1hr 10min) FLTLT Bellamy, FLGOFF B. Brown (Source: 4)
27JUL64
   Muskoka - local (1hr 25min) FLTLT Bellamy, FLGOFF B. Brown (Source: 4)
27JUL64
   Muskoka - Toronto (3hr 45min) FLTLT Bellamy, FLGOFF B. Brown (Source: 4)
30JUL64
   Toronto - Toronto (1hr 20min) FLTLT Bellamy, FLGOFF B. Brown (Source: 4)
30JUL64
   Toronto - Goose Bay (6hr 35min) FLTLT Bellamy, FLGOFF B. Brown (Source: 4)
01AUG64
   Goose Bay - Narsarssuak (5hr 40min) FLTLT Bellamy, FLGOFF B. Brown (Source: 4)
03AUG64
   Narsarssuak - Keflavik (4hr 45min) FLTLT Bellamy, FLGOFF B. Brown (Source: 4)
05AUG64
   Keflavik - Valley (6hr 15min) FLTLT Bellamy, FLGOFF B. Brown (Source: 4)
06AUG64
   Valley - Nice (6hr 30min) FLTLT Bellamy, FLGOFF B. Brown (Source: 4)
08AUG64
   Nice - Nice (45min) FLTLT Bellamy, FLGOFF B. Brown (Source: 4) Radio u/s in Nice.
16AUG64
   Nice - Luqa, Malta (4hr 15min) FLTLT Bellamy, FLGOFF B. Brown (Source: 4)
16AUG64
   Luqa - El Adem (3hr 10min) FLTLT Bellamy, FLGOFF B. Brown (Source: 4)
18AUG64
   El Adem - Wadi Halfa (3hr) FLTLT Bellamy, FLGOFF B. Brown (Source: 4)
18AUG64
   Wadi Halfa - Khartoum (2hr 55min) FLTLT Bellamy, FLGOFF B. Brown (Source: 4)
19AUG64
   Khartoum - Aden (6hr 5min) FLTLT Bellamy, FLGOFF B. Brown (Source: 4)
22AUG64
   Aden - El Masirah (6hr 25min) FLTLT Bellamy, FLGOFF B. Brown (Source: 4)
23AUG64
   El Masirah - Karachi (4hr 20min) FLTLT Bellamy, FLGOFF B. Brown (Source: 4)
25AUG64
   Karachi - New Delhi (6hr 20min) FLTLT Bellamy, FLGOFF B. Brown (Source: 4)
26AUG64
   New Delhi - Calcutta (6hr 20min) FLTLT Bellamy, FLGOFF B. Brown (Source: 4)
27AUG64
   Calcutta - Car Nicobar (6hr) FLTLT Bellamy, FLGOFF B. Brown (Source: 4)
27AUG64
   Car Nicobar - Butterworth (3hr 25min) FLTLT Bellamy, FLGOFF B. Brown (Source: 4)
29AUG64
   Butterworth - Vung Tau (3hr 40min) FLTLT Bellamy, FLGOFF B. Brown (Source: 4)
Total flying time Toronto to Vung Tau: 89 hr 20 min.
VIETNAM
1964
  
11NOV64
   A4-173 completed its first FLARE DROP mission. "This task involves an aircraft on airborne alert, or standby at Tan Son Nhut airport. The crew consists of a normal RAAF Caribou crew plus, one Radio Technician, one VNAF navigator, and three ARVN flare despatchers. Upon receipt of a target (eg Hamlet under attack), the aircraft is vectored to the target, and a race track pattern established over the enemy forces at an altitude of 4000 ft or as dictated by cloud to a minimum of 2500 ft. Flares are dispatched at a rate of one, or two (in the case of fighter participation), every 1½ to 2 minutes, the aim is to have the enemy forces continually illuminated to facilitate defence by ground forces, counter attack by ground forces, and attack by aircraft." (Source: 10)
A4-173 flew 24 flare drop sorties during NOV-DEC64.
16NOV64
   A4-173 (with A4-179, 191 & 193) were evacuated to Butterworth because of a typhoon approaching Vung Tau. The aircraft returned to Vung Tau on 18NOV64. (Source: 10)
1965
  
MAY65
   During May 1965, RAAF crew flew U.S. Army Caribou, "once for the American Army and once because of our own lack of aircraft." Although these sorties are mentioned on the "Non-Operational Statistical Summary" (Form A.124) they are not recorded on the "Detail of Operations" (Form A.51). (Source: 10)
   
CRASH #1 - HAI YEN - RIGHT WING
07MAY65
   A4-173 landed short and was extensively damaged at Hai Yen, Vietnam while delivering a load of medical supplies and construction equipment.

The incident is described in “The RAAF in Vietnam” by Chris Coulthard-Clark (Australian War Memorial 1995) pp 54-55.

"Hai Yen was a fortified settlement on the Camau (1) peninsula which had recently been attacked by the Viet Cong. The airstrip was very short and the Caribou clipped its nosewheel (2) on the runway’s edge on touchdown. As one of the pilots later recalled: ‘we rediscovered the principle that an undercarriage designed to retract forward causes considerable alteration to the airframe when it is forced to retract rearwards’. Although none of the crew was injured, a wing was torn off (3) the aircraft and the undercarriage and one engine was damaged. A detachment of RTFV ground staff were flown to the crash site to undertake a major repair job which included fitting a new propeller. When completed, the machine was flown back to Vung Tau at reduced speed with Squadron Leader Harvey at the controls. The recovery of A4-173 was a tribute to the skill and dedication of the flight’s ground staff. The team deployed to carry out the necessary repairs was required to undertake the effort in the open without workshop facilities. The place was under enemy attack each night during their four-day stay, forcing them to withdraw inside the settlement and to leave the aircraft to its chances. Not assisting the recovery effort, either, was further damage caused when an American supply plane delivering ammunition by parachute dropped one case through the Caribou’s wing (4). This necessitated a new wing being obtained from American sources and flown by helicopter to Hai Yen, where it was fitted. As a consequence, when A4-173 eventually took off it sported a mixture of US Army and RAAF markings. Without the courage, fortitude and technical competence of the ground personnel – and, as Harvey noted, ‘the generous support and co-operation given by the United States Army’ – the aircraft would simply have been written off."

Notes on above text: (Source: 6)
(1) Ca Mau.
(2) It was the right main undercarriage that was torn off causing the damage to the right wing.
(3) The wing was not torn off but it was damaged sufficiently to require replacement.
(4) The air-dropped ammunition box fell nearby but it did not hit the wing.
     
    Stewart Wilson’s book, “Dakota, Hercules and Caribou in Australian Service” (Aerospace Publications 1990) p 196 adds:
"A quarter of a century later, A4-173 still flies on that American wing, identifiable by the lack of three blue formation lights on its upper surface."
Those present for the repairs and recovery believe that the borrowed right wing was returned to the U.S. Army in Vietnam. Possibly it was the borrowed left wing that was retained on the aircraft when it returned to Australia. (Source: 6) (See JUL66 and 16AUG66)
     
    Ron Furze was part of the Hai Yen recovery team as an Electrical Fitter. He recalls the operation as follows:

" The recovery team was flown on a U.S. Army Sikorsky H-37 from Vung Tau to an intermediate stop (probably Can Tho) to refuel, and the 13-man team were then transported by U.S. Army Iroquois from Can Tho to Hai Yen. The replacement engine, propeller and right wing were transported to Hai Yen as internal loads on an H-37. The Caribou was flown out of Hai Yen under it's own power about four days after the recovery team arived at the site. To enable this, we jacked the aircraft after removing the right wing. A new right undercarriage was fitted and the aircraft towed out of the drain to the hardstand using manpower and a ¾ ton army truck. The right engine was removed and replaced, and the second-hand U.S. Army wing (still with U.S. markings) fitted. An earlier assessment had declared the aircraft a write-off so instead of disconnecting panel switches and instruments, the looms were cut! As a result, John Rae and I had to put in quite an effort to re-wire all the cockpit instruments after it was decided to recover the aircraft".
MAY65
   The replacement engine, propeller and right wing were flown in by a U.S. Army H-37 Mojave helicopter. An RAAF recovery crew was flown from Vung Tau to an intermediate stop (probably Can Tho) on an H-37 and from there to Hai Yen on a U.S. Army Iroquois. Photos show that the H-37 which delivered the engine and wing was named Big Ed. (Source: Ron Furze)

The H-37 helicopter named Big Ed is believed to have been Sikorsky CH-37B Mojave 55-0623 of the U.S. Army 611th Transportation Company. Four CH-37Bs were initially employed by the US Army in South Vietnam. These were:

55-0625 Big Nick
55-0636 Big Daddy
55-0627 Lost in action on 12DEC63 (preceding 173's accident)
55-0623 Assumed to have been Big Ed.
(Researched by Rod Cairns)
15MAY65
   It is recorded that on this date A4-173 was "recovered by a US helicopter". Barry Ingate records that he was the Loadmaster on A4-173 when it was flown out of Hai Yen on this date by Squadron Leader Harvey. Possibly the ferry crew were positioned to Hai Yen by US helicopter.

Australian War Memorial image # P01059.003 shows A4-173 wearing a replacement right wing bearing U.S. Army "star & bars".
    Further reading on the Hai Yen crash
     
09SEP65
   Returned to service after repairs completed at Vung Tau. (Source: 10)
09SEP65
   Mission 41 (4hr 45min) FLGOFF B. Brown, McKernan (Source: 4 & 10)
11SEP65
   Mission 41 (1hr 35min) FLGOFF B. Brown, Nicholson (Source: 4 & 10)
11SEP65
   Mission 41 (1hr 40min) FLGOFF B. Brown, Nicholson (Source: 4 & 10)
OCT65
   During October, A4-173 received a bullet through the port wing tip severing the wiring to the J2 compass detector unit. (Specific date is not recorded). (Source: 10)
07OCT65
   Mission 42 (4hr) FLGOFF B. Brown, Abbott (Source: 4 & 10)
23OCT65
   Mission 41 (2hr 55min) FLGOFF B. Brown, Cooper (Source: 4 & 10)
05NOV65
   Mission 41 (4hr 40min) FLGOFF B. Brown, Etheridge (Source: 4 & 10)
06NOV65
   Mission 41 (3hr 35min) FLGOFF B. Brown, Nicholson (Source: 4 & 10)
16DEC65
   VTA - DNG (2hr 50min) FLGOFF B. Brown, Vandersteege (Source: 4 & 10)
20DEC65
   VTA - TSN - DNG (2hr 45min) FLGOFF B. Brown, Vandersteege (Source: 4 & 10)
20DEC65
   Mission 43 (1hr 45min) FLGOFF B. Brown, Vandersteege (Source: 4 & 10)
21DEC65
   Mission 43 (4hr 45min) FLGOFF B. Brown, Vandersteege (Source: 4 & 10)
22DEC65
   Mission 43 (3hr 20min) FLGOFF B. Brown, Vandersteege (Source: 4 & 10)
23DEC65
   Mission 43 (3hr 45min) FLGOFF B. Brown, Vandersteege (Source: 4 & 10)
24DEC65
   Mission 43 (5hr 5min) FLGOFF B. Brown, Vandersteege (Source: 4 & 10)
25DEC65
   DNG - NHA - VTA (3hr) FLGOFF B. Brown, Vandersteege (Source: 4 & 10)
1966
  
04MAR66
   While flying off the coast of Vietnam, A4-173 suffered a cracked cylinder. FLGOFF F.W. Bill Pike and PLTOFF John M.A. Lanning shut the engine down and diverted into Qui Nhon which was a US Army Caribou base. On requesting the assistance of an engine fitter, Bill Pike was asked if he wanted a carb specialist, a magneto specialist or a cylinder specialist. The cylinder was duly changed and A4-173 departed. (Source: 5)
(Bill Pike later went on to found the DC-3 airline Rebel Air).
16MAY66
   A4-173 operated Vung Tau - Tan Son Nhut - Cao Lanh - Dong Dong - An Thoi - Ca Mau - Bac Lieu - Tra Vinh - Tan Son Nhut - Vung Tau. Flown by FLTLT D. Marland and FLTLT M. Perrett (Source: 12)
17MAY66
   A4-173 operated Vung Tau - Can Tho - Soc Trang - Long Xuyen - Vinh Long - Tan Son Nhut - Vung Tau. Flown by FLTLT D. Marland and FLGOFF P. Yates. On arrival at Long Xuyen the aircraft was found to have a bullet hole in the trailing edge of the left wing. (Source: 12)
01JUN66
   The RAAF Transport Flight Vietnam was renamed No. 35 Squadron RAAF. (Source: 10)
21JUN66
   A4-173 operated Vung Tau - Binh Thuy - Vung Tau - Bin Thuy - Vung Tau - Vinh Long - Can Tho - Vung Tau. Flown by FLTLT D. Marland and FLTLT M. Perrett. (Source: 12)
23JUN66
   To Saigon (Tan Son Nhut) for 'E' service by Air Vietnam. The monthly report states "Air America". (Source: 10)
JUL66
   35SQN monthly report states: "Caribou A4-173 currently undergoing an 'E' servicing was found to be in the best condition of any of the squadron aircraft so serviced. An early model wing fitted to the aircraft was removed and a currently modified one fitted. The aircraft is expected to be test flown early August." (Source: 10)
This probably refers to the right wing that was borrowed from the US Army after the Hai Yen crash.
07AUG66
   A4-173 first operation since 'E' service. Vung Tau - Bien Hoa - Tan Son Nhut - Vung Tau - Tan Son Nhut - Bien Hoa - Vung Tau. Flown by FLTLT D. Marland, PLTOFF R. Simpson, PLTOFF J. Harrison and FLGOFF R. Brice. (Source: 12)
Note: The 35SQN ORB (Source: 10) records this sortie as having been flown by A4-193 with additional crew LAC Van Der Woude and LAC Wallace. However, it does not record FLGOFF Brice.
10AUG66
   Flew Vung Tau to Butterworth for compass swing flown by FLTLT D. Marland and PLTOFF J. Lanning. (Source: 12)
14AUG66
   Flew Butterworth to Vung Tau flown by FLTLT D. Marland and PLTOFF J. Lanning. (Source: 12)
   
CRASH #2 - BA TO - LEFT WING
16AUG66
  

Extensively damaged in a landing accident at Ba To while delivering building supplies to a special forces camp. This accident was very similar to the Hai Yen accident which damaged the right side of the aircraft. The Ba To accident damaged the left side!

The incident is described in “The RAAF in Vietnam” by Chris Coulthard-Clark
(Australian War Memorial 1995) pp 117-119.

"A party of ground staff was immediately flown in (1) under Wing Commander Melchert, the commanding officer, to make an attempt at recovery - an undertaking of considerable urgency since the camp was under direct threat of Viet Cong attack, including from mortar fire. To make A4-173 flyable it was necessary for the team to repair or change the wing, flaps and aileron, engine, propeller and undercarriage, as well as the nose. The essential spares for this work were not available through normal logistic channels, but Sergeant E.G. Allen (an equipment assistant back at Vung Tau) managed to ensure that the replacement parts were obtained; the resourcefulness and initiative shown by this airman were to earn him a mention in despatches.

Ten days (2) later the aircraft was able to be flown back to base by the commanding officer, albeit with its undercarriage chained into position. The perils of this flight were to win Melchert the Distinguished Flying Cross, although - as events proved - the greater perils lay in the aircraft remaining longer at Ba To. Several clashes had taken place while the RAAF technicians were at the camp (eight enemy being killed during one night), but an attack on the airfield later in the day of A4-173's departure would have seen its certain destruction. Return to Vung Tau marked the beginning of six months of hard work by the unit's engineering staff to get the Caribou fully serviceable again. One of Melchert's last official duties before handing over command to Squadron Leader A.J. Fookes in March 1967 was to test fly A4-173 after its restoration."

Notes on above text: (Source: 7)
(1) The ground crew was not immediately flown in, it was the next day and involved a diversion and transfer by US helo.
(2) The repair took 8 days not 10.

Read the RAAF press release on the Ba To accident.

Australian War Memorial image # VN/66/0054/06 shows A4-173 at Vung Tau wearing a replacement left wing bearing the markings "U.S. Army".

     
    The following account of the Ba To crash was provided in June 2018 by Fred Robinson who was an Airframe Fitter travelling on the aircraft at the time:

" I am pretty sure that the AC was P/O Cooper, co-pilot P/O Spinks, Loady Cpl Barry Ingate, and me Cpl Fred Robinson AFFITT. There were 2 passengers 1 US and 1 SVN. (Crew and load confirmed by Source: 10 Ed.) There were no injuries which is a tribute to the old 'green gravel truck'. The accident was caused by a small drop of the port wing as we came in to land, the port wheels impacted the edge of the runway (such as it was) about 12-18 inches below the flat of the runway and tore the undercarriage retraction mechanism apart. As we bounced along the strip the port wing struck an engine from a previous US Caribou crash which caused all the damage to the wing structure and flaps. I recall exiting the aircraft smartly and going around to check the damage, seeing that there was fuel leaking I returned to let the rest of the crew know."
24AUG66
   Ferried from Ba To to Qui Nhon by WGCDR Melchert, FLTLT McDonnell and CPL Rose. (Source: 10)
25AUG66
   Ferried from Qui Nhon to Vung Tau by WGCDR Melchert, FLTLT McDonnell and CPL Rose. (Source: 10)
28NOV66
   "A4-173 was received from Dynalectron (US Army contractor). All the metal repairs have been completed using a total of 2798 man hours. It will still be some time before the aircraft is flown as wings, motors and numerous ancillary equipment is still to be fitted. Some parts are unobtainable through supply sources at the moment and this is gradually bringing the repair to a halt." (Source: 10)
DEC66
   "The repair of Caribou A4-173 is being delayed by the lack of a considerable number of spare parts and in the interim, items have been removed from it to keep the other squadron aircraft flying." (Source: 10)
    Further reading on the Ba To crash
     
1967
  
01JAN67
   Control of U.S. Army Caribou passed to U.S.A.F. (Source: 10)
JAN67
   "Caribou A4-173 still awaiting a number of essential items which are in short supply before it can be made serviceable. The provision of certain items from the USAF system has been extremely slow. However USAF has been in control only since 1st January 1967 and there is little doubt that, given time, the availability will improve." (Source: 10)
02MAR67
   Test flown (1:00) after rebuild at Vung Tau by WGCDR Melchert, PLTOFF Aiken and CPL Rose. "It is pleasing to note that A4-173 which has been out of service since 16th August 1966 flew on 2nd March after much time and effort by the maintenance staff who must be congratulated for its state of serviceability after the initial test flight by the Commanding Officer. All sections of the airframe required considerable repair, two new engines, both mainplanes, all leading edges and control services (sic) were installed and the undercarriage required considerable attention. Unserviceabilities after the test flight were of a minor nature, and trim adjustment required was very small. Full credit must go to the maintenance staff for their high degree of technical skill." (Source: 10)
03MAR67
   Further test flight (1:30) at Vung Tau. (Source: 10)
04MAR67
   Returned to service. (Source: 10)
05MAR67
   Operated another service. (Source: 10)
07MAR67
   Test flown at Vung Tau. (Source: 10)
08MAR67
   Test flown (twice) at Vung Tau. (Source: 10)
10MAR67
   Test flown at Vung Tau. (Source: 10)
11MAR67
   Test flown at Vung Tau. (Source: 10)
12MAR67
   Returned to service. (Source: 10)
23MAR67
   Flown Vung Tau to Butterworth with 17 passengers. (Source: 10)
27MAR67
   Flown Butterworth to Vung Tau again with 17 passengers. (Source: 10)
1968
  
09MAY68
   Flown from Vung Tau to Butterworth for a compass swing. (Source: 10)
13MAY68
   Flown from Butterworth to Vung Tau. (Source: 10)
12SEP68
   Flown from Vung Tau to Butterworth with 36 passengers. (Source: 10)
15SEP68
   Flown from Butterworth to Vung Tau. (Source: 10)
18OCT68
   After returning from the 003 Mission in the morning, A4-173 flew from Vung Tau to Tan Son Nhut for a photo session with A4-159 as the camera aircraft. A4-173 was filmed by a camera crew from the Commonwealth Film Unit in connection with the RAAF's forthcoming 50th anniversary. The camera crew comprised Malcolm Smith (Director), Raeburn Trindall (Cinematographer) and Howard Spry (Sound Recordist). The crew of the camera aircraft A4-159 were Jake Jacobsen, Maurie Lewis and Alan Fraser. A4-173 was crewed by Bruce Byron, Graeme Szczecinski and Barry Gracie. A4-173, the forward fuselage of A4-159 and Jake Jacobsen all came to QAM to retire! (Source: 10 & 11)
A4-173 Film Star:
26OCT68
   Carried a concert party from Luscombe to Saigon. (Source: 10)
15NOV68
   Ferried from Vung Tau to Philippine Airlines in Manila (6.40) for 'E' servicing. (Source: 10)
1969
  
16JAN69
   Test flown at Manila. (Source: 10)
17JAN69
   Ferried from Manila to Vung Tau (6.05). (Source: 10)
13FEB69
   Flown from Vung Tau to Butterworth with 38 passengers. (Source: 10)
17FEB69
   Flown from Butterworth to Vung Tau. (Source: 10)
23JUN69
   Flown from Butterworth to Vung Tau. The sortie from Vung Tau to Butterworth is not recorded. (Source: 10)
29SEP69
  Flown from Butterworth to Vung Tau. The sortie from Vung Tau to Butterworth is not recorded. (Source: 10)
22DEC69
   Flown from Butterworth to Vung Tau. The sortie from Vung Tau to Butterworth is not recorded. (Source: 10)
1970
  
