Back to Top
AR banner
Search Tips Advanced Search
Paul McGuiness RAAF Archive
Paul McGuiness is an Australian aviation researcher and historian. Using primary sources he has assembled detailed information on the history of each plane
used by Australians and Australian forces in WWl and WW2, and on personnel involved.

This page contains many names, dates, locations. To help find the one(s) you're interested in, use our Highlighting facility.
Highlighting will ONLY find entries within this specific page.   

History of Australian Military Aviation

First World War

Armstrong Whitworth FK3

Avro 504

Bristol F2b Fighter

Fairey Aviation Model lllD Seaplane

Martinsyde G.100 G 102 Elephant

Maurice Farman S.11 Shorthorn

Royal Aircraft Factory BE2

Royal Aircraft Factory BE12

Royal Aircraft Factory RE.8

Royal Aircraft Factory SE5A Experimental Scout

Sopwith Camel B Series

Sopwith Camel C D E F Series

Sopwith Snipe

Sopwith Scout (Pup)

Sopwith 1½ Strutter

Supermarine Seagull lll

Supermarine Southampton Mk 1

Westland Wapiti


Post First World War

Bristol Bulldog

De Havilland DH.9A

Hawker Demon

Royal Aircraft Factory SE.5A

Avro 504K


Second World War

3 Sqn Gladiators 1940-1941

3 Sqn Gauntlets 1940-1941

10 Sqn Sunderlands

451 Sqn Spitfires Med 43-44 Europe 44-46

452 Sqn Spitfires Europe 41-42

455 Sqn Hampdens 1941-43

458 Sqn Wellingtons

460 Sqn Wellingtons

461 Sqn Sunderlands

462 Sqn Halifax Part 1 MTO

466 Sqn Wellingtons


Further Information:

Aces and Aviators WWl Database

Material Relating to Australia

Plane Types Used By Australian Forces 1918 - Onwards

De Havilland (Airco) DH.9A

Used by: 1 Sqd (Composite) Squadron AAF RAAF; 3 Sqd (Composite) Squadron AAF RAAF: Central Flying School AFC: 1 Service Training School AAF RAAF

The DH.9A was a British single-engined light bomber designed and first used shortly before the end of the First World War. It was a development of the unsuccessful Airco DH.9 bomber, featuring a strengthened structure and, crucially, replacing the under-powered and unreliable inline 6-cylinder Siddeley Puma engine of the DH.9 with the American V-12 Liberty engine.

Colloquially known as the 'Ninak' (from the phonetic alphabet treatment of designation 'nine-A', it served on in large numbers for the Royal Air Force following the end of the war, both at home and overseas, where it was used for colonial policing in the Middle East, finally being retired in 1931. Over 2,400 examples of an unlicensed version, the Polikarpov R-1, were built in the Soviet Union, the type serving as the standard Soviet light bomber and reconnaissance aircraft through the 1920s.

A1-1

00Aug18 Built as Serial H5, one of 200 DH.9A aircraft manufactured by Aircraft Manufacturing Co (Airco) at Hendon, London UK under Contract 35a/1918/C.2105 dated 25 Jul 1918 in the Serial range H1 to H200.

01Feb19 Received by RAF.

04Jun19 One of thirty DH.9A aircraft offered by the UK as part of the Imperial Gift to Australia

00Jan20 Received by No 5 Aircraft Repair Depot at RAF Henlow, Bedfordshire UK for shipment preparation by the Australian Packing Section of 5AD led by Australian AIF Officer Lt George Mackinolty

1920 Arrived at Victoria Docks, Port Melbourne VIC.

1920 Received by the Aeroplane Repair Section (ARS) of Central Flying School (CFS), Australian Flying Corps (AFC) at No 1 Station Point Cook, VIC. Placed in long term storage at the Spotswood Storage Area 7km SW of the Melbourne CBD.

31Mar21 Became part of the Australian Air Force (AAF) on this day.

13Aug21 Became part of the Royal Australian Air Force when the Royal prefix was Gazetted on this day.

00Oct21 At some time after October 1921 the RAF Serial H5 was removed and the new RAAF Serial A1-1 applied on both sides of the rear fuselage.

00Mar24 Withdrawn from storage for assembly and testing by ARS.

04Apr24 Allocated to No 1 Flying Training School (1FTS) at No 1 Station Point Cook.

28Apr24 Allocated to RAAF Experimental Section at Randwick and based at Richmond. Trials fitment of metal fuel connections and flight testing with a Puma Engine.

03May24 Ferried from Point Cook to Richmond by FLTLT Hepburn via Benalla, Wagga Wagga, and Goulburn.

00Jul24 Received by 1FTS.

05Feb26 Slightly damaged during a forced landing at Point Cook. Cadet L.C. Murray uninjured.

10Mar28 Received for reconditioning/overhaul by Pratt Brothers Air Services in Geelong VIC.

02Jun28 Received for use by C Flight, 1 FTS.

12Apr29 Accompanied by A1-5 & A1-7 departed for Alice Springs NT to assist in the search for the missing Kookaburra aircraft in northern Australia. Crewed by pilot O24 FLTLT Charles Eaton and mechanic A479 CPL Phillip Sullivan. Route taken was Mildura, Hawker, Maree, Oodnadatta and Alice Springs.

21Apr29 Whilst engaged in the search operation the engine seized approximately eight miles south of Tennant Creek and during the ensuing dead-stick landing the aircraft crashed in rough country and burst into flames. The aircraft was completely destroyed in the fire but the crew of FLTLT Eaton and CPL Sullivan received only minor injuries and walked back to Tennant Creek. The wreckage was abandoned where it fell.

24Apr29 Air Board Agenda No 1265/29 stated it was impossible to salvage the wreckage given its location and gave approval to strike off charge the airframe and Liberty engine No 93999.

03May29 1FTS advised airframe and engine struck off charge.

A1-2

00Nov18 Built as Serial E793, one of 400 DH.9A aircraft manufactured by Whitehead Aircraft Co Richmond, Surrey UK under Contract AS2341 dated 08Feb 1918 in the serial range E701 to E1100.

00Nov18 Received by RAF.

04Jun19 One of thirty DH.9A aircraft offered by the UK as part of the Imperial Gift to Australia

09Jan20 Received by No 5 Aircraft Repair Depot at RAF Henlow, Bedfordshire UK for shipment preparation by the Australian Packing Section of 5AD led by Australian AIF Officer Lt George Mackinolty

1920 Arrived at Victoria Docks, Port Melbourne VIC.

1920 Received by the Aeroplane Repair Section (ARS) of Central Flying School (CFS), Australian Flying Corps (AFC) at No 1 Station Point Cook, VIC. Placed in long term storage at the Spotswood Storage Area 7km SW of the Melbourne CBD.

31Mar21 Became part of the Australian Air Force (AAF) on this day.

13Aug21 Became part of the Royal Australian Air Force when the Royal prefix was Gazetted on this day.

00Oct21 At some time after October 1921 the RAF Serial E793 was removed and the new RAAF Serial A1-2 applied on both sides of the rear fuselage.

1926 Withdrawn from storage for assembly and testing by No 1 Aircraft Depot at Laverton.

1926 Received by No 1 Flying Training School (1FTS) at No 1 Station Point Cook.

1927 Reconditioned by Mort’s Dock and Engineering Co Ltd, Balmain, NSW.

1927 Received by 1 FTS following reconditioning.

08May27 Crash landed at Canberra airport after practice session for the Opening of Parliament Fly Past. The aircraft was extensively damaged and the pilot PLTOFF S de B Griffith received minor injuries and shock.

13May27 Wreckage transported by rail to the RAAF Experimental Section at Randwick, NSW.

20Mar28 Air Board Agenda No 1054/28 approved conversion to components. Airframe time: 24hrs.

1928 Airframe converted to components and the residue destroyed by fire.

A1-3

00Nov18 Built as Serial E794, one of 400 DH.9A aircraft manufactured by Whitehead Aircraft Co Richmond, Surrey UK under Contract AS.2341 dated 08Feb1918 in the serial range E701 to E1100.

00Nov18 Received by RAF.

04Jun19 One of thirty DH.9A aircraft offered by the UK as part of the Imperial Gift to Australia

03Dec19 Received by No 5 Aircraft Repair Depot at RAF Henlow, Bedfordshire UK for shipment preparation by the Australian Packing Section of 5AD led by Australian AIF Officer Lt George Mackinolty

1920 Arrived at Victoria Docks, Port Melbourne VIC.

1920 Received by the Aeroplane Repair Section (ARS) of Central Flying School (CFS), Australian Flying Corps (AFC) at No 1 Station Point Cook, VIC. Placed in long term storage at the Spotswood Storage Area 7km SW of the Melbourne CBD.

31Mar21 Became part of the Australian Air Force (AAF) on this day.

13Aug21 Became part of the Royal Australian Air Force when the Royal prefix was Gazetted on this day.

00Oct21 At some time after October 1921 the RAF Serial E794 was removed and the new RAAF Serial A1-3 applied on both sides of the rear fuselage.

1924 Withdrawn from storage for assembly and testing by No 1 Aircraft Depot.

1925 Received by No 1 Flying Training School (1FTS) at No 1 Station Point Cook.

01Mar27 Flown to Mascot airport Sydney for overhaul by RAAF Experimental Station at Randwick, Sydney.

1927 Received by C Flight, No 3 (Composite) Squadron at No 2 Station Richmond NSW.

28Apr27 Moved with 3Sqn when the entire squadron was attached to Canberra for one month to support the Parliament House Opening by HRH the Duke of York.

06May27 Undercarriage collapsed following a heavy landing at Canberra. Severe damage to undercarriage, airscrew and lower wing. Pilot PLTOFF S de B Griffith was uninjured. 12 hours accrued since overhaul. Aircraft returned by road to Richmond.

02Nov27 Major overhaul by 3 Sqn.

15Feb28 Accrued total flight time was 23 hours.

10Mar28 Forced landing near Penrith, no damage. Pilot PLTOFF E.V Lachal was uninjured.

14Mar28 Accompanied by A1-4 went to Mascot Airport then flew as escort for Bert Hinkler in his Avro Avian G-EBOV to Canberra for his National Welcome by Prime Minister Bruce. Returned to Richmond on 17Mar.

28Mar28 Flown to QLD by FLGOFF S de B Griffith with A353 LAC L.A Milgate for the 1st Intrastate Army Cooperation exercises with 11th Mixed Brigade at Enoggera Barracks, Brisbane.

30Mar28 Engine failure at Enoggera resulted in forced landing. Significant damage was inflicted on the airframe, the crew of FLGOFF S de B Griffith and an unknown Army Captain received minor injuries.

05Apr28 Aircraft disassembled and packed for rail travel. Returned to Richmond by train.

02Jun28 Air Board Agenda No 1072/28 approved 3 Sqn staff to convert the airframe to components and to destroy the residue by burning. Liberty engine No.62159 returned to 1AD for overhaul. Total airframe time: 72hrs.

00Aug28 3 Sqn advised the airframe converted to components and the residue destroyed by fire.

A1-4

00Nov18 Built as Serial E795, one of 400 DH.9A aircraft manufactured by Whitehead Aircraft Co Richmond, Surrey UK under Contract AS.2341 dated 08Feb1918 in the serial range E701 to E1100.

00Nov18 Received by RAF.

04Jun19 One of thirty DH.9A aircraft offered by the UK as part of the Imperial Gift to Australia

03Dec19 Received by No 5 Aircraft Repair Depot at RAF Henlow, Bedfordshire UK for shipment preparation by the Australian Packing Section of 5AD led by Australian AIF Officer Lt George Mackinolty

1920 Arrived at Victoria Docks, Port Melbourne VIC.

1920 Received by the Aeroplane Repair Section (ARS) of Central Flying School (CFS), Australian Flying Corps (AFC) at No 1 Station Point Cook, VIC. Placed in long term storage at the Spotswood Storage Area 7km SW of the Melbourne CBD.

31Mar21 Became part of the Australian Air Force (AAF) on this day.

13Aug21 Became part of the Royal Australian Air Force when the Royal prefix was Gazetted on this day.

00Oct21 At some time after October 1921 the RAF Serial E795 was removed and the new RAAF Serial A1-4 applied on both sides of the rear fuselage.

00Jan27 Withdrawn from storage for assembly and testing by No 1 Aircraft Depot.

16Feb27 Received by Mort’s Dock and Engineering Co Ltd, Balmain, NSW for complete overhaul.

1927 Received by C Flight, No 1 (Composite) Squadron at No 1 Station RAAF Point Cook VIC.

21Mar27 Forced landing at Point Cook. Crew of FLGOFF H.K. Love and FLTLT H.T Johnston were uninjured.

28Apr27 Moved with 1Sqn when the entire squadron was attached to Canberra for one month to support the Parliament House Opening by HRH the Duke of York.

04May27 Engine failure caused a forced landing at Canberra. Pilot PLTOFF H.D. McGilvery was uninjured and no damage to the aircraft. Engine was changed.

26Nov27 One of nine 1 Sqn aircraft (three DH9, three SE5A and three DH.9A) that flew to Adelaide to participate in the 1927 Adelaide Air Pageant at Parafield Airport.

09Dec27 One of three DH.9As that flew to Adelaide for the unveiling of the Sir Ross Smith Memorial.

16Jan28 Relocated when 1 Sqn was moved from RAAF Point Cook to RAAF Base Laverton VIC.

14Mar28 Total accrued flight time: 106 hours.

23Mar28 Engine change - Liberty No 89603 installed.

04May28 Engine failed at 200ft after take-off at Laverton and during the subsequent crash landing the aircraft hit a pile of rocks causing severe damage. The crew of PLTOFF L.J. Ryan and LAC P. Sullivan received minor injuries and shock.

07May28 The 1st Air Member conducted a Technical Evaluation of the aircraft and engine at 1AD, stated neither the airframe nor engine was economical to repair. Recommended conversion and destruction of the residue.

17May28 Air Board Agenda No 1061/28 gave approval for write-off and conversion to components of the airframe and Liberty engine No.89603. Total airframe time: 115hrs 35min; engine time: 97hrs 12min.

1928 Airframe and engine converted to components and the residue destroyed by fire.

A1-5

10Mar19 Built as Serial E900, one of 400 DH.9A aircraft manufactured by Whitehead Aircraft Co Richmond, Surrey UK under Contract AS.2341 of 08 Feb 1918 in the serial range E701 to E1100.

00Mar19 Received by RAF.

04Jun19 One of thirty DH.9A aircraft offered by the UK as part of the Imperial Gift to Australia

03Dec19 Received by No 5 Aircraft Repair Depot at RAF Henlow, Bedfordshire UK. Prepared for shipment to Australia by the Australian Packing Section of 5AD led by Australian AIF Officer Lt George Mackinolty.

1920 Arrived at Victoria Docks, Port Melbourne VIC.

12Aug20 Received by the Aeroplane Repair Section (ARS) of Central Flying School (CFS), Australian Flying Corps (AFC) at No 1 Station Point Cook, VIC. Placed in long term storage at the Spotswood Storage Area 7km SW of the Melbourne CBD.

31Mar21 Became part of the Australian Air Force (AAF) on this day.

13Aug21 Became part of the Royal Australian Air Force when the Royal prefix was Gazetted on this day.

00Oct21 At some time after October 1921 the RAF Serial E900 was removed and the new RAAF Serial A1-5 applied on both sides of the rear fuselage.

00Jun26 Withdrawn from storage for assembly and testing by No 1 Aircraft Depot.

08Jul26 Received by Mort’s Dock and Engineering Co Ltd, Balmain, NSW for complete overhaul.

00Sep26 Collected from Mort’s and flown to Richmond by a 3 Sqn pilot. Acceptance checks carried out then prepared for ferry back to 1FTS at Point Cook with A1-8.

08Sep26 Received by No 1 Flying Training School at Point Cook.

18Oct26 Modified with fitment of dual controls.

08Jan27 Crash landed at Point Cook after engine failure. Pilot FLGOFF F.W. Ewen was uninjured, total hours 46.

19Jul27 Recommended for overhaul.

09Mar28 Held unserviceable at No 1Aircraft Depot at RAAF Laverton VIC.

1928 Received by RAAF Experimental Station at Randwick NSW for overhaul.

06Apr29 Allocated to and received by C Flight, No 1 (Composite) Squadron at RAAF Laverton VIC.

12Apr29 Accompanied by A1-1 & A1-7, departed for Alice Springs NT to assist in the search for the missing Kookaburra aircraft in northern Australia. Crewed by pilot FLGOFF L.J Ryan and mechanic A330 CPL D.A. Endean. Route taken was Mildura, Hawker, Maree and Oodnadatta.

12May29 Returned to Laverton with a crew of FLGOFF A.G. Gerrand and A366 SGT J.A. Campbell.

13May29 Withdrawn from use by 1Sqn and returned to store.

00Jul29 Received for use by 1FTS at RAAF Point Cook.

00Dec29 Air Board directed that because of the unreliability of the Liberty engines and condition of the airframe the aircraft was not to be flown away from the vicinity of Point Cook aerodrome without express permission.

29Jan30 Air Board Agenda No.1368/30 approved destruction of the airframe and all spares held at the Unit.

00Mar30 Breakdown and destruction by burning completed at 1FTS.

A1-6

00Mar19 Built as Serial E901, one of 400 DH.9A aircraft manufactured by Whitehead Aircraft Co Richmond, Surrey UK under Contract AS.2341 of 08 Feb 1918 in the serial range E701 to E1100.

00Mar19 Received by RAF.

04Jun19 One of thirty DH.9A aircraft offered by the UK as part of the Imperial Gift to Australia

05Dec19 Received by No 5 Aircraft Repair Depot at RAF Henlow, Bedfordshire UK. Prepared for shipment to Australia by the Australian Packing Section of 5AD led by Australian AIF Officer Lt George Mackinolty.

1920 Arrived at Victoria Docks, Port Melbourne VIC.

1920 Received by the Aeroplane Repair Section (ARS) of Central Flying School (CFS), Australian Flying Corps (AFC) at No 1 Station Point Cook, VIC. Placed in long term storage at the Spotswood Storage Area 7km SW of the Melbourne CBD.

31Mar21 Became part of the Australian Air Force (AAF) on this day.

13Aug21 Became part of the Royal Australian Air Force when the Royal prefix was Gazetted on this day.

00Oct21 At some time after October 1921 the RAF Serial E901 was removed and the new RAAF Serial A1-6 applied on both sides of the rear fuselage.

00Mar26 Withdrawn from storage for assembly and testing by No 1 Aircraft Depot.

14Mar26 Flown to Mascot airport Sydney.

19Mar26 Received by RAAF Experimental Station at Randwick NSW for overhaul.

1926 Received by C Flight, No 3 (Composite) Squadron at No 2 Station Richmond NSW.

25Oct26 Light damage from heavy landing at Richmond. Pilot PLTOFF S de B Griffith suffered minor contusions and shock.

23Nov27 On a non-stop flight from Brisbane to Richmond the propeller began to vibrate dangerously after passing shores of Lake Wallis NSW and during the final approach struck a fence which then caused a crash landing. Lower wing, airscrew, undercarriage and fuselage received medium to severe damage. The crew of FLGOFF Augenson and A408 FSGT C.R Hackfarth were uninjured.

24Nov27 The crew remained on the property until a logging punt was arranged to assist in the aircraft salvage. Aircraft was then taken down-river to Tuncurry where it was disassembled, packed and placed on a coastal steamer for shipment to Sydney thence by road back to Richmond.

02Feb28 Under rebuild at 3Sqn.

15Feb28 Total flight time: 167 hours.

00Sept28 Withdrawn from use by 3 Sqn and placed in storage awaiting direction.

05Dec28 Subject to Technical Survey by the 1st Air Member (AIRCDR R. Williams), recommended conversion of the airframe as it was uneconomical to repair. The engine and instruments to be returned to store.

07Dec28 Air Board Agenda No 1188/28 approved conversion to components. Total airframe time: 205hrs.

1929 Airframe converted to components and the residue destroyed by fire.

A1-7

00Mar19 Built as Serial E903, one of 400 DH.9A aircraft manufactured by Whitehead Aircraft Co Richmond, Surrey UK under Contract AS.2341 of 08 Feb 1918 in the serial range E701 to E1100.

00Mar19 Received by RAF.

04Jun19 One of thirty DH.9A aircraft offered by the UK as part of the Imperial Gift to Australia

00Jan20 Received by No 5 Aircraft Repair Depot at RAF Henlow, Bedfordshire UK. Prepared for shipment to Australia by the Australian Packing Section of 5AD led by Australian AIF Officer Lt George Mackinolty.

1920 Arrived at Victoria Docks, Port Melbourne VIC.

1920 Received by the Aeroplane Repair Section (ARS) of Central Flying School (CFS), Australian Flying Corps (AFC) at No 1 Station Point Cook, VIC. Placed in long term storage at the Spotswood Storage Area 7km SW of the Melbourne CBD.

31Mar21 Became part of the Australian Air Force (AAF) on this day.

13Aug21 Became part of the Royal Australian Air Force when the Royal prefix was Gazetted on this day.

00Oct21 At some time after October 1921 the RAF Serial E903 was removed and the new RAAF Serial A1-7 applied on both sides of the rear fuselage.

1924 Received by Aircraft Repair Section at No 1 Flying Training School (1FTS) RAAF Point Cook for assembly and testing.

00Nov24 Received for use by C Flight, 1FTS.

10Dec24 This aircraft was the 2nd in a formation of three to land at Flemington Racecourse and had observed the leader’s aircraft crash while attempting to land (see A1-26). Pilot FLGOFF L.J Balderstone elected to land cross-wind down the length of the Racecourse Flat to avoid his leader’s plight but unfortunately for him two training tracks crossed the intended landing area at different heights. Predictably, the aircraft nosed over when it met the training tracks and came to rest inverted, causing serious damage to the aircraft and much to the delight of workers in the area who had already witnessed one prang.

11Dec24 A recovery crew from Point Cook partially disassembled the aircraft and transported it back to ARS on a Crossley Tender.

13Apr26 While on a cross-country Navex from Point Cook to Deniliquin NSW an engine failure caused a forced landing in a field near Rochester, 180km north of Melbourne. Cadet G. Jenkins was unhurt. Aircraft received minor damage and was repaired in-situ by a crew from 1FTS. Total airframe time: 129hrs.

23Jun26 Damaged in a forced landing at Point Cook. Pilot FLGOFF V.E Kennedy was uninjured.

01Jul26 Returned to 1FTS operations after repair.

19Jul27 Recommended for overhaul.

25Aug27 Damaged in a heavy landing at Point Cook. Pilot FLGOFF C.S. Wiggins was uninjured.

08Sep27 Engine failure caused forced landing at Point Cook. Pilot Cadet G.S Coleman was uninjured.

01Mar28 Allocated to and received by Pratt Brothers Air Services in Geelong VIC for overhaul.

10Jun28 Received by No 1 (Composite) Sqn at RAAF Laverton after overhaul.