10FEB70
   To celebrate 35SQN's birthday, all seven Caribou flew in formation (A4-140, 159, 173, 179, 191, 193 & 208). (Source: 10)
12MAR70
   Flown from Vung Tau to Butterworth. (Source: 10)
16MAR70
   Flown from Butterworth to Vung Tau. (Source: 10)
18JUN70
   Flown from Vung Tau to Butterworth. (Source: 10)
22JUN70
   Flown from Butterworth to Vung Tau. (Source: 10)
24AUG70
   Carried the Australian Ambassador, Mr. R.L. Harry and Mrs Harry, from Vung Tau to Tan Son Nhut. (Source: 10)
04SEP70
   Starboard propeller stuck in reverse at Ham Tan. (Source: 10)
05SEP70
   Port propeller stuck in reverse at Vinh Long. (Source: 10)
07SEP70
   Test flown at Vung Tau. (Source: 10)
07SEP70
   Starboard propeller stuck in reverse at Luscombe. "For the third time in four days RESCUE 8 action was required for A4-173 which was returned to Vung Tau and withdrawn from the programme pending a complete check of the electrical system." (Source: 10)
08SEP70
   Test flown at Vung Tau. (Source: 10)
09SEP70
   Test flown at Vung Tau. (Source: 10)
10SEP70
   Returned to service. (Source: 10)
24SEP70
   Flown from Vung Tau to Butterworth. (Source: 10)
28SEP70
   Flown from Butterworth to Vung Tau. (Source: 10)
19OCT70
   Flew a MEDEVAC mission from Vung Tau to Butterworth (4.0) with 8 patients. The return flight is not recorded. (Source: 10)
21DEC70
   Flown from Vung Tau to Butterworth. The return flight is not recorded. (Source: 10)
1971
  
17JAN71
   Ferried from Vung Tau to Bangkok for 'E' servicing by Thai Airways Aircraft Maintenance Co. (Source: 10)
31MAR71
   Ferried from Bangkok to Vung Tau (3.15) having "completed IRAN". (Source: 10)
01JUN71
   35SQN establishment reduced from 7 to 4 Caribou (A4-173, 179, 208 & 234). (Source: 10)
12AUG71
  Flown from Vung Tau to Butterworth. (Source: 10)
16AUG71
  "Return of the Butterworth Bird". (Source: 10)
06OCT71
   A4-173 flew 20 sorties with 303 pax and 6,700 pounds of freight between Luscombe and Vung Tau carrying 3RAR for return to Australia on HMAS Sydney. A4-173 and A4-179 together flew a total of 38 sorties with 550 passengers and 8,700 pounds of freight. (Source: 10)
28OCT71
   Flown from Vung Tau to Butterworth. (Source: 10)
01NOV71
   Flown from Butterworth to Vung Tau. (Source: 10)
15DEC71
   Flown from Vung Tau to Butterworth for a compass swing. (Source: 10)
19DEC71
   Flown from Butterworth to Vung Tau. (Source: 10)
1972
  
29JAN72
   A4-173 operated the 002 Mission Vung Tau - Bien Hoa - Tan Son Nhut - Can Tho - Vung Tau as a "Special Farewell Run for the Squadron's aircrew to say farewell and thank you to the US personnel with whom the Squadron has worked."
The aircraft was crewed by:
SQNLDR Smithies (CO 35SQN)
AIRCDRE McNamara (OC RAAFAFV)
CPL Rappo.
(Source: 10)
07FEB72
   35SQN put up a formation of all four remaining Caribou A4-173, 179, 208 & 234. (Source: 10)
13FEB72
   Last sortie by A4-173 in Vietnam. (Source: 10)
19FEB72
 

The four Caribou of No 35 Sqn (A4-234, 173, 179 and 208) departed Vung Tau for Richmond at 0700 local. Callsigns were VM-LLA1, VM-LLA2, VM-LLA3 & VM-LLA4 respectively. The crew of A4-173 were:

Flt Lt M.B. Vink GDPLT Captain
Flg Off M.T. Shanley GDPLT Co-pilot
Cpl L.J. Rappo ENGFITT Loadmaster
Sgt R.J. Brackin ELECFITT  
Sgt E.K. Fisk AFFITT  
Sgt T.H. Fuller ENGFITT  

The ferry flight was uneventful, proceeding basically in accordance with the planned itinerary. The largest deviation from itinerary occurred on the last day when a small hitch in fueling delayed departure from Longreach. Together with stronger headwinds than anticipated this caused the arrival at Richmond on 28FEB72 to be 30 minutes late. (Source: 8)
This was the first time that A4-173 had touched Australian soil!
    It has been reported that after two serious accidents in Vietnam, A4-173 returned to Australia on a pair of U.S. Army wings. However, Source: 6 states that the borrowed right wing was returned to the US Army after the Hai Yen crash. Refer to the entry at JUL66 regarding an 'E' service which states; "An early model wing fitted to the aircraft was removed and a currently modified one fitted."

Australian War Memorial image # P01059.003 shows A4-173 wearing a replacement right wing bearing U.S. Army "star & bars".

Australian War Memorial image # VN/66/0054/06 shows A4-173 at Vung Tau wearing a replacement left wing bearing the markings "U.S. Army".
     
   
LOADS CARRIED BY A4-173 IN VIETNAM
YEAR
FREIGHT (LBS)
MAIL (LBS)
PASSENGERS
1964
794,640
(Note: 1)
1,634
1965
2,260,903
(Note: 1)
6,861
1966
920,849
(Note: 1)
3,222
1967
474,810
305,233
7,903
1968
1,463,899
494,060
16,180
1969
2,381,763
456,869
25,736
1970
1,367,087
191,794
18,177
1971
1,189,783
158,932
18,426
1972
42,366
23,206
1,448
TOTAL
10,896,100
1,630,094
99,587

Note: 1
Mail figures were not recorded separately until 1967, prior to which mail would have been included in the freight total.


Personnel who crewed A4-173 in Vietnam.

Airfields in Vietnam visited by A4-173.

Statistics for all of 35SQN in Vietnam.

     
35SQN - RICHMOND
28FEB72
   The four aircraft passed over Richmond in diamond formation and flew over Sydney before returning to Richmond. (Source: 8)
06APR72
   A4-173 delivered 27,800 lbs of passengers and cargo to Dochra in support of Exercise Millstone. FLGOFF D.C. Chipman & FLGOFF V.E.E. Botha. (Source: 8)
07APR72
   A4-173 departed Richmond for familiaristaion flights to Yarram. The aircraft went u/s at East Sale due to a faulty IOC unit. FLGOFF I.E. Watson & FLGOFF R.E. Burstall. Spares were flown in by A4-228 and the aircraft returned to Richmond on 08APR72. (Source: 8)
10APR72
   A4-173 (with 208) completed four sorties with passengers and cargo to Dochra in support of Exercise Millstone. WGCDR C.K. Belford & FLGOFF R.E. Burstall. (Source: 8)
02MAY72
   A4-173 departed Richmond for Dochra to investigate possible flight hazards from newly installed power lines on the approach to the strip. FLGOFF J. Millsom & PLTOFF R.W. Johnstone. (Source: 8)
04MAY72
   A4-173 departed Richmond for Fairbairn with 11 members of a MOSU course for helicopter familiarisation. The aircraft returned to Richmond the same day. FLGOFF V.E.E. Botha & PLTOFF J.W. Foley. (Source: 8)
17MAY72
   A4-173 flew Richmond-Williamtown-Richmond. FLGOFF D.C. Chipman & FLGOFF F.W. Robinson. (Source: 8)
29MAY72
   A4-173 (with 204 & 199) carried 480 troops on familiarisation flights in the Dochra-Williamtown area. Also on 30MAY72. (Source: 8)
02JUN72
   A4-173 (with 199 & 204) ferried troops from Holsworthy to Gospers and returned to Richmond. (Source: 8)
05JUN72
   A4-173 departed Richmond for East Sale to ferry 76SQN ground crew to Williamtown refuelling at Canberra due to the load. FLGOFF R.E. Burstall & PLTOFF S.W. Foley. (Source: 8)
09JUN72
   A4-173 departed Richmond to carry members of an AJASS course from Nowra to Sydney and Richmond. FLGOFF D.C. Chipman & FLGOFF R.E. Burstall. (Source: 8)
18JUN72
   A4-173 departed Richmond to carry 4,000 lbs of Mirage equipment from Williamtown to East Sale, refuelling at Fairbairn. FLGOFF R.W.G. Johnstone & FLGOFF I.E. Watson. (Source: 8)
04SEP72
   A4-173 (with 159 & 236) departed Richmond for Lae on Exercise Treble Change ferrying troops from Lae to Finschafen. A4-173 returned to Richmond on 11SEP72. (Source: 8)
1973
    
10JAN73
   A4-173 (with 164) departed Richmond for Darwin on a squadron trainer returning to Richmond on 16JAN73. (Source: 8)
26JAN73
   A4-173 carried 11 pilots from Williamtown to Sydney for a visit to the Sydney ACC returning the same day. PLTOFF S. Rushton & PLTOFF J.W. Foley. (Source: 8)
31JAN73
   A4-173 successfully dropped 3 "Dizzy Lizzy" (helibox) compacts over the Londonderry DZ. FLGOFF R.J. Seager & FLGOFF G.L. Story. (Source: 8)
22FEB73
   A4-173 transported the MOSU course to Fairbairn and return. FLTLT J.S. Caldwell & FLGOFF I.E. Watson. (Source: 8)
24FEB73
   A4-173 transported 24 Royal Military College Duntroon cadets from Canberra to Laverton for a swimming carnival returning the next day. FLTLT J.S. McLaughlin & FLGOFF G.L. Story. (Source: 8)
28FEB73
   A4-173 transported 23 RAAF apprentices to Williamtown and return. PLTOFF R. Harrison & PLTOFF S. Rushton. (Source: 8)
02MAR73
   A4-173 participated in Exercise Efogi Again ferrying troops from Richmond to Dochra and return and resupply drops until 09MAR73. (Source: 8)
14MAR73
   A4-173 (with 285) flew from Williamtown to Fairbairn for a flypast at the dedication of an RAAF memorial. FLTLT J.S. Caldwell & FLGOFF G.L. Story. (Source: 8)
15MAR73
   A4-173 carried a Mirage servicing party to Fairbairn and return. FLTLT J.S. Caldwell & FLGOFF G.L. Story. (Source: 8)
17MAR73
   A4-173 (with 164) uplifted CMF personnel from Mount Gambier and El Alamein to Murray Bridge returning the next day. A4-173 returned to Richmond on 19MAR73. (Source: 8)
23MAR73
   A4-173 positioned to Laverton for a working weekend by 21SQN (CMF) returning on 25MAR73. FLGOFF J.W. Foley & PLTOFF S. Rushton. (Source: 8)
30MAR73
   A4-173 (with 159 & 285) carried troops from Mackay to Townsville for a High Range exercise the following day. (Source: 8)
07APR73
   A4-173 transported CMF personnel from Puckapunyal to Albury and Warnambool returning to Richmond on 08APR73. FLTLT F.A. White & FLGOFF G.L. Story. (Source: 8)
11APR73
   A4-173 transported 41 empty 44 gallon drums from Quilpie to Amberley. The drums had contained fuel for 9SQN during flood relief work. PLTOFF S. Rushton & FLTLT M. Cottrell. (Source: 8)
27JUL73
   A4-173 (with 164) transported members of 21SQN (AUX) to Richmond for a working fortnight with 35SQN. FLGOFF R.W. Johnstone, PLTOFF J.W. Foley & LAC A. Kershaw. (Source: 8)
29JUL73
   A4-173 conveyed 21SQN personnel to Laverton. FLTLT A.D. Aiken, FLGOFF R. Harrison & CPL E.D. Morris. (Source: 8)
24AUG73
   A4-173 transported 31 troops from Dochra to Holsworthy. SQNLDR D. Melvin, FLTLT J.G.D. Cornish & CPL E.D. Morris. (Source: 8)
27AUG73
   A4-173 transported a Mystere engine from Sydney to Canberra. SQNLDR D. Melvin, FLTLT J.G.D. Cornish & SGT G.J. Young. (Source: 8)
19SEP73
   A4-173 operated a Dark Moon courier carrying freight between Holsworthy and Cobar Satellite. PLTOFF R.H. Haywood, FLGOFF S. Rushton & CPL H.G. Vanderwoude. (Source: 8)
21SEP73
   A4-173 conveyed 60 RMC members from Moruya to Fairbairn in three sorties. FLGOFF P.O. Neesham, FLGOFF J.W. Foley & SGT G.J. Young. (Source: 8)
24SEP73
   A4-173 operated supply dropping in the Mellong Valley area. FLTLT A.D. Aiken, FLGOFF G.L. Story, FLGOFF R. Harrison & CPL W.F.C. Little. (Source: 8)
25SEP73
   A4-173 operated supply dropping in the Mellong Valley area. FLTLT R.H. Haywood, FLGOFF I.E. Watson & CPL D. Lovell. (Source: 8)
26SEP73
   A4-173 conveyed 16 passengers and 830 lbs of freight from Williamtown to Nowra as part of a Skyhawk detachment. FLTLT J.G. Cornish, FLTLT D.C. Chipman & CPL W.F.C. Little. (Source: 8)
06OCT73
   A4-173 conveyed 21SQN personnel from Laverton to Richmond. FLTLT D.C. Chipman, FLTLT R.H. Haywood & CPL D. Lovell. (Source: 8)
11OCT73
   A4-173 carried passengers and freight Richmond-Canberra-Richmond. FLTLT J.S. Caldwell, FLGOFF R.E. Burstall & CPL W.F.C. Little. (Source: 8)
28OCT73
   A4-173 operated two aerial delivery sorties at Puckapunyal. One parachute failed to open. FLTLT J.S. Caldwell, FLGOFF G.L. Story & CPL W.F.C. Little. (Source: 8)
02NOV73
   A4-173 flew to Laverton for use by 21SQN. FLTLT R.H. Haywood, FLGOFF R.W.G. Johnstone & CPL T.C. Mills. (Source: 8)
06DEC73
   A4-173 flew a route IRT and nav check via Amberley carrying opportunity freight. FLTLT A.D. Aiken, FLTLT D.C. Chipman & FSGT S.D. Mellow. (Source: 8)
10DEC73
   A4-173 carried a lighting unit from Williamtown to Richmond for 35SQN. FLTLT J.S. McLaughlin, FLTLT M. Cottrell & CPL T.C. Mills. (Source: 8)
11DEC73
   A4-173 carried AIRCDRE Hubble from Richmond to Holsworthy and return. FLTLT M. Cottrell, FLGOFF R.I. Ingram & CPL W.F.C. Little. (Source: 8)
1974
    
08JAN74
   A4-173 operated a STOL trainer Richmond-Goulbourne-Young-West Wyalong-Hillstone-Lake Cargellico-Richmond. The aircraft went u/s at Lake Cargellico with an hydraulic leak. The task was not satisfactorily completed because of high crossinds at most landing places. FLTLT J.G.D. Cornish, FLTLT D.C. Chipman & CPL W.F.C. Little. A4-236 operated a rescue flight to Lake Cargellico. (Source: 8)
11JAN74
   A4-173 conveyed a rudder assembly from Dubbo to Laverton for an AOG C-47. FLTLT J.S. McLaughlin, FLTLT R.H. Haywood & CPL T.C. Mills. (Source: 8)
14JAN74
   A4-173 operated a Southern Units Courier Richmond-Canberra-Wagga-Laverton-East Sale. FLGOFF R.W.G. Johnstone, FLGOFF R. Harrison & CPL T.C. Mills. (Source: 8)
15JAN74
   A4-173 operated a Southern Units Courier East Sale-Laverton-Wagga-Canberra-Richmond. FLGOFF R.W.G. Johnstone, FLGOFF R. Harrison & CPL T.C. Mills. (Source: 8)
25JAN74
   A4-173 carried sand bags, food and personnel on flood relief work in the Bourke area. FLTLT P.O. Neesham, FLGOFF J.W. Foley & SGT B. Sharman. (Source: 8)
29MAY74
   A4-173 transported 18 Army passengers Amberley-Richmond. SQNLDR G.R. Barker, FLTLT K.E. Stone & CPL L.J. Rappo. (Source: 8)
09JUN74
   A4-173 relieved A4-236 which had gone u/s at Amberley. A4-173 returned troops (ex 236) to Maryborough and Bundaberg. The crew from A4-173 overnighted at Amberley and remained on standby for a VIP task on 10JUN74. FLTLT K.E. Stone, FLGOFF S. Rushton & LAC R.J. Lord. (Source: 8)
18JUN74
   A4-173 operated a Southern Units Courier Richmond-Canberra-Wagga-Laverton-East Sale. SQNLDR B.J. McKenny, FLGOFF S. Rushton & CPL L.J. Rappo. (Source: 8)
21JUN74
   A4-173 carried 2 instructors and 17 pupils from AMTDU to Mascot for familiarisation ride and to inspect Qantas facilities. SQNLDR B.J. McKenny, FLGOFF S. Rushton & LAC R.J. Lord. (Source: 8)
05JUL74
   A4-173 flew to Laverton for C Service by 21SQN returning to Richmond on 07JUL74. SQNLDR B.J. McKenny, FLGOFF S.L. Spencer & CPL H.R. Betar. (Source: 8)
15JUL74
   A4-173 operated the East Sale courier returning 16JUL74. FLTLT I. Watson, FLGOFF T.W. Connolly & FSGT D. Mellow. (Source: 8)
24JUL74
   A4-173 operated a STOL trainer to numerous NSW airfields as part of FLGOFF Rushton's right hand seat training. SQNLDR B.J. McKenny, FLGOFF S. Rushton & CPL J. Zekants. (Source: 8)
26JUL74
   A4-173 operated a NAV trainer to Launceston with ILS training and ATC familiarisation flight on 27JUL74. The aircraft returned via Mount Gambier on 28JUL74. FLTLT D.M. Cooper, FLTLT M. Cottrell, FLTLT I.E. Watson & CPL H.R. Betar. (Source: 8)
02AUG74
   A4-173 conveyed members of an AMTDU course to Sydney and returned after a tour of Qantas. FLTLT M.A. Lewis, FLTLT R.H. Haywood & CPL E.D. Morris. (Source: 8)
04AUG74
   A4-173 operated a fisheries surveillance exercise between Moreton Bay and Broken Bay. FLTLT P.O. Neesham, FLTLT I.E. Watson & LAC A. Kershaw. (Source: 8)
08AUG74
   A4-173 carried 7 drums of AVGAS Richmond-Lord Howe Island. Two drums were used for refuelling and the remainder left for a task on 11-12AUG. WGCDR D. Melvin, FLTLT M. Cottrell & FSGT D. Mellow. (Source: 8)
03SEP74
   A4-173 operated an airways trainer Richmond-Canberra-Wagga and return. ATC famil carried out at Wagga. FLTLT M. Lewis, FLGOFF A.C.S. McCabe & CPL M. Klein-Essink. (Source: 8)
05SEP74
   A4-173 conveyed 21 Army Officer Cadet School cadets Albury to Sydney. FLTLT M. Cottrell, FLTLT I.E. Wilson & CPL W.F.C. Little. (Source: 8)
15SEP74
   A4-173 carried out LAPES and A22 sorties on Army support. FLTLT M. Cottrell, FLGOFF R. Harrison, CPL W.F.C. Little & CPL M. Klein-Essink. (Source: 8)
24SEP74
   A4-173 conveyed 5 ground crew to Goroka for aircraft and ground crew change for Operation Sea King. The crew returned to Richmond in A4-164 on 28SEP74. FLTLT M. Cottrell, SQNLDR G.R. Barker & CPL T.C. Mills. A4-173 and crew constitute 35SQN Detachment 'B' on Operation Sea King. (Source: 8)
01NOV74
   A4-173 operated tasks as required under Operation Sea King until 15NOV74. FLGOFF R.W. Johnstone, FLGOFF K.R. Beach, FLGOFF W. O'Grady, CPL L.J. Rappo & LAC A. Kershaw. (Source: 8)
16NOV74
   A4-173 departed PNG on completion of Operation Sea King and closure of Det 'B'. All ground crew returned on the aircraft arriving at Richmond on 17NOV74. FLGOFF R.W. Johnstone, FLGOFF K.R. Beach, FLGOFF W. O'Grady, CPL L.J. Rappo & LAC A. Kershaw. (Source: 8)
24NOV74
   A4-173 positioned to Williamtown with 10 members of a JJCC course as pax. FLGOFF J.W. Foley, FLGOFF K.R. Beach & CPL J. Zekants. (Source: 8)
24NOV74
   A4-173 flew 15 paratrooping sorties (all static line) on 26-28NOV74. Bad weather prevented ops on 25NOV74. Two night drops were flown on 28NOV74. The aircraft returned to Richmond on 29NOV74 with three members of the JJCC course as pax. FLGOFF J.W. Foley, FLGOFF K.R. Beach & CPL J. Zekants. (Source: 8)
02DEC74
   A4-173 conducted paratrooping at Williamtown until 04DEC74 testing new chutes. FLTLT R. W. Johnstone, FLGOFF T.W. Connolly & LAC A. Kershaw. (Source: 8)
25DEC74
   Darwin, NT was devastated by Cyclone Tracy in the early hours of Christmas Day. So severe was the destruction that authorities ordered the evacuation of the city. A detailed account of aviation in the aftermath of Cyclone Tracy can be found here.
26DEC74
   Caribou A4-173, under the command of FLTLT Ken Stone and crew comprising FLGOFF John Foley, SGT Allen Fraser and SGT Laurie Rappo, departed RAAF Richmond for Longreach and Mount Isa where the aircraft overnighted. The crew had been instructed to be completely self-sufficient in Darwin so non-perishable foodstuffs were loaded at Richmond. (Source: 1)
27DEC74
   A4-173 departed Mt Isa for Darwin where the crew pitched a tent on a concrete slab where a tin hut had been.
(Source: 1)
28DEC74
   A4-173 operated a local flight ex Darwin, probably for aerial photography, and later operated a return flight to Tindal.
(Source: 1)
29DEC74
   A4-173 operated Darwin-Tindal-Tennant Creek-Camooweal for a low level aerial survey of the road on instructions from GPCAPT Hitchins. OC RAAF Darwin. The aircraft overnighted Camooweal. (Source: 1)
30DEC74
   A4-173 was recalled to Darwin via Mt Isa to refuel. On arrival Darwin, FLGOFF Foley was replaced by FLTLT John Cornish. (Source: 1)
1975
    