12Apr29 Accompanied by A1-1 & A1-5, departed for Alice Springs NT to assist in the search for the missing Kookaburra aircraft in northern Australia. Crewed by pilot FLGOFF A.G. Gerrand and fitter A366 SGT J.A. Campbell. Route taken was Mildura, Hawker, Maree and Oodnadatta. The aircraft developed a leak in the main petrol tank that required a day’s delay at Oodnadatta until repairs were carried out.

12May29 Returned to Laverton with a crew of FLTLT C. Eaton and SGT G.E Douglas.

13May29 Withdrawn from use by 1Sqn and returned to store.

01Jun29 Received for use by 1FTS.

05Jun29 Forced landed at Kyneton, 91km NNE of Melbourne. Pilot FLGOFF F. Brelaz was uninjured.

00Jun29 Repaired at 1FTS and placed in store.

00Jul29 Received by 1FTS.

00Dec29 Air Board directed that because of the unreliability of the Liberty engines and condition of the airframe the aircraft was not to be flown away from the vicinity of Point Cook aerodrome without express permission.

29Jan30 Air Board Agenda No.1368/30 approved destruction of the airframe and all spares held at the Unit.

00Mar30 Breakdown and destruction by burning completed at 1FTS.A1-8

00Mar19 Built as Serial E904, one of 400 DH.9A aircraft manufactured by Whitehead Aircraft Co Richmond, Surrey UK under Contract AS.2341 of 08 Feb 1918 in the serial range E701 to E1100.

00Mar19 Received by RAF.

04Jun19 One of thirty DH.9A aircraft offered by the UK as part of the Imperial Gift to Australia

03Dec19 Received by No 5 Aircraft Repair Depot at RAF Henlow, Bedfordshire UK. Prepared for shipment to Australia by the Australian Packing Section of 5AD led by Australian AIF Officer Lt George Mackinolty.

1920 Arrived at Victoria Docks, Port Melbourne VIC.

12Aug20 Received by the Aeroplane Repair Section (ARS) of Central Flying School (CFS), Australian Flying Corps (AFC) at No 1 Station Point Cook, VIC. Placed in long term storage at the Spotswood Storage Area 7km SW of the Melbourne CBD.

31Mar21 Became part of the Australian Air Force (AAF) on this day.

13Aug21 Became part of the Royal Australian Air Force when the Royal prefix was Gazetted on this day.

00Oct21 At some time after October 1921 the RAF Serial E904 was removed and the new RAAF Serial A1-8 applied on both sides of the rear fuselage.

1926 Received by Aircraft Repair Section at No 1 Flying Training School (1FTS) RAAF Point Cook for assembly and testing.

23Aug26 Overhauled by Mort’s Dock and Engineering Co Ltd, Balmain, NSW

00Sep26 Collected from Mort’s and flown to Richmond by a 3 Sqn pilot. Acceptance checks carried out then prepared for ferry back to 1FTS at Point Cook with A1-5.

08Sep26 Received by 1FTS.

20Sep26 Damaged in heavy landing at Point Cook. Cadet Irving received minor injuries.

01Apr27 Overhauled at 1FTS. Total flight time: 14 hrs.

16May27 Crash landed at Point Cook. Issued to Aircraft Repair Section for repairs.

28Oct27 Allocated to and received by C Flight, No 3 (Composite) Squadron at RAAF No 2 Station Richmond.

12Nov27 Crash landed at Craigieburn VIC on a flight from Richmond to Laverton.

00Nov27 Issued to Mort’s Dock and Engineering for repairs.

08Dec27 Test flown after repairs.

10Dec27 Allocated to and received by 1FTS.

07Feb28 Crash landed at Point Cook causing severe damage. Crew of Lt P. Baillache (RAN) and Cadet T.A Chadwick uninjured.

06Mar28 Awaiting repairs at 1FTS.

03May28 Received by 1AD for repairs and overhaul. Survey determined it was uneconomic to repair the aircraft. Recommended for conversion. Total airframe time: 255 hrs.

15Feb29 Air Board Agenda No.1220/29 approved conversion to components and burning of residue.

A1-9

00Mar19 Built as Serial E905, one of 400 DH.9A aircraft manufactured by Whitehead Aircraft Co Richmond, Surrey UK under Contract AS.2341 of 08 Feb 1918 in the serial range E701 to E1100.

00Mar19 Received by RAF.

004Jun19 One of thirty DH.9A aircraft offered by the UK as part of the Imperial Gift to Australia

0Jan20 Received by No 5 Aircraft Repair Depot at RAF Henlow, Bedfordshire UK. Prepared for shipment to Australia by the Australian Packing Section of 5AD led by Australian AIF Officer Lt George Mackinolty.

1920 Arrived at Victoria Docks, Port Melbourne VIC.

06Oct20 Received by the Aeroplane Repair Section (ARS) of Central Flying School (CFS), Australian Flying Corps (AFC) at No 1 Station Point Cook, VIC. Placed in long term storage at the Spotswood Storage Area 7km SW of the Melbourne CBD.

31Mar21 Became part of the Australian Air Force (AAF) on this day.

13Aug21 Became part of the Royal Australian Air Force when the Royal prefix was Gazetted on this day.

00Oct21 At some time after October 1921 the RAF Serial E905 was removed and the new RAAF Serial A1-9 applied on both sides of the rear fuselage.

1925 Received by Aircraft Repair Section at No 1 Flying Training School (1FTS) RAAF Point Cook for assembly and testing.

30Dec25 Overhauled by Matthews & Hassell Engineering Co Ltd probably at Essendon Airport Melbourne.

00Jan26 Received for use by 1FTS.

15Feb26 Heavy landing at Point Cook, damage to undercarriage and lower wings. Cadet J.S.N Harries shaken but unhurt.

07Mar26 Repairs completed at 1FTS.

15Mar26 Forced landing after engine failure. Pilot Cadet J.S Harris uninjured.

19May26 Aircraft was parked on the flight line when A3-39, piloted by FLTT I.E. McIntyre, taxied into the aircraft causing minor damage to both aircraft’s wings.

16Jun26 Engine failure caused a forced landing near Manor Railway Station near Werribee. Pilot FLGOFF T.W. Shortridge uninjured, moderate damage to aircraft undercarriage and lower wings.

00Jul26 Repaired at Unit.

29Jul27 Held unserviceable.

06Mar28 Overhaul by 1FTS Aircraft Repair Section. Total airframe time: 241 hrs.

00May28 Received by No 1 (Composite) Squadron at RAAF Base Laverton.

00May29 Allocated to 1FTS.

00Jun29 Received by 1FTS.

00Dec29 Air Board directed that because of the unreliability of the Liberty engines and condition of the airframe the aircraft was not to be flown away from the vicinity of Point Cook aerodrome without express permission.

29Jan30 Air Board Agenda No.1368/30 approved destruction of the airframe and all spares held at the Unit.

00Mar30 Breakdown and destruction by burning completed at 1FTS.

A1-10

00Mar19 Built as Serial E906, one of 400 DH.9A aircraft manufactured by Whitehead Aircraft Co Richmond, Surrey UK under Contract AS.2341 of 08 Feb 1918 in the serial range E701 to E1100.

00Mar19 Received by RAF.

04Jun19 One of thirty DH.9A aircraft offered by the UK as part of the Imperial Gift to Australia

03Dec19 Received by No 5 Aircraft Repair Depot at RAF Henlow, Bedfordshire UK. Prepared for shipment to Australia by the Australian Packing Section of 5AD led by Australian AIF Officer Lt George Mackinolty.

1920 Arrived at Victoria Docks, Port Melbourne VIC.

12Aug20 Received by the Aeroplane Repair Section (ARS) of Central Flying School (CFS), Australian Flying Corps (AFC) at No 1 Station Point Cook, VIC. Placed in long term storage at the Spotswood Storage Area 7km SW of the Melbourne CBD.

31Mar21 Became part of the Australian Air Force (AAF) on this day.

13Aug21 Became part of the Royal Australian Air Force when the Royal prefix was Gazetted on this day.

00Oct21 At some time after October 1921 the RAF Serial E906 was removed and the new RAAF Serial A1-10 applied on both sides of the rear fuselage.

1925 Received by Aircraft Repair Section at No 1 Flying Training School (1FTS) RAAF Point Cook for assembly and testing.

06Oct25 Overhauled by RAAF Experimental Station at Randwick, Sydney.

01Apr26 Received by C Flight, No 3 (Composite) Squadron at RAAF Richmond NSW.

12May26 Fitted with side-ladder to enable parachute descents.

26May26 First freefall parachute jump in Australia from a RAAF Aircraft was made by FLTLT E.C Wackett from 3,000ft followed by FLGOFF V. H Augenson then by eight other members of the RAAF inaugural Parachute Jump Course.

07Jun26 Received by 1FTS and rigged for parachute jumps.

24Jun26 The 1st Free Fall Parachute Jump in Australia was made by FLTLT E.C Wackett from 1,800ft. 2nd Jump was made by FLTLT V.E McIntyre and the 3rd Jump by FLGOFF A.F Cross. Pilot was FLGOFF H.D McGilvery. 11 other members also made the jump that day.

First Free Fall Parachute Jump in Australia

01Oct26 Minor damage in landing accident at Point Cook. Pilot PLTOFF J.L Harris was uninjured.

06Nov27 One of nine aircraft involved in a squadron cross-country training flight from Point Cook to Echuca. On landing the aircraft stalled and crash landed from 100ft. Aircraft was extensively damaged and was transported by rail back to Point Cook for repairs. No information on the crew.

06Mar28 Aircraft under repair by 1FTS, but repairs proved to be beyond Unit capability.

20Mar28 Air Board Agenda No 1054/28 approved conversion to components. Total airframe time: 72 hrs.

A1-11

00Mar19 Built as Serial E907, one of 400 DH.9A aircraft manufactured by Whitehead Aircraft Co Richmond, Surrey UK under Contract AS.2341 of 08 Feb 1918 in the serial range E701 to E1100.

00Mar19 Received by RAF.

04Jun19 One of thirty DH.9A aircraft offered by the UK as part of the Imperial Gift to Australia

05Dec19 Received by No 5 Aircraft Repair Depot at RAF Henlow, Bedfordshire UK. Prepared for shipment to Australia by the Australian Packing Section of 5AD led by Australian AIF Officer Lt George Mackinolty.

1920 Arrived at Victoria Docks, Port Melbourne VIC.

12Aug20 Received by the Aeroplane Repair Section (ARS) of Central Flying School (CFS), Australian Flying Corps (AFC) at No 1 Station Point Cook, VIC. Placed in long term storage at the Spotswood Storage Area 7km SW of the Melbourne CBD.

31Mar21 Became part of the Australian Air Force (AAF) on this day.

13Aug21 Became part of the Royal Australian Air Force when the Royal prefix was Gazetted on this day.

00Oct21 At some time after October 1921 the RAF Serial E907 was removed and the new RAAF Serial A1-11 applied on both sides of the rear fuselage.

1926 Received by Aircraft Repair Section at No 1 Flying Training School (1FTS) RAAF Point Cook for assembly and testing.

00Jun26 Allocated for overhaul to Larkin Aircraft Supply Co at Coode Island, Melbourne.

11Jun26 Allocation cancelled reallocated to Mort’s Dock and Engineering Co Ltd, Balmain, NSW for overhaul.

04Jul27 Allocated to 1FTS. To be issued to 3Sqn for ferry flight to Point Cook.

19Jul27 On departure from Mascot airport for Point Cook the engine failed and the aircraft crash landed and tipped onto its nose breaking the airscrew. Pilot FLGOFF V.H. Augenson was uninjured.

21Jul27 Airscrew replaced and ferry flight resumed, piloted by A407 SGT G.K. Rice-Oxley. After refuelling at Junee in NSW the aircraft reached Harefield about 13km south of Junee when another forced landing was made in a field.

22Jul27 Aircraft was repaired and departed Harefield for Point Cook, when another engine problem necessitated a third forced landing 5km south of Rutherglen VIC 270km NE of Melbourne. Engine repairs took several days and the aircraft departed on 28Jul.

28Jul27 Engine failure caused yet another forced landing near Violet Town, 170km north of Melbourne. On this occasion the undercarriage collapsed causing severe damage to airscrew, fwd fuselage and lower wings. Aircraft collected by tender from Point Cook and returned for repair and overhaul.

15Sep27 Overhauled by 1FTS. Total accumulated flight time was: 59 hrs.

06Mar28 Total accumulated flight time was: 96 hrs.

00Mar28 Reportedly the Liberty engine was ‘tweaked’ for the forthcoming Aerial Derby Races in Sydney and Melbourne.

26Mar28 Departed Point Cook for Mascot aerodrome via Cootamundra to participate in the Sydney Aerial Derby.

31Mar28 Took part in the NSW Aerial Derby Race at Mascot Airport wearing the number “5”. Flown by SQNLDR George Jones at an average speed of 120mph (190kph).

26May28 Aircraft was competing in the Victorian Aerial Derby Race at Essendon airport Melbourne when it struck HT Power Transmission Lines. The aircraft was virtually cut in half and destroyed. The pilot FLTLT George Arthur Wells MC was flung from the disintegrating aircraft and miraculously survived but received severe facial injuries, contusions, cuts and shock. The pilot lost one eye and was later invalided out of the RAAF because of his injuries. George Wells was born in Melbourne, VIC on 14Mar1893. He enlisted in the AIF and went to the UK. Soon after he was accepted into the RFC and served with 65Sqn, 32 Sqn and with RAF 92Sqn. He was shot down and spent the remainder of the war as a POW. He enlisted in the RAAF in 1921 and served with IFTS, and was a Flying Instructor at the time of his accident.

20Jun28 Subject to Technical Survey by the 1st Air Member (AIRCDR R. Williams), recommended conversion of the airframe as it was uneconomical to repair. Liberty engine No 62308 and instruments to be returned to 1AD for repair then to store.

25Jun28 Air Board Agenda 1076/28 approved conversion and write-off of the airframe. Liberty engine No.62308 to be returned to 1AD for repair and reissue.

A1-12

00Mar19 Built as Serial E908, one of 400 DH.9A aircraft manufactured by Whitehead Aircraft Co Richmond, Surrey UK under Contract AS.2341 of 08 Feb 1918 in the serial range E701 to E1100.

00Mar19 Received by RAF.

04Jun19 One of thirty DH.9A aircraft offered by the UK as part of the Imperial Gift to Australia

03Dec19 Received by No 5 Aircraft Repair Depot at RAF Henlow, Bedfordshire UK. Prepared for shipment to Australia by the Australian Packing Section of 5AD led by Australian AIF Officer Lt George Mackinolty.

1920 Arrived at Victoria Docks, Port Melbourne VIC.

09Sep20 Received by the Aeroplane Repair Section (ARS) of Central Flying School (CFS), Australian Flying Corps (AFC) at No 1 Station Point Cook, VIC. Placed in long term storage at the Spotswood Storage Area 7km SW of the Melbourne CBD.

31Mar21 Became part of the Australian Air Force (AAF) on this day.

13Aug21 Became part of the Royal Australian Air Force when the Royal prefix was Gazetted on this day.

00Oct21 At some time after October 1921 the RAF Serial E908 was removed and the new RAAF Serial A1-12 applied on both sides of the rear fuselage.

1926 Received by Aircraft Repair Section at No 1 Flying Training School (1FTS) RAAF Point Cook for assembly and testing.

06Dec26 Overhauled by RAAF Experimental Station at Randwick, Sydney.

08Dec26 Allocated to No 1 Sqn at RAAF Laverton. To be issued to 3 Sqn for ferry flight to Point Cook.

23Dec26 Ferried to 1 Sqn. Issued to C Flight for use.

26Nov27 One of nine 1 Sqn aircraft (three DH9, three SE5A and three DH.9A) that flew to Adelaide to participate in the 1927 Adelaide Air Pageant at Parafield Airport.

16Jan28 Relocated when 1 Sqn was moved from RAAF Base Point Cook to RAAF Base Laverton VIC.

14Mar28 Accumulated flight time: 93 hrs.

20Apr28 Accumulated flight time: 134 hrs.

18Oct28 Flown by FLGOFF Gerrand with photographer SGT W.J Ryan to Renmark SA to carry out an aerial survey of that District on behalf of the Waite Institute of Adelaide.

03Dec28 Engine failure caused a forced landing at Yaouk near Cooma NSW. Minor damage, FLGOFF L.J Ryan was uninjured.

12Mar29 Survey report at 1Sqn stated the aircraft was uneconomical for overhaul and recommended conversion.

14Mar29 Air Board Agenda No.1229/29 approved conversion of the airframe to components.

A1-13

00Mar19 Built as Serial E909, one of 400 DH.9A aircraft manufactured by Whitehead Aircraft Co Richmond, Surrey UK under Contract AS.2341 of 08 Feb 1918 in the serial range E701 to E1100.

00Mar19 Received by RAF.

04Jun19 One of thirty DH.9A aircraft offered by the UK as part of the Imperial Gift to Australia

00Jan20 Received by No 5 Aircraft Repair Depot at RAF Henlow, Bedfordshire UK. Prepared for shipment to Australia by the Australian Packing Section of 5AD led by Australian AIF Officer Lt George Mackinolty.

1920 Arrived at Victoria Docks, Port Melbourne VIC.

06Oct20 Received by the Aeroplane Repair Section (ARS) of Central Flying School (CFS), Australian Flying Corps (AFC) at No 1 Station Point Cook, VIC. Placed in long term storage at the Spotswood Storage Area 7km SW of the Melbourne CBD.

31Mar21 Became part of the Australian Air Force (AAF) on this day.

13Aug21 Became part of the Royal Australian Air Force when the Royal prefix was Gazetted on this day.

00Oct21 At some time after October 1921 the RAF Serial E909 was removed and the new RAAF Serial A1-13 applied on both sides of the rear fuselage.

1925 Received by Aircraft Repair Section at No 1 Flying Training School (1FTS) RAAF Point Cook for assembly and testing.

06Oct25 Overhaul completed by Matthews & Hassell Engineering Co Ltd probably at Essendon Airport Melbourne.

01Feb26 Allocated to and received by 1FTS at RAAF Point Cook.

13Apr26 While on the return leg of a cross-country Navex from Point Cook to Deniliquin NSW an engine problem caused a forced landing at Woodend VIC. Damage to the undercarriage, fwd fuselage, airscrew and lower wings. Crew of FLGOFF W.A. Holtham and AC1 Allen were uninjured.

00May26 Repaired at 1FTS. Accumulated airframe time: 105hrs.

1927 Reportedly crashed again sometime in the year.

06Mar28 Allocated for complete overhaul at 1FTS. Technical Survey Report stated the aircraft was uneconomical to undergo further overhaul or repair. Recommended conversion to components.

20Mar28 Air Board Agenda No 1054/28 approved conversion to components. Accumulated airframe time: 241hrs.

A1-14

16Mar19 Built as Serial E910, one of 400 DH.9A aircraft manufactured by Whitehead Aircraft Co Richmond, Surrey UK under Contract AS.2341 of 08 Feb 1918 in the serial range E701 to E1100.

00Mar19 Received by RAF.

04Jun19 One of thirty DH.9A aircraft offered by the UK as part of the Imperial Gift to Australia

01Jan20 Received by No 5 Aircraft Repair Depot at RAF Henlow, Bedfordshire UK. Prepared for shipment to Australia by the Australian Packing Section of 5AD led by Australian AIF Officer Lt George Mackinolty.

1920 Arrived at Victoria Docks, Port Melbourne VIC.

06Oct20 Received by the Aeroplane Repair Section (ARS) of Central Flying School (CFS), Australian Flying Corps (AFC) at No 1 Station Point Cook, VIC. Placed in long term storage at the Spotswood Storage Area 7km SW of the Melbourne CBD.

31Mar21 Became part of the Australian Air Force (AAF) on this day.

13Aug21 Became part of the Royal Australian Air Force when the Royal prefix was Gazetted on this day.

00Oct21 At some time after October 1921 the RAF Serial E910 was removed and the new RAAF Serial A1-14 applied on both sides of the rear fuselage.

1926 Received by Aircraft Repair Section at No 1 Flying Training School (1FTS) RAAF Point Cook for assembly and testing.

07Mar26 Overhaul completed by Matthews & Hassell Engineering Co Ltd probably at Essendon Airport Melbourne.

00Mar26 Allocated to C Flight No 1 (Composite) Squadron at RAAF Base Laverton VIC.

00May26 Received by 1 Sqn.

20Sep27 Aircraft grounded.

16Jan28 Relocated when 1 Sqn was moved from RAAF Base Point Cook to RAAF Base Laverton VIC.

09Mar28 Held unserviceable at No 1 Aircraft Depot (1AD) RAAF Laverton. Accumulated flight time: 169hrs.

00Apr29 Overhaul completed at 1AD.

May29 Allocated to and received by 1FTS at RAAF Point Cook.

01Aug29 Forced landed at Point Cook after engine failure, minor damage. Pilot FLTLT J.E. Hewitt was uninjured.

11Oct29 Collided with a stationary A7-17 when taxying during night flying operations. Pilot Cadet J.A Lewis was uninjured.

00Dec29 Air Board directed that because of the unreliability of the Liberty engines and condition of the airframe the aircraft was not to be flown away from the vicinity of Point Cook aerodrome without express permission.

29Jan30 Air Board Agenda No.1368/30 approved destruction of the airframe and all spares held at the Unit.

05Mar30 O12 SQNLDR Johnny H. Summers flew the last DH.9A flight in RAAF service.

00Mar30 Breakdown and destruction by burning completed at 1FTS.

A1-15

00Apr19 Built as Serial E916, one of 400 DH.9A aircraft manufactured by Whitehead Aircraft Co Richmond, Surrey UK under Contract AS.2341 of 08 Feb 1918 in the serial range E701 to E1100.

00Apr19 Received by RAF.

04Jun19 One of thirty DH.9A aircraft offered by the UK as part of the Imperial Gift to Australia

00Jan20 Received by No 5 Aircraft Repair Depot at RAF Henlow, Bedfordshire UK. Prepared for shipment to Australia by the Australian Packing Section of 5AD led by Australian AIF Officer Lt George Mackinolty.

1920 Arrived at Victoria Docks, Port Melbourne VIC.

06Oct20 Received by the Aeroplane Repair Section (ARS) of Central Flying School (CFS), Australian Flying Corps (AFC) at No 1 Station Point Cook, VIC. Placed in long term storage at the Spotswood Storage Area 7km SW of the Melbourne CBD.

31Mar21 Became part of the Australian Air Force (AAF) on this day.

13Aug21 Became part of the Royal Australian Air Force when the Royal prefix was Gazetted on this day.

00Oct21 At some time after October 1921 the RAF Serial E916 was removed and the new RAAF Serial A1-15 applied on both sides of the rear fuselage.

1924 Received by for complete overhaul by No 1 Aircraft Depot (1AD) at RAAF Point Cook

15Dec24 Overhaul completed.

23Dec24 Received for use by 1FTS.

27Apr25 During pre-engine start the engine ‘kicked-over’ causing injury to AC1 N. Evans and AC1 D. Strong.

17Jun25 Forced landing in a paddock near Point Cook, minor damage. Pilot FLGOFF D. Ross was uninjured.