03JAN75
   A4-173 operated aerial photography ex Darwin with four members of the Legislative Assembly as passengers. (Source: 1 & 8)
04JAN75
   A4-173 operated a survey flight Darwin-Bathurst Island-Garden Point-Snake Bay-Darwin to check on the welfare of local communities. (Source: 1)
07JAN75
   A4-173 operated Darwin-Francis Creek-Darwin, probably on mining support. (Source: 1)
08JAN75
   A4-173 operated Darwin-Normanton-Townsville where the aircraft overnighted. This was the only flight on which A4-173 evacuated personnel from Darwin and they were few in number. (Source: 1)
09JAN75
   A4-173 returned to Richmond from Townsville. Ken Stone does not recall sighting any other Caribou in Darwin. His log book shows that A4-173 flew 23 sorties totalling 43.3 hours Richmond to Richmond. (Source: 1)
23JAN75
   A4-173 flew to Perth with a Neptune engine returning to Richmond on 29JAN75. SQNLDR G.R. Barker, FLGOFF L.P. Mathews, LAC A. Kershaw & LAC R. Brinkman. (Source: 8)
04FEB75
   A4-173 flew a route check and nav trainer Richmond-Leigh Creek-Edinburgh-Launceston-Richmond returning on 05FEB75. SQNLDR G.R. Barker, FLTLT R.W. Johnstone, FLGOFF A.S. McCabe & CPL L.J. Rappo. (Source: 8)
13FEB75
   A4-173 conveyed FAC support group from Williamtown to Puckapunyal and returned to Richmond. FLTLT D.R. Pynt, FLGOFF K.R. Beach & SGT A.J. Fraser. (Source: 8)
28FEB75
   A4-173 conveyed HQOC engineer staff inspection team from Williamtown to Richmond. FLGOFF K.R. Beach, FLTLT R.H. Haywood & CPL D. Till. (Source: 8)
24MAR75
   A4-173 operated Richmond-Williamtown-Richmond-Wagga-Avalon-Laverton-Richmond carrying radar test equipment for Mirage tests. The aircraft remained overnight 24MAR75 at Wagga with a prop oil leak. The aircraft then overnighted Laverton to carry Court of Inquiry members to Richmond on 26MAR75. FLGOFF R. Harrison, FLGOFF K.R. Beach & CPL E.D. Morris. (Source: 8)
26MAR75
   A4-173 operated Richmond-Dochra-Amberley-Williamtown-Richmond. Seventeen Army passengers were carried to Amberley and 22 Army passengers were carried on the return. FLGOFF J.W. Foley, FLTLT L.A. Solomons & CPL D. Till. (Source: 8)
04APR75
   A4-173 (with 179) operated Richmond-East Sale-Swan Hill-Ouyen-Ballarat-Benalla-Wagga-Richmond. On 05APR75 the two aircraft carried between them 50 troops of the 419th Prince of Wales Light Horse from East Sale to Ouyen via Swan Hill. The aircraft then carried 28 troops of 4 Task Force from Ballarat to Benalla. Both aircraft returned to Richmond from Wagga on 06APR75. FLGOFF K.R. Beach, FLGOFF L.P. Mathews & LAC A. Kershaw. (Source: 8)
07APR75
   A4-173 (with 236) operated Richmond-Canberra-Sydney-Richmond conveying service personnel to attend the United Nations Peace Keeping seminar in Sydney returning to Richmond on 08APR75. FLTLT R.E. Burstall, FLGOFF T.W. Connolly & CPL T.C. Mills. (Source: 8)
15APR75
   A4-173 conveyed 10 equipment officers Richmond-Canberra-Richmond for a conference. FLGOFF J.W. Foley, FLTLT R.J. Heitmann & CPL D. Till. (Source: 8)
18APR75
   A4-173 operated Richmond-Wagga-Adelaide-Richmond conveying 2 RAAF passengers from Richmond to Adelaide and 14 WRAANC members from Wagga to Adelaide. The return flight on 19APR75 was an airways trainer via overhead Milparinka. FLTLT J.G. Cornish, FLTLT L.A. Solomons & CPL D. Till. (Source: 8)
04MAY75
   A4-173 (with 234 & 236) positioned from Richmond to Rockhampton to operate a total of 27 insertion shuttles to Samuel Hill on Exercise Rams Roar. The aircraft returned to Richmond on 07MAY75. FLTLT J.G.D. Cornish, FLTLT J.W. Foley & SGT A.J. Fraser. (Source: 8)
19MAY75
   A4-173 operated the standard weekly courier but had to land at Point Cook because of runway works at Laverton, returning Richmond on 20MAY75. FLTLT R.E. Burstall, FLGOFF J.D. Halliday & LAC J.R. Dods. (Source: 8)
21MAY75
   A4-173 operated a NAV route trainer Richmond-Lord Howe Island-Amberley-Lightning Ridge-Richmond returning 22MAY75. FLTLT J.G.D. Cornish, FLGOFF J.D. Halliday, PLTOFF A.D. Morris & CPL H.R. Betar. (Source: 8)
23MAY75
   A4-173 conveyed 19 members of No. 68 Basic Engineering Course from Canberra to Wagga. The aircraft then continued to Laverton for 21SQN working weekend, returning to Richmond on 25MAY75. FLTLT R.H. Haywood, FLGOFF R.D. Hazell & LAC J.R. Dods. (Source: 8)
01JUN75
   A4-173 positioned to Williamtown completing one demonstration jump on 02JUN75. On the following two days the aircraft completed 15 jumps dropping a total of 330 parachutists in mixed freefall and static line jumps, day and night. The aircraft returned to Richmond on 05JUN75. FLTLT R.H. Haywood, FLGOFF T.W. Connolly & CPL C. Smith. (Source: 8)
10JUN75
   A4-173 positioned to Williamtown to convey paratroops to an area near Dochra for a Senior Officers Joint Warfare Study Period, returning to Richmond on 11JUN75. FLTLT R.E. Burstall, FLTLT R.J. Heitmann, LAC A. Kershaw & CPL R.J. Blackman. (Source: 8)
17JUN75
   A4-173 (with 234) operated Richmond-Canberra-Sydney-Richmond to convey 23 Junior Class Cadets in each aircraft from Royal Military College to Sydney. FLTLT J.G. Cornish, FLGOFF L.P. Mathews & CPL H.R. Betar. (Source: 8)
10JUL75
   A4-173 performed Londonderry air drops of A22s and compacts. FLTLT R.E. Burstall, FLTLT R.E. Heitmann, FLGOFF L.P. Mathews, PLTOFF A.D. Morris, CPL R. Blackman & CPL C. Smith. (Source: 8)
11JUL75
   A4-173 performed Londonderry air drops of A22s and compacts. FLTLT K.C. Pittman, FLGOFF A.C.S. McCabe, LAC J.R. Dods & CPL R.J. Blackman. (Source: 8)
17JUL75
   A4-173 operated Richmond-Amberley-Oakey-Cooktown-Townsville-Richmond on Army support returning to Richmond on 19JUL75. FLTLT R.H. Haywood, FLTLT D.R. Pynt & CPL C. Smith. (Source: 8)
24JUL75
   A4-173 operated Richmond-Williamtown-Richmond on Army support. FLGOFF L.P. Mathews, FLTLT D.G. Moore & LAC J.R. Dods. (Source: 8)
01AUG75
   A4-173 operated Richmond-Laverton-Canberra-Richmond on 21SQN support. Conveyed Equipment Officers course from Laverton to Richmond. Returning Richmond on 04AUG75. FLTLT R.H. Haywood, FLTLT D.G. Moore & CPL T.C. Mills. (Source: 8)
06AUG75
   A4-173 (with 159 & 179) positioned to Townsville to operate shuttles to Charters Towers, on Exercise Rapid Rifles, returning to Richmond on 08AUG75. FLGOFF K.R. Beach, FLTLT K.C. Pittman & CPL T.C. Mills. (Source: 8)
11AUG75
   A4-173 operated the courier Richmond-Canberra-Wagga-Laverton-East Sale, returning to Richmond on 12AUG75. FLGOFF J.W. Foley, FLTLT K.C. Pittman & CPL T.C. Mills. (Source: 8)
17AUG75
   A4-173 operated Richmond-Sydney-Canberra-Wagga-Richmond on Army support. FLGOFF K.R. Beach, FLTLT D.G. Moore & CPL D. Till. (Source: 8)
19AUG75
   A4-173 operated a FISHEX from Broken Bay to Moreton Bay and return. FLGOFF K.R. Beach, FLGOFF T.W. Connolly & CPL J. Zekants. (Source: 8)
25AUG75
   A4-173 operated Richmond-Williamtown-Richmond on RAAF support. FLGOFF T.W. Connolly, FLTLT D.G. Moore & CPL D. Till. (Source: 8)
05SEP75
   A4-173 operated Richmond-Williamtown-Wagga-Canberra-Richmond on RAAF support. SQNLDR G.R. Barker, FLTLT R.E. Burstall & CPL R. Blackman. (Source: 8)
9SEP75
   A4-173 operated Richmond-Williamtown-Amberley-Richmond on RAAF support returning on 10SEP75. FLGOFF R. Harrison, PLTOFF A.D. Morris & CPL J. Zekants. (Source: 8)
11SEP75
   A4-173 operated Richmond-Canberra-Richmond on RAAF support. FLTLT D.M. Cooper, FLTLT L.A. Solomons & CPL C. Smith. (Source: 8)
12SEP75
   A4-173 operated Richmond-Nowra-Canberra-Nowra-Richmond on Army support. FLGOFF R. Harrison, FLGOFF L.P. Mathews & CPL C.M. Knudsen. (Source: 8)
03OCT75
   A4-173 operated Richmond-Laverton on RAAF support. Laverton-East Sale-Puckapunyal-Laverton on Army support. Laverton-Richmond on RAAF support, returning 06OCT75. FLGOFF R. Hazell, FLTLT L.A. Solomons & CPL R. Blackman. (Source: 8)
15OCT75
   A4-173 operated Richmond-Wagga-Richmond on RAAF support. FLTLT R.H. Haywood, FLTLT K.C. Pittman & CPL J. Zekants. (Source: 8)
21OCT75
   A4-173 operated Richmond-Murrurundi-Richmond for compact drops on Army support. FLGOFF A.B. Buttenshaw, PLTOFF A.D. Morris & CPL C. Smith. (Source: 8)
25OCT75
   A4-173 operated Richmond-Amberley-Townsville on Army support for Exercise Night Owl. FLGOFF T.W. Connolly, FLGOFF A.B. Buttenshaw & CPL R.J. Blackman. (Source: 8)
28OCT75
   A4-173 conveyed AMTS Sydney-Canberra. FLTLT R.H. Haywood, PLTOFF A.D. Morris & CPL T.C. Mills. (Source: 8)
31OCT75
   A4-173 operated Richmond-Townsville-Amberley-Richmond on RAAF support with a Court of Inquiry party. SQNLDR G.R. Barker, FLGOFF R.D. Hazell & CPL E.D. Morris. (Source: 8)
10DEC75
   A4-173 operated an instrument training flight Richmond-Canberra-Sydney-Richmond. FLTLT J.C. Griffiths, FLTLT K.C. Pittman & CPL E.D. Morris. (Source: 8)
24DEC75
   A4-173 operated Richmond-Laverton-Richmond on RAAF support. FLGOFF R. Harrison, PLTOFF A.D. Morris & CPL R. Blackman. (Source: 8)
1976
    
12JAN76
   A4-173 operated a training flight Richmond-Lord Howe Island-Amberley-Richmond returning 13JAN76. FLTLT R.D. Hazell, FLGOFF K.R. Beach & CPL C.M. Knudsen. (Source: 8)
20JAN76
   A4-173 operated Richmond-Williamtown-Richmond on paratrooping, returning 23JAN76. FLTLT D.M. Cooper, FLTLT R.H. Haywood, CPL T.C. Mills, CPL C.M. Knudsen & CPL R.L. Brien. (Source: 8)
24FEB76
   A4-173 operated Richmond-Brewarrina-Moree-Mungindi-Moree-Richmond with Police and flood boats to Brewarrina and food and supplies shuttled from Moree to Mungindi. Aircraft returned to Richmond on 25FEB76. WGCDR R. Egle, FLTLT L.P. Mathews & CPL C.M. Knudsen. (Source: 8)
30JUN76
   35SQN was disbanded at Richmond for relocation to Townsville. (Source: 8)
35SQN - TOWNSVILLE
01JUL76
   35SQN reformed at Townsville with 3 Caribou (A4-159, 173 & 234) and 34 personnel. (Source: 8)
05JUL76
   A4-173 provided air support for Exercise Iron Monarch at Learmonth, WA until 22JUL76. Senior Army officers under the control of the GOC Field Force Command, Major General Dunstan underwent a tactics situation assessment course. FLTLT M.S. Calvert, FLTLT K.C. Pittman & CPL J.W. Zekants. (Source: 8)
26JUL76
   A4-173 (with 159 & 234) supported No 3 Task Force Exercise Dauntless Defender. (Source: 8)
18AUG76
   A4-173 (with 159) conveyed the Army Band from Townsville to Barcaldine for the Artesian Festival then to Boulia for the Min-Min Lights Festival, returning 19AUG75. FLTLT R.J. Heitmann, FLGOFF J.D. Halliday & CPL P.R. Caudwell. (Source: 8)
27AUG76
   A4-173 (with 159) conveyed the Army Band to Mount Isa for the CMF Unit Freedom of the City Parade returning 30AUG76. FLTLT M.S. Calvert, FLGOFF A.B. Buttenshaw, CPL J.W. Zekants & CPL P.R. Caudwell. (Source: 8)
04SEP76
   A4-173 conveyed two 10SQN Armament Fitters to Dunk Island to recover a marine marker buoy which had been washed ashore. SQNLDR G.R. Barker, FLTLT R.J. Heitmann & CPL R.L. Brien. (Source: 8)
10SEP76
   Flown by Sqn Ldr Barker & Sqn Ldr Eddleston on VOR/DME circuits (2.2 hrs) at Townsville. (Source: 3)
11SEP76
   A4-173 conducted an airfield survey of Lindeman Island and Brampton Island and delivered a fuel supply to Lindeman Island for the RAAF crash launch. GPCAPT M.K. Lyons, WGCDR J. Staal, FLTLT R.J. Heitmann & CPL R.L. Brien. (Source: 8)
22SEP76
   35SQN commenced its involvement in Exercise Kangaroo ex Rockhampton. Two (unidentified) Caribou were deployed. (Source: 8)
07NOV76
   A4-173 operated a navigational trainer and liaison exercise Townsville-Longreach-Edinburgh-Richmond-Roma-Townsville returning on 11NOV76. FLTLT R.J. Heitmann, FLTLT J.D. Halliday & CPL R.L. Brien. (Source: 8)
13NOV76
   A4-173 (with 159) operated Townsville-Samuel Hill-Rockhampton-Mackay-Townsville on insertion and recovery of Army personnel on exercise in the Shoalwater Bay area until 14NOV76. FLTLT R.J. Heitmann, FLTLT J.D. Halliday & CPL R.L. Brien. (Source: 8)
15NOV76
   A4-173 (with 234) operated Townsville-Lizard Island-Cairns-Townsville inserting Army personnel to Lizard Island on Exercise Cooks Look. FLTLT R.E. Burstall, FLTLT M.S. Calvert & CPL R.L. Brien. (Source: 8)
20NOV76
   A4-173 (with 234) operated Townsville-Amberley-Singleton-Richmond-Townsville with Army personnel for exercises at Singleton. The aircraft returned to Townsville on 21NOV76. FLTLT M.S. Calvert, FLTLT K.C. Pittman & CPL R.L. Brien. (Source: 8)
22NOV76
   The Commanding Officer piloted A4-173 Townsville-Amberley-Townsville for a planning conference on future exercises and discussions with the CO 9SQN regarding the allocation of helicopters to 35SQN for operations in the Townsville area. WGCDR J. Staal & FLTLT M.S. Calvert. (Source: 8)
20DEC76
   All 35SQN Caribou (A4-159, 164, 173 & 234) were involved in relief operations following Cyclone Ted.
Sorties: 49
Hours: 97.4
Freight: 47,050 lbs
Passengers: 88
Aircraft visited Burketown, Mornington Island, Mount Isa, Normanton, Doomagee Mission and Karumba. Ops included an aerial search and food drop to a stranded motorist. (Source: 8)
1977
    
24JAN77
   A4-173 conveyed 35SQN maintenance personnel Townsville-Amberley-Townsville to visit 9SQN for acceptance checks on UH-1H Iroquois prior to ferrying to Townsville. FLTLT R.J. Heitmann, FLTLT J.D. Halliday & CPL M.C. Patchett.
The first UH-1H delivery to Townsville was A2-279 on 27JAN77. (Source: 8)
31JAN77
   A4-173 (with 159 & 234) were ferried Townsville-Mount Isa in advance of Cyclone Keith which was approaching Townsville. FLTLT R.E. Burstall, FLTLT K.C. Pittman & CPL P.R. Caudwell. The aircraft returned to Townsville on 01FEB77. (Source: 8)
02FEB77
   A4-173 (with 234) flew a SAR sortie for a crew member from the yacht "Ibis" which foundered on Acheron Island in Cyclone Keith. SQNLDR G.R. Barker, FLTLT R.J. Heitmann, CPL J.W. Zekants & CPL M.C. Patchett. (Source: 8)
19FEB77
   A4-173 (with 164 & 234) supported 11 Task Force in the High Range area. Personnel were conveyed from Bowen, Ayr, Ingham and Charters Towers. WGCDR J. Staal, FLTLT R.J. Heitmann & CPL M.C. Patchett. (Source: 8)
08MAR77
   A4-173 flew a SAR sortie for persons missing in the Palm Island, Hinchinbrook Island area. Seven persons were located on the southern tip of Hinchinbrook Island and subsequently rescued by Iroquois A2-296. SQNLDR G.R. Barker, FLTLT J.D. Halliday & CPL M.C. Patchett. (Source: 8)
03APR77
   A4-173 (with 164 & 234) operated Townsville-Macrossan-Mackay-Rockhampton-Cairns-Townsville conveying 354 personnel of 11 Task Force from Macrossan to various NQ locations. SQNLDR G.R. Barker, FLTLT J.S. Caldwell & CPL J.W. Zekants. (Source: 8)
13APR77
   A4-173 operated Townsville-Collinsville-Townsville to transport drums of fuel for 5SQN on Exercise Shifting Sands. SQNLDR G.R. Barker, FLTLT R.J. Heitmann & CPL P.R. Caudwell. (Source: 8)
17APR77
   A4-173 (with 234) conveyed combined services personnel to the High Range training area and return for a live firing demonstration of Red Eye missiles. FLTLT M.S. Calvert, FLTLT R.J. Heitmann, CPL P.R. Caudwell & CPL M.C. Patchett. (Source: 8)
14JUN77
   A4-173 (with 164) conveyed stores for air drop in the Exercise Solo Stab area near Charters Towers. FLTLT R.E. Burstall, FLTLT J.D. Halliday & CPL P.R. Caudwell. (Source: 8)
19SEP77
   A4-173 (with 164) participated in Exercise Endeavour Gold until 22SEP77. FLTLT J.S. Caldwell, FLTLT J.D. Halliday & CPL M. W. Monckton. (Source: 8)
26SEP77
   A4-173 flew Townsville-Williamtown-Townsville for freefall paratrooping in the Saltash Drop Zone. FLTLT J.S. Cauldwell, FLTLT J.D. Halliday & LAC V.J. Gardner. (Source: 8)
03OCT77
   A4-173 flew Laverton-Cobar-Charleville-Townsville to uplift 37 pax from the Officer Cadet School at Portsea to Townsville. FLTLT J.S. Caldwell, FLTLT J.D. Halliday & CPL V.J. Gardner. (Source: 8)
04OCT77
   A4-173 (with 164) transported a funeral party to Mackay and return. FLTLT R.E. Burstall, FLGOFF S.P.J. Carter & CPL J.W. Zekants. (Source: 8)
17OCT77
   A4-173 (with 159 plus 3 Iroquois) flew to PNG on a 35SQN tropical trainer until 25OCT77 to examine the difficulties of operating fixed and rotary wing aircraft in high density altitude conditions. FLTLT J.D. Halliday, FLTLT R.E. Burstall, FLGOFF S.P.J. Carter & CPL J.W. Zekants. (Source: 8)
02NOV77
   A4-173 (with 159 & 234) uplifted 65 pax to Mackay for the Queen's Medal Shoot. FLTLT J.S. Caldwell, FLGOFF S.P.J. Carter & CPL V.J. Gardner. (Source: 8)
03NOV77
   A4-173 flew two SAR sorties Townsville-Barrier Reef-Townsville searching for possible survivors from the "Tally Ho" but none were sighted.
Crew 1: FLTLT M.S. Calvert, FLGOFF S.P.J. Carter & CPL V.J. Gardner.
Crew 2: FLTLT R.E. Burstall, FLTLT J.D. Halliday & CPL V.J. Gardner. (Source: 8)
12NOV77
   A4-173 flew Townsville-Cairns-Rockhampton-Townsville airlifting troops to Townsville. WGCDR J. Staal, PLTOFF A.C. Nelson & CPL P.R. Caudwell. (Source: 8)
13NOV77
   A4-173 (with 159) flew Townsville-Lizard Island-Cooktown-Townsville transporting 38 pax and 11,000 lbs of stores to Lizard Island for construction of roads and fresh water supplies. Operation concluded on 20NOV77. FLTLT J.S. Caldwell, PLTOFF A.C. Nelson & CPL P.R. Caudwell. (Source: 8)
16NOV77
   A4-173 (with 159) uplifted 6 pax and 9,000 lbs of stores Townsville-Georgetown-Townsville. FLTLT R.E. Burstall, FLGOFF S.P.J. Carter & CPL J.W. Zekants. (Source: 8)
16NOV77
   A4-173 flew Townsville-Innisfail-Townsville in support of Exercise Game Fisher. WGCDR J. Staal, FLTLT J.D. Halliday & CPL J.W. Zekants. (Source: 8)
17NOV77
   A4-173 flew a two man demolition team to Mareeba to dispose of live ammunition. FLTLT M.S. Calvert, FLGOFF S.P.J. Carter & CPL J.W. Zekants. (Source: 8)
17NOV77
   A4-173 flew Townsville-Innisfail-Townsville in support of Exercise Game Fisher. FLTLT M.S. Calvert, FLTLT J.D. Halliday & CPL J.W. Zekants. (Source: 8)
27NOV77
   A4-173 flew Townsville-Rockhampton-Townsville conveying Army Reserve troops to home locations. FLTLT R.E. Burstall, PLTOFF A.C. Nelson & CPL V.J. Gardner. (Source: 8)
29NOV77
   A4-173 (with 159) flew Townsville-Mount Isa-Townsville on a public relations tour of NQ in support of the Queen's Jubilee celebrations returning on 30NOV77. WGCDR J. Staal, GPCAPT P.J. Scully & CPL V.J. Gardner. (Source: 8)
02DEC77
   A4-173 (with 159) conveyed 35 pax Townsville-Brisbane-Townsville. FLTLT J.D. Halliday, FLGOFF S.P.J. Carter & CPL V.J. Gardner. (Source: 8)
03DEC77
   A4-173 (with 159 & 234) participated in the Queen's Jubilee Salute flypast at Townsville along with Iroquois A2-310, 296 & 278). FLTLT J.S. Caldwell, FLTLT J.D. Halliday & CPL P.R. Caudwell. (Source: 8)
1978
    