29Jun25 One of 11 aircraft that departed Point Cook for relocation with the newly formed No 3 (Composite) Squadron at No 2 Station Richmond, NSW. Planned route was Point Cook-Wangaratta-Cootamundra-Richmond. After refuelling at Cootamundra the flight commander’s aircraft in the flight that included A1-18 suffered engine problems and force landed in a [muddy] field near Gunning, NSW. The three other aircraft in the flight also landed in the field with the result that all four aircraft encountered the same soft boggy ground and all four aircraft ended up bogged. Pilot FLGOFF G.G Carter was uninjured and the aircraft received minor damage.

06Mar28 Allocated to 1FTS Workshops for overhaul. Accumulated flight time: 101hrs.

14Sep28 While practicing forced landings the engine cut out and caused a real forced landing in a field 2km from Point Cook. The student attempted to land but hit the ground at high speed and tore off the undercarriage, destroyed the airscrew, broke both lower wings and damaged the fuselage in numerous places. Damage was estimated to be £600-£800. Neither the student of instructor were injured.

16Sep28 Wreckage loaded onto a RAAF Tender and taken to 1FTS Workshops for repair.

21Nov29 Crash landed at Point Cook after engine failure causing moderate damage to undercarriage and lower wings. Pilot SGT D.C. Campbell received minor injuries.

00Dec29 Air Board directed that because of the unreliability of the Liberty engines and condition of the airframe the aircraft was not to be flown away from the vicinity of Point Cook aerodrome without express permission.

29Jan30 Air Board Agenda No.1368/30 approved destruction of the airframe and all spares held at the Unit.

00Mar30 Breakdown and destruction by burning completed at 1FTS.

A1-16

00Dec18 Built as Serial F2776, one of 100 DH.9A aircraft manufactured by F.W. Berwick & Co Park Royal, London UK under Contract 35a/781/C.669 dated 14May1918 in the serial range F2723 to F2822.

00Dec18 Received by RAF.

12Apr19 Received by No 2 Aircraft Acceptance Park at RAF Hendon, London UK for storage.

04Jun19 One of thirty DH.9A aircraft offered by the UK as part of the Imperial Gift to Australia

03Dec19 Received by No 5 Aircraft Repair Depot at RAF Henlow, Bedfordshire UK to be packed for the Imperial Gift shipment by the Australian Packing Section of 5AD led by Australian AIF Officer Lt George Mackinolty

09Jan20 Planned to be loaded onto the Commonwealth Government Line vessel SS Carina but cancelled at the last minute.

05Mar20 Loaded on to the 6,570 ton Commonwealth Government Line vessel SS Boorara at London Docks.

26Apr20 Arrived at No 2 Victoria Dock, Port Melbourne.

01May20 Received for assembly by the Aeroplane Repair Section (ARS) of Central Flying School (CFS), Australian Flying Corps (AFC) at No 1 Station Point Cook, VIC.

14May20 First test flight as F2776 by Captain A.T. Cole. This was also the 1st Gift aircraft to fly in Australia.

29Jun20 Forced landing at Point Cook after engine failure. Pilot Captain A.T. Cole was uninjured. The aircraft was repaired and Captain Cole took-off only to have the engine fail again 6km from Point Cook. According to Cole’s logbook “Taxied home through three fences. Took all day”.

31Mar21 Transferred to the newly formed Australian Air Force (AAF)

13Aug21 Became part of the newly Gazetted – Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).

00Oct21 At some time after October 1921 the RAF Serial F2776 was removed and the new RAAF Serial A1-16 applied on both sides of the rear fuselage.

20Apr22 Allocated to 1FTS Workshops for complete overhaul.

23Aug22 Overhaul completed. Allocated to E Flight 1FTS.

00Sep22 Received by 1FTS E Flight.

28Aug25 Crash landed at Point Cook causing moderate damage. FLGOFF E.W. Leggatt received bruising and lacerations.

04Jan26 Minor taxying accident at Point Cook. Pilot FLGOFF D. Ross.

15Feb26 Forced landing, no damage. FLGOFF W.E Gardner uninjured.

04May27 Engine failure caused a forced landing at Canberra. Pilot PLTOFF N. Mulroney was uninjured and no damage to the aircraft. Engine was changed.

27Oct27 Allocated to 1FTS Workshops for complete overhaul.

00Nov27 Allocated to and received by RAAF Experimental Station at Randwick, Sydney NSW presumably for overhaul.

00Mar28 With C Flight 1FTS.

06Mar28 Accumulated flying time: 245hrs.

17Oct28 Crash landed at Point Cook causing minor damage. Pilot PLTOFF A.N. Evans received minor injuries and shock.

24Oct28 Taxied into a stationary A2-36 causing minor damage to both aircraft. Cadet R.C. Jordan was uninjured.

19Dec28 Broken camshaft caused a forced landing at Point Cook, no damage. Pilot LAC C.H Scott was uninjured.

19Feb29 Broken crankshaft caused a forced landing at Point Cook, no damage. Pilot FSGT O.A Denny was uninjured.

26Mar29 Crash landed at Point Cook causing minor damage. Pilot PLTOFF W.E Brown was uninjured.

12Apr29 Forced landing at Point Cook.

25Jul29 Request for complete overhaul.

05Aug29 Technical Survey by 1st Air Member recommended conversion.

09Aug29 Air Board Agenda No.1327/29 approved conversion of the airframe to components.

A1-17

00Dec18 Built as Serial F2779, one of 100 DH.9A aircraft manufactured by F.W. Berwick & Co Park Royal, London UK under Contract 35a/781/C.669 dated 14May1918 in the serial range F2723 to F2822.

00Dec18 Received by RAF.

12Apr19 Received by No 2 Aircraft Acceptance Park at RAF Hendon, London UK for storage.

04Jun19 One of thirty DH.9A aircraft offered by the UK as part of the Imperial Gift to Australia

03Dec19 Received by No 5 Aircraft Repair Depot at RAF Henlow, Bedfordshire UK to be packed for the Imperial Gift shipment by the Australian Packing Section of 5AD led by Australian AIF Officer Lt George Mackinolty

09Jan20 Planned to be loaded onto the Commonwealth Government Line vessel SS Carina but cancelled at the last minute.

05Mar20 Loaded on to the 6,570 ton Commonwealth Government Line vessel SS Boorara at London Docks.

26Apr20 Arrived at No 2 Victoria Dock, Port Melbourne.

01May20 Received by the Central Flying School (CFS) of the Australian Air Corps at Point Cook VIC for assembly and testing.

May20 Issued for use by A Flight CFS.

24May20 First test flight as F2779 by Captain A.T. Cole. This was the 2nd Gift aircraft to fly in Australia.

17Jun20 Established an Australian altitude record of 27,000ft flown by Captains A.T. Cole MC DFC and H.F De La Rue DFC. The aircraft took 1 hour 12 minutes to reach the altitude and the flight was terminated then because of the bitter cold and the fact the crew did not have oxygen!

23Sep20 Departed Point Cook with Major W.H Anderson and A22 SGT H.J. Chester at 1155hrs in company with E8616 (Captain W.T Stutt & A13 SGT A.J. Dalziel) to search for the missing 350 ton schooner Amelia J in Bass Strait. The aircraft reached Cape Barren Island in Bass Strait when they parted company because of dense cloud. E8616 failed to meet at the rendezvous and despite Maj Anderson spending two days searching for E8616 the aircraft and crew were never seen again.

29Oct20 Maj Anderson and Sgt Chester were presented with engraved 18-carat Gold Waltham Watches by the citizens of Launceston in appreciation of the efforts to locate their missing comrades and the Amelia J.

17Oct20 Issued to Aircraft Repair Section at Point Cook.

31Mar21 Transferred to the newly formed Australian Air Force (AAF)

13Aug21 Became part of the Royal Australian Air Force when the Royal prefix was Gazetted on this day.

00Oct21 At some time after October 1921 the RAF Serial F2779 was removed and the new RAAF Serial A1-17 applied on both sides of the rear fuselage.

01Jul22 Issued for use by E Flight CFS.

06Mar24 Received by No 1 Aircraft Depot for Board of Survey.

04Apr24 Returned to 1FTS.

1925 Allocated to Matthews & Hassell Engineering Co Ltd probably at Essendon Airport Melbourne for overhaul.

1926-27 Probably served with both 1FTS and C Flight, No 1 (Composite) Squadron at RAAF Base Laverton, VIC.

24Aug26 Landing accident at Point Cook. Cadet K.M Frewin was uninjured.

19Sep27 Request for overhaul.

16Jan28 Relocated when 1 Sqn was moved from RAAF Base Point Cook to RAAF Base Laverton VIC.

01Mar28 Allocated to Pratt Brothers Air Services in Geelong VIC for overhaul.

01Jun28 Overhaul completed. Allocated to C Flight, No 1 (Composite) Squadron at RAAF Laverton VIC.

00Jun28 Received by 1 Sqn.

03May29 Landing accident at Laverton, minor damage. Pilot FLGOFF F. Brelaz was uninjured.

05May29 Forced landing at Laverton. Pilot PLTOFF W.E Perrin was unhurt.

05Jun29 Returned to Point Cook with overheating problems after departing for a flight to Sydney. Pilot FLGOFF F.I Stevens was uninjured. Engine repaired.

07Jun29 Resumed Sydney flight. Engine seized near Keilor, VIC forcing an emergency landing. No damage to airframe but engine needed replacement. Pilot FLGOFF F.I Stevens was uninjured.

31Oct29 Camshaft broke causing a forced landing near Point Cook. Cadet G.W Boucher was uninjured.

00Dec29 Air Board directed that because of the unreliability of the Liberty engines and condition of the airframe the aircraft was not to be flown away from the vicinity of Point Cook aerodrome without express permission.

29Jan30 Air Board Agenda No.1368/30 approved destruction of the airframe and all spares held at the Unit.

00Mar30 Breakdown and destruction by burning completed at 1FTS.

Note: This machine served longer than any other Imperial Gift aircraft.

A1-18

00Jan19 Built as Serial H3459, one of 150 DH.9A aircraft manufactured by Westland Aircraft Works, Yeovil, Somerset UK under Contract 35a/2007/C.2410 dated 09Aug1918 in the serial range H3396 to H3545.

00Jan19 Received by RAF.

04Jun19 One of thirty DH.9A aircraft offered by the UK as part of the Imperial Gift to Australia

00Jan20 Received by No 5 Aircraft Repair Depot at RAF Henlow, Bedfordshire UK for shipment preparation by the Australian Packing Section of 5AD led by Australian AIF Officer Lt George Mackinolty

1920 Shipped to Australia.

1920 Arrived at Victoria Docks, Port Melbourne VIC.

1920 Received by the Aeroplane Repair Section (ARS) of Central Flying School (CFS), Australian Flying Corps (AFC) at No 1 Station Point Cook, VIC. Placed in long term storage at the Spotswood Storage Area 7km SW of the Melbourne CBD.

31Mar21 Became part of the Australian Air Force (AAF) on this day.

13Aug21 Became part of the Royal Australian Air Force when the Royal prefix was Gazetted on this day.

00Oct21 At some time after October 1921 the RAF Serial H3459 was removed and the new RAAF Serial A1-18 applied on both sides of the rear fuselage.

1925 Received by No 1 Flying Training School (1FTS) at No 1 Station RAAF Point Cook VIC for assembly and testing. Possibly overhauled by 1FTS.

29Jun25 One of 11 aircraft that departed Point Cook for relocation with the newly formed No 3 (Composite) Squadron at No 2 Station Richmond, NSW. Planned route was Point Cook-Wangaratta-Cootamundra-Richmond. After refuelling at Cootamundra the flight commander’s aircraft in the flight that included A1-18 suffered engine problems and force landed at Gunning, NSW. The three other aircraft in the flight also made a landing at Gunning with the result that all four aircraft encountered the same soft boggy ground and all four aircraft ended up bogged with their noses in the mud!!! Pilot LAC F.I Stevens was uninjured and the aircraft received minor damage.

15Jan26 Departed Point Cook at 0930 for a flight to Richmond via Cootamundra. When landing at Cootamundra strong gusty wind conditions caused a heavy landing. The undercarriage was torn off; the aircrew destroyed and both lower wings badly damaged. Crew of FLGOFF L.W Sutherland and CPL D.C Campbell received minor injuries and shock. Aircraft was recovered by road transport to Richmond for repairs.

30Apr26 Received by RAAF Experimental Station at Randwick, Sydney for repairs.

09Dec26 Crashed at Cootamundra airfield NSW while performing aerobatics, moderate damage. Pilot FLGOFF T.W. Shortridge was uninjured but was recommended for disciplinary action by the Court of Inquiry.

13Dec26 Transported by tender to RAAF Experimental Station at Randwick, Sydney for repairs.

1927 Probably returned to 1FTS after repairs completed.

17Aug27 Subject to Board of Survey. Recommended for conversion.

29Nov27 Air Board approved conversion to components.

A1-19

00Jan19 Built as Serial H3460, one of 150 DH.9A aircraft manufactured by Westland Aircraft Works, Yeovil, Somerset UK under Contract 35a/2007/C.2410 dated 09Aug1918 in the serial range H3396 to H3545.

00Jan19 Received by RAF.

04Jun19 One of thirty DH.9A aircraft offered by the UK as part of the Imperial Gift to Australia

00Jan20 Received by No 5 Aircraft Repair Depot at RAF Henlow, Bedfordshire UK for shipment preparation by the Australian Packing Section of 5AD led by Australian AIF Officer Lt George Mackinolty

1920 Shipped to Australia.

1920 Arrived at Victoria Docks, Port Melbourne VIC.

1920 Received by the Aeroplane Repair Section (ARS) of Central Flying School (CFS), Australian Flying Corps (AFC) at No 1 Station Point Cook, VIC. Placed in long term storage at the Spotswood Storage Area 7km SW of the Melbourne CBD.

31Mar21 Became part of the Australian Air Force (AAF) on this day.

13Aug21 Became part of the Royal Australian Air Force when the Royal prefix was Gazetted on this day.

00Oct21 At some time after October 1921 the RAF Serial H3460 was removed and the new RAAF Serial A1-19 applied on both sides of the rear fuselage.

1924 Received by No 1 Flying Training School (1FTS) at No 1 Station RAAF Point Cook VIC for assembly and testing.

00May24 Issued to C Flight 1FTS for use.

1925 Probably overhauled by Matthews & Hassell Engineering Co Ltd probably at Essendon Airport Melbourne.

00Feb26 In use with C Flight 1FTS.

12Mar26 Soon after take-off from Point Cook DH.9 A6-11 failed to gain sufficient height and crashed into one of the Bessoneau Hangars. A1-19 was inside the hangar and was destroyed in the crash, along with A6-11. No information on crew.

16Mar26 Air Board Agenda No.745/26 approved conversion to components. Total airframe time: 88hrs 45min.

A1-20

00Feb19 Built as Serial H3461, one of 150 DH.9A aircraft manufactured by Westland Aircraft Works, Yeovil, Somerset UK under Contract 35a/2007/C.2410 dated 09Aug1918 in the serial range H3396 to H3545.

00Feb19 Received by RAF.

04Jun19 One of thirty DH.9A aircraft offered by the UK as part of the Imperial Gift to Australia

05Dec20 Received by No 5 Aircraft Repair Depot at RAF Henlow, Bedfordshire UK for shipment preparation by the Australian Packing Section of 5AD led by Australian AIF Officer Lt George Mackinolty

09Jan20 Shipped to Australia.

1920 Arrived at Victoria Docks, Port Melbourne VIC.

1920 Received by the Aeroplane Repair Section (ARS) of Central Flying School (CFS), Australian Flying Corps (AFC) at No 1 Station Point Cook, VIC. Placed in long term storage at the Spotswood Storage Area 7km SW of the Melbourne CBD.

31Mar21 Became part of the Australian Air Force (AAF) on this day.

13Aug21 Became part of the Royal Australian Air Force when the Royal prefix was Gazetted on this day.

00Oct21 At some time after October 1921 the RAF Serial H3461 was removed and the new RAAF Serial A1-20 applied on both sides of the rear fuselage.

05Jan27 Received by No 1 Flying Training School (1FTS) at No 1 Station RAAF Point Cook VIC for assembly and testing.

07Jan27 Allocated to Mort’s Dock and Engineering Co Ltd, Balmain, NSW for complete overhaul.

05Apr27 Overhaul completed.

00Apr27 Received by C Flight No 1 (Composite) Squadron at No 1 Station RAAF Point Cook VIC.

16Jul27 When landing at Cootamundra on a trip from Laverton to Richmond a tyre burst and the aircraft overturned causing damage to the airscrew, fuselage and upper wings. Pilot PLTOFF F.W. Thomas received minor contusions and shock.

16Oct27 Engine changed at 1 Sqn.

26Nov27 One of nine 1 Sqn aircraft (three DH9, three SE5A and three DH.9A) that flew to Adelaide to participate in the 1927 Adelaide Air Pageant at Parafield Airport.

16Jan28 Relocated when 1 Sqn was moved from RAAF Base Point Cook to RAAF Base Laverton VIC.

14Mar28 Received by 1FTS. Accumulated flight time: 39hrs.

1928 Allocated to and received by 1 Sqn.

20Aug28 Flown to Brisbane by FO J.G Cardale and A479 CPL P. Sullivan via Cootamundra and Richmond for the opening of the Queensland Aero Club and to participate in the Aerial Derby Race. A1-28 from 3Sqn crewed by FLGOFF S.J Moir and SM Chester accompanied A1-20 at Richmond for the detachment to Brisbane.

29Aug28 Returned to Laverton.

00Nov28 Under repair at 1 Sqn.

10Dec28 Allocated to and received by 1FTS.

17Apr29 Departed for Alice Springs NT to assist in the search for the missing Kookaburra aircraft in northern Australia. Crewed by pilot SGT G.E Douglas and fitter LAC W.J. Smith. Route taken was Mildura, Hawker, Maree and Oodnadatta. Operated from Wave Hill Station and Tennants Creek during the search.

09May29 Upon start-up at Tennants Creek for the return journey to Laverton, the engine burst into flames with the fire quickly spreading to the fwd fuselage and cockpit area.. The flames were extinguished but the engine and fwd fuselage were damaged beyond repair. Acting under Air Board Instructions, all instruments and selected items were stripped from the aircraft and the remainder destroyed by fire.

15May29 Struck-off charge. Accumulated airframe time: 323hrs.

A1-21

00Feb19 Built as Serial H3462, one of 150 DH.9A aircraft manufactured by Westland Aircraft Works, Yeovil, Somerset UK under Contract 35a/2007/C.2410 dated 09Aug1918 in the serial range H3396 to H3545.

00Feb19 Received by RAF.

04Jun19 One of thirty DH.9A aircraft offered by the UK as part of the Imperial Gift to Australia

00Jan20 Received by No 5 Aircraft Repair Depot at RAF Henlow, Bedfordshire UK. Prepared for shipment to Australia by the Australian Packing Section of 5AD led by Australian AIF Officer Lt George Mackinolty.

1920 Arrived at Victoria Docks, Port Melbourne VIC.

09Sep20 Received by the Aeroplane Repair Section (ARS) of Central Flying School (CFS), Australian Flying Corps (AFC) at No 1 Station Point Cook, VIC. Placed in long term storage at the Spotswood Storage Area 7km SW of the Melbourne CBD.

31Mar21 Became part of the Australian Air Force (AAF) on this day.

13Aug21 Became part of the Royal Australian Air Force when the Royal prefix was Gazetted on this day.

00Oct21 At some time after October 1921 the RAF Serial H3462 was removed and the new RAAF Serial A1-21 applied on both sides of the rear fuselage.

00Oct26 Received by No 1 Flying Training School (1FTS) at No 1 Station RAAF Point Cook VIC for assembly and testing.

07Oct26 Allocated to Mort’s Dock and Engineering Co Ltd, Balmain, NSW for complete overhaul.

05Jan27 Overhaul completed.

00Jan27 Allocated to and received by 1FTS. Engine failed on ferry flight to 1FTS. Engine replaced.

11Mar27 Trainee stalled from 20ft. Damage to undercarriage and airscrew. Cadet A. Rooney shocked but uninjured.

09Apr27 Issued to 1FTS Engine Workshops for repairs to rough running engine.

19Jul27 Request for complete overhaul.

09Mar28 Held unserviceable at 1Aircraft Depot at RAAF Base Laverton. Accumulated flight time: 49hrs.

1928 Allocated to and received by C Flight, No 1 (Composite) Squadron at RAAF Laverton.

01May29 Allocated to and received by 1FTS.

00Dec29 Air Board directed that because of the unreliability of the Liberty engines and condition of the airframe the aircraft was not to be flown away from the vicinity of Point Cook aerodrome without express permission.

29Jan30 Air Board Agenda No.1368/30 approved destruction of the airframe and all spares held at the Unit.

07Feb30 Possibly the last recorded dual instruction flight in a DH.9A was flown on this day by O315 Cadet V. E Hancock (later Air Marshall Hancock KBE CB DFC) of No 7 Pilot Course with Chief Instructor O12 SQNLDR Johnny H. Summers (later AIRCDR J.H. Summers OBE).

00Mar30 Breakdown and destruction by burning completed at 1FTS.

A1-22

00Feb19 Built as Serial H3463, one of 150 DH.9A aircraft manufactured by Westland Aircraft Works, Yeovil, Somerset UK under Contract 35a/2007/C.2410 dated 09Aug1918 in the serial range H3396 to H3545.

00Feb19 Received by RAF.

04Jun19 One of thirty DH.9A aircraft offered by the UK as part of the Imperial Gift to Australia

00Jan20 Received by No 5 Aircraft Repair Depot at RAF Henlow, Bedfordshire UK. Prepared for shipment to Australia by the Australian Packing Section of 5AD led by Australian AIF Officer Lt George Mackinolty.

1920 Arrived at Victoria Docks, Port Melbourne VIC.

09Sep20 Received by the Aeroplane Repair Section (ARS) of Central Flying School (CFS), Australian Flying Corps (AFC) at No 1 Station Point Cook, VIC. Placed in long term storage at the Spotswood Storage Area 7km SW of the Melbourne CBD.

31Mar21 Became part of the Australian Air Force (AAF) on this day.

13Aug21 Became part of the Royal Australian Air Force when the Royal prefix was Gazetted on this day.

00Oct21 At some time after October 1921 the RAF Serial H3463 was removed and the new RAAF Serial A1-22 applied on both sides of the rear fuselage.

00Aug25 Received by No 1 Flying Training School (1FTS) at No 1 Station RAAF Point Cook VIC for assembly and testing.

00Aug25 Allocated for overhaul to Matthews & Hassell Engineering Co Ltd probably at Essendon Airport Melbourne.

19Nov25 Overhaul completed.

1925 Allocated to and received by No 1 (Composite) Squadron at No 1 Station RAAF Point Cook.

18Mar26 Forced landing near Point Cook, moderate damage. Pilot FLGOFF F. Brelaz was uninjured.

27Jul26 Engine failure caused a forced landing in Albert Park, Melbourne. Minor damage to the undercarriage; pilot FSGT H.B Hussey and an unknown mechanic were uninjured.

04Dec26 Crash landed at Laverton after engine failure, moderate damage. Pilot PLTOFF K.S Armstrong was uninjured.

19Jul27 Request for complete overhaul.

16Jan28 Relocated when 1 Sqn was moved from RAAF Base Point Cook to RAAF Base Laverton VIC.

09Mar28 Held unserviceable at 1Aircraft Depot at RAAF Base Laverton. Accumulated flight time: 55hrs.

29Nov28 Board of Survey Inspection carried out.

1929 Received by C Flight, 1Sqn.

17May29 Allocated to and received by 1FTS.

18Jun29 Flew a cross-country Navex from Point Cook to Richmond via Junee. When on finals the engine seized and the aircraft forced landed in a field near Richmond aerodrome. Minor damage to undercarriage. Pilot FLTLT N. Mulroney was uninjured.

20Jun29 Aircraft recovered to Richmond where the engine was repaired.

22Jun29 When landing after a test flight a tyre burst on landing causing the aircraft to swing violently broadside to the strong prevailing wind which overturned the careening machine. The undercarriage was ripped-off; airscrew destroyed, engine dislodged, wings badly distorted and extensive fuselage damage. Pilot PLTOFF H.E Fraser and observer FLGOFF F.W Thomas both received minor injuries and shock.

00Dec29 Air Board directed that because of the unreliability of the Liberty engines and condition of the airframe the aircraft was not to be flown away from the vicinity of Point Cook aerodrome without express permission.

29Jan30 Air Board Agenda No.1368/30 approved destruction of the airframe and all spares held at the Unit.

00Mar30 Breakdown and destruction by burning completed at 1FTS.A1-23

00Feb19 Built as Serial H3464, one of 150 DH.9A aircraft manufactured by Westland Aircraft Works, Yeovil, Somerset UK under Contract 35a/2007/C.2410 dated 09Aug1918 in the serial range H3396 to H3545.

00Feb19 Received by RAF.

04Jun19 One of thirty DH.9A aircraft offered by the UK as part of the Imperial Gift to Australia

00Jan20 Received by No 5 Aircraft Repair Depot at RAF Henlow, Bedfordshire UK. Prepared for shipment to Australia by the Australian Packing Section of 5AD led by Australian AIF Officer Lt George Mackinolty.

1920 Arrived at Victoria Docks, Port Melbourne VIC.

1920 Received by the Aeroplane Repair Section (ARS) of Central Flying School (CFS), Australian Flying Corps (AFC) at No 1 Station Point Cook, VIC. Placed in long term storage at the Spotswood Storage Area 7km SW of the Melbourne CBD.

31Mar21 Became part of the Australian Air Force (AAF) on this day.

13Aug21 Became part of the Royal Australian Air Force when the Royal prefix was Gazetted on this day.

00Oct21 At some time after October 1921 the RAF Serial H3464 was removed and the new RAAF Serial A1-23 applied on both sides of the rear fuselage.

04Jul24 Received by No 1 Flying Training School (1FTS) at No 1 Station RAAF Point Cook VIC for assembly and testing.

15Jul24 Received for use by 1FTS.

06Aug24 Departed Point Cook at 1735hrs for a cross-country training flight to Brisbane and return. Planned route was Point Cook-Cootamundra-Richmond-Warwick-Brisbane. After refuelling at Cootamundra the engine began cutting out and at 1630hrs failed completely which caused a crash landing near Marulan, 130km SW of Sydney. The aircraft was virtually destroyed in the crash; pilot FLGOFF D.E.L Wilson and fitter AC1 I.G Harmon received minor injuries and shock.

09Aug24 Wreckage railed to RAAF Experimental Station at Randwick, Sydney.

11Aug24 Board of Survey report recommended conversion.

09Oct24 Air Board approved conversion to components.

A1-24

00Feb19 Built as Serial H3465, one of 150 DH.9A aircraft manufactured by Westland Aircraft Works, Yeovil, Somerset UK under Contract 35a/2007/C.2410 dated 09Aug1918 in the serial range H3396 to H3545.

00Feb19 Received by RAF.

04Jun19 One of thirty DH.9A aircraft offered by the UK as part of the Imperial Gift to Australia

00Jan20 Received by No 5 Aircraft Repair Depot at RAF Henlow, Bedfordshire UK. Prepared for shipment to Australia by the Australian Packing Section of 5AD led by Australian AIF Officer Lt George Mackinolty.

1920 Arrived at Victoria Docks, Port Melbourne VIC.

09Sep20 Received by the Aeroplane Repair Section (ARS) of Central Flying School (CFS), Australian Flying Corps (AFC) at No 1 Station Point Cook, VIC. Placed in long term storage at the Spotswood Storage Area 7km SW of the Melbourne CBD.

31Mar21 Became part of the Australian Air Force (AAF) on this day.

13Aug21 Became part of the Royal Australian Air Force when the Royal prefix was Gazetted on this day.

00Oct21 At some time after October 1921 the RAF Serial H3465 was removed and the new RAAF Serial A1-24 applied on both sides of the rear fuselage.

00May27 Received by No 1 Flying Training School (1FTS) at No 1 Station RAAF Point Cook VIC for assembly and testing.

06May27 Allocated to and received by RAAF Experimental Station at Randwick, Sydney for complete overhaul.

27Jul27 Allocated to and received by C Flight No 3 (Composite) Squadron at No 2 Station Richmond NSW.

24Aug27 Allocated to and received by C Flight 1FTS.

11Nov27 Landing accident at Point Cook, minor damage. Cadet G.E Klein was shaken but uninjured.

14Mar28 Accumulated flying time: 171hrs.

10Nov28 Forced landing at Point Cook caused moderate damage. Pilot LAC C.H. Scott was uninjured.

00Nov28 Awaiting repair instructions.

08Feb29 Air Board Agenda No.1213/29 stated the aircraft had completed its allocated flying time and was approved for conversion to components and produce.

00Mar29 Converted to components and residue destroyed by burning at 1FTS.

A1-25

00Mar19 Built as Serial H3502, one of 150 DH.9A aircraft manufactured by Westland Aircraft Works, Yeovil, Somerset UK under Contract 35a/2007/C.2410 dated 09Aug1918 in the serial range H3396 to H3545.

00Mar19 Received by RAF.

04Jun19 One of thirty DH.9A aircraft offered by the UK as part of the Imperial Gift to Australia

00Jan20 Received by No 5 Aircraft Repair Depot at RAF Henlow, Bedfordshire UK. Prepared for shipment to Australia by the Australian Packing Section of 5AD led by Australian AIF Officer Lt George Mackinolty.

1920 Arrived at Victoria Docks, Port Melbourne VIC.

1920 Received by the Aeroplane Repair Section (ARS) of Central Flying School (CFS), Australian Flying Corps (AFC) at No 1 Station Point Cook, VIC. Placed in long term storage at the Spotswood Storage Area 7km SW of the Melbourne CBD.

31Mar21 Became part of the Australian Air Force (AAF) on this day.

13Aug21 Became part of the Royal Australian Air Force when the Royal prefix was Gazetted on this day.

00Oct21 At some time after October 1921 the RAF Serial H3502 was removed and the new RAAF Serial A1-25 applied on both sides of the rear fuselage.

00Jan26 Received by No 1 Flying Training School (1FTS) at No 1 Station RAAF Point Cook VIC for assembly and testing.

18Feb26 Allocated to and received by C Flight, No 1 (Composite) Squadron at No 1 Station RAAF Point Cook.

02Mar26 Allocated to and received by RAAF Experimental Station at Randwick, Sydney for servicing.

09Mar26 Allocated to and received by C Flight No 3 (Composite) Squadron at No 2 Station Richmond NSW.

29Mar26 Engine failure caused a forced landing near Windsor, NSW. Repaired in-situ and returned to Richmond

20Apr27 Engine changed.

15Feb28 Accumulated flight time: 162hrs.

28Mar28 Flown to QLD by FLGOFF C.S Wiggins with A353 AC1 W. Walkington for the 1st Intrastate Army Cooperation exercises with 11th Mixed Brigade at Enoggera Barracks, Brisbane.

05Apr28 Returned to Richmond via Maclean, Port Macquarie and Newcastle.

01Aug28 Aircraft was tasked to carry a civilian photographer to Sydney harbour and document the arrival of four Southampton flying boats of 205Sqn RAF. At 1405hrs the engine cut-out at approximately 1000ft above Sydney harbour after the passenger had inadvertently turned off the engine master switch and the pilot was forced to ditch 100m off Bradley’s Head. Within minutes a Naval pinnace arrived on the scene and rescued the pilot FLGOFF S de B Griffith and cinematographer Mr E.B. Carpenter. Soon after that the Sydney Harbour Trust launch Bucra arrived and towed the aircraft to Garden Island where the aircraft was lifted onto one of the wharves. Damage was restricted to the airscrew and lower wings; both crew escaped serious injury.

03Aug28 Although the ditching did not cause severe damage a technical survey by the 1st Air Member (AIRCDE R. Williams) stated the aircraft was uneconomical to repair and recommended conversion. Liberty engine No.65102 and flight instruments were returned to store

05Sep28 Air Board Agenda No.1116/28 approved conversion to components. Total airframe time since last overhaul: 207hrs.

A1-26

00Oct18 Built as Serial E8590, one of 400 DH.9A aircraft manufactured by Aircraft Manufacturing Co (Airco) at Hendon, London UK under Contract 35a/412/C.291 dated 09Apr1918 in the serial range E8407 to E8806.

00Oct18 Received by No 2 Aircraft Acceptance Park at RAF Hendon, London UK for storage.

04Jun19 One of thirty DH.9A aircraft offered by the UK as part of the Imperial Gift to Australia

03Dec19 Received by No 5 Aircraft Repair Depot at RAF Henlow, Bedfordshire UK to be packed for the Imperial Gift shipment by the Australian Packing Section of 5AD led by Australian AIF Officer Lt George Mackinolty

09Jan20 Shipped to Australia.

1920 Arrived at Victoria Docks, Port Melbourne VIC.

16Jun20 Received by the Aeroplane Repair Section (ARS) of Central Flying School (CFS), Australian Flying Corps (AFC) at No 1 Station Point Cook, VIC.

19Jun20 Issued to the Australian War Museum and displayed in the Exhibition Building, Nicholson St Melbourne as part of the AWM WWI Aeroplane Exhibition.

03Jul20 Returned to CFS.

31Mar21 Transferred to the newly formed Australian Air Force (AAF) and issued to No 1 Aircraft Depot (1AD) at No 1 Station Point Cook for storage.

13Aug21 Became part of the Royal Australian Air Force when the Royal prefix was Gazetted on this day.

00Oct21 At some time after October 1921 the RAF Serial E8590 was removed and the new RAAF Serial A1-26 applied on both sides of the rear fuselage.

01Jul22 Issued to E Flight No 1 Flying Training School (1FTS) at RAAF No 1 Station Point Cook.

18Sep23 Damaged in a landing accident at Point Cook.

10Dec24 One of 24 aircraft that flew to Flemington Racecourse Melbourne for rehearsals of the Victorian Air Pageant. In all, four aircraft crashed when landing at the Course. A1-26 piloted by FLTLT A. Hempel landed but was certain to collide with a substantial fence so the pilot gunned the engine and tried to ground loop to avoid the fence. Unfortunately, the undercarriage could not take the strain and collapsed. The aircraft came to rest in front of a jeering crowd of onlookers and suffered severe damage. The crew walked away from the wreckage unscathed.

12Dec24 Recovered by ground crew from 1FTS and transported back to Point Cook for repair.

21Apr25 Landing accident at Laverton, moderate damage. FLGOFFs J.P McCauley & W.E Duncan were uninjured but shaken.

23Apr25 Underwent Board of Survey Inspection at 1AD. Recommended for complete overhaul

22Feb26 Overhaul completed at 1FTS Aircraft Repair Section.

09Mar28 Held unserviceable at 1AD. Accumulated flight time: 251hrs.

1929 Allocated to and received by C Flight, No 1 (Composite) Squadron at RAAF Base Laverton.

08May29 Struck an electricity power pole near Laverton and crash landed. Pilot FLGOFF C.A Smythe received minor injuries and shock. Aircraft severely damaged and recommended for conversion.

10May29 Air Board approved conversion to components.

A1-27

00Oct18 Built as Serial E8597, one of 400 DH.9A aircraft manufactured by Aircraft Manufacturing Co (Airco) at Hendon, London UK under Contract 35a/412/C.291 dated 09Apr1918 in the serial range E8407 to E8806.

00Oct18 Received by No 2 Aircraft Acceptance Park at RAF Hendon, London UK for storage.

04Jun19 One of thirty DH.9A aircraft offered by the UK as part of the Imperial Gift to Australia

09Jan20 Received by No 5 Aircraft Repair Depot at RAF Henlow, Bedfordshire UK. Prepared for shipment to Australia by the Australian Packing Section of 5AD led by Australian AIF Officer Lt George Mackinolty.

1920 Arrived at Victoria Docks, Port Melbourne VIC.

01May20 Received by the Aeroplane Repair Section (ARS) of Central Flying School (CFS), Australian Flying Corps (AFC) at No 1 Station Point Cook, VIC. Placed in long term storage at the Spotswood Storage Area 7km SW of the Melbourne CBD.

31Mar21 Became part of the Australian Air Force (AAF) on this day.

13Aug21 Became part of the Royal Australian Air Force when the Royal prefix was Gazetted on this day.

00Oct21 At some time after October 1921 the RAF Serial H8597was removed and the new RAAF Serial A1-27 applied on both sides of the rear fuselage.

1926 Received by Aircraft Repair Section at No 1 Flying Training School (1FTS) RAAF Point Cook for assembly and testing.

07Oct26 Overhauled by Mort’s Dock and Engineering Co Ltd, Balmain, NSW

1926 Allocated to and received by C Flight No 3 (Composite) Squadron at No 2 Station Richmond, NSW.

20Oct27 On the return leg of a cross-country Navex from Brisbane to Richmond an engine failure caused a forced landing near Warwick QLD. Light damage to undercarriage and lower wings. Cadet J.H Lindell was uninjured.

08Nov27 Crash landed at Point Cook causing extensive damage to the aircraft and engine.

27Nov27 Allocated to Mort’s Dock and Engineering Co Ltd, Balmain, NSW for overhaul.

01Mar28 Allocated to and received by C Flight 3 Sqn.

06Mar28 Accumulated flight time: 199hrs.

09Jul28 Crash landed at Point Cook, minor damage. Pilot PLTOFF F.I Stevens uninjured.

08Feb29 Air Board Agenda No.1213/29 stated the aircraft had completed its allocated flying time and was approved for conversion to components and produce.

00Mar29 Converted to components and residue destroyed by burning at 1FTS.

A1-28

00Sep18 Built as Serial E9692, one of 100 DH.9A aircraft manufactured by Mann, Edgerton & Co Norwich, Norfolk UK under Contract 35a/413/C.291 of 08 Feb 1918 in the serial range E9657 to E9756.

00Sep18 Received by RAF.

12Apr19 Received by No 2 Aircraft Acceptance Park at RAF Hendon, London UK for storage.

04Jun19 One of thirty DH.9A aircraft offered by the UK as part of the Imperial Gift to Australia

03Dec19 Received by No 5 Aircraft Repair Depot at RAF Henlow, Bedfordshire UK to be packed for the Imperial Gift shipment by the Australian Packing Section of 5AD led by Australian AIF Officer Lt George Mackinolty

09Jan20 Shipped to Australia.

1920 Arrived at Victoria Docks, Port Melbourne VIC.

12Aug20 Received by the Aeroplane Repair Section (ARS) of Central Flying School (CFS), Australian Flying Corps (AFC) at No 1 Station Point Cook, VIC. Placed in long term storage at the Spotswood Storage Area 7km SW of the Melbourne CBD.

31Mar21 Became part of the Australian Air Force (AAF) on this day.

13Aug21 Became part of the Royal Australian Air Force when the Royal prefix was Gazetted on this day.

00Oct21 At some time after October 1921 the RAF Serial E9692 removed and the new RAAF Serial A1-28 applied on both sides of the rear fuselage.

1925 Received by Aircraft Repair Section at No 1 Flying Training School (1FTS) RAAF Point Cook for assembly and testing.

1925 Received by 1FTS.

15Jan26 Departed Point Cook at 0930hrs for Richmond, NSW with pilot FLTLT L.W Sutherland and mechanic CPL J.A Campbell. When landing at Cootamundra NSW for a refuelling stop the aircraft encountered strong cross-winds that resulted in a very heavy landing. The undercarriage was ripped off, the airscrew smashed and the lower wings severely damaged. The crew received minor injuries but walked away from the wreckage.

20Jan26 Aircraft railed to Sydney for repair/overhaul at the RAAF Experimental Station at Randwick, Sydney.

25Mar26 Repairs and overhaul completed by RAAF Experimental Station.

00Mar26 Allocated to and received by C Flight, No 3 (Composite) Squadron at No 2 Station Richmond, NSW.

30July26 Landing accident at Richmond, minor damage. Pilot FLGOFF V.H Augenson was uninjured. Total flight time: 7hrs.

01Mar27 Underwent overhaul by 3Sqn.

15Feb28 Total flight time: 111hrs.

31Mar28 Aircraft was rigged as a single seater and the engine ‘tweaked’ for performance to enter the 1928 NSW Aerial Derby Race at Mascot airport. Aircraft wore the number “22”, was piloted by FLGOFF Norman Mulroney and won the race.

02Oct28 Under repair at 3Sqn.

23Oct28 Allocated to and received by 1FTS at Point Cook.

1929 Received by No 1 (Composite) Squadron at RAAF Base Laverton.

17Apr29 Departed for Alice Springs NT to assist in the search for the missing Kookaburra aircraft in northern Australia. Crewed by pilot SGT G.E Douglas and fitter LAC W.J. Smith. Route taken was Mildura, Hawker, Maree and Oodnadatta. Operated from Wave Hill Station and Tennants Creek during the search.

20Apr29 Developed engine trouble that grounded the aircraft at Wave Hill Station. On-site inspection reported the aircraft was beyond economical repair. Acting under Air Board Instructions, all instruments and selected items were stripped from the aircraft and the residue destroyed by fire.

15May29 Written-off charge. Total airframe time: 282hrs.

A1-29

00Sep18 Built as Serial E9694, one of 100 DH.9A aircraft manufactured by Mann, Edgerton & Co Norwich, Norfolk UK under Contract 35a/413/C.291 of 08 Feb 1918 in the serial range E9657 to E9756.

00Sep18 Received by RAF.

12Apr19 Received by No 2 Aircraft Acceptance Park at RAF Hendon, London UK for storage.

04Jun19 One of thirty DH.9A aircraft offered by the UK as part of the Imperial Gift to Australia

09Jan20 Received by No 5 Aircraft Repair Depot at RAF Henlow, Bedfordshire UK. Prepared for shipment to Australia by the Australian Packing Section of 5AD led by Australian AIF Officer Lt George Mackinolty.

1920 Arrived at Victoria Docks, Port Melbourne VIC.

1920 Received by the Aeroplane Repair Section (ARS) of Central Flying School (CFS), Australian Flying Corps (AFC) at No 1 Station Point Cook, VIC. Placed in long term storage at the Spotswood Storage Area 7km SW of the Melbourne CBD.

31Mar21 Became part of the Australian Air Force (AAF) on this day.

13Aug21 Became part of the Royal Australian Air Force when the Royal prefix was Gazetted on this day.

00Oct21 At some time after October 1921 the RAF Serial E9694 removed and the new RAAF Serial A1-29 applied on both sides of the rear fuselage.

00Apr24 Received by Aircraft Repair Section at No 1 Flying Training School (1FTS) RAAF Point Cook for assembly and testing.

05May24 Test flight at 1FTS.

06Aug24 Departed Point Cook with two other DH.9A aircraft (A1-16 & A1- 23) under the command of FTLT A.H Cobby DSO DFC for a return cross-country training flight to Brisbane. After A1-23 crashed at Marulan, NSW the remaining two aircraft pushed on to Richmond and waited several days for a replacement aircraft to arrive.

09Aug24 The three aircraft departed Richmond at 1105hrs and landed for fuel at Grafton at 1435hrs. 25 minutes after take-off from Grafton A1-29 started to overheat and a successful precautionary landing was made on a road near Woodford Leigh 8km from Maclean NSW. O34 FLGOFF Ulex Edward Ewart and fitter A113 LAC Ernest Tomrop were uninjured.

10Aug24 After repairing the leaking radiator overnight the aircraft took–off to format with the other two aircraft circling overhead. After reaching 200ft a large bang was heard by the crowd of onlookers and the aircraft crashed into a sugar cane field. The undercarriage was ripped off, the airscrew destroyed, the lower wings totally destroyed and the fuselage seriously distorted. Amazingly both Ewart and Tomrop did not receive a single scratch. FLGOFF Ewart immediately arranged for the wreckage to be dismantled and loaded onto the Sydney bound steamer which was fortuitously moored very near the crash site.

14Aug24 Wreckage arrived in Sydney and was transported to the RAAF Experimental Station at Randwick for processing.

09Oct24 Wreckage converted to components. Total flight time: 27hrs.

A1-30

1918 Originally built by Airco.

1918 Received by RAF then placed into long term storage after WWI.

14Jun21 Ordered by the Australian Air Council at a cost of £2,953. This aircraft was not one of the Imperial Gift DH.9A machines. It was a replacement order for E8616 which was lost in Sep 1920

1921-22 Rebuilt by De Havilland at their Stag Lane factory London, UK with the DH construction number 42. The aircraft was given a new construction number as it was considered to be a new build given the extent of the rebuild process.

1923 Shipped to Australia.

1923 Arrived at Victoria Docks, Port Melbourne VIC.

00Jul23 Received by Aircraft Repair Section at No 1 Flying Training School (1FTS) No 1 RAAF Station Point Cook for assembly and testing. Given the RAAF Serial A1-30.

00Jul23 Issued for use to 1FTS

26Jul25 Issued for use to No 1 (Composite) Squadron at No 1 RAAF Station Point Cook on its formation.

25Mar26 On engine start up the ground assistant A669 AC1 Charles Horace Stanier was clipped by the propellor and received a broken arm and severe lacerations.

20May26 Minor landing accident after forced landing. Cadet L.C.L Murray was uninjured.

16Aug26 Crash landed at Point Cook caused extensive damage. Cadet K.M. Frewen received minor injuries and shock.

19Aug26 Received by No 1 Aircraft Depot at No 2 Station RAAF Laverton VIC.

30Mar27 Crash landing at Point Cook after engine failure. Pilot FLGOFF H.K Love and CPL O’Connell received minor injuries.

07Jul27 Inspection by the 1st Air Member stated the aircraft was uneconomical to repair. Recommended conversion of the airframe to components and produce. Engine to be sent to 1AD for overhaul then returned to store.

15Jul27 Air Board Agenda No 935/27 gave approval for conversion to components.

E8616 This was one of the 30 Imperial Gift DH.9A but was lost in use before the RAAF A Series allocations were introduced.