09FEB78
   A4-173 flew Townsville-Mackay-Townsville for a rotor change on Iroquois A2-278. FLTLT R.J. Heitmann, FLGOFF S.P.J. Carter & CPL J.W. Zekants. (Source: 8)
13FEB78
   A4-173 (with 164) operated a tropical trainer Townsville-PNG-Townsville returning on 17FEB78. SQNLDR J.C. Griffiths, FLTLT J.S. Caldwell, PLTOFF D.J. Willcox & CPL V.J. Gardner. (Source: 8)
03MAR78
   A4-173 flew Townsville-Rockhampton-Mackay-Townsville conveying CMF personnel from Rockhampton to Townsville. SQNLDR J.C. Griffiths, FLGOFF S.P.J. Carter & CPL J.S. Young. (Source: 8)
26JUN78
   A4-164 and A4-234 flew Townsville-Longreach-Edinburgh-Richmond-Amberley-Clermont-Townsville on a long range cruise exercise and to pickup A4-173 at Richmond. (Source: 8)
(Note: Presumably 173 was at Richmond for maintenance but there is no record of it having positioned to Richmond. It is not clear which crew flew 173 back to Townsville.)
11JUL78
   A4-173 (with 264) flew Townsville-Rockhampton-Townsville on Exercise Eureka Stockade. WGCDR J. Staal, FLTLT B.G. Haylock & PLTOFF D.J. Willcox (only pilots recorded). (Source: 8)
20JUL78
   A4-173 (with 164 & 234) flew Townsville-Mount Fullstop-Townsville-Lakeland Downs-Cairns-Townsville on Exercise Palmer Gold. The aircraft returned to Townsville on 22JUL78. FLTLT J.S. Caldwell, FLGOFF S.P.J. Carter & CPL R.J. Stone.
26JUL78
   A4-173 flew Townsville-Willis Island-Townsville for training and to drop supplies at Willis Island. FLTLT R.J. Heitmann, FLGOFF S.P.J. Carter, CPL W.E. Davies & CPL R.J. Stone. (Source: 8)
27JUL78
   A4-173 flew Townsville-Cairns-Brisbane-Amberley-Richmond-Townsville to transport a Navy survey team back to Brisbane and Richmond. Aircraft returned to Townsville on 28JUL78. FLTLT R.J. Heitmann, FLGOFF S.P.J. Carter & CPL J.S. Young. (Source: 8)
31JUL78
   A4-173 (with 234) flew Townsville-Macrossan-Townsville for tactical night circuits at Macrossan. SQNLDR J.C. Griffiths, FLTLT R.J. Heitmann, PLTOFF A.C. Nelson & CPL W.E. Davies. (Source: 8)
04AUG78
   A4-173 (with 159, 164 & 234) flew Townsville-Rockhampton-Townsville on troop movements out of The Glen to Rockhampton in support of Exercise Eureka Stockade. FLTLT M.S. Calvert, PLTOFF D.J. Willcox & CPL J.S. Young. (Source: 8)
09AUG78
   A4-173 (with 159 & 164) flew Townsville-Macrossan-Townsville with vehicles and supplies in Exercise Short Haul. The task involved night landings under reduced light conditions. FLTLT B.G. Haylock, FLGOFF S.P.J. Carter & CPL W.E.H. Davies. (Source: 8)
10AUG78
   A4-173 (with 159) flew Townsville-Macrossan-Townsville on Exercise Short Haul. SQNLDR J.C. Griffiths, FLTLT B.G. Haylock & CPL W.E.H. Davies. (Source: 8)
16AUG78
   A4-173 (with 159) flew Townsville-High Range-Townsville on night A22 drops of food and rations. FLTLT R.J. Heitmann, FLGOFF S.P.J. Carter & CPL J.S. Young. (Source: 8)
07SEP78
   A4-173 (with 159) air dropping of A22s and compacts at Woolshed on Exercise Top Point. SQNLDR J.C. Griffiths, FLTLT R.J. Heitmann & CPL J.S. Young. (Source: 8)
08SEP78
   A4-173 (with 159 & 164) Exercise Top Point until 13SEP78 on air drop and resupply of Woolshed and High Range area. Crew: non-specific. (Source: 8)
22SEP78
   A4-173 flew Townsville-Rockhampton-Bundaberg-Brisbane-Amberley-Brisbane-Rockhampton-Townsville conveying Army personnel from Rockhampton to Brisbane and ARES troops from Rockhampton to Townsville returning to Townsville on 24SEP78. FLGOFF S.P.J. Carter, PLTOFF A.C. Nelson & CPL V.J. Gardner. (Source: 8)
15OCT78
   A4-173 (with 234) flew Townsville-Mackay-Townsville with 14 pax for 11FFGP. SQNLDR J.C. Griffiths, PLTOFF D.J. Willcox & CPL R.J. Stone. (Source: 8)
02NOV78
   A4-173 flew Townsville-Daru-Wewak-Port Moresby-Townsville assisting with the recovery of A4-164 which was involved in a Category 4 accident while taking-off from Telefomin on 22OCT78 with no injuries to the crew. A4-173 returned to Townsville on 06NOV78. Crew of A4-173 were: FLTLT J.S. Caldwell, PLTOFF A.C. Nelson & CPL V.J. Gardner.
17NOV78
   A4-173 flew troop shuttles Townsville-Samuel Hill-Rockhampton-Townsville. FLTLT R.E. Burstall, PLTOFF A.C. Nelson & CPL J.S. Young. (Source: 8)
19NOV78
   A4-173 (with 234) flew troop shuttles Townsville-Thangool-Samuel Hill-Rockhampton-Townsville. PLTOFF A.C. Nelson, PLTOFF D.J. Willcox & CPL J.S. Young. (Source: 8)
26NOV78
   A4-173 flew Townsville-Samuel Hill-Brisbane-Townsville transporting a geosurvey team to Brisbane and returning to Townsville on 27NOV78. PLTOFF D.J. Willcox, PLTOFF A.C. Nelson & CPL J.S. Young. (Source: 8)
27NOV78
   A4-173 (with 159) flew Townsville-Innisfail-Townsville with troops and vehicles in support of a search for a lost person. PLTOFF A.C. Nelson, PLTOFF D.J. Willcox & CPL J.S. Young. (Source: 8)
1979
    
04JAN79
   A4-173 flew Townsville-Cairns-Townsville on flood relief in the Cairns, Cooktown & Innisfail areas. Returned to Townsville on 05JAN79. SQNLDR J.S. Caldwell, FLTLT B.G. Haylock, FLGOFF S.P.J. Carter & CPL V.J. Gardner. (Source: 8)
31JAN79
   A4-173 flew Townsville-Rockhampton-Amberley-Rockhampton-Townsville transporting senior Army officers from Townsville to Amberley. WGCDR J. Staal, FLTLT B.G. Haylock, FLTLT R.E. Burstall & CPL V.J. Gardner. (Source: 8)
04FEB79
   A4-173 flew Townsville-Amberley-Townsville with Army troops on Exercise Bright Star. Returned Townsville on 05FEB79. FLGOFF A.C. Nelson, PLTOFF D.J. Willcox & CPL J.S. Young. (Source: 8)
15FEB79
   A4-173 flew Townsville-Amberley-Bathurst-Richmond for a D service. Replacement aircraft A4-140 from 38SQN flew Richmond-Williamtown-Amberley-Townsville arriving on 16FEB79. WGCDR J. Staal, FLTLT B.G. Haylock, PLTOFF D.J. Willcox & CPL J.S. Young. (Source: 8)
05MAR79
   Air Marshal Sir James Rowland CAS went flying for one hour in A4-173 from Townsville with FLTLT G.R. Mengersen & CPL A.E. Shaw. (Source: 8)
10MAR79
   A4-173 flew Townsville-Rockhampton-Townsville supporting the Squadron at Townshend Island. FLTLT G.R. Mengersen, FLTLT D.C. Redding & CPL A.E. Shaw.
12MAR79
   A4-173 flew Townsville-Miner's Lake-Townsville to position fuel for an Army Kiowa on a MEDEVAC. FLTLT G.R. Mengersen, PLTOFF M.J. Freeman & CPL W.E. Davies. (Source: 8)
   
Flown by a Future King
28MAR79
   Wing Commander John Staal, C.O. of No 35 Squadron, flew HRH The Prince of Wales from Cairns to Lizard Island in A4-173. Prince Charles occupied the co-pilot's seat for approximately thirty minutes and flew the aeroplane while it cruised along the beaches of Far North Queensland. At the time, Prince Charles was a Flight Lieutenant in the Royal Air Force. (Source: 2)
Crew: SQNLDR J.S. Caldwell, SGT E.D. Morris & CPL W.E. Davies. (Source: 8)
Image 1 Image 2
01APR79
   Wing Commander John Staal, C.O. of No 35 Squadron, flew HRH The Prince of Wales from Lizard Island to Townsville over parts of the Great Barrier Reef in A4-173. (Source: 2)
Crew: SQNLDR J.S. Caldwell, SGT E.D. Morris & CPL W.E. Davies. (Source: 8)
Note: The 35SQ ORB shows A4-178 which is obviously a typo as there was no such aircraft. The ORB also shows A4-195 as support aircraft.
03APR79
   A4-173 flew Townsville-Samuel Hill-Rockhampton-Townsville on Army support, returning on 04APR79. FLTLT G.R. Mengersen, FLTLT D.C. Redding & CPL A.E. Shaw. (Source: 8)
18APR79
   A4-173 (with 159) flew tropical training in PNG and Navy support. A4-173 also carried explosives to Munda in the Solomon Islands. Both aircraft returned to Townsville on 24APR79. (Source: 8)
04MAY79
   A4-173 (with 159 & 234) flew Townsville-Rockhampton-Mackay-Townsville supporting the CMF. FLTLT B.G. Haylock, SQNLDR G.R. Barker & CPL W.E.H. Davies. (Source: 8)
16MAY79
   A4-173 flew an ATC familiarisation in the Townsville area. FLGOFF A.C. Nelson, PLTOFF M.J. Freeman & CPL J.S. Young. (Source: 8)
16MAY79
   A4-173 flew Townsville-Bowen-Townsville to assist with an engine change on Iroquois A2-279 returning to Townsville on 17MAY79. FLTLT B.G. Haylock, PLTOFF D.J. Willcox & CPL V.J. Gardner. (Source: 8)
18MAY79
   A4-173 flew another sortie Townsville-Bowen-Townsville to assist with the engine change on A2-279. FLGOFF A.C. Nelson, PLTOFF M.J. Freeman & CPL V.J. Gardner. (Source: 8)
20MAY79
   A4-173 (with 195) flew Townsville-Cairns-Townsville-Rockhampton-Townsville returning CMF personnel. FLGOFF A.C. Nelson, FLTLT D.C. Redding & CPL W.E.H. Davies. (Source: 8)
28MAY79
   A4-173 flew Townsville-Williamtown-Townsville on 77SQN support, returning on 29MAY79. FLTLT G.R. Mengersen, FLTLT D.C. Redding & SGT A.E. Shaw. (Source: 8)
30MAY79
   A4-173 flew Townsville-Samuel Hill-Canberra-Amberley-Townsville on Army support and changeover crew for Capricorn Affair, returning on 01JUN79. WGCDR J. Staal, FLGOFF A.C. Nelson, FLGOFF S.P.J. Carter & CPL J.S. Renton. (Source: 8)
07JUN79
   A4-173 (with 234) carried out cold weather training in Tasmania. A4-173 also operated three shuttles Barakula-Amberley on Army support. Returned to Townsville on 14JUN79. Crew: non-specific. (Source: 8)
16JUN79
   A4-173 (with 159) conveyed the RAAF Central Band from Townsville to Charters Towers and return. Crew: non-specific. (Source: 8)
17JUN79
   A4-173 (with 159) conveyed the RAAF Central Band from Townsville to Cairns and return. Crew: non-specific. (Source: 8)
24JUN79
   A4-173 (with 195) flew Townsville-Mackay-Rockhampton-Townsville with 9 Field Ambulance. Crew: non-specific. (Source: 8)
25JUN79
   A4-173 (with 195) flew three Woolshed shuttles with Army troops. Crew: non-specific. (Source: 8)
11JUL79
   A4-173 (with 195) flew Army tasking at Woolshed. FLTLT B.G. Haylock, FLTLT R.S. Pyers & CPL W.E.H. Davies. (Source: 8)
16JUL79
   A4-173 flew Townsville-Port Moresby-Townsville in support of Squadron Iroquois in PNG. FLTLT G.R. Mengersen, PLTOFF M.J. Freeman & SGT A.E. Shaw. (Source: 8)
26JUL79
   A4-173 (with 195) flew Townsville-Hillgrove-Townsville on a joint exercise. FLTLT B.G. Haylock, FLGOFF A.C. Nelson & CPL J.S. Renton. (Source: 8)
01AUG79
   A4-173 (with 234) flew night drops on a joint exercise. FLGOFF A.C. Nelson, PLTOFF M.J. Freeman & CPL W.E.H. Davies. (Source: 8)
03AUG79
   A4-173 (with 234 & 195) flew a joint exercise. SQNLDR J.S. Caldwell, FLTLT S.P.J. Carter & SGT E.D. Morris. (Source: 8)
03AUG79
   A4-173 (with 234 & 195) flew a joint exercise. FLGOFF A.C. Nelson, GPCPT C.L. Ackland & CPL J.S. Renton. (Source: 8)
27AUG79
   A4-173 (with 195 & 234) flew Army tasks in the Tully area. SQNLDR J.S. Caldwell, FLTLT R.R.J. Pyers & SGT E.D. Morris. (Source: 8)
28AUG79
   A4-173 (with 195 & 234) flew Army tasks in the Tully area. FLTLT G.R. Mengersen, FLTLT D.C. Redding & CPL R.J. Stone. (Source: 8)
06SEP79
   A4-173 (with 195 & 234) flew Townsville-Tully shuttles on Exercise Clam Shell. FLGOFF A.C. Nelson, FLTLT R.R.J. Pyers & CPL R.J. Stone. (Source: 8)
10SEP79
   A4-173 (with 234) flew Townsville-Mount Isa-Townsville on 2/4 RAR officer training inspection of Mt Isa Mines. FLTLT B.G. Haylock, FLTLT S.P.J. Carter & CPL V.J. Gardner. (Source: 8)
16SEP79
   A4-173 (with 234) flew Townsville-Mackay-Rockhampton-Townsville transporting CMF to Mackay and Rockhampton. FLTLT G.R. Mengersen, FLTLT R.J. Pyers & SGT E.D. Morris. (Source: 8)
27SEP79
   A4-173 flew Townsville-Cairns-Dunk Island-Townsville on Navy support carrying 4 pax and equipment from Cairns to Dunk Island. SQNLDR J.S. Caldwell, FLGOFF D.J. Willcox & SGT A.E. Shaw, (Source: 8)
04OCT79
   A4-173 flew Townsville-Willis Island-Townsville for a storpedo drop to the met men on Willis Island. WGCDR J. Staal, FLTLT B.L. Stott, FLGOFF P.B. Wilson, CPL W.E.H. Davies & CPL J.S. Young. (Source: 8)
08OCT79
   35SQN supplied one Caribou per day for Exercise Kangaroo III flying shuttles Townsville-Rockhampton-Shoalwater Bay area-Townsville. (Source: 8)
22OCT79
   A4-173 was ferried to Richmond for D servicing. PLTOFF M.J. Freeman, FLTLT D.C. Redding & CPL J.S. Renton. (Source: 8)
14NOV79
   A4-234 flew Townsville-Cairns-Townsville to rescue A4-173 which was u/s in Cairns. (Source: 8)
15NOV79
   A4-173 flew Cairns-Weipa-Cairns-Townsville transporting Navy personnel from Weipa to Townsville. FLTLT B.G. Haylock, FLGOFF P.B. Wilson & SGT A.E. Shaw. (Source: 8)
08DEC79
   A4-173 flew Townsville-Rockhampton-Mackay-Townsville on Army support. FLGOFF D.J. Willcox, FLTLT D.C. Redding & SGT E.D. Morris. (Source: 8)
09DEC79
   A4-159 flew to Mackay to rescue A4-173 which required a propeller change. (Source: 8)
1980
    