1918 Built as Serial E8616, one of 400 DH.9A aircraft manufactured by Aircraft Manufacturing Co (Airco) at Hendon, London UK under Contract 35a/412/C.291 dated 09Apr1918 in the serial range E8407 to E8806.

00Nov18 Received by RAF.

12Apr19 Received by No 2 Aircraft Acceptance Park at RAF Hendon, London UK for storage.

04Jun19 One of thirty DH.9A aircraft offered by the UK as part of the Imperial Gift to Australia

03Dec19 Received by No 5 Aircraft Repair Depot at RAF Henlow, Bedfordshire UK to be packed for the Imperial Gift shipment by the Australian Packing Section of 5AD led by Australian AIF Officer Lt George Mackinolty

09Jan20 Planned to be loaded onto the Commonwealth Government Line vessel SS Carina but cancelled at the last minute.

05Mar20 Loaded on to the 6,570 ton Commonwealth Government Line vessel SS Boorara at London Docks.

26Apr20 Arrived at No 2 Victoria Dock, Port Melbourne.

01May20 Received for assembly by the Aeroplane Repair Section (ARS) of Central Flying School (CFS), Australian Flying Corps (AFC) at No 1 Station Point Cook, VIC.

May20 Issued for use by A Flight CFS.

23Sep20 Departed Point Cook with Captain W.T Stutt and A13 SGT A.G Dalziel DSM at 1155hrs in company with A1-17 (Major Anderson & A22 SGT H.J. Chester) to search for the missing 350 ton schooner Amelia J in Bass Strait. The aircraft had reached Cape Barren Island in Bass Strait when they parted company because of dense cloud and heavy sea fog. No trace was ever found of E8616 or its crew despite extensive air and sea searches.

31Dec20 Struck off charge with a stated value of £2,953.

NOTES: 1. In Dec 1920 the Military Court of Inquiry recommended Captain Stutt’s wife receive an annual pension of £116.1.4 and SGT Dalziel’s wife an annual pension of £168.3.2 as their husbands were killed on active duty.

2. On 18Jan21 the Government declined to pay any pensions but awarded an “act of grace payment” of £1,650 to Mrs Stutt and £744 to Mrs Dalziel. The Government stated the airman were not on “active” duty. i.e. Not facing the ENEMY.

3. On 15Sep21, following many submissions requesting review of the financial situation, Cabinet authorised an additional £200 “act of grace payment” but repeated that no pensions would be paid.

4. No Pensions were ever paid.


Used By: No.1 Home Training Squadron AFC, AAC,

No.1 Flying Training School AAF, RAAF

A6-1

00Aug18 Built as Serial D1115 in unassembled sections, one of 500 Airco DH.9 aircraft manufactured at the National Aircraft Factory No 2, Heaton Chapel, Stockport, Lancashire UK under Crosby Motors Contract AS.32754 dated 10 November 1917 in the Serial range D1001 to D1500.

00Aug18 Aircraft sections transported by rail to No 15 Aircraft Acceptance Park at Alexander Park Aerodrome, Manchester for final assembly and testing.

1918 Delivered to RAF.

19Jan20 One of 28 Airco DH.9 aircraft allocated to Australia by the UK Air Ministry as part of the Imperial Gift.

00May20 Received by No 5 Aircraft Repair Depot at RAF Henlow, Bedfordshire UK for shipment preparation by the Australian Packing Section of 5AD led by Australian AIF Officer Lt George Mackinolty.

1920 Shipped from Liverpool docks to Melbourne.

1920 Received by the Aeroplane Repair Section (ARS) of Central Flying School (CFS), Australian Flying Corps (AFC) at No 1 Station Point Cook, VIC. Placed in long term storage at the Spotswood Storage Area 7km SW of the Melbourne CBD.

31Mar21 Became part of the Australian Air Force (AAF) on this day.

13Aug21 Became part of the Royal Australian Air Force when the Royal prefix was Gazetted on this day.

00Oct21 At some time after October 1921 the RAF Serial D1115 was removed and the new RAAF Serial A6-1 applied on both sides of the rear fuselage.

1925 Removed from storage and reconditioned by Matthews & Hassell [probably] at Essendon Airport.

Note: the Matthews & Hassell referenced in several documents is more than likely the early name used for Matthews Aviation Pty Ltd, which began Defence contract work at Essendon airport in 1925.

Workers of Matthews Aviation at Essendon Airport 1925. DH.9 in background possibly A6-1.

Image 151695025 from The National Library of Australia

16Jul25 Received for use by A Flight, No 1 (Composite) Sqn on its formation at No 1 Station RAAF Point Cook, VIC.

07Nov25 One of two DH.9 aircraft that flew to Perth to participate in the annual Citizen Army Training in the Perth region, crewed by FLGOFF L.J Balderstone and two mechanics. Aircraft flew from Point Cook to Maylands Airport, Perth via Nhill, Cooke’s Plain, Albert Park airfield Adelaide, Ceduna, Cook, Forrest, Rawlina, Kalgoorlie and Woodford.

30Nov25 Returned to Point Cook.

00Jul26 Received for use by B Flight, No 1 Flying Training School (1FTS) at Point Cook.

10Mar27 Departed Point Cook with FLGOFF T.W Shortridge with two mechanics along with A6-27, FLGOFF R.W Scherger also with two mechanics. Airmen were tasked to conduct an initial survey of roads, air routes and possible landing fields between Adelaide and Perth. Planned route was Nhill, Cook’s Plains with a break at Adelaide then on to Perth. However, an engine problem required a forced landing at Culburra, SA 177km SE of Adelaide.

11Mar27 Aircraft repaired and continued on to Perth via Ceduna, Cook, Forrest, Rawlinna, Kalgoorlie and Woodford where it performed its allotted tasks and returned to Point Cook on 08Apr27.

20Oct27 After take-off from Point Cook the engine failed at approximately 60ft for some unknown reason. The pilot stalled the aircraft when attempting to recover and crashed near the end of the runway. The pilot Cadet C.C Search escaped from the aircraft with minor injuries but the aircraft was completely destroyed by fire.

20Dec27 Air Board Agenda No.975/27 approved write-off of the airframe and Puma engine No.84061 to the value of £2,049.

Since its acceptance in May 1920, A6-1 spent a total of 90 months in RAAF Service of which 62 months were spent in storage and only 28 months in active service.

A6-2

00Aug18 Built as Serial D1119 in unassembled sections, one of 500 Airco DH.9 aircraft manufactured at the National Aircraft Factory No 2, Heaton Chapel, Stockport, Lancashire UK under Crosby Motors Contract AS.32754 dated 10 November 1917 in the Serial range D1001 to D1500.

00Aug18 Aircraft sections transported by rail to No 15 Aircraft Acceptance Park at Alexander Park Aerodrome, Manchester for final assembly and testing.

1918 Delivered to RAF.

19Jan20 One of 28 Airco DH.9 aircraft allocated to Australia by the UK Air Ministry as part of the Imperial Gift.

00May20 Received by No 5 Aircraft Repair Depot at RAF Henlow, Bedfordshire UK for shipment preparation by the Australian Packing Section of 5AD led by Australian AIF Officer Lt George Mackinolty.

1920 Shipped from Liverpool docks to Melbourne.

1920 Received by the Aeroplane Repair Section (ARS) of Central Flying School (CFS), Australian Flying Corps (AFC) at No 1 Station Point Cook, VIC. Placed in long term storage at the Spotswood Storage Area 7km SW of the Melbourne CBD.

31Mar21 Became part of the Australian Air Force (AAF) on this day.

13Aug21 Became part of the Royal Australian Air Force when the Royal prefix was Gazetted on this day.

00Oct21 At some time after October 1921 the RAF Serial D1119 was removed and the new RAAF Serial A6-2 applied on both sides of the rear fuselage.

1926 Removed from storage and reconditioned by Matthews & Hassell [probably] at Essendon Airport.

Note: the Matthews & Hassell referenced in several documents is more than likely the early name used for Matthews Aviation Pty Ltd, which began Defence contract work at Essendon airport in 1925.

00Dec26 In use with B Flight, No 1 Flying Training School (1FTS) at Point Cook.

00Feb28 RAAF HQ in Melbourne issued a directive that DH.9 aircraft were not to be intentionally spun.

00Dec28 Damaged in an unspecified accident, repaired and returned for use with 1FTS by Jan29.

00May29 Withdrawn from use and issued to No 1 Aircraft Depot at RAAF Station Laverton pending direction.

21May29 Air Board authorised destruction at 1AD.

Since its acceptance in May 1920, A6-2 spent a total of 109 months in RAAF Service of which 80 months were spent in storage and only 29 months in active service.

A6-3

00Aug18 Built as Serial D1127 in unassembled sections, one of 500 Airco DH.9 aircraft manufactured at the National Aircraft Factory No 2, Heaton Chapel, Stockport, Lancashire UK under Crosby Motors Contract AS.32754 dated 10 November 1917 in the Serial range D1001 to D1500.

00Aug18 Aircraft sections transported by rail to No 15 Aircraft Acceptance Park at Alexander Park Aerodrome, Manchester for final assembly and testing.

1918 Delivered to RAF.

19Jan20 One of 28 Airco DH.9 aircraft allocated to Australia by the UK Air Ministry as part of the Imperial Gift.

00May20 Received by No 5 Aircraft Repair Depot at RAF Henlow, Bedfordshire UK for shipment preparation by the Australian Packing Section of 5AD led by Australian AIF Officer Lt George Mackinolty.

1920 Shipped from Liverpool docks to Melbourne.

1920 Received by the Aeroplane Repair Section (ARS) of Central Flying School (CFS), Australian Flying Corps (AFC) at No 1 Station Point Cook, VIC. Placed in long term storage at the Spotswood Storage Area 7km SW of the Melbourne CBD.

31Mar21 Became part of the Australian Air Force (AAF) on this day.

13Aug21 Became part of the Royal Australian Air Force when the Royal prefix was Gazetted on this day.

00Oct21 At some time after October 1921 the RAF Serial D1127 was removed and the new RAAF Serial A6-3 applied on both sides of the rear fuselage.

1926 Removed from storage and reconditioned by Matthews & Hassell [probably] at Essendon Airport.

Note: the Matthews & Hassell referenced in several documents is more than likely the early name used for Matthews Aviation Pty Ltd, which began Defence contract work at Essendon airport in 1925.

00Apr27 In use with B Flight, No 1 Flying Training School (1FTS) at Point Cook.

21Apr27 Together with six other DH.9 aircraft from Point Cook was part of the 40+ formation that performed an early morning Meet and Greet display above the RN Battleship HMS Renown as it entered Port Phillip Bay carrying HRH The Duke of York. Crewed by FLGOFF C. Eaton and A828 AC1 J.J. Rhyder.

The same seven DH.9 aircraft performed the Royal Salute later that day over the Melbourne CBD.

05Sep27 Crash landed at Point Cook, minor damage. Pilot PLTOFF Thomas White was uninjured.

13Oct27 Forced landing at Point Cook following engine failure, no fuselage damage. Pilot CPL F.W. Collopy was uninjured.

27Oct27 Cadet Clarence C. Search (24) of Marrickville NSW was flying solo on a cross-country exercise to Healsville, VIC 76km NE of Melbourne. Eyewitnesses saw the aircraft circling over Walry Estate, 8km from Healsville, apparently searching for a suitable landing site. At approximately 0830hrs the aircraft stalled at 150-200ft and crashed into a field. The witnesses quickly arrived at the crash site but the aircraft was totally enveloped in flames with the pilot still strapped in his seat. Cadet C.C Search was killed in the accident and the aircraft completely destroyed.

20Dec27 Air Board Agenda No.976/27 approved write-off of the airframe and Puma engine No.24423 to the value of £2,074.

Since its acceptance in May 1920, A6-3 spent a total of 90 months in RAAF Service of which 84 months were spent in storage and only 6 months in active service.

A6-4

00Aug18 Built as Serial D1129 in unassembled sections, one of 500 Airco DH.9 aircraft manufactured at the National Aircraft Factory No 2, Heaton Chapel, Stockport, Lancashire UK under Crosby Motors Contract AS.32754 dated 10 November 1917 in the Serial range D1001 to D1500.

00Aug18 Aircraft sections transported by rail to No 15 Aircraft Acceptance Park at Alexander Park Aerodrome, Manchester for final assembly and testing.

00Sep18 Delivered to RAF.

00Oct18 Received for use by NE Area Flying Instructors School at RNAS Redcar, Tyne and Wear UK.

19Jan20 One of 28 Airco DH.9 aircraft allocated to Australia by the UK Air Ministry as part of the Imperial Gift.

00May20 Received by No 5 Aircraft Repair Depot at RAF Henlow, Bedfordshire UK for shipment preparation by the Australian Packing Section of 5AD led by Australian AIF Officer Lt George Mackinolty.

1920 Shipped from Liverpool docks to Melbourne.

1920 Received by the Aeroplane Repair Section (ARS) of Central Flying School (CFS), Australian Flying Corps (AFC) at No 1 Station Point Cook, VIC. Placed in long term storage at the Spotswood Storage Area 7km SW of the Melbourne CBD.

31Mar21 Became part of the Australian Air Force (AAF) on this day.

13Aug21 Became part of the Royal Australian Air Force when the Royal prefix was Gazetted on this day.

00Oct21 At some time after October 1921 the RAF Serial D1129 was removed and the new RAAF Serial A6-4 applied on both sides of the rear fuselage.

00Jun24 Loaned to the Civil Aviation Branch of the Department of Defence where the aircraft was used by CAB officers to conduct their business at airports around Australia.

08Aug24 Aircraft was transferred to the civil register as G-AUEH and leased to Australian Aerial Services (a Subsidiary of Larkin Aircraft Supply Co of Coode Island, Melbourne) to carry mail on the Adelaide-Sydney-Melbourne route.

18Dec24 Lease to Australian Aerial Services ceased and the aircraft returned to Point Cook. Civil registration removed and RAAF Serial A6-4 reapplied.

1925 Reportedly reconditioned by Pratt Brothers Pty Ltd at Belmont Common, Geelong VIC.

00Jul25 In use with No 1 Flying Training School (1FTS) at Point Cook.

1927 In use with A Flight, No 3 (Composite) Sqn at RAAF Station No 2 Richmond NSW.

26Mar27 One four DH.9 aircraft that provided a Royal Escort for the arrival of HRH Duke of York onboard the Royal Navy Battleship HMS Renown as the ship entered Sydney Harbour.

08Nov27 Departed Richmond with two other DH.9, three DH.9A and three SE5a aircraft to participate in the Queensland Aero Club 1927 Aerial Pageant at Archerfield aerodrome Brisbane. Route taken was Richmond, Armidale, Warwick (overnight) then Brisbane. Aircraft flew in the Pageant on 12Nov and RTB on 15Nov.

00Feb28 RAAF HQ in Melbourne issued a directive that DH.9 aircraft were not to be intentionally spun.

14Apr28 Collided with DH.60 Moth G-AUPP while taxying at Mascot airport, Sydney. Minor damage to both aircraft, pilot PLTOFF F.C Elsworth was uninjured.

11Jun28 Damaged once again while taxying at Mascot airport. No details known other than the aircraft was not repaired.

00May29 Withdrawn from use and issued to No 1 Aircraft Depot at RAAF Station Laverton pending direction.

21May29 Air Board authorised destruction at 1AD.

Since its acceptance in May 1920, A6-4 spent a total of 109 months in RAAF Service of which 63 months were spent in storage and 46 months in active service.

A6-5

00Aug18 Built as Serial D1187 in unassembled sections, one of 500 Airco DH.9 aircraft manufactured at the National Aircraft Factory No 2, Heaton Chapel, Stockport, Lancashire UK under Crosby Motors Contract AS.32754 dated 10 November 1917 in the Serial range D1001 to D1500.

00Aug18 Aircraft sections transported by rail to No 15 Aircraft Acceptance Park at Alexander Park Aerodrome, Manchester for final assembly and testing.

1918 Delivered to RAF.

19Jan20 One of 28 Airco DH.9 aircraft allocated to Australia by the UK Air Ministry as part of the Imperial Gift.

00May20 Received by No 5 Aircraft Repair Depot at RAF Henlow, Bedfordshire UK for shipment preparation by the Australian Packing Section of 5AD led by Australian AIF Officer Lt George Mackinolty.

1920 Shipped from Liverpool docks to Melbourne.

1920 Received by the Aeroplane Repair Section (ARS) of Central Flying School (CFS), Australian Flying Corps (AFC) at No 1 Station Point Cook, VIC. Placed in long term storage at the Spotswood Storage Area 7km SW of the Melbourne CBD.

31Mar21 Became part of the Australian Air Force (AAF) on this day.

13Aug21 Became part of the Royal Australian Air Force when the Royal prefix was Gazetted on this day.

00Jun24 Loaned to the Civil Aviation Branch of the Department of Defence where the aircraft was used by CAB officers to conduct their business at airports around Australia.

08Aug24 Aircraft was transferred to the civil register as G-AUEG and leased to Australian Aerial Services (a Subsidiary of Larkin Aircraft Supply Co of Coode Island, Melbourne) to carry mail on the Adelaide-Sydney-Melbourne route.

18Dec24 Lease to Australian Aerial Services ceased and the aircraft returned to Point Cook. Civil registration removed and RAAF Serial A6-5 reapplied.

00Apr25 In use with No 1 Flying Training School (1FTS) at Point Cook.

16Jul25 Received for use by A Flight, No 1 (Composite) Sqn on its formation at No 1 Station RAAF Point Cook, VIC.

00Oct25 Received for use by A Flight, No 3 (Composite) Sqn at No 2 Station Richmond, NSW.

25Oct25 Flown by FLTLT F.W.F Lukis, was part of a four aircraft formation that met and escorted the new Governor General’s train from Parramatta to Sydney central station. During the escort the aircraft repeatedly made extremely low passes along the length of the train to ‘salute’ the GG, media reporters of the day were most impressed.

18Mar26 Collided with A3-53 when taxying at Richmond. Minor damage to both aircraft. Pilot FLGOFF L.J Hobbs was uninjured.

00Mar27 Received for use by A Flight, No 1 (Composite) Sqn at No 1 Station Point Cook.

21Apr27 Together with six other DH.9 aircraft from Point Cook was part of the 40+ formation that performed an early morning Meet and Greet display above the RN Battleship HMS Renown as it entered Port Phillip Bay carrying HRH The Duke & Duchess of York. Crewed by FLTLT Robert I. Dines and A440 CPL James Ramsden.

21Apr27 Mid-air collision with A6-26 when flying as part of a formation of aircraft flying over Melbourne CBD to welcome HRHs the Duke and Duchess of York. The aircraft crashed through the roof of the Melbourne GPO motor garage and was destroyed. The pilot FLTLT Robert I. Dines (31) married of Werribee and air mechanic A440 CPL James Ramsden (27) single of Point Cook were both killed.

23Apr27 FLTLT Dines was buried at Brighton Cemetery and CPL Ramsden was buried at Fawkner Cemetery in Melbourne

10May27 Air Board Agenda No.904/27 approved write-off of the airframe and Puma engine No.84165 to the value of £2,037.

15Jun27 Aircraft struck-off charge.

Since its acceptance in May 1920, A6-5 spent a total of 85 months in RAAF Service of which 57 months were spent in storage and 28 months in active service.

A6-6

00Aug18 Built as Serial F1238, one 200 Airco DH.9 aircraft manufactured by Waring & Gillow Ltd factory Hammersmith, London UK under Contract 35a/416/C.295 dated 13 April 1918, in the Serial range F1101 to F1300.

13Apr18 Delivered to RAF.

19Jan20 One of 28 Airco DH.9 aircraft allocated to Australia by the UK Air Ministry as part of the Imperial Gift.

00May20 Received by No 5 Aircraft Repair Depot at RAF Henlow, Bedfordshire UK for shipment preparation by the Australian Packing Section of 5AD led by Australian AIF Officer Lt George Mackinolty.

15Jul20 Loaded onto the 4,151 ton Australian Commonwealth Line vessel SS Australmead at Liverpool Docks and shipped to Melbourne via Newport UK, Capetown SA and Fremantle.

23Sep20 Arrived No 19 North Wharf, Port Melbourne VIC.

24Sep20 Received by the Aeroplane Repair Section (ARS) of the Central Flying School (CFS), Australian Air Corps at No 1 Station Point Cook VIC for assembly and testing.

00Sep20 Received for use by CFS.

31Mar21 Received for use by No 1 Flying Training School (1FTS) when the Australian Air Force (AAF) was formed on this day.

01Aug21 Received by No 1 Aircraft Depot (1AD) at Point Cook.

13Aug21 Became part of the Royal Australian Air Force when the Royal prefix was Gazetted on this day.

00Oct21 At some time after October 1921 the RAF Serial F1238 was removed and the new RAAF Serial A6-6 applied on both sides of the rear fuselage.

00Apr22 In use with No 1 Flying Training School (1FTS) at Point Cook.

01Jul22 Received for use by D Flight, 1FTS.

21May23 On a flight from Richmond to Point Cook the aircraft crash landed at Jerrawa near Yass, NSW because the pilot was temporarily incapacitated when fragments from the propeller struck him between the eyes. The aircraft was extensively damaged in the crash landing and the pilot FLGOFF A.W Vigers MC DFC and air mechanic A188 LAC J.A Reid received various non-lethal injuries that required hospitalization at Yass Base Hospital. The aircraft had departed Point Cook on 03 May to carry out air mail route surveys along the Melbourne-Adelaide-Sydney route and was on the homeward leg of the journey.

00May23 A salvage team from 1AD drove to Jerrawa and recovered the aircraft remains back to 1AD, where the aircraft was placed into storage pending direction on the aircraft’s fate.

30Jul23 Board of Survey conducted at 1AD recommended conversion.

20May24 Another Board of Survey at 1AD again recommended conversion.

12Jun24 Air Board Agenda No.610/24 gave approval to convert airframe and engine to components to the value of £1,988.

18Sep24 Conversion action completed at 1AD.

Since its acceptance in May 1920, A6-6 spent a total of 41 months in RAAF Service of which 17 months were spent in storage and 24 months in active service.

A6-7

00Dec18 Built as Serial D1257 in unassembled sections, one of 500 Airco DH.9 aircraft manufactured at the National Aircraft Factory No 2, Heaton Chapel, Stockport, Lancashire UK under Crosby Motors Contract AS.32754 dated 10 November 1917 in the Serial range D1001 to D1500.

28Dec18 Marked as a Presentation Aircraft with the words “Malaya No 27 Bejina, The Women of Malaya”.

00Jan19 Aircraft sections transported by rail to No 15 Aircraft Acceptance Park at Didsbury Park Aerodrome, Manchester for final assembly and testing.

00Jan19 Delivered to RAF.

19Jan20 One of 28 Airco DH.9 aircraft allocated to Australia by the UK Air Ministry as part of the Imperial Gift.

00May20 Received by No 5 Aircraft Repair Depot at RAF Henlow, Bedfordshire UK for shipment preparation by the Australian Packing Section of 5AD led by Australian AIF Officer Lt George Mackinolty.

1920 Shipped from Liverpool docks to Melbourne.

1920 Received by the Aeroplane Repair Section (ARS) of Central Flying School (CFS), Australian Flying Corps (AFC) at No 1 Station Point Cook, VIC. Placed in long term storage at the Spotswood Storage Area 7km SW of the Melbourne CBD.

31Mar21 Became part of the Australian Air Force (AAF) on this day.

13Aug21 Became part of the Royal Australian Air Force when the Royal prefix was Gazetted on this day.

00Oct21 At some time after October 1921 the RAF Serial D1257 was removed and the new RAAF Serial A6-7 applied on both sides of the rear fuselage.

1926 Removed from storage and reconditioned by Matthews & Hassell [probably] at Essendon Airport.

Note: the Matthews & Hassell referenced in several documents is more than likely the early name used for Matthews Aviation Pty Ltd, which began Defence contract work at Essendon airport in 1925.

00Mar27 In use with A Flight, No 1 (Composite) Sqn at No 1 Station RAAF Laverton.

21Apr27 Together with six other DH.9 aircraft from Point Cook was part of the 40+ formation that performed an early morning Meet and Greet display above the RN Battleship HMS Renown as it entered Port Phillip Bay carrying HRH The Duke & Duchess of York. Crewed by PLTOFF M.C Philpott and A295 AC1 C, Turner.

The same seven DH.9 aircraft performed the Royal Salute later that day over the Melbourne CBD.

28Jul27 Crash landed near Point Cook after engine failure. Minor damage. Pilot PLTOFF R.H Harrison was uninjured.

21Nov27 During a formation take-off at Point Cook the pilot allowed the aircraft to enter into the slipstream of the machine in front causing the pilot to lose control and crash. Aircraft was almost totally destroyed and the crew of PLTOFF L.J Robertson and air mechanic A1068 AC1 E. Stewart suffered various non-lethal injuries.

14Feb28 Air Board Agenda No.1003/28 gave approval for 1AD to convert the airframe and Puma engine No.84041 to components with a value of £2,112.

25Feb28 Conversion completed at 1AD.

Since its acceptance in May 1920, A6-7 spent a total of 94 months in RAAF Service of which 85 months were spent in storage and only 9 months in active service.

A6-8

00Aug18 Built as Serial F1295, one 200 Airco DH.9 aircraft manufactured by Waring & Gillow Ltd factory Hammersmith, London UK under Contract 35a/416/C.295 dated 13 April 1918, in the Serial range F1101 to F1300.

13Apr18 Delivered to RAF.

19Jan20 One of 28 Airco DH.9 aircraft allocated to Australia by the UK Air Ministry as part of the Imperial Gift.

00May20 Received by No 5 Aircraft Repair Depot at RAF Henlow, Bedfordshire UK for shipment preparation by the Australian Packing Section of 5AD led by Australian AIF Officer Lt George Mackinolty.

15Jul20 Loaded onto the 4,151 ton Australian Commonwealth Line vessel SS Australmead at Liverpool Docks and shipped to Melbourne via Newport UK, Capetown SA and Fremantle.

23Sep20 Arrived No 19 North Wharf, Port Melbourne VIC.

24Sep20 Received by the Aeroplane Repair Section (ARS) of the Central Flying School (CFS), Australian Air Corp at No 1 Station Point Cook VIC for assembly and testing.

00Nov20 Received by No 1 Aircraft Depot (1AD) at Point Cook.

21Feb21 Received for use by CFS.

22Feb21 Issued for use to A Flight, CFS.

23Feb21 Test flown by Captain A. Cole.

31Mar21 Received for use by No 1 Flying Training School (1FTS) when the Australian Air Force (AAF) was formed on this day.

13Aug21 Became part of the Royal Australian Air Force when the Royal prefix was Gazetted on this day.

00Oct21 At some time after October 1921 the RAF Serial F1295 was removed and the new RAAF Serial A6-8 applied on both sides of the rear fuselage.

13Jun22 One of three DH.9 from 1FTS that flew to Adelaide via Nhill for the State Funeral of Sir Ross Smith. Pilot was FLGOFF E.D Cummins DSO, DFC, MC with two unnamed passengers. Returned to Point Cook on 17Jun.

01Jul22 Issued for use to D Flight, 1FTS.

10Apr24 Attached to Richmond to participate in the sinking of the RAN Battlecruiser HMAS Australia off Sydney on 12Apr24.

12Jun24 On a flight from Richmond to Point Cook the aircraft landed to refuel at Broadford, 79km NE of Melbourne. Upon take-off at 1345hrs the aircraft hit a tree which caused the aircraft to crash land inflicting severe damage to the engine and airframe. The crew of FLTLT A.E Hempel and air mechanic (?) received minor injuries.

17Jun24 Board of Survey recommended conversion.

08Aug24 Air Board gave approval to convert the airframe and engine to components.

Since its acceptance in May 1920, A6-8 spent a total of 53 months in RAAF Service of which 15 months were spent in storage and 38 months in active service.

A6-9

00Jun18 Built as Serial C1296, one 300 Airco DH.9 aircraft manufactured by G & J Weir Co Glasgow UK under Contract AS.17570 dated 20 August 1917, in the Serial range C1151 to C1450.

1918 Delivered to RAF.

19Jan20 One of 28 Airco DH.9 aircraft allocated to Australia by the UK Air Ministry as part of the Imperial Gift.

00May20 Received by No 5 Aircraft Repair Depot at RAF Henlow, Bedfordshire UK for shipment preparation by the Australian Packing Section of 5AD led by Australian AIF Officer Lt George Mackinolty.

1920 Shipped from Liverpool docks to Melbourne.

1920 Received by the Aeroplane Repair Section (ARS) of Central Flying School (CFS), Australian Flying Corps (AFC) at No 1 Station Point Cook, VIC. Placed in long term storage at the Spotswood Storage Area 7km SW of the Melbourne CBD.

31Mar21 Became part of the Australian Air Force (AAF) on this day.

13Aug21 Became part of the Royal Australian Air Force when the Royal prefix was Gazetted on this day.

00Oct21 At some time after October 1921 the RAF Serial C1296 was removed and the new RAAF Serial A6-9 applied on both sides of the rear fuselage.

1925 Withdrawn from storage and reconditioned by Pratt Brothers Pty Ltd at Belmont Common, Geelong VIC.

00Nov25 In use with A Flight, No 1 Flying Training School (1FTS) at Point Cook.

28Nov25 After landing at Essendon airport collided with another aircraft causing minor damage to both machines. Pilot FLGOFF V.H. Thornton was uninjured. Repaired at Unit and returned for use with A Flight, 1FTS.

14Dec25 Forced landed at Mascot after engine failure, no damage. Pilot FLTLT E.C. Wackett was uninjured.

26Mar27 One four DH.9 aircraft that provided a Royal Escort for the arrival of HRH Duke of York onboard the Royal Navy Battleship HMS Renown as the ship entered Sydney Harbour.

28Apr27 Received for use with A Flight, No 3 (Composite) Sqn at No 2 Station RAAF Richmond, NSW.

23Jun27 Crash landed at Mascot when pilot stalled from 12ft. Medium damage to undercarriage and minor damage to fwd lower fuselage, pilot SGT H.C Owen was uninjured. Repaired by staff from RAAF Experimental Station Randwick, Sydney.

08Nov27 Departed Richmond with two other DH.9, three DH.9A and three SE5a aircraft to participate in the Queensland Aero Club 1927 Aerial Pageant at Archerfield aerodrome Brisbane. Route taken was Richmond, Armidale, Warwick (overnight) then Brisbane. Aircraft flew in the Pageant on 12Nov and RTB on 15Nov.

20Nov27 Crash landed at Boolaroo Racecourse, Newcastle following engine failure. Medium damage to undercarriage and lower fuselage, pilot SGT S.J Moir received minor bruising.

00May29 Withdrawn from use and offered for sale.

07Oct29 Sold to the Aero Club of NSW at Mascot Airport, registered as VH-UMT.

1930 Withdrawn from use.

00May31 Withdrawn from the civilian register. No further information.

Since its acceptance in May 1920, A6-9 spent a total of 109 months in RAAF Service of which 66 months were spent in storage and 43 months in active service.

A6-10

00Jun18 Built as Serial D3000, one 400 Airco DH.9 aircraft manufactured by Aircraft Manufacturing Co, Hendon, London UK under Contract AS.17569 dated 06 December 1917, in the Serial range D2876 to D3275.

1918 Delivered to RAF.

19Jan20 One of 28 Airco DH.9 aircraft allocated to Australia by the UK Air Ministry as part of the Imperial Gift.

00May20 Received by No 5 Aircraft Repair Depot at RAF Henlow, Bedfordshire UK for shipment preparation by the Australian Packing Section of 5AD led by Australian AIF Officer Lt George Mackinolty.

1920 Shipped from Liverpool docks to Melbourne.

1920 Received by the Aeroplane Repair Section (ARS) of Central Flying School (CFS), Australian Flying Corps (AFC) at No 1 Station Point Cook, VIC. Placed in long term storage at the Spotswood Storage Area 7km SW of the Melbourne CBD.

31Mar21 Became part of the Australian Air Force (AAF) on this day.

13Aug21 Became part of the Royal Australian Air Force when the Royal prefix was Gazetted on this day.

00Oct21 At some time after October 1921 the RAF Serial D3000 was removed and the new RAAF Serial A6-10 applied on both sides of the rear fuselage.

1925 Withdrawn from storage, assembled and tested by Aircraft Repair Section (ARS) of No 1 Aircraft Depot (1AD), at No 1 Station RAAF Point Cook.

1925 Received for use by No 1 Flying Training School (1FTS) at Point Cook.

24Feb26 While engaged in a routine training flight over the sea off Point Cook the pilot stalled the aircraft and could not recover from the subsequent spin. The aircraft crashed into the sea and sank in 50-60ft of water, the pilot Cadet F.R. Stott was not seriously injured and was rescued by a local fishing boat.

00Mar26 The aircraft was salvaged but prolonged immersion in salt water had greatly affected the airframe and engine.

06Apr26 Air Board Agenda No.747/26 gave approval to strike off charge and convert the airframe and engine to components.

16Apr26 Wreckage converted to components at 1AD.

Since its acceptance in May 1920, A6-10 spent a total of 72 months in RAAF Service of which 65 months were spent in storage and only seven [7] months in active service. Total airframe time was 50hrs 30min.

A6-11

00Jun18 Built as Serial D3017, one 400 Airco DH.9 aircraft manufactured by Aircraft Manufacturing Co, Hendon, London UK under Contract AS.17569 dated 06 December 1917, in the Serial range D2876 to D3275.

1918 Delivered to RAF.

19Jan20 One of 28 Airco DH.9 aircraft allocated to Australia by the UK Air Ministry as part of the Imperial Gift.

00May20 Received by No 5 Aircraft Repair Depot at RAF Henlow, Bedfordshire UK for shipment preparation by the Australian Packing Section of 5AD led by Australian AIF Officer Lt George Mackinolty.

1920 Shipped from Liverpool docks to Melbourne.

05Nov20 Received by the Aeroplane Repair Section (ARS) of Central Flying School (CFS), Australian Flying Corps (AFC) at No 1 Station Point Cook, VIC. Placed in long term storage at the Spotswood Storage Area 7km SW of the Melbourne CBD.

31Mar21 Became part of the Australian Air Force (AAF) on this day.

13Aug21 Became part of the Royal Australian Air Force when the Royal prefix was Gazetted on this day.

00Oct21 At some time after October 1921 the RAF Serial D3017 was removed and the new RAAF Serial A6-11 applied on both sides of the rear fuselage.

1925 Withdrawn from storage and reconditioned by Pratt Brothers Pty Ltd at Belmont Common, Geelong VIC. Fitted with dual controls, either by Pratt Bros or by No 1 Aircraft Depot, No 1 Station RAAF Point Cook.

01Mar26 Received for use by E Flight, 1FTS. Fitted with 186kW Siddley Puma Engine No.84190

12Mar26 On take-off from the western runway at Point Cook the pilot became disorientated and instead of flying through a gap between a Bessoneau Hangar and the Base Hospital, the aircraft actually flew through the open hangar doors. The aircraft first struck and destroyed A1-19, which was undergoing maintenance in the hangar, then proceeded to punch through the other end of the hangar and emerge onto the grass bereft of wings, undercarriage and any other protuberance. Amazingly, the solo pilot University Cadet W.S Hamilton walked away with only a cut above his right eye. However, ground crew fitter A776 AC1 C. Roach was seriously injured in the incident and required a long period of hospitalization and rehabilitation.

22Mar26 Technical survey at 1AD recommended complete overhaul or conversion. Aircraft placed into storage awaiting direction.

08Nov26 Allocated to Pratt Brothers Pty Ltd at Belmont Common, Geelong VIC for complete overhaul.

00Sep27 Selected components from the aircraft were sent for testing to the Munitions Supply Board Laboratory at Maribynong, Melbourne.

00Feb28 RAAF HQ in Melbourne issued a directive that DH.9 aircraft were not to be intentionally spun.

00May28 Received for use by A Flight, No 1 (Composite) Sqn at RAAF Station Laverton.

30May28 Acceptance test flown by 1 Sqn.

24Jun28 Forced landing at Laverton, no details known.

24Aug28 Crash landed at Wangaratta following engine failure, minor damage. Pilot FLGOFF W.J Duncan was uninjured.

00Dec28 Received for use by B Flight, 1FTS at Point Cook.

02Jan29 At 1100hrs while practicing forced landings the engine failed during one circuit approximately 2km north of Point Cook airfield. The pilot, PLTOFF A.L Walters, turned into the wind and safely landed in a nearby paddock.

00Feb29 Total flight time: 290hrs 20min.

00May29 Withdrawn from use and offered for sale.

17Sep29 Sold to the Aero Club of Victoria, registered as VH-UMB.

00Sep32 Withdrawn from civilian use. No further information.

Since its acceptance in May 1920, A6-11 spent a total of 109 months in RAAF Service of which 93 months were spent in storage and 16 months in active service.

A6-12

00Jul18 Built as Serial D3182, one 400 Airco DH.9 aircraft manufactured by Aircraft Manufacturing Co, Hendon, London UK under Contract AS.17569 dated 06 December 1917, in the Serial range D2876 to D3275.

1918 Delivered to RAF.

19Jan20 One of 28 Airco DH.9 aircraft allocated to Australia by the UK Air Ministry as part of the Imperial Gift.

00May20 Received by No 5 Aircraft Repair Depot at RAF Henlow, Bedfordshire UK for shipment preparation by the Australian Packing Section of 5AD led by Australian AIF Officer Lt George Mackinolty.

1920 Shipped from Liverpool docks to Melbourne.

05Nov20 Received by the Aeroplane Repair Section (ARS) of Central Flying School (CFS), Australian Flying Corps (AFC) at No 1 Station Point Cook, VIC. Placed in long term storage at the Spotswood Storage Area 7km SW of the Melbourne CBD.

31Mar21 Became part of the Australian Air Force (AAF) on this day.

13Aug21 Became part of the Royal Australian Air Force when the Royal prefix was Gazetted on this day.

00Oct21 At some time after October 1921 the RAF Serial D3182 was removed and the new RAAF Serial A6-12 applied on both sides of the rear fuselage.

1925 Withdrawn from storage and reconditioned by Pratt Brothers Pty Ltd at Belmont Common, Geelong VIC.

23Nov25 Received for use by No 1 Flying Training School (1FTS) at RAAF Point Cook.

03Feb26 Crash landed near Point Cook after engine failure. Moderate damage to airscrew, undercarriage and lower fuselage. Pilot FLGOFF C. Eaton and Cadet F.C Elsworth were uninjured.

15Mar26 Aircraft repairs completed and returned for use with 1FTS.

04Aug26 Crashed at Point Cook causing moderate to severe damage. Solo pilot FLGOFF C.W Lord suffered minor injuries.

06Aug26 Allocated to No 1 Aircraft Depot (1AD) at Point Cook for repairs.

12Aug26 Allocation cancelled, reallocated to B Flight, 1FTS for repairs.

1927 Returned for use to 1FTS.

00Feb27 One of several aircraft to conduct night flying trials between Sydney and Melbourne.

1927 Allocated to Pratt Brothers Pty Ltd at Belmont Common, Geelong VIC for complete overhaul.

00Apr27 Selected components from the aircraft were sent for testing to the Munitions Supply Board Laboratory at Maribynong, Melbourne.

11Jul27 Received for use by A Flight, No 1 (Composite) Sqn at RAAF Station Laverton, VIC.

21Jul27 Part of a planned Round Australia survey flight that departed Point Cook this day to survey potential air routes, aerodromes and investigate potential logistics suppliers. Aircraft and crews involved were: A6-12 with SQNLDR A. Hepburn and A495 LAC J.A Collopy; A6-25 with FLTLT A.W Murphy and A17 SGT T.M Carroll; and, A8-1 with GRPCPT Richard Williams, A501 SGT H.C Owen and A330 CPL D.A Endean.

The general route taken was: Melbourne, Nhill, Adelaide, Mildura, Hay, Cootamundra, Richmond, Armidale, Brisbane, Charleville, Longreach, Cloncurry, Normanton, Camooweal, Newcastle Waters, Katherine and Darwin. After a servicing respite in Darwin the aircraft flew to Perth then across the Nullabor Plain following the rail line back to Adelaide. Many stops and diversions were made between the main centres. The survey was planned to take approximately 40 days and actually took 51 days

11Sep27 Aircraft returned to Point Cook from Survey Flight.

12Sep27 Received by 1AD for major servicing.

26Nov27 One of nine 1 Sqn aircraft (three DH9, three SE5A and three DH.9A) that flew to Adelaide to participate in the 1927 Adelaide Air Pageant at Parafield Airport.

12Jan28 While on landing approach to Point Cook the aircraft hit a telegraph pole causing the machine to crash short of No 2 runway. The aircraft was extensively damaged but the pilot, FLGOFF L.J Ryan, walked away with minor injuries.

00Jan28 Wreckage recovered and a Board of Survey recommended conversion.

24Feb28 Air Board Agenda No.1013/28 gave approval to convert the airframe to components.

00Mar28 Wreckage moved to 1AD.

20Mar28 Airframe conversion completed at 1AD.

Since its acceptance in May 1920, A6-12 spent a total of 95 months in RAAF Service of which 72 months were spent in storage and 23 months in active service.

A6-13

00Jul18 Built as Serial D3186, one 400 Airco DH.9 aircraft manufactured by Aircraft Manufacturing Co, Hendon, London UK under Contract AS.17569 dated 06 December 1917, in the Serial range D2876 to D3275.

1918 Delivered to RAF.

19Jan20 One of 28 Airco DH.9 aircraft allocated to Australia by the UK Air Ministry as part of the Imperial Gift.

00May20 Received by No 5 Aircraft Repair Depot at RAF Henlow, Bedfordshire UK for shipment preparation by the Australian Packing Section of 5AD led by Australian AIF Officer Lt George Mackinolty.

1920 Shipped from Liverpool docks to Melbourne.

1920 Received by the Aeroplane Repair Section (ARS) of Central Flying School (CFS), Australian Flying Corps (AFC) at No 1 Station Point Cook, VIC. Placed in long term storage at the Spotswood Storage Area 7km SW of the Melbourne CBD.

31Mar21 Became part of the Australian Air Force (AAF) on this day.

13Aug21 Became part of the Royal Australian Air Force when the Royal prefix was Gazetted on this day.

00Oct21 At some time after October 1921 the RAF Serial D3182 was removed and the new RAAF Serial A6-12 applied on both sides of the rear fuselage.

1925 Withdrawn from storage and reconditioned by Pratt Brothers Pty Ltd at Belmont Common, Geelong VIC.

16Apr26 Received for use by E Flight, No 1 Flying Training School (1FTS) at RAAF Point Cook.

19Apr26 Test flown by FLGOFF C.C Matheson.

26Apr26 Test flown by A106 LAC L.J Trist.

21May26 Began installation of dual controls at ARS, 1FTS.

21Jun26 Installation of dual controls completed.

01Jul26 Aircraft was tasked to practice forced landing procedures and after one such practice the aircraft was seen to stall and spin into the ground near the Manor Railway Station 8km north of Point Cook. The aircraft burst into flames on impact and was destroyed. Pilot FLGOFF William Arthur Holtham (28) married of Box Hill, Melbourne and Cadet Thomas Stuart Clendenning Watson (23) single of Coburg, Victoria were incinerated in the crash.

03Jul26 FLGOFF Hotham was buried in Box Hill Cemetery and Cadet Watson in Fawkner Cemetery.

31Jul26 Air Board Agenda No.785/26 gave approval for write-off to the value of £1,743.

28Aug26 1Sqn advised the aircraft written-off.

Since its acceptance in May 1920, A6-13 spent a total of 75 months in RAAF Service of which 71 months were spent in storage and only 4 [four] months in active service. Total airframe time: 34hrs 48min.

A6-14

00Jul18 Built as Serial D3187, one 400 Airco DH.9 aircraft manufactured by Aircraft Manufacturing Co, Hendon, London UK under Contract AS.17569 dated 06 December 1917, in the Serial range D2876 to D3275.

1918 Delivered to RAF.

19Jan20 One of 28 Airco DH.9 aircraft allocated to Australia by the UK Air Ministry as part of the Imperial Gift.

00May20 Received by No 5 Aircraft Repair Depot at RAF Henlow, Bedfordshire UK for shipment preparation by the Australian Packing Section of 5AD led by Australian AIF Officer Lt George Mackinolty.

15Jul20 Loaded onto the 4,151 ton Australian Commonwealth Line vessel SS Australmead at Liverpool Docks and shipped to Melbourne via Newport UK, Capetown SA and Fremantle.

23Sep20 Arrived No 19 North Wharf, Port Melbourne VIC.

24Sep20 Received by the Aeroplane Repair Section (ARS) of the Central Flying School (CFS), Australian Air Corp at No 1 Station Point Cook VIC for assembly and testing.

00Sep20 Received for use by CFS.

31Mar21 Received for use by No 1 Flying Training School (1FTS) when the Australian Air Force (AAF) was formed on this day.

01Aug21 Received by No 1 Aircraft Depot at No 1 Station Point Cook.

00Jun22 In use with No 1 Flying Training School (1FTS) at No 1 Station Point Cook.

13Aug21 Became part of the Royal Australian Air Force when the Royal prefix was Gazetted on this day.

00Oct21 At some time after October 1921 the RAF Serial D3187 was removed and the new RAAF Serial A6-14 applied on both sides of the rear fuselage.

09Jun22 FLTLT A. Hepburn and A54 SGT J.L Gottschalk departed Point Cook to perform a Survey of the repair and maintenance needs of landing facilities along the Geraldton to Derby airmail route in Western Australia. Route taken was via Adelaide and Kalgoorlie with frequent refuelling stops, arriving in Perth on 14Jun.

19Jun22 Departed for Geraldton to commence the Survey task.

15Aug22 Received serious damage in an unspecified accident near Broome, the aircraft could not be repaired and was transported by road/rail back to PCK where the aircraft was stored awaiting a decision on its future.

23Oct22 A 1AD Board of Survey stated the aircraft was repairable at 1AD.