01FEB80
   A4-173 flew Townsville-Cairns with 16 Army personnel. The aircraft had a dead magneto on the left engine and returned to Townsville on 02FEB80. SQNLDR J.S. Caldwell, FLTLT M.J. Willcocks & CPL J.S. Young. (Source: 8)
03FEB80
   A4-173 flew Townsville-Cairns-Townsville on Army support. FLTLT B.L. Stott, FLGOFF P.B. Wilson & CPL R.J. Stone. (Source: 8)
18FEB80
   A4-173 flew Townsville-Mackay-Townsville with a part for Iroquois A2-278 which was u/s in Mackay. FLTLT M.J. Willcocks, FLTLT D.C. Redding & SGT E.D. Morris. (Source: 8)
18FEB80
   A4-173 conveyed members of 3 Task Force on a static paradrop exercise at Lavarack DZ. Two sorties were flown on 18FEB80 and three on 20FEB80. SQNLDR J.S. Caldwell, FLTLT B.L. Stott & CPL R.J. Stone. (Source: 8)
28FEB80
   A4-173 (with 234) carried out night flying operations at Macrossan. Crew: non-specific. (Source: 8)
29FEB80
   A4-173 returned 16 members of Pioneer Unit from Cairns to Townsville. FLTLT M.J. Willcocks, FLTLT D.C. Redding & CPL R.J. Stone. (Source: 8)
06MAR80
   A4-173 (with 234) departed Townsville for Perth, overnighting at Alice Springs for parachute operations with the SASR. Sorties consisted of static and freefall drops at Swanbourne Beach and Corrigin with tactical insertions of personnel and equipment by day and night. FLTLT B.L. Stott, PLTOFF M.J. Freeman & CPL J.S. Young. (Source: 8)
31MAR80
   A4-173 returned to Townsville after overnighting Alice Springs. FLTLT B.L. Stott, PLTOFF M.J. Freeman & CPL J.S. Young. (Source: 8)
08APR80
   A4-173 flew Townsville-Richmond for Exercise Pelicans Progress II. The aircraft and crew were attached to 38SQN for the duration of the exercise. FLTLT D.C. Redding, FLGOFF P.B. Wilson & SGT E.D. Morris. A4-173 was based at "The Ridges" 15 miles south-west of Baradine in company with a 38SQN Caribou (A84-235) for sorties of air drops consisting of compacts, LAPES and A22s by day and night. (Source: 8)
10APR80
   A4-173 lost the starboard engine on take-off from "The Ridges". FLTLT G.R. Mengersen, FLTLT D.C. Redding & CPL V.J. Gardner. The engine was changed in the field. (Source: 8)
15APR80
   A4-173 and A4-235 were grounded because of fuel contamination. This was subsequently attributed to a ruptured fuel tank in 235 and 173 was cleared to fly. (Source: 8)
18APR80
   A4-173 returned to Townsville via Amberley for fuel and to collect a 2SQN ground crew for transport to Townsville. Crew not recorded. (Source: 8)
23APR80
   A4-173 flew Townsville-Darwin. The following day, 15 WWII veterans were conveyed to Ambon Indonesia for an ANZAC Day ceremony at a cemetery on the site of a POW camp at which they had been imprisoned. FLGOFF D.J. Willcox, PLTOFF M.J. Freeman & CPL R.J. Stone. (Source: 8)
26APR80
   A4-173 returned to Darwin from Ambon. Same crew as above. (Source: 8)
28APR80
   A4-173 flew to Weipa to join Exercise Mangrove Jack, a Tactical Exercise Without Troops (TEWT). The exercise began on 26APR80 with A4-159 & 195 Townsville- Cooktown-Coen-Lockhart River-Bamaga-Thursday Island-Weipa-Edward River Mission-Karumba-Normanton-Mount Isa-Townsville. Same crew as above. (Source: 8)
02MAY80
   A4-173 (with 159 & 195) flew Townsville-Rockhampton to pick up Army troops for transport to Townsville. FLTLT D.C. Redding, FLGOFF M.J. Freeman & CPL V.J. Gardner. (Source: 8)
07MAY80
   A4-173 flew a local sortie over Townsville and the reefs for Equipment Cadets. FLGOFF P.B. Wilson, SQNLDR G.R. Barker & CPL R.J. Stone. (Source: 8)
09MAY80
   A4-173 flew to Mackay to transport 24 cadets back to Townsville. FLGOFF D.J. Willcox, FLGOFF S.D. Munro & CPL R.J. Stone. (Source: 8)
12MAY80
   A4-173 flew 10 cadets to Oakey, overnighted at Amberley and returned to Townsville on 13MAY80. FLGOFF D.J. Willcox, FLGOFF S.D. Munro & CPL J.S. Young. (Source: 8)
15MAY80
   A4-173 flew to Tully for resupply compact air drops then to Palm Island to pickup 20 Royal Military College cadets for Townsville. FLTLT D.C. Redding, FLGOFF P.B. Wilson & SGT E.D. Morris. (Source: 8)
16MAY80
   A4-173 flew ATC cadets to Mackay after their annual camp in Townsville. FLGOFF D.J. Willcox, FLGOFF S.D. Munro & CPL V.J. Gardner. (Source: 8)
18MAY80
   A4-173 (with 159 & 195) flew Army Reserve troops to Mackay & Rockhampton. FLTLT G.R. Mengersen, SQNLDR J.S. Caldwell, SGT E.D. Morris & CPL V.J. Gardner. (Source: 8)
18MAY80
   A4-173 continued on to Richmond for a D service crewed by SQNLDR J.S. Caldwell, FLGOFF M.J. Freeman, SGT E.D. Morris & CPL V.J. Gardner. (Source: 8)
02JUN80
   A4-173 flew Richmond-Townsville after its D service. The crew arrived from Townsville on A4-159 on 01JUN80. FLTLT G.R. Mengersen, FLTLT R.R.J. Pyers & CPL V.J. Gardner. (Source: 8)
04JUN80
   A4-173 flew to Golliwog Farm for parachuting sorties. FLTLT G.R. Mengersen, FLTLT R.R.J. Pyers & CPL R.J. Stone. (Source: 8)
06JUN80
   A4-173 flew to Macrossan to retrieve one Army personnel who happened to drive his truck to Macrossan Depot. FLTLT R.R.J. Pyers, FLGOFF M.J. Freeman & SGT E.D. Morris. (Source: 8)
07JUN80
   A4-173 (with 195) departed Townsville at 0230 hrs to reach Amberley before 0800 hrs to convey Army troops from Bundaberg to Amberley (sic) and return them on 08JUN80. A4-173 went u/s at Amberley with a leaking boost pump so 195 completed the task alone. A4-173 returned to Townsville on 09JUN80. FLTLT G.R. Mengersen, FLTLT R.R.J. Pyers & SGT E.D. Morris. (Source: 8)
13JUN80
   A4-173 flew two shuttles to Rockhampton to transport Army Reserve to Townsville. "The midnight oil was burning again for the crew of A4-173. It was noted that the considerate crew did a quiet runup so that they would not disturb the Officers Mess ball." FLTLT M.J. Willcocks, FLGOFF P.B. Wilson & CPL J.S. Young. (Source: 8)
18JUN80
   A4-173 (with 234 & 195) flew to Cairns with 62 Army troops returning via Innisfail to transport 88 Army troops to Townsville. A4-173 operated an extra shuttle to Innisfail because of the pax numbers. FLTLT M.J. Willcocks, FLGOFF S.D. Munro & CPL R.J. Stone. (Source: 8)
19JUN80
   A4-173 (with 234 & 195) flew Innisfail shuttles with 82 Army troops to Townsville. A4-173 and 234 flew two shuttles each after 195 went u/s in Innisfail. FLTLT D.C. Redding, FLGOFF M.J. Freeman & CPL R.J. Stone. (Source: 8)
20JUN80
   A4-173 (with 195) departed for Richmond, Canberra, Melbourne, Laverton and Hobart for cold weather flying. Instrument approaches were flown at most airports. "The crews of the aircraft discovered a casino in Hobart and decided to pay for the lighting bill, the heating bill and the wages for the staff." The crew composition changed often but the original crew of A4-173 was: SQNLDR J.S. Caldwell, FLGOFF P.B. Wilson, FLGOFF S.D. Munro, CPL V.J. Gardner, FLGOFF F.C. Thiessen (ADMIN), CPL P.J. McGee (ENGFITT) & LAC R.G. Bone (GHAND). (Source: 8)
23JUN80
   A4-173 (with 195) flew around Tasmania to test their de-icing systems by doing instrument approaches at Saint Helens, Devonport, and Strahan but no icing was encountered. A4-173 was over-boosted at Strahan and recovered to Hobart. On 24-25JUN80 A4-195 flew shuttles to Laverton and Point Cook to rescue A4-173. (Source: 8)
26JUN80
   A4-173 (with 195) arrived at Richmond where they collected A4-159 after its D service and the three aircraft departed for Townsville on 27JUN80. The aircraft finally encountered icing conditions just south of the Queensland border. (Source: 8)
06JUL80
   A4-173 (with 159 & 234) flew to Rockhampton for Exercise Safe Haven flying troop shuttles of approximately 660 troops to The Plains using the BARDIC approach aid. The aircraft returned to Townsville on 09JUL80. Crew: non-specific. (Source: 8)
10JUL80
   A4-173 (with 159 & 234) flew to Horn Island in support of an Army task. FLTLT R.R.J. Pyers, FLTLT D.C. Redding & CPL J.S. Young. The aircraft returned to Townsville on 11JUL80. (Source: 8)
11JUL80
   A4-173 flew to Cairns and return with the CO of 35SQN. FLTLT G.R. Mengersen, FLTLT R.R.J. Pyers & CPL G.W. Morgan. (Source: 8)
12JUL80
   A4-173 departed for Hobart on cold weather trials for PTS arriving on 13JUL80 to commence trials on 14JUL80. The task was hindered by numerous minor unserviceabilities and cold weather ailments. The aircraft returned to Townsville on 23JUL80. (Source: 8)
25JUL80
   A4-173 (with 234) flew from Breddon to Boundary Mill on air drops of A22s and compacts. SQNLDR J.S. Caldwell, FLTLT G.R. Mengersen & CPL V.J. Gardner. (Source: 8)
25JUL80
   A4-173 (with 159 & 234) positioned to Mount Garnet. A4-173 flew via Cooktown to rescue Iroquois A2-296. FLTLT G.R. Mengersen, FLTLT B.L. Stott & CPL V.J. Gardner. (Source: 8)
26JUL80
   A4-173 flew to Mackay to drop off passengers before continuing to Rockhampton. Crew as above. (Source: 8)
27JUL80
   A4-173 (with 159 & 234) flew to the Shoalwater Bay area on Exercise Safe Haven. Troop shuttles were flown between The Plains, Gemini and Rockhampton on 27/28JUL80 with all three aircraft returning to Townsville on the afternoon of 28JUL80. Crew as above. (Source: 8)
03AUG80
   A4-173 flew three sorties to Ewan to transport 52 Army troops back to Townsville at the end of Exercise Swiftfoot. FLTLT D.C. Redding, FLGOFF P.B. Wilson & CPL J.S. Young. (Source: 8)
04AUG80
   A4-173 (with 159 & 195) flew to Ewan early in the morning to transport troops back to Townsville at the conclusion of Exercise Swiftfoot. The aircraft moved 291 troops by lunch time. FLTLT M.J. Willcocks, FLTLT R.R.J. Pyers & CPL V.J. Gardner. (Source: 8)
13AUG80
   A4-173 flew 25 Army personnel to Barcaldine for a funeral, returning later in the evening. FLTLT M.J. Willcocks, FLTLT D.C. Redding & SGT E.D. Morris. (Source: 8)
15AUG80
   A4-173 flew to Mackay to collect ATC cadets for their annual camp in Townsville. FLTLT M.J. Willcocks, FLGOFF M.J. Freeman & SGT E.D. Morris. (Source: 8)
18AUG80
   A4-173 (with 195) positioned to Amberley for an Army task on 19AUG80 transporting 14 Army troops and 3 trailers to Townsville with a refuelling stop at Rockhampton. FLTLT M.J. Willcocks, FLGOFF M.J. Freeman, SGT E.D. Morris & CPL J.S. Young. (Source: 8)
20AUG80
   A4-173 flew 25 passengers to Cairns to survey the Navy's new patrol boat HMAS Fremantle while it was in port. The aircraft returned to Townsville in the afternoon. FLTLT M.J. Willcocks, FLGOFF M.J. Freeman & CPL J.S. Young. (Source: 8)
23AUG80
   A4-173 (with 159) flew Townsville-Rockhampton-Amberley with Army personnel from Townsville, returning on 24AUG80. Crew: Wilson FLGOFF P.B., Munro FLGOFF S.D., Stone CPL R.J. (Source: 8)
26AUG80
   A4-173 flew Townsville-Normanton-Tindal to change over two Iroquois crews. The aircraft stopped at Normanton for four hours with a minor unserviceability and returned to Townsville on 27AUG80. Crew: Stott FLTLT B.L., Freeman FLGOFF M.J., Morris SGT E.D., Stone CPL R.J. (Source: 8)
29AUG80
   A4-173 (with 159 & 195) flew Townsville-Normanton-Gove-Maningrida with 51 Army officers on a TEWT. The aircraft overnighted Darwin and returned to Townsville via Groote Eylandt and Normanton on 01SEP80. Crew: Pyers FLTLT R.R.J., Freeman FLGOFF M.J., Gardner CPL V.J. (Source: 8)
04SEP80
   A4-173 flew Townsville-Cairns-Townsville on an Instrument Rating Test. Crew: Mengersen FLTLT G.R., Wilson FLGOFF P.B., Freeman FLGOFF M.J., Stone CPL R.J. (Source: 8)
05SEP80
   A4-173 flew Townsville-Brisbane-Amberley-Townsville. Crew: Foster WGCDR I.W., Mengersen FLTLT G.R., Morgan CPL G.W. (Source: 8)
08SEP80
   A4-173 (with 195) flew to Weipa on Exercise Northern Trek flying sorties to Coen, Kalpower, Merluna and Batavia Downs transporting supplies for the Army. Crew: non-specific. (Source: 8)
12SEP80
   A4-173 (with 195) flew to Coen where they were joined by A4-159 and based for two nights. Equipment transported included Land Rovers, trailers, field guns, rations and fuel drums. The three aircraft repositioned to Cooktown on 14SEP80. On 16SEP80 they operated from 1715 hours on 16SEP80 to 0300 hours on 17SEP80. The aircraft flew sorties from Marina Plains to Laura. A4-173 returned to Townsville on 19SEP80 when Northern Trek concluded. Crew: non-specific. (Source: 8)
26SEP80
   A4-173 flew three shuttles into Woolshed with Army troops, Land Rovers and trailers. Crew: Foster WGCDR I.W., Caldwell SQNLDR J.S., Ackland GPCPT C.L., Stone CPL R.J. (Source: 8)
29SEP80
   A4-173 transported 12 passengers and 4,000 lbs of freight to Thursday Island returning to Townsville the same day. Crew: Foster WGCDR I.W., Caldwell SQNLDR J.S., Morris SGT E.D. (Source: 8)
02OCT80
   A4-173 flew to Normanton to rescue an Iroquois with compressor problems returning the same day. Crew: Foster WGCDR I.W., Redding FLTLT D.C., Young CPL J.S. (Source: 8)
14OCT80
   A4-173 flew freight to Horn Island. On 15OCT80 they flew fuel drums to Edward River Mission for the Army before returning to Townsville. Crew: Willcocks FLTLT M.J., Pyers FLTLT R.R.J., Young CPL J.S. (Source: 8)
22OCT80
   A4-173 arrived at Madang with parts for the u/s A4-159. Crew: Caldwell SQNLDR J.S., Pyers FLTLT R.R.J., Young CPL J.S. (Source: 8)
24OCT80
   A4-173 returned to Townsville after an overnight at Port Moresby. Crew: non-specific. (Source: 8)
29OCT80
   A4-173 commencing at 0215 hours flew two photographic sorties with the ARDU Dakota. Crew: Redding FLTLT D.C., Stott FLTLT B.L., Morris SGT E.D. (Source: 8)
21NOV80
   A4-173 (with 195 & 234) flew five shuttles from Rockhampton with 85 Army reserve troops many of whom were on their first camp. The final sorties returned to Townsville at 0300 hours on 22NOV80, Crew: Willcocks FLTLT M.J., Wilson FLGOFF P.B., Morris SGT E.D. (Source: 8)
25NOV80
   A4-173 (with 159, 195 & 234) competed in an air drop competition in the Turkey Flats and Last Chance drop zones in the HRTA. Placings in the competition were 195, 234, 159 & 173. Crew: Redding FLTLT D.C., Ackland GPCPT C.L., Young CPL J.S. (Source: 8)
27NOV80
   A4-173 (with 195) departed Townsville early for Amberley to pickup 38 service sportsmen destined for Townsville. A4-173 diverted to Rockhampton with a prop warning. A4-159 brought parts for 173 and continued the task. A4-173 returned to Townsville on 28NOV80. This was the fourth major unserviceability on the starboard engine of A4-173 for FLTLT Redding. Crew: Redding FLTLT D.C., Pyers FLTLT R.R.J., Morgan CPL G.W. (Source: 8)
03DEC80
   A4-173 flew a SAR exercise for a fictitious Caribou lost at sea in the Cape Bowling Green area. A raft was sighted one hour after 173 became airborne. Crew: Pyers FLTLT R.R.J., Munro FLGOFF S.D., Morris SGT E.D., Stone CPL R.J. (Source: 8)
04DEC80
   A4-173 flew to Port Moresby with parts for a u/s 38SQN Caribou returning to Townsville the same day. Crew: Stott FLTLT B.L., Munro FLGOFF S.D., Morris SGT E.D. (Source: 8)
07DEC80
   A4-173 (with 195 & 234) flew 87 troops home to Rockhampton after their camp in Townsville. Numbers necessitated an extra trip by 173. Crew: Pyers FLTLT R.R.J., Munro FLGOFF S.D., Gardner CPL V.J. (Source: 8)
08DEC80
   A4-173 flew to Cairns for ILS approaches. Crew: Redding FLTLT D.C., Mengersen FLTLT G.R., Munro FLGOFF S.D., Morris SGT E.D. (Source: 8)
10DEC80
   A4-173 flew to Cairns for ILS approaches. Crew: Munro FLGOFF S.D., Mengersen FLTLT G.R., Stone CPL R.J. (Source: 8)
17DEC80
   A4-173 flew to Cairns for instrument training. Crew: Foster WGCDR I.W., Munro FLGOFF S.D., Young CPL J.S. (Source: 8)
23DEC80
   A4-173 flew to Cairns on instrument training. Crew: Pyers FLTLT R.R.J., Stott FLTLT B.L., Gardner CPL V.J. (Source: 8)
1981
    
09JAN81
   A4-173 flew Townsville-Rockhampton-Amberley-Williamtown-Richmond with indulgence passengers on an RAAF task, returning to Townsville on 10JAN81. Crew: Willcocks FLTLT M.J., Pyers FLTLT R.R.J., Freeman FLGOFF M.J., Young CPL J.S. (Source: 8)
16JAN81
   A4-173 flew to Innisfail and Cairns to transport ATC cadets to Townsville. Crew: Willcocks FLTLT M.J., Redding FLTLT D.C., Young CPL J.S. (Source: 8)
09FEB81
   A4-173 (with 159 & 234) flew 14 shuttles to Woolshed on Exercise Samichan Soldier with troops, vehicles and ammunition. Crew: non-specific. (Source: 8)
25FEB81
   A4-173 departed Townsville for Alice Springs en route to Perth to support the SASR for two weeks at Corrigin. Due to a u/s generator the aircraft did not reach Perth until 27FEB81. Crew: Willcocks FLTLT M.J., Redding FLTLT D.C., Wilson FLGOFF P.B., Munro FLGOFF S.D., Morris SGT E.D., Gardner CPL V.J., Burrows CPL D.K., Fischer LAC J.D.C. (Source: 8)
01MAR81
   A4-173 flew Perth-Pearce-Corrigin but returned to Perth the next day as the operation was postponed because the supplies expected by C-130 did not arrive because the C-130s were tied up on the Trans-Tasman shuttles carrying airline passengers because of a Qantas cabin crew strike. (Source: 8)
04MAR81
   A4-173 commenced the SASR support task on shuttles between Perth and Pearce and freefall and static jumps including night drops and popup drops. One last light insertion at Collie was the only paratroop operation away from Corrigin. (Source: 8)
16MAR81
   A4-173 returned to Perth on the conclusion of its SASR support task and departed for Alice Springs on 17MAR81, arriving in Townsville on 18MAR81. (Source: 8)
26MAR81
   A4-173 flew Townsville-Amberley. While in Brisbane, OC Townsville Group Captain John Maxwell Chesterfield received his AM (Member of the Order of Australia). The aircraft departed for Williamtown on 29MAR81 where the OC attended a meeting on Kangaroo 81. The aircraft departed on 30MAR81 for Amberley where it overnighted, departing for Townsville on 31MAR81. Crew: Freeman FLGOFF M.J., Chesterfield GPCAPT J., Stone CPL R.J. (Source: 8)
16APR81
   A4-173 flew 15 U.S. Army troops to Cairns. They were part of 150 troops on exchange from Hawaii to Lavarack. Crew: Redding FLTLT D.C., Wilson FLGOFF P.B., Gardner CPL V.J. (Source: 8)
24APR81
   A4-173 flew 16 personnel from 2/4 RAR to Horn Island for the ANZAC Day parade on Thursday Island. The aircraft continued to Bamaga where the crew attended the ANZAC Day parade. The aircraft returned to Townsville via Horn Island on 26APR81. Crew: Freeman FLGOFF M.J., Wilson FLGOFF P.B., Kennedy FLGOFF W.S., Morris SGT E.D. (Source: 8)
09MAY81
   One of two aircraft tasked for a PNG trainer was called out four days early. A4-173 flew Townsville-Port Moresby to rescue a 36SQN C-130 which was bogged at Koroba in the PNG highlands. The C-130 rescue operation commenced on 10MAY81. On 13MAY81 A4-195 joined the C-130 rescue which concluded on 18MAY81. Both aircraft operated Korba-Tari shuttles with occasional trips to Merdi or Mount Hagen. A4-173 returned to Townsville on 15MAY81 (A4-195 returned on 20MAY81). Crew: Mears FLTLT J.D., Munro FLGOFF S.D., Stone CPL R.J., Green LAC L.W.L., Pyers FLTLT R.R.J., Lockett WGCDR A.R., Owen CPL A.J. (Source: 8)
23MAY81
   A4-173 (with 159, 195 & 234) participated in Exercise Fractured Falcon transporting supplies ranging from rations to howitzers from Blue Range airfield to New Moon airfield. Crew: non-specific. (Source: 8)
29MAY81
   A4-173 (with 195 & 234) flew 53 Army engineers to The Plains to prepare roads for Exercise Kangaroo 81. Crew: Foster WGCDR I.W., Pyers FLTLT R.R.J., Morris SGT E.D. (Source: 8)
09JUL81
   A4-173 (with 159) flew to Atherton with a funeral party for an RAAF member. A4-173 went u/s in Atherton and 159 flew back to Townsville and return with ground crew. Crew: Wilson FLGOFF P.B., Morgan CPL G.W. (only 2 listed). (Source: 8)
12JUL81
   A4-173 flew a handling display at the Townsville open day. Crew: Willcocks FLTLT M.J., Freeman FLGOFF M.J. (Source: 8)
13JUL81
   A4-173 flew to Richmond for an R3 service. Crew: Mears FLTLT J.D., Freeman FLGOFF M.J., Gardner CPL V.J. (Source: 8)
21JUL81
   A4-173 (with 159 & 195) flew to Amberley for Exercise Platypus flying shuttles between Rockhampton and The Glen. Crew: non-specific. (Source: 8)
21AUG81
   A4-173 (with 159 & 234) flew a formation flypast for HMAS Townsville which was visiting for the first time. Crew: Foster WGCDR I.W., Pyers FLTLT R.R.J., Morgan CPL G.W. (Source: 8)
01SEP81
   A4-173 (with 234) flew to Alice Springs on Exercise Adroit Patrol flying shuttles to Ross River Gorge. Crew: non-specific. (Source: 8)
07SEP81
   A4-173 flew an ATC familiarisation flight around the Palm Islands group. Crew: Munro FLGOFF S.D., De Kievit FLTLT T.W., Morgan CPL G.W. (Source: 8)
09SEP81
   A4-173 flew a rescue team to Rockhampton to find an undercarriage indication fault in A4-234. Crew: Mears FLTLT J.D., De Kievit FLTLT T.W., Morgan CPL G.W. (Source: 8)
15SEP81
   A4-173 flew to Cooktown on a local survey for the Army. Crew: De Kievit FLTLT T.W., Barrington FLTLT K.E., Young CPL J.S. (Source: 8)
22SEP81
   A4-173 (with 195) flew to Horn Island to retrieve the Army personnel who had been working on the Old Fort on Thursday Island. Crew: non-specific. (Source: 8)
25SEP81
   A4-173 (with 195) flew Army passengers from Tully to Townsville. Crew: non-specific. (Source: 8)
30SEP81
   A4-173 flew to Marlborough South to inspect airfields for Exercise Kangaroo 81. Crew: Foster WGCDR I.W., Pyers FLTLT R.R.J., Morgan CPL G.W. (Source: 8)
08OCT81
   A4-173 (with 159) flew night continuation sorties out of Mount Full Stop in the lead up to Exercise Kangaroo 81. Crew: non-specific. (Source: 8)
11NOV81
   A4-173 carried out IF and emergency checks at Cairns. Crew: Mears FLTLT J.D., Pyers FLTLT R.R.J., Young CPL J.S. (Source: 8)
12NOV81
   A4-173 carried out IF and emergency checks in the Townsville area. Crew: Mears FLTLT J.D., Chesterfield GPCAPT J., Stone CPL R.J. (Source: 8)
13NOV81
   A4-173 (with 234) flew Army Reserve shuttles to and from Rockhampton. Crew: non-specific. (Source: 8)
25NOV81
   A4-173 flew to Cairns so the OC could meet with the OC HMAS Cairns and introduce the new OC GPCAPT Lane. Crew: Chesterfield GPCAPT J., Munro FLGOFF S.D., Stone CPL R.J. (Source: 8)
29NOV81
   A4-173 flew shuttles to Rockhampton, Mackay and Thangool for the Army Reserve. Crew: Foster WGCDR I.W., De Kievit FLTLT T.W., Gardner CPL V.J. (Source: 8)
01DEC81
   A4-173 flew to Richmond for off airways training and to transport effects of FLTLT P. Becker and carry out parachute training for PTS, returning to Townsville on 05DEC81. Crew: De Kievit FLTLT T.W., Becker FLTLT P., Stone CPL R.J. (Source: 8)
07DEC81
   A4-173 started the CO's right hand seat training. Crew: Mears FLTLT J.D., Foster WGCDR I.W., Young CPL J.S. (Source: 8)
1982
    
11JAN82
   A4-173 flew out to Grub Reef to locate the stranded launch "Arkeena". Once located, they directed Iroquois A2-279 to the area and acted as radio relay between HQ Townsville and the "Arkeena". Crew: Willcocks FLTLT M.J., Redding FLTLT D.C., Gardner CPL V.J. (Source: 8)
14JAN82
   A4-173 carried out an emergency check in the local area. Crew: Mears FLTLT J.D., Willcocks FLTLT M.J., Gardner CPL V.J. (Source: 8)
15JAN82
   A4-173 carried out local continuation training. Crew: Munro FLGOFF S.D., Redding FLTLT D.C., Gardner CPL V.J. (Source: 8)
19JAN82
   A4-173 flew 22 Navy Cadets from Townsville to Caloundra via Rockhampton and Bundaberg. Crew: Mears FLTLT J.D., Redding FLTLT D.C., Morris SGT E.D. (Source: 8)
21JAN82
   A4-173 carried out an emergency check in the local area. Crew: Mears FLTLT J.D., Redding FLTLT D.C., Morris SGT E.D. (Source: 8)
24JAN82
   A4-173 took members of 27SQN on a local flight around Townsville. Crew: De Kievit FLTLT T.W., Barrington FLTLT K.E., Gardner CPL V.J. (Source: 8)
26JAN82
   A4-173 carried out a night MCT in the local area. Crew: De Kievit FLTLT T.W., Munro FLGOFF S.D., Morgan CPL G.W. (Source: 8)
29JAN82
   A4-173 flew to Longreach for continuation training, returning on 30JAN82. Crew: Foster WGCDR I.W., Chesterfield GPCAPT J., Stone CPL R.J. (Source: 8)
05FEB82
   A4-173 carried out an early air test in the local area. Crew: De Kievit FLTLT T.W., Honey PLTOFF I.M., Stone CPL R.J. (Source: 8)
16FEB82
   A4-173 carried out continuation training in the local area. Crew: Honey PLTOFF I.M., De Kievit FLTLT T.W., Gardner CPL V.J. (Source: 8)
21FEB82
   A4-173 flew to Mackay and Rockhampton with Army Reserve for training. Crew: De Kievit FLTLT T.W., Honey PLTOFF I.M., Stone CPL R.J. (Source: 8)
24FEB82
   A4-173 flew to Cairns with Army Reserve personnel. Crew: Foster WGCDR I.W., Paddon FLTLT W.S., Gardner CPL V.J. (Source: 8)
24FEB82
   A4-173 flew Army Reserve to Rockhampton. Crew: Willcocks FLTLT M.J., Paddon FLTLT W.S., Gardner CPL V.J. (Source: 8)
25FEB82
   A4-173 flew local continuation training. Crew: Mears FLTLT J.D., Redding FLTLT D.C., Gardner CPL V.J. (Source: 8)
09MAR82
   A4-173 carried out various training sorties for the OC's conversion. Crew: Mears FLTLT J.D., Lane GPCAPT B.I. (AFC). (Source: 8)
04APR82
   A4-173 (with 159 & 234) flew 9 sorties to Woolshed in support of 1RAR. Crew: De Kievit FLTLT T.W., Honey PLTOFF I.M., Young CPL J.S. (Source: 8)
23SEP82
   A4-210 was ferried back to 38SQN at Richmond and A4-173 returned to Townsville on 26SEP82. Crew: Willcocks FLTLT M.J., Paddon FLTLT W.S., Hopkinson CPL D.R. (Source: 8)
29SEP82
   A4-173 flew to Cairns and return on RAAF support. Crew: Munro FLGOFF S.D., Paddon FLTLT W.S., Hopkinson CPL D.R. (Source: 8)
01OCT82
   A4-173 flew to Mackay and Rockhampton on an Army Reserve task. Crew: Munro FLGOFF S.D., Paddon FLTLT W.S., Hopkinson CPL D.R. (Source: 8)
07NOV82
   A4-173 flew to Rockhampton, overnighted and departed for Amberley on 08NOV82. On 09NOV82 static line paratrooping was carried out in the Amberley and Oakey areas. The aircraft returned to Townsville on 10NOV82. Crew: De Kievit FLTLT T.W., Paddon FLTLT W.S., Morris SGT E.D., Morgan CPL G.W. (Source: 8)
12NOV82
   A4-173 flew to Mount Isa to pickup Army personnel for basic training in Townsville. Crew: Munro FLGOFF S.D., Heslin PLTOFF B.M., Young CPL J.S. (Source: 8)
12NOV82
   A4-173 flew two shuttles to Rockhampton on an Army Reserve task. Crew: Willcox FLGOFF D.J., Honey PLTOFF I.M., Morris SGT E.D. (Source: 8)
22NOV82
   A4-173 flew to Tully River Station to return soldiers from tropical training. Crew: Barrington FLTLT K.E., Heslin PLTOFF B.M., Gardner CPL V.J. (Source: 8)
28NOV82
   A4-173 flew to Mount Isa and return on an Army Reserve task. Crew: De Kievit FLTLT T.W., Paddon FLTLT W.S., Morgan CPL G.W. (Source: 8)
30NOV82
   A4-173 (with 195) flew to Tully River Station on an Army task. Crew: Mears FLTLT J.D., Heslin PLTOFF B.M., Morgan CPL G.W. (Source: 8)
02DEC82
   A4-173 flew to Mount Isa to transport Army Reserve personnel to Gregory Downs a large cattle station for water training. The aircraft returned to Townsville on 05DEC82. Crew: Munro FLGOFF S.D., Honey PLTOFF I.M., Gardner CPL V.J. (Source: 8)
1983
    
01JAN83
   The musterings of Flight Engineer (FLTENG) and Loadmaster (LOADM) were created. (Source: 8)
21JAN83
   A4-173 (with 159) flew to Darwin to support Army Reserve NORFORCE units. The aircraft returned to Townsville on 22JAN83. Crew: White FLTLT P.A., Honey PLTOFF I.M., Morgan CPL G.W. (Source: 8)
11FEB83
   A4-173 flew to Rockhampton and Mackay to pickup Army Reserve units for Townsville. Crew: Cleary SQNLDR P., Paddon FLTLT W.S., Stone CPL R.J. (Source: 8)
13FEB83
   A4-173 flew to Mackay and Rockhampton on an Army Reserve task. Crew: Munro FLGOFF S.D., Honey PLTOFF I.M., Young CPL J.S. (Source: 8)
16FEB83
   A4-173 flew a practice SAR around the Palm Island group and sighted the "survivors" in a ten man life raft and directed Iroquois A2-295 to make the pickup. Crew: Munro FLGOFF S.D., Paddon FLTLT W.S., Stone CPL R.J. (Source: 8)
17FEB83
   A4-173 flew to Cairns to conduct UHF trials with a new patrol boat HMAS Cessnock. Crew: Paddon FLTLT W.S., Honey PLTOFF I.M., Stone CPL R.J. (Source: 8)
26FEB83
   A4-173 flew to Mackay and Shoalwater Bay on an Army Reserve task. Crew: De Kievit FLTLT T.W., Dean PLTOFF W.G., Morgan CPL G.W. (Source: 8)
27FEB83
   A4-173 (with 159) flew to Shoalwater Bay to convey Army Reserve troops to Townsville. Crew: De Kievit FLTLT T.W., Heslin PLTOFF B.M., Morgan CPL G.W. (Source: 8)
05MAR83
   A4-173 flew from Townsville to Alice Springs en route Katanning for an SASR exercise. Crew: Munro FLGOFF S.D., Dean PLTOFF W.G., Morgan CPL G.W. (Source: 8)
06MAR83
   A4-173 flew Alice Springs to Pearce positioning for the SASR task. Crew: De Kievit FLTLT T.W., Heslin PLTOFF B.M., Gardner CPL V.J. (Source: 8)
07MAR83
   A4-173 flew Pearce to Katanning and completed one paratrooping sortie for the SASR. Crew: De Kievit FLTLT T.W., Dean PLTOFF W.G., Morgan CPL G.W. (Source: 8)
09MAR83
   A4-173 flew from Katanning to Pearce and return on SASR task. Crew: Munro FLGOFF S.D., Heslin PLTOFF B.M., Morgan CPL G.W. (Source: 8)
10MAR83
   A4-173 flew 4 paratrooping sorties at Katanning on SASR task. Crew: De Kievit FLTLT T.W., Dean PLTOFF W.G., Gardner CPL V.J. (Source: 8)
11MAR83
   A4-173 flew further paratrooping sorties at Katanning on SASR task. Crew: Munro FLGOFF S.D., Dean PLTOFF W.G., Morgan CPL G.W. (Source: 8)
13MAR83
   A4-173 flew 2 paratrooping sorties at Katanning on SASR task. Crew: Munro FLGOFF S.D., Dean PLTOFF W.G., Gardner CPL V.J. (Source: 8)
14MAR83
   A4-173 flew 3 paratrooping sorties at Katanning on SASR task and also flew to Pearce and return. Crew: De Kievit FLTLT T.W., Heslin PLTOFF B.M., Morgan CPL G.W. (Source: 8)
15MAR83
   A4-173 flew further paratrooping sorties at Katanning on SASR task. Crew: Munro FLGOFF S.D., Dean PLTOFF W.G., Gardner CPL V.J. (Source: 8)
16MAR83
   A4-173 flew further paratrooping sorties at Katanning on SASR task. Crew: De Kievit FLTLT T.W., Heslin PLTOFF B.M., Gardner CPL V.J. (Source: 8)
17MAR83
   A4-173 flew further paratrooping sorties at Katanning on SASR task. Crew #1: Munro FLGOFF S.D., Dean PLTOFF W.G., Morgan CPL G.W. Crew #2: De Kievit FLTLT T.W., Dean PLTOFF W.G., Gardner CPL V.J. (Source: 8)
18MAR83
   A4-173 flew further paratrooping sorties at Katanning on SASR task. Crew: De Kievit FLTLT T.W., Heslin PLTOFF B.M., Morgan CPL G.W. (Source: 8)
19MAR83
   A4-173 flew further paratrooping sorties at Katanning on SASR task. Crew: Munro FLGOFF S.D., Dean PLTOFF W.G., Gardner CPL V.J. (Source: 8)
20MAR83
   A4-173 flew further paratrooping sorties at Katanning on SASR task. Crew: De Kievit FLTLT T.W., Dean PLTOFF W.G., Morgan CPL G.W. (Source: 8)
21MAR83
   A4-173 flew further paratrooping sorties at Katanning on SASR task. Crew: Munro FLGOFF S.D., Heslin PLTOFF B.M., Gardner CPL V.J. (Source: 8)
22MAR83
   A4-173 flew further paratrooping sorties at Katanning on SASR task. Crew: De Kievit FLTLT T.W., Dean PLTOFF W.G., Morgan CPL G.W. (Source: 8)
23MAR83
   A4-173 flew further paratrooping sorties at Katanning on SASR task. Crew #1: Munro FLGOFF S.D., Dean PLTOFF W.G., Gardner CPL V.J. Crew #2: De Kievit FLTLT T.W., Heslin PLTOFF B.M., Morgan CPL G.W. (Source: 8)
24MAR83
   A4-173 flew further paratrooping sorties at Katanning on SASR task. Crew: De Kievit FLTLT T.W., Heslin PLTOFF B.M., Morgan CPL G.W. (Source: 8)
25MAR83
   A4-173 flew further paratrooping sorties at Katanning on SASR task. Crew: De Kievit FLTLT T.W., Heslin PLTOFF B.M., Moore FLTLT D.G. (Source: 8)
27MAR83
   A4-173 flew from Pearce to Kalgoorlie on an Army support task. Crew: De Kievit FLTLT T.W., Heslin PLTOFF B.M., Morgan CPL G.W. (Source: 8)
30MAR83
   A4-173 flew from Kalgoorlie to Alice Springs via Wittenoom and Newman on an Army support task. Crew: De Kievit FLTLT T.W., Heslin PLTOFF B.M., Morgan CPL G.W. (Source: 8)
31MAR83
   A4-173 flew Alice Springs-Townsville on completion of the SASR paratrooping task. Crew: De Kievit FLTLT T.W., Heslin PLTOFF B.M., Morgan CPL G.W. (Source: 8)
07APR83
   A4-173 flew a continuation training sortie from Townsville. Crew: Cleary SQNLDR P., Munro FLGOFF S.D., Morgan CPL G.W. (Source: 8)
11APR83
   A4-173 flew to Cleveland Bay where they dropped two Air Sea Rescue Kits and four heliboxes for continuation training. Crew: De Kievit FLTLT T.W., Paddon FLTLT W.S., Dean PLTOFF W.G., Morgan CPL G.W. (Source: 8)
13APR83
   A4-173 flew a continuation sortie. Crew: Cleary SQNLDR P., Barrington FLTLT K.E., Davies CPL W.E.H. (Source: 8)
13APR83
   A4-173 flew two continuation sorties. Crew: Paddon FLTLT W.S., Dean PLTOFF W.G., Young CPL J.S. (Source: 8)
28APR83
   A4-173 dropped medicine to HMAS Warrnambool. Crew: De Kievit FLTLT T.W., Heslin PLTOFF B.M., Stone CPL R.J. (Source: 8)
29APR83
   A4-173 flew to Cooktown and Bamaga on an Army support task. Crew: Barrington FLTLT K.E., Honey PLTOFF I.M., Gardner CPL V.J. (Source: 8)
30APR83
   A4-173 flew Bamaga-Murray Island-Thursday Island-Saibai Island-Boigu Island-Thursday Island-Bamaga on an Army support task. Crew: Barrington FLTLT K.E., Honey PLTOFF I.M., Gardner CPL V.J. (Source: 8)
01MAY83
   A4-173 flew Bamaga-Townsville. Crew: Honey PLTOFF I.M., Barrington FLTLT K.E., Gardner CPL V.J. (Source: 8)
03MAY83
   A4-173 flew 18 sorties from Townsville to Woolshed on Army support. Crew: Mears FLTLT J.D., Dean PLTOFF W.G., Gardner CPL V.J. (Source: 8)
06MAY83
   A4-173 flew a test flight from Townsville. Crew: Mears FLTLT J.D., Heslin PLTOFF B.M., Davies CPL W.E.H. (Source: 8)
07MAY83
   A4-173 flew to Cairns to conduct two shuttles to Cooktown on an Army support task before returning to Townsville. Crew: Mears FLTLT J.D., Dean PLTOFF W.G., Davies CPL W.E.H. (Source: 8)
19MAY83
   A4-173 flew an IRT/IRE continuation training sortie. Crew: Cleary SQNLDR P., Barrington FLTLT K.E., Cook FLTLT R.W., Davies CPL W.E.H. (Source: 8)
20MAY83
   A4-173 flew to the Cairns area on a Navy support task. Crew: De Kievit FLTLT T.W., Dean PLTOFF W.G., Stone CPL R.J. (Source: 8)
21MAY83
   A4-173 flew to several Torres Strait islands on an Army support task and returned to Cooktown. Crew: De Kievit FLTLT T.W., Dean PLTOFF W.G., Stone CPL R.J. (Source: 8)
22MAY83
   A4-173 flew to several Torres Strait islands on an Army support task and returned to Townsville. Crew: De Kievit FLTLT T.W., Dean PLTOFF W.G., Stone CPL R.J. (Source: 8)
01JUN83
   A4-173 flew a continuation training sortie to Woolshed and return. Crew: Barrington FLTLT K.E., Heslin PLTOFF B.M., Morgan CPL G.W. (Source: 8)
08JUN83
   A4-173 flew a continuation training sortie to Palm Island and return. Crew: Cleary SQNLDR P., Mears FLTLT J.D., Stone CPL R.J. (Source: 8)
11JUN83
   A4-173 flew a continuation training sortie to Cooktown and return. Crew: Mears FLTLT J.D., Heslin PLTOFF B.M., Young CPL J.S. (Source: 8)
20JUN83
   A4-173 flew a navigation continuation training sortie. Crew: Ellis PLTOFF T.R., Heslin PLTOFF B.M., Stone CPL R.J. (Source: 8)
22JUN83
   A4-173 (with 195) flew a formation continuation training sortie. Crew: Mears FLTLT J.D., Honey PLTOFF I.M., Young CPL J.S. (Source: 8)
23JUN83
   A4-173 flew to Hughenden on a continuation training sortie. Crew: Mears FLTLT J.D., Honey PLTOFF I.M., Young CPL J.S. (Source: 8)
23JUN83
   A4-173 flew two continuation training sorties at Hughenden. Crew: Ellis PLTOFF T.R., Dean PLTOFF W.G., Young CPL J.S. (Source: 8)
24JUN83
   A4-173 flew from Hughenden to Townsville. Crew: Honey PLTOFF I.M., Ellis PLTOFF T.R., Young CPL J.S. (Source: 8)
02JUL83
   A4-173 flew to Mount Isa and return on an RAAF support task. Crew: Heslin PLTOFF B.M., Dean PLTOFF W.G., Young CPL J.S. (Source: 8)
05JUL83
   A4-173 flew Townsville-Coen on a Squadron support sortie. Crew: Honey PLTOFF I.M., Heslin PLTOFF B.M., Young CPL J.S. (Source: 8)
06JUL83
   A4-173 flew Coen-Cooktown-Coen on Exercise Northern Run. Crew: Honey PLTOFF I.M., Heslin PLTOFF B.M., Young CPL J.S. (Source: 8)
07JUL83
   A4-173 flew Coen-Cooktown-Coen on an airdrop sortie for Exercise Northern Run. Crew: White FLTLT P.A., Heslin PLTOFF B.M., Young CPL J.S. (Source: 8)
07JUL83
   A4-173 flew an airdrop sortie in the Coen area for Exercise Northern Run. Crew: Honey PLTOFF I.M., Heslin PLTOFF B.M., Young CPL J.S. (Source: 8)
08JUL83
   A4-173 flew Coen-Townsville. Crew: Cleary SQNLDR P., Paddon FLTLT W.S., Monckton CPL M. W. (Source: 8)
29JUL83
   A4-173 (with 195) flew a formation practice continuation training sortie. Crew: Mears FLTLT J.D., Honey PLTOFF I.M., Stone CPL R.J. (Source: 8)
29JUL83
   A4-173 (with 195) and Iroquois A2-295 & 278 flew a formation practice for the presentation of the Duke of Gloucester Cup to 35SQN. Crew: Mears FLTLT J.D., Honey PLTOFF I.M., Stone CPL R.J. (Source: 8)
01AUG83
   A4-173 (with 195) and Iroquois A2-295 & 278 flew a formation practice for the presentation of the Duke of Gloucester Cup to 35SQN. Crew: Mears FLTLT J.D., Honey PLTOFF I.M., Stone CPL R.J. (Source: 8)
02AUG83
   A4-173 (with 195) and Iroquois A2-279 & 278 flew a formation practice for the presentation of the Duke of Gloucester Cup to 35SQN. Crew: Mears FLTLT J.D., Honey PLTOFF I.M., Stone CPL R.J. (Source: 8)
03AUG83
   A4-173 (with 195) and Iroquois A2-279 & 278 flew a formation practice for the presentation of the Duke of Gloucester Cup to 35SQN. Crew: Mears FLTLT J.D., Honey PLTOFF I.M., Stone CPL R.J. (Source: 8)
04AUG83
   35SQN was presented with the Duke of Gloucester Cup by Sir Ninian Stephen, Governor-General of Australia. The cup is presented annually to the most proficient flying squadron of the RAAF. It was awarded to 35SQN for the period 01JUL81 to 30JUN82. The formation flypast consisted of Caribou A4-173 & A4-195 and Iroquois A2-279 & 278. Crew of A4-173: Mears FLTLT J.D., Honey PLTOFF I.M., Stone CPL R.J. (Source: 8)
07AUG83
   A4-173 flew to Richmond for servicing. Crew: White FLTLT P.A., Barrington FLTLT K.E., Morgan CPL G.W. (Source: 8)
38SQN - RICHMOND
28SEP83
  A4-173 38SQN (with 179, 191, 210, 275, 285) comprising Detachment A departed for Roebourne (NW Aust) to support ODF in Exercise Kangaroo 83. The aircraft arrived at Roebourne on 30SEP83 after overnighting at Ceduna and Meekatharra. Crew: Elliott FLTLT R., Dickeson FLGOFF B., Wilson FLTLT, Ladner SGT. (Source: 9)
03NOV83
  A4-173 flew a training flight to Canberra while carrying 12 passengers to a funeral in Canberra. The crew also conducted a strip survey at Crookwell. Crew: Tasker FLTLT, Turton FLGOFF J., Black FSGT G.D. (Source: 9)
07NOV83
  A4-173 deployed to Williamtown to conduct parachute training for the SASR. A total of 15 sorties were flown from Williamtown and Singleton. The aircraft returned to Richmond on 11NOV83. Crew: Needham FLGOFF, Bennett FLGOFF A., Lock SGT. (Source: 9)
1984
   