30Jul23 A second 1AD BOS recommended conversion given that the aircraft fuselage needed a complete rebuild from the observer’s seat forward.

21Sep23 Air Board Agenda No.443/23 approved conversion to components.

Since its acceptance in May 1920, A6-14 spent a total of 45 months in RAAF Service of which 21 months were spent in storage and 24 months in active service.

A6-15

00Jul18 Built as Serial D3189, one 400 Airco DH.9 aircraft manufactured by Aircraft Manufacturing Co, Hendon, London UK under Contract AS.17569 dated 06 December 1917, in the Serial range D2876 to D3275.

1918 Delivered to RAF.

19Jan20 One of 28 Airco DH.9 aircraft allocated to Australia by the UK Air Ministry as part of the Imperial Gift.

00May20 Received by No 5 Aircraft Repair Depot at RAF Henlow, Bedfordshire UK for shipment preparation by the Australian Packing Section of 5AD led by Australian AIF Officer Lt George Mackinolty.

1920 Shipped from Liverpool docks to Melbourne.

1920 Received by the Aeroplane Repair Section (ARS) of Central Flying School (CFS), Australian Flying Corps (AFC) at No 1 Station Point Cook, VIC. Placed in long term storage at the Spotswood Storage Area 7km SW of the Melbourne CBD.

31Mar21 Became part of the Australian Air Force (AAF) on this day.

13Aug21 Became part of the Royal Australian Air Force when the Royal prefix was Gazetted on this day.

00Oct21 At some time after October 1921 the RAF Serial D3182 was removed and the new RAAF Serial A6-12 applied on both sides of the rear fuselage.

1923 Withdrawn from storage, assembled and tested by Aircraft Repair Section (ARS) of No 1 Aircraft Depot (1AD), at No 1 Station RAAF Point Cook.

00May23 In use with No Flying Training School (1FTS) at No 1 Station RAAF Point Cook.

01Jun23 Slight damage to the undercarriage during landing at Point Cook. Pilot FLTLT E.J Stephens was uninjured.

24Jun23 Forced landing after engine failure, no damage. Pilot FLGOFF J.P.J McCauley was uninjured.

25Jun25 Received for use by A Flight, No 3 (Composite) Sqn on its formation at No 1 Station RAAF Point Cook.

29Jun25 Moved with 3 Sqn from Point Cook to No 2 Station RAAF Richmond, NSW. Crew was FLGOFF N. Mulroney and A253 AC1 A.G Fletcher. Flown to Richmond via Benalla and Goulburn.

30Jun23 Minor damage when landing at Richmond. Pilot FLGOFF A.W Murphy was uninjured.

16Jul25 Departed Richmond at 1430hrs flown by FLTLT F.I Stevens as part of a flight of four DH.9s that escorted Italian Major Francesco de Pinedo in his SIAI.16 flying boat Gennariello as it flew into Sydney Harbour.

25Oct25 Flown by FLTLT H.W Ross, was part of a four aircraft formation that met and escorted the new Governor General’s train from Parramatta to Sydney central station. During the escort the aircraft repeatedly made extremely low passes along the length of the train to ‘salute’ the GG, media reporters of the day were most impressed.

00Aug26 Departed Richmond to conduct a 21-day Air Route and Landing Ground Assessments across northern NSW. Survey carried out by FLGOFF L.W Sutherland and FLGOFF V.H. Augenson.

27Oct26 Forced landing Richmond after engine failure, no damage. Pilot FLGOFF L.W Sutherland was uninjured.

26Mar27 One four DH.9 aircraft that provided a Royal Escort for the arrival of HRH Duke of York onboard the Royal Navy Battleship HMS Renown as the ship entered Sydney Harbour.

24Apr27 Engine changed.

08Nov27 Departed Richmond with two other DH.9, three DH.9A and three SE5a aircraft to participate in the Queensland Aero Club 1927 Aerial Pageant at Archerfield aerodrome Brisbane. Route taken was Richmond, Armidale, Warwick (overnight) then Brisbane. Aircraft flew in the Pageant on 12Nov and RTB on 15Nov.

00Feb28 RAAF HQ in Melbourne issued a directive that DH.9 aircraft were not to be intentionally spun.

10Mar28 Forced landed on a road near Penrith following engine failure. Pilot T/SGT R.F Somerville was uninjured.

22Mar28 Forced landing at Bathurst, NSW due to bad weather. Pilot FLGOFF C.W Lord was uninjured.

17Apr28 Crash landed at Richmond following engine failure, no damage. Pilot SGT R.F Somerville was uninjured.

26Apr28 Forced landed at Richmond following engine failure. Pilot PLTOFF F.C Elsworth was uninjured.

30Apr28 Aircraft was tasked to survey potential landing sites and air routes along the Sydney – Canberra flight corridor. Departed Richmond at 10155hrs, arrived Goulburn 1200hrs. At 1330 flew to a site at Gundary Plains three miles from Goulburn to inspect the area’s suitability as a possible landing ground. Departed at 1545 to return to Richmond and was making a low level turn (100ft) when it suddenly nosed over and smashed into the ground. Pilot FLGOFF C. W Lord and observer A796 AC1 E. Finn both received minor injuries and suffered shock. The aircraft was destroyed.

00May28 Aircraft wreckage recovered back to Richmond by a 3 Sqn ground crew.

00May28 Evidence submitted to the Court of Inquiry revealed the aircraft had been rigged too tail heavy and was therefore a major contributory factor in the accident.

30May28 Air Board Agenda No.1069/28 gave approval for conversion of the airframe and Puma engine No.10732/83531.

Since its acceptance in May 1920, A6-15 spent a total of 97 months in RAAF Service of which 36 months were spent in storage and 61 months in active service.

A6-16

00Jul18 Built as Serial D3191, one 400 Airco DH.9 aircraft manufactured by Aircraft Manufacturing Co, Hendon, London UK under Contract AS.17569 dated 06 December 1917, in the Serial range D2876 to D3275.

1918 Delivered to RAF.

19Jan20 One of 28 Airco DH.9 aircraft allocated to Australia by the UK Air Ministry as part of the Imperial Gift.

00May20 Received by No 5 Aircraft Repair Depot at RAF Henlow, Bedfordshire UK for shipment preparation by the Australian Packing Section of 5AD led by Australian AIF Officer Lt George Mackinolty.

15Jul20 Loaded onto the 4,151 ton Australian Commonwealth Line vessel SS Australmead at Liverpool Docks and shipped to Melbourne via Newport UK, Capetown SA and Fremantle.

23Sep20 Arrived No 19 North Wharf, Port Melbourne VIC.

24Sep20 Received by the Aeroplane Repair Section (ARS) of the Central Flying School (CFS), Australian Air Corp at No 1 Station Point Cook VIC for assembly and testing.

00Sep20 Received for use by CFS.

31Mar21 Received for use by No 1 Flying Training School (1FTS) when the Australian Air Force (AAF) was formed on this day.

01Aug21 Received by No 1 Aircraft Depot (1AD) at No 1 Station Point Cook for fitment of dual controls.

13Aug21 Became part of the Royal Australian Air Force when the Royal prefix was Gazetted on this day.

00Oct21 At some time after October 1921 the RAF Serial D3191 was removed and the new RAAF Serial A6-16 applied on both sides of the rear fuselage.

00Jun23 In use with 1FTS at No 1 Station Point Cook.

13Jun23 Minor damage inflicted at 1FTS, no details.

13Sep23 Minor landing accident at Point Cook. Solo pilot A293 AC1 M.G Hawkesford was uninjured.

07Oct25 Departed Point Cook at 0800hrs on a planned cross-country flight to Nhill and return. After an uneventful flight the aircraft touched down at Nhill at1125hrs and the undercarriage promptly collapsed. Damage to port lower longeron, lower mainplane, tail skid, airscrew and radiator. Crew of FLGOFF F.R.W Scherger and Lt D. Ross (RAN) were uninjured

00Oct25 Accumulated flight time since last overhaul: 489hrs 22min.

21Oct25 Received for storage [pending overhaul] at No 1 Aircraft Depot (1AD) RAAF Point Cook.

1925-26 Overhauled at some time during this period at 1AD.

00Jul26 In use with 1FTS.

08Sep26 After landing in a paddock near Geelong the aircraft hit a cow causing moderate damage to the airscrew and lower fuselage. Pilot Cadet E.G Knox-Knight was uninjured.

21Oct26 Received by 1AD, probably for overhaul.

28Mar27 Received for use by B Flight, 1FTS.

00Feb28 RAAF HQ in Melbourne issued a directive that DH.9 aircraft were not to be intentionally spun.

29Nov28 Damaged on Point Cook flightline when struck by A2-31 which was taxying to the runway. Pilot Cadet C.C Thomson was uninjured. Damage repaired at Unit.

00Mar29 Recorded as damaged but no details given.

00May28 Withdrawn from use.

21May29 Air Board Agenda No.1272/29 gave approval for destruction by burning.

Since its acceptance in May 1920, A6-16 spent a total of 109 months in RAAF Service of which 33 months were spent in storage and 76 months in active service.

A6-17

00Jul18 Built as Serial D3195, one 400 Airco DH.9 aircraft manufactured by Aircraft Manufacturing Co, Hendon, London UK under Contract AS.17569 dated 06 December 1917, in the Serial range D2876 to D3275.

1918 Delivered to RAF.

19Jan20 One of 28 Airco DH.9 aircraft allocated to Australia by the UK Air Ministry as part of the Imperial Gift.

00May20 Received by No 5 Aircraft Repair Depot at RAF Henlow, Bedfordshire UK for shipment preparation by the Australian Packing Section of 5AD led by Australian AIF Officer Lt George Mackinolty.

1920 Shipped from Liverpool docks to Melbourne.

1920 Received by the Aeroplane Repair Section (ARS) of Central Flying School (CFS), Australian Flying Corps (AFC) at No 1 Station Point Cook, VIC. Placed in long term storage at the Spotswood Storage Area 7km SW of the Melbourne CBD.

31Mar21 Became part of the Australian Air Force (AAF) on this day.

13Aug21 Became part of the Royal Australian Air Force when the Royal prefix was Gazetted on this day.

00Oct21 At some time after October 1921 the RAF Serial D3195 was removed and the new RAAF Serial A6-17 applied on both sides of the rear fuselage.

1924 Withdrawn from storage, assembled and tested by Aircraft Repair Section (ARS) of No 1 Aircraft Depot (1AD), at No 1 Station RAAF Point Cook.

00Jul24 In use with No 1 Flying Training School (1FTS) at RAAF Point Cook.

18Feb26 Minor accident at Point Cook, no details other than pilot was Cadet L.J McColl.

26Feb26 Minor accident at Point Cook, no details other than pilot was Cadet J.V Connolly.

05Sep26 The aircraft was on a routine local training flight when it suffered an engine failure. The pilot elected to land in a field of the Bay View Estate opposite the Geelong Ford Factory however, the aircraft stalled at approximately 200ft and crashed into the field. The solo pilot, A164 SGT Ernest George Ebell (25) of Melbourne, was extracted from the wreckage with horrendous injuries and taken to Geelong Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries three hours later.

17Sep26 Air Board Agenda No.831/26 gave approval to write-off the airframe and Puma Engine No.84060 to the value of £1,938.

04Oct26 1FTS advised the aircraft and engine were written-off charge.

Since its acceptance in May 1920, A6-17 spent a total of 78 months in RAAF Service of which 50 months were spent in storage and 28 months in active service. Total airframe time: 567hrs 10min; Engine 144hrs 45min.



A6-18

00Jul18 Built as Serial D3196, one 400 Airco DH.9 aircraft manufactured by Aircraft Manufacturing Co, Hendon, London UK under Contract AS.17569 dated 06 December 1917, in the Serial range D2876 to D3275.

1918 Delivered to RAF.

19Jan20 One of 28 Airco DH.9 aircraft allocated to Australia by the UK Air Ministry as part of the Imperial Gift.

00May20 Received by No 5 Aircraft Repair Depot at RAF Henlow, Bedfordshire UK for shipment preparation by the Australian Packing Section of 5AD led by Australian AIF Officer Lt George Mackinolty.

1920 Shipped from Liverpool docks to Melbourne.

1920 Received by the Aeroplane Repair Section (ARS) of Central Flying School (CFS), Australian Flying Corps (AFC) at No 1 Station Point Cook, VIC. Placed in long term storage at the Spotswood Storage Area 7km SW of the Melbourne CBD.

31Mar21 Became part of the Australian Air Force (AAF) on this day.

13Aug21 Became part of the Royal Australian Air Force when the Royal prefix was Gazetted on this day.

00Oct21 At some time after October 1921 the RAF Serial D3196 was removed and the new RAAF Serial A6-18 applied on both sides of the rear fuselage.

1924 Withdrawn from storage, assembled and tested by Aircraft Repair Section (ARS) of No 1 Aircraft Depot (1AD), at No 1 Station RAAF Point Cook.

1925 Reconditioned in Melbourne, probably by Matthews & Hassell at Essendon Airport.

Note: the Matthews & Hassell referenced in several documents is more than likely the early name used for Matthews Aviation Pty Ltd, which began Defence contract work at Essendon airport in January 1925.

11May25 Acceptance test flown at Essendon by FLTLT A.W Murphy from No 1 Aircraft Depot, No 1 Station RAAF Point Cook.

12May25 Received for use by No 1 Flying Training School (1FTS) at No 1 Station RAAF Point Cook.

25Jun25 Received for use by No 3 (Composite) Sqn on its formation at No 1 Station RAAF Point Cook.

29Jun25 Moved with 3 Sqn from Point Cook to No 2 Station RAAF Richmond, NSW. Crew was FLTLT F.I Stevens and A574 AC1 J. Stubbs

16Jul25 Departed Richmond at 1430hrs flown by FLGOFF L.W Sutherland as part of a flight of four DH.9s that escorted Italian Major Francesco de Pinedo in his SIAI.16 flying boat Gennariello as it flew into Sydney Harbour.

11Aug25 Departed Richmond for flight to Brisbane. FLTLT A.W Murphy. RTB 16Aug

25Oct25 Flown by FLTLT N. Mulroney, was part of a four aircraft formation that met and escorted the new Governor General’s train from Parramatta to Sydney central station. During the escort the aircraft repeatedly made extremely low passes along the length of the train to ‘salute’ the GG, media reporters of the day were most impressed.

07Jan26 Crashed at Richmond, no details other than pilot was FLTLT G. F Malley and the aircraft was extensively damaged.

00Jan26 Aircraft transported to RAAF Experimental Section at Randwick, Sydney for Technical Survey.

09Mar26 OC Randwick (O35 SQNLDR E.C Wackett) recommended conversion of the airframe and engine.

31Mar26 Air Board Agenda No.746/26 gave approval to write-off the airframe and Puma Engine to the value of £1,977.

Since its acceptance in May 1920, A6-18 spent a total of 71 months in RAAF Service of which 52 months were spent in storage and 19 months in active service.

A6-19

00Jul18 Built as Serial D3202, one 400 Airco DH.9 aircraft manufactured by Aircraft Manufacturing Co, Hendon, London UK under Contract AS.17569 dated 06 December 1917, in the Serial range D2876 to D3275.

1918 Delivered to RAF.

19Jan20 One of 28 Airco DH.9 aircraft allocated to Australia by the UK Air Ministry as part of the Imperial Gift.

00May20 Received by No 5 Aircraft Repair Depot at RAF Henlow, Bedfordshire UK for shipment preparation by the Australian Packing Section of 5AD led by Australian AIF Officer Lt George Mackinolty.

00Aug20 Shipped from Liverpool docks to Melbourne.

06Oct20 Received by the Aeroplane Repair Section (ARS) of Central Flying School (CFS), Australian Flying Corps (AFC) at No 1 Station Point Cook, VIC. Placed in long term storage at the Spotswood Storage Area 7km SW of the Melbourne CBD.

31Mar21 Became part of the Australian Air Force (AAF) on this day.

13Aug21 Became part of the Royal Australian Air Force when the Royal prefix was Gazetted on this day.

00Oct21 At some time after October 1921 the RAF Serial D3202 was removed and the new RAAF Serial A6-19 applied on both sides of the rear fuselage.

1925 Reconditioned by Larkin Aircraft Supply Co of Coode Island, Melbourne.

26Jul25 Received for use by No 1 Flying Training School (1FTS) at No 1 Station RAAF Point Cook.

00Nov25 Issued for use to A Flight, 1FTS.

07Jan26 Damaged in a ground incident at Point Cook, no other details.

16Feb26 When taking off from the Flinders Naval Depot, Mornington Peninsula VIC the aircraft struck a tree and crash landed causing extensive damage. The pilot FLGOFF V.W Burgess and his passenger the Governor-General Lord Stonehaven were uninjured but shaken. The incident created quite a media stir at that time and, questions were asked in the House!

18Feb26 Aircraft transported to No 1 Aircraft Depot (1AD) at No 1 Station RAAF Point Cook for storage pending further direction.

08Nov26 Received for complete overhaul by Pratt Brothers Pty Ltd at Belmont Common, Geelong VIC.

00Sep27 Selected components from the aircraft were sent for testing to the Munitions Supply Board Laboratory at Maribynong, Melbourne

00Feb28 RAAF HQ in Melbourne issued a directive that DH.9 aircraft were not to be intentionally spun.

28Mar28 Received for acceptance tests by 1FTS, then in use with 1FTS.

00May28 Received for use by No 1 (Composite) Sqn at No 3 Station RAAF Laverton, VIC.

00Dec28 Received for use by 1FTS.

00May29 Withdrawn from use and offered for sale.

15Jan30 Sold to the Aero Club of South Australia as VH-UMM.

00Sep33 Retired from civilian use. No further information.

Since its acceptance in May 1920, A6-19 spent a total of 109 months in RAAF Service of which 87 months were spent in storage and 22 months in active service.

A6-20

00Jul18 Built as Serial D3207, one 400 Airco DH.9 aircraft manufactured by Aircraft Manufacturing Co, Hendon, London UK under Contract AS.17569 dated 06 December 1917, in the Serial range D2876 to D3275.

1918 Delivered to RAF.

19Jan20 One of 28 Airco DH.9 aircraft allocated to Australia by the UK Air Ministry as part of the Imperial Gift.

00May20 Received by No 5 Aircraft Repair Depot at RAF Henlow, Bedfordshire UK for shipment preparation by the Australian Packing Section of 5AD led by Australian AIF Officer Lt George Mackinolty.

15Jul20 Loaded onto the 4,151 ton Australian Commonwealth Line vessel SS Australmead at Liverpool Docks and shipped to Melbourne via Newport UK, Capetown SA and Fremantle.

23Sep20 Arrived No 19 North Wharf, Port Melbourne VIC.

24Sep20 Received by the Aeroplane Repair Section (ARS) of the Central Flying School (CFS), Australian Air Corp at No 1 Station Point Cook VIC for assembly and testing.

00Sep20 Received for use by CFS.

31Mar21 Received for use by No 1 Flying Training School (1FTS) when the Australian Air Force (AAF) was formed on this day.

01Aug21 Received by No 1 Aircraft Depot (1AD) at No 1 Station Point Cook.

13Aug21 Became part of the Royal Australian Air Force when the Royal prefix was Gazetted on this day.

00Oct21 At some time after October 1921 the RAF Serial D3207 was removed and the new RAAF Serial A6-20 applied on both sides of the rear fuselage.

00Apr22 Received for use by A Flight, 1FTS.

13Jun22 One of three DH.9 from 1FTS that flew to Adelaide via Nhill for the State Funeral of Sir Ross Smith. Pilot was FLGOFF R.J Brownell DFC, MC with two unnamed passengers. Returned to Point Cook on 17Jun.

12Jun24 Crashed on Point Cook [western] runway causing extensive damage. No other details known.

26Jun24 Board of Survey at 1AD Point Cook recommended conversion.

08Aug24 Air Board approved conversion.

Since its acceptance in May 1920, A6-20 spent a total of 53 months in RAAF Service of which 15 months were spent in storage and 38 months in active service.

A6-21

00Jul18 Built as Serial D3220, one 400 Airco DH.9 aircraft manufactured by Aircraft Manufacturing Co, Hendon, London UK under Contract AS.17569 dated 06 December 1917, in the Serial range D2876 to D3275.

1918 Delivered to RAF.

19Jan20 One of 28 Airco DH.9 aircraft allocated to Australia by the UK Air Ministry as part of the Imperial Gift.

00May20 Received by No 5 Aircraft Repair Depot at RAF Henlow, Bedfordshire UK for shipment preparation by the Australian Packing Section of 5AD led by Australian AIF Officer Lt George Mackinolty.

15Jul20 Loaded onto the 4,151 ton Australian Commonwealth Line vessel SS Australmead at Liverpool Docks and shipped to Melbourne via Newport UK, Capetown SA and Fremantle.

23Sep20 Arrived No 19 North Wharf, Port Melbourne VIC.

24Sep20 Received by the Aeroplane Repair Section (ARS) of the Central Flying School (CFS), Australian Air Corp at No 1 Station Point Cook VIC for assembly and testing.

00Sep20 Received for use by CFS.

31Mar21 Received for use by No 1 Flying Training School (1FTS) when the Australian Air Force (AAF) was formed on this day.

01Aug21 Received by No 1 Aircraft Depot (1AD) at No 1 Station Point Cook.

13Aug21 Became part of the Royal Australian Air Force when the Royal prefix was Gazetted on this day.

00Oct21 At some time after October 1921 the RAF Serial D3220 was removed and the new RAAF Serial A6-21 applied on both sides of the rear fuselage.

00Apr21 Received for use by A Flight, 1FTS.

01Aug21 Received by No 1 Aircraft Depot (1AD) at No 1 Station Point Cook.

00Apr22 Received for use by 1FTS.

24Apr22 Took part in the NSW Aerial Derby in Sydney flown by FLGOFF S.G Brearley. RTB 12May.

13Jun22 One of three DH.9 from 1FTS that flew to Adelaide via Nhill for the State Funeral of Sir Ross Smith. Pilot was FLTLT A.N.D Pentland DFC, MC, DSO. With two unnamed passengers. Returned to Point Cook on 17Jun.

01Jul22 Received for use by D Flight, 1FTS.

30May24 Received for servicing and modifications by 1AD.

25Jun25 Received for use by A Flight, No 3 (Composite) Sqn on its formation at No 1 Station RAAF Point Cook.

29Jun25 Moved with 3 Sqn from Point Cook to No 2 Station RAAF Richmond, NSW. Crew comprised FLTLT F.W.F Lukis and A22 WO J.H Chester.

16Jul25 Departed Richmond at 1430hrs flown by FLGOFF W.J Duncan as part of a flight of four DH.9s that escorted Italian Major Francesco de Pinedo in his SIAI.16 flying boat Gennariello as it flew into Sydney Harbour.

25Oct25 Flown by FLTLT A.W Murphy, was part of a four aircraft formation that met and escorted the new Governor General’s train from Parramatta to Sydney central station. During the escort the aircraft repeatedly made extremely low passes along the length of the train to ‘salute’ the GG, media reports of the day were most impressed.

11Nov25 Minor landing accident at Richmond, no details other than the pilot was FLGOFF H.T Hammond.