31JAN84
  A4-173 carried out an airdrop of 1 CEP and 4 compacts at Oakey for AMTDU. Crew: Ball FLTLT, Donazzan FLTLT P., McGarry WOFF, Millar WOFF. (Source: 9)
06FEB84
  A4-173 carried out a STOL and airways trainer Richmond-East Sale-Richmond returning on 07FEB84. Crew: Woods FLTLT I., Donazzan FLTLT P., McLachlan FSGT R. (Source: 9)
08FEB84
  A4-173 dropped two spheres in VCD trials with HMAS Hobart. Crew: Clarke FLTLT, Donazzan FLTLT P., Morton SGT M. (Source: 9)
17MAR84
   A4-173 (with 140) flew Navy personnel from HS817 from Nowra to Williamtown for Exercise Sea Eagle. Crew: Barry FLGOFF, Roebuck FLGOFF, Hutchinson FSGT G. (Source: 9)
19MAR84
  A4-173 (with 179) deployed to Townsville to compete with 35SQN and 1SQN RNZAF for the Short Haulers Shield. The shield was retained by 1SQN RNZAF. Crew: Clarke FLTLT, Dickeson FLGOFF B., Cartwright SGT T.J. (Source: 9)
27MAR84
   A4-173 flew an instrument trainer to Dubbo and photographed drop zones in the Dubbo area for Exercise Bullseye. Crew: McFarlane FLTLT, Barnsley FLGOFF, Blackman SGT R.J. (Source: 9)
02APR84
  A4-173 (with 179) flew a STOL and tactical navigation trainer with landings at Katoomba, Singleton, Belford Park and Westbrook. Crew: Van Beuningen SQNLDR H., Harrison SQNLDR, Slattery SGT M. (Source: 9)
03APR84
   A4-173 flew the Williamtown courier. Crew: Cassebohm FLTLT, Ball FLTLT, Cartwright SGT T.J. (Source: 9)
28APR84
   A4-173 (with 179 & 191) flew a formation to Holdsworthy for the 1BDE open day. A practice formation was flown on 28APR84 with the open day on 29APR84. Crew: Cassebohm FLTLT, Ball FLTLT, Cartwright SGT T.J. (Source: 9)
08MAY84
   A4-173 carried out static line parachuting from Singleton to Lake Liddell in support of the Infantry Centre. Crew: Clarke FLTLT, King FLGOFF M., Lock SGT, Davis SGT. (Source: 9)
13MAY84
   A4-173 flew freefall parachute training from Singleton. Crew: Tasker FLTLT, Blake FLTLT A., McLachlan FSGT R., Howarth SGT. (Source: 9)
20MAY84
   A4-173 deployed to Singleton until 25MAY84 to support a freefall parachuting course. Crew: Huish FLTLT, Burns FLTLT D., Williams PLTOFF R., Peddell SGT L. (Source: 9)
28MAY84
   A4-173 deployed to Singleton until 29MAY84 to carry out day and night freefall sorties to Saltash and Singleton drop zones. Crew: Burns FLTLT D., Vincent FLTLT D., Slattery SGT M., Blackman SGT R.J. (Source: 9)
11JUN84
   A4-173 flew 13 Portsea cadets from Tyabb to Hobart where the aircraft remained on a STOL trainer until 14JUN84. Crew: Tasker FLTLT, King FLGOFF M., Hutchinson FSGT G. (Source: 9)
16JUN84
   A4-173 flew from Hobart to Tyabb with 16 passengers and then carried stores from Albury to Edinburgh and from Edinburgh to Richmond. Crew: Bennett FLGOFF A., Ford PLTOFF, Cartwright SGT T.J. (Source: 9)
25JUN84
   A4-173 carried out a tactical trainer at Dubbo until 27JUN84. Crew: Barry FLGOFF, King FLGOFF M., Howarth SGT, Huish FLTLT, Vincent FLTLT D., Ladner SGT. (Source: 9)
06JUL84
   A4-173 "The 21SQN aircraft" was flown to Laverton returning on 08JUL84. Crew: Donazzan FLTLT P., Vincent FLTLT D., Cartwright SGT T.J. (Source: 9)
12JUL84
   A4-173 flew two shuttles from Singleton to Nowra to transport the Fiji Rugby Team. Crew: Barry FLGOFF, Williams PLTOFF R., Waugh FSGT P. (Source: 9)
07AUG84
   A4-173 (with 164) flew to Rockhampton and the Shoalwater Bay area on conversion course training in off airways and tactical navigation and STOL operations. Crew: McGillivray FLTLT H., Hall FLGOFF G.D., Black FSGT G.D. (Source: 9)
14AUG84
   A4-173 flew three airdrop operations (each of three A22 containers) in support of AMTDU at the Londonderry drop zone. Crew: Barry FLGOFF, King FLGOFF M., Knudsen WOFF C., Hill FSGT, Cartwright SGT T.J. (Source: 9)
05SEP84
   A4-173 flew the Canberra courier service overnighting at Laverton and returning to Richmond on 06SEP84. Crew: Harrison SQNLDR, Hall FLGOFF G.D., Peddell SGT L. (Source: 9)
13SEP84
   A4-173 flew in support of the Roulettes and conducted a handling display at Moree for the Moree Agricultural Society Show. The task took them to Cowra, Williamtown, Moree, East Sale and back to Richmond. Crew: Elliott FLTLT R., Tomlinson FLTLT C., Black FSGT G.D. (Source: 9)
04OCT84
   A4-173 flew to Williamtown for PTS to conduct ground static line training. Crew: Borysewicz SQNLDR R.A., Donazzan FLTLT P., Davis SGT . (Source: 9)
16OCT84
   A4-173 flew to Brymaroo DZ to drop two A22s in support of an AMTDU UEO course. Crew: Joynson FLTLT, King FLGOFF M., Waugh FSGT P. (Source: 9)
17OCT84
   A4-173 conducted a LAPES sortie at Oakey in support of an AMTDU Unit Emplaning Officers (UEO) course and transported a Land Rover to Amberley before returning to Richmond. Crew: Harrison SQNLDR, Bennett FLGOFF A., McLachlan FSGT R., Peddell SGT L. (Source: 9)
18OCT84
   A4-173 flew Singleton to Nowra. Crew: Woods FLTLT I., Williams PLTOFF R., Stone FSGT. (Source: 9)
19OCT84
   A4-173 conveyed 16 Army Reservists from Geelong and Holsworthy to Laverton. During the return flight to Richmond a cabin heater backfire caused a diversion to Wagga. The passengers were carried to Richmond by A4-179 and A4-173 returned to Richmond that night. Crew: Joynson FLTLT, Vincent FLTLT D., Davis SGT. (Source: 9)
24OCT84
   A4-173 flew the Canberra Courier Service. Crew: Mayhew SQNLDR, Harrison SQNLDR, Hall FLGOFF G.D., Black FSGT G.D. (Source: 9)
01NOV84
   A4-173 flew the first Singleton-Nowra service of the month. Crew: Woods FLTLT I., Hall FLGOFF G.D., Hutchinson FSGT G. (Source: 9)
20NOV84
   A4-173 flew a Nowra-Williamtown shuttle. Crew: Glynn FLGOFF, Richman PLTOFF I., Peddell SGT L. (Source: 9)
07DEC84
   A4-173 flew to Laverton for 21SQN support returning on 09DEC84. Crew: Dickeson FLGOFF B., King FLGOFF M., Slattery SGT M. (Source: 9)
1985
    
16JAN85
   A4-173 flew this week's Canberra service. Crew: Adams FLTLT, Muffett FLGOFF P., Stone FSGT. (Source: 9)
18JAN85
   A4-173 flew this week's Nowra-Williamtown service. Crew: Woods FLTLT I., Gordon FLGOFF J.R., Stone FSGT. (Source: 9)
21JAN85
   A4-173 flew this week's Williamtown-Nowra service. Crew: Blake FLTLT A., Richman PLTOFF I., Hutchinson FSGT G. (Source: 9)
26JAN85
   A4-173 flew an off-airways trainer to Edinburgh returning on 27JAN85. Crew: Elliott FLTLT R., Muffett FLGOFF P., Gordon FLGOFF J.R. (Source: 9)
31JAN85
   A4-173 flew to Laverton transporting Navy officers. Crew: Donazzan FLTLT P., Muffett FLGOFF P., Morton SGT M. (Source: 9)
06FEB85
   A4-173 flew the weekly Canberra service returning on 07FEB85. Crew: Blake FLTLT A., Richman PLTOFF I., Kozey FSGT J. (Source: 9)
12FEB85
   A4-173 carried out airdrops at Oakey as part of an AMTDU exercise. Crew: Harrison SQNLDR, Borysewicz SQNLDR R.A., Breakspear WOFF B., Morton SGT M. (Two SQNLDRs!). (Source: 9)
25FEB85
   Photographs depict a suitably decorated A4-173 as a backdrop to celebrations to mark the 21st anniversary of RAAF Caribou operations. The anniversary would have fallen on this date but there is no mention of the ceremony in the 38SQN ORB.
01MAR85
   A4-173 flew to Laverton for servicing by 22SQN. Crew: Dickeson FLGOFF B., Muffett FLGOFF P., Waugh FSGT P. (Source: 9)
06MAR85
   A4-173 (with 199) conducted three weeks of freefall parachute training at the Saltash DZ for the PTS, returning to Richmond on 22MAR85. Crew: non-specific. (Source: 9)
27MAR85
   A4-173 flew the Canberra Courier Service returning on 28MAR85. Crew: Donazzan FLTLT P., Hall FLGOFF G.D., Hutchinson FSGT G. (Source: 9)
29MAR85
   A4-173 flew a low NAV/STOL trainer in the Hunter Valley area. Crew: McGillivray FLTLT H., Secombe FLTLT G.B., Morton SGT M. (Source: 9)
11SEP85
   A4-173 flew the weekly Canberra Courier Service returning on 12SEP85. Crew: Schofield FLTLT A., Banks FLGOFF A.D., Slattery SGT M. (Source: 9)
First mention of A4-173 since 29MAR85.
13SEP85
   A4-173 flew a NAV/STOL trainer to Tasmania in support of the Air Force Association's Battle of Britain anniversary celebrations. The aircraft was flown and also exhibited as a static display on 14SEP85. A STOL trainer was flown on 15SEP85. On the return leg to Richmond on 16SEP85 SQNLDR Elliott completed his 5,000th hour on the Caribou. Crew: Parsons WGCDR W., Elliott SQNLDR R., Haswell FLGOFF G.A., Shaw WOFF A. (Source: 9)
27SEP85
   A4-173 flew Richmond-Nowra-Wliiamtown-Richmond in support of 77SQN. Crew: Dickeson FLGOFF B., Haswell FLGOFF G.A., Ramsay WOFF C. (Source: 9)
02OCT85
   A4-173 flew to Nowra for a BARRA trial which was cancelled by the Navy as the aircraft was overhead Nowra so the aircraft returned to Richmond. Crew: Secombe FLTLT G.B., Gration FLGOFF R.C., Blackman SGT R.J. (Source: 9)
04OCT85
   A4-173 flew a NAV trainer Richmond-Toowoomba-Kempsey-Richmond with CO of 10SU and carried a small amount of freight to Kempsey in support of Exercise Coral Sea. Crew: McGillivray FLTLT H., Haswell FLGOFF G.A., Young FLTSGT J. (Source: 9)
09OCT85
   A4-173 flew to Bankstown for an R3 service. Crew: Vincent FLTLT D., Brick FLGOFF D., Ramsay WOFF C. (Source: 9)
28OCT85
   A4-173 flew a post R3 test flight at Hawker de Havilland, Bankstown. The aircraft was assessed as serviceable and returned to Richmond. Crew: Blake FLTLT A., McKean FLTLT G.S., Blackman SGT R.J. (Source: 9)
31OCT85
   A4-173 flew to Laverton to participate in the Port Phillip Bay Day celebrations as part of Victoria's 150th anniversary. The task involved a static line para sortie with six commandos from 2CDO Company, Melbourne. The aircraft returned to Richmond on 03NOV85. Crew: Blake FLTLT A., Banks FLGOFF A.D., Black FSGT G.D. (Source: 9)
04NOV85
   A4-173 (with 231) flew to Amberley to transport members of the Naval Staff College to Williamtown. Crew: non-specific. (Source: 9)
08NOV85
   A4-173 flew to position 35.00S 151.40E to carry out VCD trials with HMAS Stuart. Crew: Ford PLTOFF, Ward FLGOFF R., Morton SGT M. (Source: 9)
11NOV85
   A4-173 flew to Williamtown on Hornet support and returned with six senior officers for a dining out at Richmond. Crew: King FLGOFF M., Burge FLGOFF A., Blackman SGT R.J. (Source: 9)
    ORB pages for DEC85 are missing.
1986
    
21APR86
   A4-173 flew Pearce-Ceduna where it overnighted and departed for Richmond on 22APR86. A4-173 had been with 2FTS SAR Flight until relieved by A4-164 on 17APR86. Crew: Haswell FLGOFF G.A., Gration FLGOFF R.C., Greenacre FSGT R.E. (Source: 9)
15MAY86
   A4-173 and 8 squadron personnel were deployed to the Shoalwater Bay training area for the live firing Exercise Tasman Link 86 operating from Williamson Airfield. On the last day of the exercise the aircraft's nosewheel failed to extend and had to be lowered with the emergency air bottle. The aircraft was repaired at Townsville before returning to Richmond on 25MAY86. Crew: (only 7 are listed) Hall FLGOFF G.D., Gordon FLGOFF J.R., Richman PLTOFF I., Kozey FSGT J., Watson NCOCDT T., Harrison LAC N., Roache LAC M. (Source: 9)
01JUL86
   A4-173 was test flown after an R2 service at Hawker de Havilland Bankstown. It was declared serviceable and flown to Richmond. Crew: Blake FLTLT A., Banks FLGOFF A.D., Greenacre FSGT R.E. (Source: 9)
06JUL86
   A4-173 arrived at Townsville on detachment of aircraft and crew from 38SQN to 35SQN for Exercise Maxi Beagle (07-22JUL86). During the exercise, Caribou were required to land on roads and paddocks which had been made into makeshift airstrips. Crew (38SQN): FLGOFF R.H. Williams, FLGOFF G.D. Hall & FSGT R.E. Greenacre. (Source: 8)
28JUL86
   A4-173 flew to Woomera via Broken Hill to position a replacement TACAN. The aircraft then flew to Edinburgh where SQNLDR Coulson of ARDU completed a series of test flights to investigate the Caribou's performance in the STOL configuration. The aircraft then flew to Woomera to collect the replaced TACAN before returning to Richmond on 31JUL86. Crew: Carroll SQNLDR G.V., Innes SQNLDR D., Schofield FLTLT A., Cartwright SGT T.J. (Source: 9)
04AUG86
   A4-173 flew to Williamtown for land and sea SAREX sorties. Inclement weather prevented fighter evasion training. A4-173 was replaced by A4-236 later in the exercise which concluded on 05AUG86. Crew: Tomlinson FLTLT C., Shaw FLGOFF T., Haswell FLGOFF G.A., Ward SGT D.S. (Source: 9)
12AUG86
   A4-173 was ferried to Bankstown. A subsequent air test on A4-275 was cancelled and the crew returned to Richmond by car. Crew: Woods FLTLT I., Gordon FLGOFF J.R., Black FSGT G.D. (Source: 9)
26NOV86
   A4-173 flew a post Depot Level Maintenance air test at Hawker de Havilland Bankstown, As the aircraft had only minor unserviceabilities it was accepted and returned to Richmond. Crew: Secombe FLTLT G.B., Jackson PLTOFF S., Cartwright SGT T.J. (Source: 9)
10DEC86
   A4-173 flew to Moruya as part of the 38SQN deployment exercise returning on 11DEC86. Crew: Weekes WGCDR G.D., Brick FLGOFF D., Cartwright SGT T.J. (Source: 9)
16DEC86
   A4-173 flew to Karringal for right seat training before overnighting at Wagga. On 17DEC86 a Snowy Mountains Trainer was flown, returning to Richmond on 18DEC86. Crew: Carroll SQNLDR G.V., Burns FLTLT D., Haswell FLGOFF G.A., Dawson SGT D.M. (Source: 9)
1987
   