21Jul26 Crash landed at Richmond causing considerable damage. Pilot FLGOFF H.T Hammond received minor injuries.

26Mar27 One four DH.9 aircraft that provided a Royal Escort for the arrival of HRH Duke of York onboard the Royal Navy Battleship HMS Renown as the ship entered Sydney Harbour.

00Apr27 Received for complete overhaul by Larkin Aircraft Supply Co of Coode Island, Melbourne.

00Jul27 Overhaul completed, aircraft returned for use to 3Sqn at RAAF Richmond, NSW.

00Feb28 RAAF HQ in Melbourne issued a directive that DH.9 aircraft were not to be intentionally spun.

00May29 Withdrawn from use and offered for sale.

08Oct29 Sold to the Australian Aero Club QLD as VH-UML.

00Sep33 Retired from civilian use. No further information.

24Jul32 Crashed at Archerfield, Brisbane QLD. Withdrawn from use, no further information.

Since its acceptance in May 1920, A6-21 spent a total of 109 months in RAAF Service of which 19 months were spent in storage and 90 months in active service.

A6-22

00Oct18 Built as Serial H4291, one 100 Airco DH.9 aircraft manufactured by Aircraft Manufacturing Co, Hendon, London UK under Contract 35a/1546/C.3177 dated 14 August 1918, in the Serial range H4216 to H4315.

00Nov18 Delivered to RAF.

07Dec18 Received for use by No 206 (F) Sqn RAF in Germany.

19Jan20 One of 28 Airco DH.9 aircraft allocated to Australia by the UK Air Ministry as part of the Imperial Gift.

00May20 Received by No 5 Aircraft Repair Depot at RAF Henlow, Bedfordshire UK for shipment preparation by the Australian Packing Section of 5AD led by Australian AIF Officer Lt George Mackinolty.

00Aug20 Shipped from Liverpool docks to Melbourne.

06Oct20 Received by the Aeroplane Repair Section (ARS) of Central Flying School (CFS), Australian Flying Corps (AFC) at No 1 Station Point Cook, VIC. Placed in long term storage at the Spotswood Storage Area 7km SW of the Melbourne CBD.

31Mar21 Became part of the Australian Air Force (AAF) on this day.

13Aug21 Became part of the Royal Australian Air Force when the Royal prefix was Gazetted on this day.

00Oct21 At some time after October 1921 the RAF Serial F4291 was removed and the new RAAF Serial A6-22 applied on both sides of the rear fuselage.

1926 Withdrawn from storage and reconditioned by Matthews & Hassell at Essendon Airport.

Note: the Matthews & Hassell referenced in several documents is more than likely the early name used for Matthews Aviation Pty Ltd, which began Defence contract work at Essendon airport in January 1925.

00Apr27 In use with No 1 Flying Training School (1FTS) at No 1 Station RAAF Point Cook.

21Apr27 Together with six other DH.9 aircraft from Point Cook was part of the 40+ formation that performed an early morning Meet and Greet display above the RN Battleship HMS Renown as it entered Port Phillip Bay carrying HRH The Duke & Duchess of York. Crewed by FLTLT U.E Ewart and A766 AC1 G.L Hurford.

The same seven DH.9 aircraft performed the Royal Salute later that day over the Melbourne CBD.

30May27 Test flown at 1FTS, presumably after servicing or repair.

22Sep27 Technical Survey at 1FTS recommended overhaul.

1927 Received by RAAF Experimental Station Randwick, Sydney for complete overhaul. Presumably returned to 1FTS following overhaul.

16Mar28 Deemed to be unworthy of further repair, recommended for conversion.

20Mar28 Air Board approved conversion to components.

A6-23

00Nov18 Built as Serial H5592, one 350 Airco DH.9 aircraft manufactured by Alliance Aeroplane Co, Hammersmith, London UK under Contract 35a/2830/C.3177 dated 06 September 1918, in the Serial range H5541 to H5890.

00Dec18 Received by RAF.

19Jan20 One of 28 Airco DH.9 aircraft allocated to Australia by the UK Air Ministry as part of the Imperial Gift.

00May20 Received by No 5 Aircraft Repair Depot at RAF Henlow, Bedfordshire UK for shipment preparation by the Australian Packing Section of 5AD led by Australian AIF Officer Lt George Mackinolty.

00Aug20 Shipped from Liverpool docks to Melbourne.

06Oct20 Received by the Aeroplane Repair Section (ARS) of Central Flying School (CFS), Australian Flying Corps (AFC) at No 1 Station Point Cook, VIC. Placed in long term storage at the Spotswood Storage Area 7km SW of the Melbourne CBD.

31Mar21 Became part of the Australian Air Force (AAF) on this day.

13Aug21 Became part of the Royal Australian Air Force when the Royal prefix was Gazetted on this day.

00Oct21 At some time after October 1921 the RAF Serial H5592 was removed and the new RAAF Serial A6-23 applied on both sides of the rear fuselage.

1925 Withdrawn from storage and reconditioned by Larkin Aircraft Supply Co of Coode Island, Melbourne.

25May25 Received for use by No 1 Flying Training School (1FTS) at No 1 Station RAAF Point Cook. Acceptance tests carried out.

18Mar26 Minor landing accident at Point Cook. Pilot Cadet H.E Nicholls was uninjured.

21Apr27 Together with six other DH.9 aircraft from Point Cook was part of the 40+ formation that performed an early morning Meet and Greet display above the RN Battleship HMS Renown as it entered Port Phillip Bay carrying HRH The Duke & Duchess of York. Crewed by FLTLT G. Jones and FLGOFF J. Waters.

The same seven DH.9 aircraft performed the Royal Salute later that day over the Melbourne CBD.

13Sep27 Forced landing. Pilot FLGOFF F.R.W Scherger was uninjured.

31Jan28 New engine fitted.

00Feb28 RAAF HQ in Melbourne issued a directive that DH.9 aircraft were not to be intentionally spun.

00Mar28 Issued for use to B Flight, 1FTS.

23Apr28 New engine failed after 5 minutes running time causing a forced landing at Point Cook. Pilot PLTOFF G.K. Rice-Oxley was uninjured.

00May28 Engine repaired and awaiting test flight. Tested serviceable.

30May28 Engine failed causing a crash landing near Yanco, NSW – moderate damage. Pilot FLGOFF O.W Rennick was uninjured.

00Oct28 In use with 1FTS.

00May29 Withdrawn from use.

21May29 Air Board authorised destruction by burning.

Since its acceptance in May 1920, A6-23 spent a total of 109 months in RAAF Service of which 62 months were spent in storage and 47 months in active service.

A6-24

00Feb19 Built as Serial H5679, one 350 Airco DH.9 aircraft manufactured by Alliance Aeroplane Co, Hammersmith, London UK under Contract 35a/2830/C.3177 dated 06 September 1918, in the Serial range H5541 to H5890.

1919 Received by RAF.

19Jan20 One of 28 Airco DH.9 aircraft allocated to Australia by the UK Air Ministry as part of the Imperial Gift.

00May20 Received by No 5 Aircraft Repair Depot at RAF Henlow, Bedfordshire UK for shipment preparation by the Australian Packing Section of 5AD led by Australian AIF Officer Lt George Mackinolty.

00Aug20 Shipped from Liverpool docks to Melbourne.

06Oct20 Received by the Aeroplane Repair Section (ARS) of Central Flying School (CFS), Australian Flying Corps (AFC) at No 1 Station Point Cook, VIC. Placed in long term storage at the Spotswood Storage Area 7km SW of the Melbourne CBD.

31Mar21 Became part of the Australian Air Force (AAF) on this day.

13Aug21 Became part of the Royal Australian Air Force when the Royal prefix was Gazetted on this day.

00Oct21 At some time after October 1921 the RAF Serial H5679 was removed and the new RAAF Serial A6-24 applied on both sides of the rear fuselage.

1925 Withdrawn from storage and reconditioned by Larkin Aircraft Supply Co of Coode Island, Melbourne.

16Jul25 Received for use by A Flight, No 1 (Composite) Sqn on its formation at No 1 Station RAAF Point Cook, VIC.

1927 In use with No 1 Flying Training School (1FTS) at No 1 Station RAAF Point Cook, VIC.

21Apr27 Together with six other DH.9 aircraft from Point Cook was part of the 40+ formation that performed an early morning Meet and Greet display above the RN Battleship HMS Renown as it entered Port Phillip Bay carrying HRH The Duke & Duchess of York. Crewed by PLTOFF H.E Nicholls and A961 AC1 J.R McGeehan.

The same seven DH.9 aircraft performed the Royal Salute later that day over the Melbourne CBD.

00Mar28 Crashed at Point Cook, details unknown.

16Mar28 Survey recommended conversion as the aircraft was uneconomical to repair.

20Mar28 Air Board approved conversion to components.

Since its acceptance in May 1920, A6-24 spent a total of 95 months in RAAF Service of which 64 months were spent in storage and 31 months in active service.

A6-25

00Mar19 Built as Serial H5697, one 350 Airco DH.9 aircraft manufactured by Alliance Aeroplane Co, Hammersmith, London UK under Contract 35a/2830/C.3177 dated 06 September 1918, in the Serial range H5541 to H5890.

1919 Received by RAF.

19Jan20 One of 28 Airco DH.9 aircraft allocated to Australia by the UK Air Ministry as part of the Imperial Gift.

00May20 Received by No 5 Aircraft Repair Depot at RAF Henlow, Bedfordshire UK for shipment preparation by the Australian Packing Section of 5AD led by Australian AIF Officer Lt George Mackinolty.

00Aug20 Shipped from Liverpool docks to Melbourne.

06Oct20 Received by the Aeroplane Repair Section (ARS) of Central Flying School (CFS), Australian Flying Corps (AFC) at No 1 Station Point Cook, VIC. Placed in long term storage at the Spotswood Storage Area 7km SW of the Melbourne CBD.

31Mar21 Became part of the Australian Air Force (AAF) on this day.

13Aug21 Became part of the Royal Australian Air Force when the Royal prefix was Gazetted on this day.

00Oct21 At some time after October 1921 the RAF Serial H5697 was removed and the new RAAF Serial A6-25 applied on both sides of the rear fuselage.

1926 Removed from storage and reconditioned by Matthews & Hassell [probably] at Essendon Airport.

Note: the Matthews & Hassell referenced in several documents is more than likely the early name used for Matthews Aviation Pty Ltd, which began Defence contract work at Essendon airport in 1925.

11Jul27 Acceptance test flown at Essendon by FLTLT A.W Murphy from No 1 Aircraft Depot.

16Jul27 Received for use by A Flight, No 1 (Composite) Sqn on its formation at No 1 Station RAAF Point Cook, VIC.

21Jul27 Part of a planned Round Australia survey flight that departed Point Cook this day to survey potential air routes, aerodromes and investigate potential logistics suppliers. Aircraft and crews involved were: A6-12 with SQNLDR A. Hepburn and A495 LAC J.A Collopy; A6-25 with FLTLT A.W Murphy and A17 SGT T.M Carroll; and, A8-1 with GRPCPT Richard Williams, A501 SGT H.C Owen and A330 CPL D.A Endean.

The general route taken was: Melbourne, Nhill, Adelaide, Mildura, Hay, Cootamundra, Richmond, Armidale, Brisbane, Charleville, Longreach, Cloncurry, Normanton, Camooweal, Newcastle Waters, Katherine and Darwin. After a servicing respite in Darwin the aircraft flew to Perth then across the Nullabor Plain following the rail line back to Adelaide. Many stops and diversions were made between the main centres. The survey was planned to take approximately 40 days and actually took 51 days

11Sep27 Aircraft returned to Point Cook from Survey Flight.

12Sep27 Received by 1AD for major servicing.

26Nov27 One of nine 1 Sqn aircraft (three DH9, three SE5A and three DH.9A) that flew to Adelaide to participate in the 1927 Adelaide Air Pageant at Parafield Airport.

00Feb28 RAAF HQ in Melbourne issued a directive that DH.9 aircraft were not to be intentionally spun.

16Jul28 A Board of Survey held at 1Sqn stated the airframe would need to be completely stripped, overhauled and rebuilt before it could be used again.

01Aug28 Air Board Agenda No.1181/28 gave approval to convert the airframe to components.

Since its acceptance in May 1920, A6-25 spent a total of 100 months in RAAF Service of which 88 months were spent in storage and 12 months in active service. Total airframe time: 301 hrs.

A6-26

00Apr18 Built as Serial C6241, one 300 Airco DH.9 aircraft manufactured by Aircraft Manufacturing Co, Hendon, London UK under Contract AS.17569 dated 06 December 1917, in the Serial range C6051 to C6350.

1918 Received by RAF.

19Jan20 One of 28 Airco DH.9 aircraft allocated to Australia by the UK Air Ministry as part of the Imperial Gift.

00May20 Received by No 5 Aircraft Repair Depot at RAF Henlow, Bedfordshire UK for shipment preparation by the Australian Packing Section of 5AD led by Australian AIF Officer Lt George Mackinolty.

00Aug20 Shipped from Liverpool docks to Melbourne.

06Oct20 Received by the Aeroplane Repair Section (ARS) of Central Flying School (CFS), Australian Flying Corps (AFC) at No 1 Station Point Cook, VIC. Placed in long term storage at the Spotswood Storage Area 7km SW of the Melbourne CBD.

31Mar21 Became part of the Australian Air Force (AAF) on this day.

13Aug21 Became part of the Royal Australian Air Force when the Royal prefix was Gazetted on this day.

00Oct21 At some time after October 1921 the RAF Serial C6241 was removed and the new RAAF Serial A6-25 applied on both sides of the rear fuselage.

1924 Withdrawn from storage, assembled and tested by Aircraft Repair Section (ARS) of No 1 Aircraft Depot (1AD), at No 1 Station RAAF Point Cook.

00Apr24 In use with No 1 Flying Training School (1FTS) at No 1 Station RAAF Point Cook, VIC.

23Jul25 Received for use by A Flight, No 1 (Composite) Sqn on its formation at No 1 Station RAAF Point Cook, VIC.

07Nov25 One of two DH.9 aircraft that flew to Perth to participate in the annual Citizen Army Training in the Perth region, crewed by FLGOFF E.W Leggatt and two mechanics. Aircraft flew from Point Cook to Maylands Airport, Perth via Nhill, Cooke’s Plain, Albert Park airfield Adelaide, Ceduna, Cook, Forrest, Rawlinna, Kalgoorlie and Woodford.

30Nov25 Returned to Point Cook.

05Sep26 Minor damage after engine failure at Point Cook. Pilot PLTOFF H.E Nicholls was uninjured.

21Apr27 Together with six other DH.9 aircraft from Point Cook was part of the 40+ formation that performed an early morning Meet and Greet display above the RN Battleship HMS Renown as it entered Port Phillip Bay carrying HRH The Duke & Duchess of York. Crewed by FLGOFF V.H Thornton and A108 SGT H.G Hay

The same seven DH.9 aircraft performed the Royal Salute later that day over the Melbourne CBD.

21Apr27 Mid-air collision with A6-5 when flying as part of a formation of aircraft flying over Melbourne CBD to welcome HRHs the Duke and Duchess of York. The aircraft crashed at the back of Police HQ and was destroyed. The pilot FLGOFF Vincent H Thornton (29) married of Point Cook and air mechanic A108 SGT Herbert G Hay (40) married of Black Rock, Melbourne were both killed.

23Apr27 FLGOFF Thornton was buried at Brighton Cemetery and SGT Hay was buried at Fawkner Cemetery in Melbourne

10May27 Air Board Agenda No.904/27 approved write-off of the airframe and Puma engine No.84007 to the value of £2,065.

15Jun27 Aircraft struck-off charge.

Since its acceptance in May 1920, A6-26 spent a total of 85 months in RAAF Service of which 49 months were spent in storage and 36 months in active service.

A6-27

00Apr18 Built as Serial C6246, one 300 Airco DH.9 aircraft manufactured by Aircraft Manufacturing Co, Hendon, London UK under Contract AS.17569 dated 06 December 1917, in the Serial range C6051 to C6350.

1918 Received by RAF.

19Jan20 One of 28 Airco DH.9 aircraft allocated to Australia by the UK Air Ministry as part of the Imperial Gift.

00May20 Received by No 5 Aircraft Repair Depot at RAF Henlow, Bedfordshire UK for shipment preparation by the Australian Packing Section of 5AD led by Australian AIF Officer Lt George Mackinolty.

00Aug20 Shipped from Liverpool docks to Melbourne.

06Oct20 Received by the Aeroplane Repair Section (ARS) of Central Flying School (CFS), Australian Flying Corps (AFC) at No 1 Station Point Cook, VIC. Placed in long term storage at the Spotswood Storage Area 7km SW of the Melbourne CBD.

31Mar21 Became part of the Australian Air Force (AAF) on this day.

13Aug21 Became part of the Royal Australian Air Force when the Royal prefix was Gazetted on this day.

00Oct21 At some time after October 1921 the RAF Serial C6246 was removed and the new RAAF Serial A6-27 applied on both sides of the rear fuselage.

1924 Withdrawn from storage, assembled and tested by Aircraft Repair Section (ARS) of No 1 Aircraft Depot (1AD), at No 1 Station RAAF Point Cook.

00Apr24 In use with No 1 Flying Training School (1FTS) at No 1 Station RAAF Point Cook, VIC.

10Mar27 Departed Point Cook with FLGOFF R.W Scherger and two mechanics along with A6-1, FLGOFF T.W Shortridge also with two mechanics. Airmen were tasked to conduct an initial survey of roads, air routes and possible landing fields between Adelaide and Perth. Planned route was Nhill, Cook’s Plains with a break at Adelaide then on to Perth. However, an engine problem with A6-1 required a forced landing at Culburra, SA 177km SE of Adelaide.

11Mar27 A6-1 was repaired and both aircraft continued on to Perth via Ceduna, Cook, Forrest, Rawlinna, Kalgoorlie and Woodford where they performed their allotted tasks and returned to Point Cook on 08Apr27.

11Apr27 Crashed at Point Cook, no details known - placed in storage at 1AD.

16Mar28 1AD Board of Survey recommended conversion.

20Mar28 Air Board approved conversion.

Since its acceptance in May 1920, A6-27 spent a total of 95 months in RAAF Service of which 61 months were spent in storage and 34 months in active service.

A6-28

00May18 Built as Serial C6343, one 300 Airco DH.9 aircraft manufactured by Aircraft Manufacturing Co, Hendon, London UK under Contract AS.17569 dated 06 December 1917, in the Serial range C6051 to C6350.

1918 Received by RAF.

19Jan20 One of 28 Airco DH.9 aircraft allocated to Australia by the UK Air Ministry as part of the Imperial Gift.

00May20 Received by No 5 Aircraft Repair Depot at RAF Henlow, Bedfordshire UK for shipment preparation by the Australian Packing Section of 5AD led by Australian AIF Officer Lt George Mackinolty.

00Aug20 Shipped from Liverpool docks to Melbourne.

06Oct20 Received by the Aeroplane Repair Section (ARS) of Central Flying School (CFS), Australian Flying Corps (AFC) at No 1 Station Point Cook, VIC. Placed in long term storage at the Spotswood Storage Area 7km SW of the Melbourne CBD.

31Mar21 Became part of the Australian Air Force (AAF) on this day.

13Aug21 Became part of the Royal Australian Air Force when the Royal prefix was Gazetted on this day.

00Oct21 At some time after October 1921 the RAF Serial C6343 was removed and the new RAAF Serial A6-28 applied on both sides of the rear fuselage.

1923 Withdrawn from storage, assembled and tested by Aircraft Repair Section (ARS) of No 1 Aircraft Depot (1AD), at No 1 Station RAAF Point Cook.

00Jul23 In use with No 1 Flying Training School (1FTS) at No 1 Station RAAF Point Cook, VIC.

15Jun25 Minor damage received at Point Cook. Pilot FLGOFF P McK Pitt was uninjured.

19Jun25 Engine failure caused forced landing, no damage. Pilot FLGOFF V. E Kennedy was uninjured.

27Jun25 Forced landing at Point Cook, no damage. FLGOFF E.W Woodward was uninjured.

30Jun25 Received for overhaul by Munitions Supply Board Workshops at Maribynong, Melbourne. Dual controls fitted.

16Jul25 Received for use by No 3 (Composite) Sqn on its formation at No 1 Station RAAF Point Cook.

14Sep25 Landing incident at Richmond, no damage. Pilot FLGOFF W.G Duncan was uninjured.

11Feb26 The aircraft departed Richmond at 0730 and was tasked to fly to Canberra and report to the RAAF Director of Works and Buildings (FLTLT A. Hepburn) at 0930 hours. The crew was to then begin making aerial surveys of Canberra as directed by the Federal Capital Commission. The aircraft arrived over Canberra at 0940 hrs and was observed making preparations for landing near the Yass Road at Ainslie when the pilot shut-off the engine at 150ft in preparation for landing. The aircraft then entered a stall, spun and crashed into the ground and burst into flames. Farm-hand, Mr Walter Johnson, who was ploughing 50 yards away, saw the smash, and rushed to the scene. He was able to pull the observer from the burning wreckage but was unable to reach the pilot.

The pilot, FLGOFF Phillip McKenzie Pitt (27) single of Brisbane, QLD was killed in the initial crash while the observer/photographer A370 AC1 William Edward Callander (26) married of Richmond, NSW died at 2000 hrs in Canberra Hospital from injuries he received in the crash.

PLTOFF Pitt was buried on Sunday, 14th Feb 1926 with full military honours in Section 3, Row K, Plot 30 of the Roman Catholic section of Queanbeyan NSW Riverside Cemetery.

AC1 Callander was buried on Saturday 13th Feb 1926 with full military honours in Row No. A7, Plot 303 of the cemetery at St. John the Baptist's Church, Reid, ACT.

Farm-worker Walter Ernest Johnson, who had to break off pieces of the smashed plane with his bare hands in order to pull Callander from the flaming wreckage, received a Bronze Medal bravery award from the Royal Humane Society of Australasia for his efforts.

21May26 Air Board Agenda No.765/26 gave approval to write-off the aircraft and engine to the value of £2,412.

Since its acceptance in May 1920, A6-28 spent a total of 73 months in RAAF Service of which 40 months were spent in storage and 33 months in active service.

The burnt out remains of A6-28, Canberra 11 Feb 1926

National Archives of Australia

PMcG 2020-04-20

  You can show you value this content by offering your dedicated research team a coffee!  

At the going down of the sun, and in the morning we will remember them. - Laurence Binyon

All site material (except as noted elsewhere) is owned or managed by Aircrew Remembered and should not be used without prior permission.
© 2012 - 2024 Aircrew Remembered
Last Modified: 12 May 2022, 15:54

If you would like to comment on this page, please do so via our Helpdesk. Use the Submit a Ticket option to send your comments. After review, our Editors will publish your comment below with your first name, but not your email address.

A word from the Editor: your contribution is important. We welcome your comments and information. Thanks in advance.
Monitor Additions/Changes?Click to be informed of changes to this page. Create account for first monitor only, thereafter very fast. Click to close without creating monitor