04FEB87
   A4-173 flew the Canberra Courier with up to 19 pax on some sectors. The aircraft returned to Richmond on 05FEB87. Crew: Weekes WGCDR G.D., Crouch FLTLT W.J., Ward SGT D.S. (Source: 9)
25FEB87
   A4-173 flew the Canberra Courier Service. The aircraft went u/s at Wagga where it overnighted on 25FEB87. After flying a reduced service the aircraft returned to Richmond on 26FEB87. Crew: Burns FLTLT D., Secombe FLTLT G.B., Charters PLTOFF B.A., Blackman SGT R.J. (Source: 9)
27FEB87
   A4-173 flew Richmond-Williamtown-Canberra-Wagga-Laverton for 21SQN support and F-18 Moorabbin air show support returning via the same route to Richmond on 02MAR87. Crew: Carroll SQNLDR G.V., Borysewicz SQNLDR R.A., Dawson SGT D.M. (Source: 9)
04MAR87
   A4-173 flew static line parachuting sorties on to Rickaby's Creek DZ on the northern side of Richmond airfield. Five sorties were flown before weather stopped operations. Crew: Parnell FLGOFF G.C., Kilshaw PLTOFF A., Doyle FSGT D., Carroll SGT I. (Source: 9)
04MAR87
   A4-173 flew to Nowra and return in support of No 2/87 Military Free Fall Course. Bad weather prevented flying on 05MAR87 but six sorties were flown on 06MAR87. Crew: Ward FLGOFF R., Brand FLTLT S., Blackman SGT R.J. (Source: 9)
09MAR87
   A4-173 flew to Nowra and commenced free fall parachute sorties for No 1/87 Free Fall Course. A4-173 went u/s on 11MAR87 and was replaced by A4-299 which also went u/s. Operations concluded on 14MAR87. Crew: Gration FLGOFF J.R., Beukers FLGOFF A.P., Dawson SGT D.M. (Source: 9)
12MAR87
   A4-173 flew Nowra-Richmond. The aircraft had suffered a previous brake problem. Crew: Gordon FLGOFF J.R., Beukers FLGOFF A.P., Dawson SGT D.M. (Source: 9)
16MAR87
   A4-173 flew to Bathurst for night training. Crew: Burns FLTLT D., Beukers FLGOFF A.P., Kozey FSGT J. (Source: 9)
20MAR87
   A4-173 flew to Puckapunyal for paratrooping operations, returning on 22MAR87. Crew: Barnsley FLGOFF , Kidd FLGOFF A.J., Millar WOFF. (Source: 9)
30MAR87
   A4-173 flew in support of Operation Raleigh from Laverton, Welshpool, Stawell and Ouyen. The operation concluded on 01APR87 and the crew was entertained at a BBQ by the National Safety Council. Crew: Secombe FLTLT G.B., Beukers FLGOFF A.P., Dawson SGT D.M. (Source: 9)
02APR87
   A4-173 flew a Department of Air Force Safety Team to Tenterfield to investigate the crash of F-111C A8-128 on 02APR87. The aircraft returned to Richmond the same day. Crew: Brick FLGOFF D., Fallins FLGOFF P., Knudsen WOFF C. (Source: 9)
04APR87
   A4-173 flew to Singleton to convey 12 pax to Canberra. Crew: Fallins FLGOFF P., Brick FLGOFF D., Knudsen WOFF C. (Source: 9)
08APR87
   A4-173 flew to Cougar, Hunters Vale and Westbrook as part of a TAC/NAV STOL trainer as part of the No 1/87 Caribou Conversion Course. Crew: Naughton FLTLT D., Doughton FLTLT B., Conners PLTOFF A.J., Jokai SGT S., Moellers SGT J. (Source: 9)
15APR87
   A4-173 flew an abbreviated Canberra Courier Service deleting stops at Nowra and Puckapunyal. The aircraft overnighted Laverton. Crew: Parnell FLGOFF G.C., Doughton FLTLT B., Jokai SGT S. (Source: 9)
21APR87
   A4-173 flew to Stawell, Edinburgh, Ouyen and return. Airstrips at Victoria Valley near Stawell and Linga near Ouyen were surveyed for future tasks on Operation Raleigh. The aircraft returned on 22APR87. Crew: Ward SGT D.S., Jackson PLTOFF S., Dawson SGT D.M. (Source: 9)
23APR87
   A4-173 flew locally and to Sydney for FLGOFF Haswell's IRT. Crew: Naughton FLTLT D., Haswell FLGOFF G.A., Doyle FSGT D. (Source: 9)
27APR87
   A4-173 flew to Bathurst and Canberra for SQNLDR Carroll's IRT. Numerous approaches were flown. Crew: Naughton FLTLT D., Carroll SQNLDR G.V., Doyle FSGT D. (Source: 9)
28APR87
   A4-173 flew to Canberra to transport Commander TAC Transport Group plus entourage to Canberra. The aircraft then flew a STOL trainer to Rolo Flats and Talbingo returning to Canberra on 29APR87. Crew: Burns FLTLT D., Jackson PLTOFF S., Charters PLTOFF B.A., Young FLTSGT J. (Source: 9)
35SQN - TOWNSVILLE
11JUN87
   A4-191 flew Townsville-Richmond for an aircraft changeover to A4-173 which arrived in Townsville via Cessnock and Roma on 12JUN87. Crew: Shaw FLGOFF P.J., McGarry FLGOFF J., Slattery WOFF M. (Source: 8)
16AUG87
   A4-173 flew to Innisfail to support 2SQN SASR in paratrooping at Tully River Station until 19AUG87. Crew: Barrington FLTLT K.E., Pinney FLGOFF S., Oborn FLGOFF, Hollingsworth SGT K. and from 18-19AUG87: Shaw FLGOFF T.R., McDougall FLGOFF G.A. (Source: 8)
(This is the first mention of 173 since 11JUN87).
20AUG87
   A4-173 flew to Yorke Island with four 20 x 30 tents. The aircraft overnighted and returned to Townsville on 21AUG87. Crew: Pinney FLGOFF S., Dalton FLGOFF B., Watson SGT T. (Source: 8)
25AUG87
   A4-173 flew Townsville-Horn Island-Yorke Island-Coen-Cairns-Townsville in support of the Torres Strait Islands Consultative Committee on 25-26AUG87. Crew: Tait SQNLDR J.B., Watson WGCDR, Watson SGT T. (Source: 8)
15SEP87
   A4-173 flew to Mackay and return on an IRT training sortie. Crew: Tait SQNLDR J.B., McDougall FLGOFF G.A., Watson SGT T. (Source: 8)
24SEP87
   A4-173 flew to Willis Island and dropped one storpedo and four heliboxes to the Met Station. A SAREX was conducted on the return leg to Townsville. Crew: Shaw FLGOFF T.R., Pinney FLGOFF S., Hollingsworth SGT K. (Source: 8)
25SEP87
   A4-173 (with 195) operated out of Chillagoe supporting the 42RQR annual training camp. Shuttles were conducted between Chillagoe, Bolwarra, Torwood, Bulimba and Gamboola. Crew #1 (25SEP87) Pinney FLGOFF S., McGarry FLGOFF J., Monckton CPL M. W. Crew #2 (26-28SEP87) Oborn FLGOFF, Dalton FLGOFF B., Monckton CPL M. W.
26SEP87
   A4-173 (with 152 & 236 from 38SQN) deployed to Maitland Downs as part of the 6BDE Exercise Diamond Dollar from 26SEP87 to 28OCT87. Although heavily tasked, the Caribou maintained excellent serviceability. Crew: non-specific. (Source: 8)
27SEP87
   A4-173 (with 195) flew 51FNQR troops from Heathlands to Cairns. Crew: Oborn FLGOFF, Dalton FLGOFF B., Monckton CPL M. W. (Source: 8)
10NOV87
   A4-173 conducted an airdrop sortie of two compacts of water and rations on the Cowley Beach Firing Range returning to Townsville on the same day. Crew: Shaw FLGOFF P.J., McDougall FLGOFF G.A., Watson SGT T. (Source: 8)
13NOV87
   A4-173 joined up with the Southern Cross replica and escorted the aircraft into Charters Towers for an RFDS reception. Crew: Shaw FLGOFF P.J., Pinney FLGOFF S., Slattery WOFF M. On 15NOV87 the Southern Cross flew over Townsville escorted by A4-152. (Source: 8)
13NOV87
   A4-173 departed Townsville on the "Rocky Horror" but shut down an engine on climb and returned to Townsville. The task was resumed one hour later with A4-195. Crew: McGarry FLGOFF J., Shaw FLGOFF P.J., Hollingsworth SGT K. (Source: 8)
17NOV87
   A4-173 (with 152) flew tropical training operations in PNG. A4-173 went u/s with engine problems in Madang. Crew: non-specific. (Source: 8)
20NOV87
   A4-228 flew to Madang with an engine and parts for A4-173. (Source: 8)
A4-173's return to service is not recorded.
08DEC87
   A4-173 operated the last Cairns courier for the year. Crew: McDougall FLGOFF G.A., Dalton FLGOFF B., Watson SGT T. (Source: 8)
10DEC87
   A4-173 flew four shuttles to Palm Island to collect the wreckage of Hornet A21-104. The local community provided valuable assistance in loading the aircraft. Crew: Barrington FLTLT K.E., McGarry FLGOFF J., Trigge FLGOFF P., Watson SGT T. (Source: 8)

Hornet A21-104 was the first RAAF Hornet to be lost. The aircraft crashed at Great Palm Island on 18NOV87 claiming the life of the pilot FLGOFF Rick Jefferies.
1988
    
19JAN88
   A4-173 flew to Cairns, returning the next day. Crew: McDougall FLGOFF G.A., Dalton FLGOFF B., Morton FSGT M. (Source: 8)
25JAN88
   A4-173 (with 228) participated in a formation practice from Richmond. Crew: non-specific. (Source: 8)
26JAN88
   A4-173 (with 228) and eight 35SQN Iroquois participated in the Australia Day flypast of 147 military aircraft over Sydney Harbour. Both Caribou returned to Townsville on 27JAN88. Crew: non-specific. (Source: 8)
12FEB88
   A4-173 positioned to Broome via Mount Isa to conduct coastal surveillance flights on behalf of Coastwatch Broome for the period 14-16FEB88. Three sorties were flown through the King Sound area with no major sightings. Additional observers were provided by the Federal Police. The aircraft was released on 15FEB88 returning to Townsville via Darwin on 16FEB88. Crew: Honey PLTOFF I.M., McGarry FLGOFF J., Watson SGT T., Larkin CPL S., Davies LAC C.A. (Source: 8)
22FEB88
   A4-173 flew to PNG to position a crew for five days of tropical training. A4-228 was used in country. Crew: Barrington FLTLT K.E., Van Beuningen SQNLDR H., McDougall FLGOFF G.A., Slattery WOFF M. (Source: 8)
24FEB88
   A4-173 flew PNG-Townsville in the hands of the crew who had flown A4-228 to PNG on a tropical trainer on 18FEB88. Crew: Watson WGCDR, Pyers FLTLT R.R.J., Hyde MAJ M., Dalton FLGOFF B., Dawson SGT D. (Source: 8)
26FEB88
   A4-173 (with 195) flew to Cairns to transport 60 officers of 1LSG to Cooktown. The aircraft returned to Townsville on 27FEB88. Crew: Honey PLTOFF I.M., Pinney FLGOFF S., Dawson SGT D. (Source: 8)
38SQN - RICHMOND
28FEB88
   A4-173 was ferried from Townsville to Richmond. Availability was offered to Air Movements and this was well utilised with 13 Army pax to Rockhampton and numerous pax from Exercise Brolga Country to Amberley and Richmond. Crew: Ward SGT D.S., Doughton FLTLT B., Hoffman SGT P. (Source: 9)
05MAR88
   A4-173 was flown to Richmond by a 38SQN crew. (Source: 8)
Note: Conflicts with Source 9 above.
10MAR88
   A4-173 flew an instrument trainer Williamtown-Taree-Coffs Harbour-Armidale-Richmond. Crew: Parnell FLGOFF G.C., Keir FLGOFF M., Hoffman SGT P. (Source: 9)
31MAR88
   A4-173 flew Richmond-Coffs Harbour-Coolangatta-Amberley to carry members of 38SQN on a four-day Easter vacation. The weather en route required approaches to the minima at Coolangatta and Amberley at night. Floods and rain predominated over the Easter break and Amberley was flooded. The aircraft returned to Richmond on 04APR88. Crew: Doughton FLTLT B., Keir FLGOFF M., Ward SGT D.S. (Source: 9)
04MAY88
   A4-173 flew 7 day and 4 night para sorties at Londonderry DZ for 3RAR. Crew: Haswell FLGOFF G.A., Doughton FLTLT B., Greenacre FSGT R.E. Keir FLGOFF M. replaced Doughton FLTLT B. on the last four sorties. (Source: 9)
05MAY88
   A4-173 flew an IRT sortie with approaches at Sydney, West Maitland and Richmond. The primary task was to convey AIRCDRE O'Brien from Williamtown to Richmond. Crew: Woods FLTLT I., Kidd FLGOFF A.J., Gill FSGT D. (Source: 9)
08MAY88
   Both QAM Caribou, A4-173 and A4-159 were together on the ground at Maroochydore.
A4-173 (with 159) flew to Toowoomba on an instrument trainer. On 09MAY88 both aircraft flew two shuttles Toowoomba-Wide Bay carrying 92 pax from 10SU. Both aircraft then flew to Maroochydore to refuel before returning to Richmond in company. However A4-159 developed an ignition fault in the right engine so A4-173 proceeded to Richmond. A4-159 was u/s for two days at Maroochydore until rescue arrived on 11MAY88. Crew: Fallins FLGOFF P., Hannah FLGOFF A., Holst SGT K., Brady OFFCDT P. (Source: 9)
13MAY88
   A4-173 flew to Nowra in support of the PTS but the aircraft went u/s and was replaced by A4-299. Crew: Haswell FLGOFF G.A., Hannah FLGOFF A., Doyle FSGT D. (Source: 9)
09JUN88
   A4-173 flew to Goondiwindi via Amberley to position for two shuttles to Wide Bay. Two loads of Army Reserve troops were moved under cover of darkness to a strip in the Wide Bay training area. The aircraft returned to Richmond on 11JUN88. Crew: Burns FLTLT D., Jackson PLTOFF S., Hoffman SGT P. (Source: 9)
14JUN88
   A4-173 flew Richmond-Inverell-Richmond. Crew: Crouch FLTLT W.J., Eccles PLTOFF J., Moellers SGT J. (Source: 9)
14JUN88
   A4-173 flew Williamtown-Sydney with 15 press and PR civilians who had earlier been flown to Williamtown in A4-179 for a briefing on Exercise Pitch Black. A4-179 went u/s and was replaced by A4-173 for the return flight. Crew: Crouch FLTLT W.J., Eccles PLTOFF J., Moellers SGT J. (Source: 9)
24JUN88
   A4-173 flew from Richmond to the Londonderry DZ for one LAPES drop before returning to Richmond. Crew: Parnell FLGOFF G.C., Patterson FLGOFF S.J., Hutchinson FSGT G., Greenacre FSGT R.E. (Source: 9)
90
   A4-173 was noted with 38SQN in 1990.
QAM
    Although A4-173 had been allocated to the Australian War Memorial, the aircraft was subjected to the RATS program (Reduce Aircraft To Spares).
11OCT01
   Sold to QAM.
02FEB02
   Rear fuselage removed at Amberley and trucked to Caloundra.
30APR02
   Remainder of aircraft arrived at Caloundra.
09OCT02
   A pair of wings, a fin and a tailplane arrived at Caloundra by road from RAAF Richmond. These components were removed (by Qantas) from A4-164.
23MAR10
   The forward fuselage of A4-159 was purchased from Pacific Hunter Aviation Pty Ltd and transported from the fire dump at Brisbane Airport to QAM at Caloundra. The remainder of the airframe was scrapped by Pacific Hunter Aviation. The forward fuselage will provide cockpit parts for A4-173 and eventually it will be restored as a theatrette.
03NOV10
   The Sunshine Coast Branch of the Vietnam Veterans Association placed a plaque near the nosewheel of A4-173. The plaque is "Dedicated to all those Royal Australian Air Force personnel who lost their lives on operations and in honour of all who served in Vietnam". The dedication ceremony was conducted by Padre Arthur Fry.
27APR17
   The starboard main undercarriage leg, wheels and doors were fitted to the aircraft. This marks a significant milestone in the restoration of A4-173. Other undercarriage legs will be fitted progressively.
21SEP17
   The port main undercarriage leg and wheels and the nose undercarriage leg and wheels were fitted. The aircraft now has a proper undercarriage.

 

 

A NOTE ON CREW NAMES
Please note that ranks listed in the above chronology may not reflect subsequent promotions. From 23AUG80 onwards, the presentation of crew names changes to surname first.

 

GLOSSARY
A22 Load between a small compact and a Container (maximum weight of 2200lb) with compressed cardboard base.
AFFITT Airframe Fitter
AIRCDRE Air Commodore
AMTDU Air Mobility Training and Development Unit
AMTS Australian Mechanical Transport Service
ARDU Aircraft Research and Development Unit
ARES Army Reserve
ATC Air Training Corps
BARDIC Manufacturers name of the light used to show a set angle for a visual glideslope. Usually positioned on the left side of the strip about the touchdown point.
BARRA BARRA Sonobuoy
BTY Battery
CAS Chief of Air Staff
CEP Combat Expendable Platform. The biggest of the airdropped loads. A drogue chute is released while flying level at 1000 feet above ground level.
CMF Citizens Military Force
COMPACT Small load probably less than 500lb sent out on a personal parachute. They are usually despatched four at a time.
COMSURV Combat Survival
CONTAINER Larger load which departs the aircraft using a drogue parachute then has multiple chutes to soften the landing. Also has compressed cardboard base.
CPL Corporal
DIZZY LIZZY Helibox used to drop small items such as medical supplies. An expendable cardboard box with fins to induce rotation and slow its descent.
DME Distance Measuring Equipment
DZ Drop Zone
ELECFITT Electrical Fitter
ENGFITT Engine Fitter
FFGP Field Force Group
FISHEX Fisheries Exercise
FLGOFF Flying Officer
FLTENG Flight Engineer
FLTLT Flight Lieutenant
FSGT Flight Sergeant
FTS Flying Training School
GDPLT General Duties Pilot
GHAND General Hand
GPCAPT Group Captain
HELIBOX A small expendable cardboard box with fins to induce rotation and slow its descent. Used for dropping small items such as medical supplies.
HRTA High Range Training Area
IRE Instrument Rating Examination?
IRT Instrument Rating Test
JJCC ? (Caribou at 24NOV74)
LAC Leading Aircraftman
LAPES Low Altitude Parachute Extraction System
LOADM Load Master
LSG Logistic Support Group
LWC Land Warfare Centre (Canungra)
MCT Mutual Continuation Training. Non operational flights for pilot continuation training usually instrument, low level or tactical procedures.
MISCOPUNITS Miscellaneous Operating Units?
NAV Navigation
NCOCDT Non-Commissioned Officer Cadet
OCS Officer Cadet School
OCU Operational Conversion Unit
ODF Operational Deployment Force
PLTOFF Pilot Officer
PTS Parachute Training School
RAR Royal Australian Regiment
RMC Royal Military College
RNZAF Royal New Zealand Air Force
SAR Search and Rescue
SAREX Search and Rescue Exercise
SASR Special Air Service Regiment
SGT Sergeant
SQNLDR Squadron Leader
STOL Short Take Off & Landing
TACAN Tactical Air Navigation
TEWT Tactical Exercise Without Troops
UEO Unit Emplaning Officer
UHF Ultra High Frequency
VCD ? (Caribou at 08FEB84)
VOR Very High Frequency Omni Range
WGCDR Wing Commander
WOFF Warrant Officer
WRAANC Women's Royal Australian Army Nursing Corps

Please note that this Glossary table is common to the Caribou and
Iroquois pages so some terms may not be relevant to both types.

 

FURTHER READING
Barry Ingate was the Loadmaster on A4-173 when it crashed
in Vietnam - BOTH times! Read his story.
Read Jake Jacobsen's comprehensive account of the Hai Yen crash.
Read Jake Jacobsen's comprehensive account of the Ba To crash.
Read the RAAF press release describing the second crash in Vietnam.
Personnel who crewed A4-173 in Vietnam
Airfields in Vietnam visited by A4-173
35 Squadron Vietnam Load Statistics

 

SOURCES
1
 Log Book of FLTLT Ken Stone.
2
 Log Book of WGCDR John Staal, C.O. of No 35 Squadron
3
 Log Book of WGCDR Anthony Eddleston (A216911) held in the QAM Library (Barcode Number 006468).
4
 Log Book of FLGOFF Barrie Brown.
5
 Log Book of FLGOFF F.W. Bill Pike.
6
 An account of the Hai Yen crash compiled by Jake Jacobsen.
7
 An account of the Ba To crash compiled by Jake Jacobsen.
8
 NAA, Series number A9186, RAAF Unit History sheets (Form A50) [Operations Record Book - Forms A50 and A51] Number 35 Squadron Feb 72 - May 88.
9
 NAA, Series number A9186, RAAF Unit History sheets (Form A50) [Operations Record Book - Forms A50 and A51] Number 38 Squadron Sep 82 - Jun 88
10
 NAA, Series number A9186, RAAF Unit History sheets (Form A50) [Operations Record Book - Forms A50 and A51] Number 35 Squadron Sep 64 - Jan 72
11
 Jake Jacobsen.
12
 Log Book of FLTLT Dave Marland.

 

Compiled by Ron Cuskelly

 

 

 

 

ISSUE
DATE
REMARKS
45
01APR24
Added two images of the aircraft at East Sale in 1972 thanks to the Civil Aviation Historical Society. Image 1 Image 2
44
02OCT22
Added an image thanks to Ian Foster.
43
18AUG21
Added an AWM image of A4-173 in the Vung Tau hangar.
Added four air-to-air images of A4-173. See 18OCT68.
42
05MAY21
Added flights from Source: 12. Thanks to Dave Marland.
41
01APR21
Added a list of personnel who crewed A4-173 in Vietnam.
Added a list of airfields in Vietnam visited by A4-173.
40
30MAR21
Added a table of loads carried by A4-173 during the Vietnam war. Also added a table of statistics for 35SQN 1964-1972.
39
22MAR21
Added a reference to RAAF crew flying U.S. Army Caribou during MAY65. Also added a reference to damage by gunfire in OCT65.
38
16MAR21
Major update of the Vietnam years. Virtually every sortie operated by A4-173 in Vietnam 1964-72 is now recorded on this site.
37
19AUG20
Added extensive detail from the 35SQN ORB (Source: 8) and 38SQN ORB (Source: 9). Crew names are included only when it is clear who was flying A4-173. This update was commenced on 08AUG and completed on 19AUG.
36
09JUN20
Added an in-depth account of the Ba To crash on 16AUG66 thanks to Jake Jacobsen. Read the document here.
35
29MAY20
Added an in-depth account of the Hai Yen crash on 07MAY65 thanks to Jake Jacobsen who flew Caribou (including A4-173) in Vietnam. This recent work has highlighted several anomalies in previously published accounts. These anomalies are listed at 07MAY65.
Read the document here.
34
24DEC19
The CH-37 helicopter that assisted in the recovery of A4-173 in MAY 65 is believed to have been CH-37B Mojave 55-0623. Thanks to Rod Cairns for researching this.
33
18SEP19
Added a reference on 04MAR66 with thanks to Bill Pike.
32
10SEP19
Added two images of the aircraft in Vietnam thanks to Gary Kimberley. Image 1 Image 2
31
10JUL19
Added a reference on 10SEP76.
30
25JUN18
Added an account of the Ba To crash on 16AUG66 thanks to Fred Robinson who was on the aircraft at the time.
29
09DEC17
Added a recent image of the aircraft with the second nosewheel fitted. Thanks to Colin Campbell.
28
05NOV17
Added a recent image of the aircraft adorned with wreaths during an ADF Aviation Remembrance Ceremony.
27
31OCT17
Added a recent image of the aircraft with the second nosewheel fitted. Thanks to Dave Geck.
26
22SEP17
Added a recent image of the aircraft with a full undercarriage fitted. Thanks to Angelo Calleja.
25
18JUN17
Added a recent image of the aircraft's cabin and an image of the newly restored nose undercarriage.
24
11JUN17
Added an image of refurbished wheels and tyres which will be fitted to the aircraft. Thanks to David Geck for the picture and the refurbishment.
23
10MAY17
Added a recent image of the aircraft fitted with a proper undercarriage leg. Thanks to Collin Campbell for the image.
22
27NOV16
Added three images of the aircraft during a visit to Maryborough on 27OCT94. Thanks to Shaun Ryan.
Image 1 Image 2 Image 3
21
07OCT16
Added a recent image of the aircraft fitted with a full set of engine cowlings. Thanks to Paul Strike for the cowls and Colin Campbell for the image.
20
20SEP16
Added an image of the aircraft at Port Hedland, WA in March 1981. Thanks to Geoff Goodall for this superb inage.
19
04SEP16
Added a recent image of the aircraft being fitted with engine cowlings. Thanks to Paul Strike for the cowls and Colin Campbell for the image.
18
27MAY16
Added four new images thanks to Peter Murphy. Image 1 Image 2 Image 3 Image 4
17
22APR15
Added details of a flight with HRH The Prince of Wales to Lizard Island in March/April 1979. Thanks to John Staal who was the pilot and C.O. of 35 SQN at the time. Also added two images. Image 1 Image 2
16
02JAN13
Added a reference to A4-173 participating in the relief operation at Darwin after Cyclone Tracy. The period 26DEC74 to 09JAN75 refers. Thanks to Ken Stone for access to his log book.
15
11NOV10
Added reference to a plaque dedication on 03NOV10.
14
30SEP10
Added an image of the recently installed port engine.
13
23MAR10
The nose section of A4-159 has been acquired as a parts source.
12
21DEC09
Added a new image with the rudder attached.
11
12NOV09
Added three images of the restoration progress.
10
14OCT07
Added images of both replacement wings with U.S. Army markings. Images reproduced with permission from the AWM.
9
25APR07
Expanded coverage of the Ba To accident thanks to Rob Solomons.
8
03JUN06
Added more details and photos of the Hai Yen accident thanks to Ron Furze.
7
08JUN03
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