CHRONOLOGY OF DARWIN RELIEF FLIGHTS

 

DATE
AIRCRAFT
OPERATOR
ROUTE
PAX
REMARKS
SOURCES
24DEC74
DC-3
A65-68
RAAF
DRW-KTR
-
Departed DRW at 1650 to safety in KTR.
38
24DEC74
HERON
VH-CLS
CONNAIR
DRW-KTR
-
Departed DRW at approx 2000 to safety in KTR.
27
24DEC74
DC-3
VH-EWE
CONNAIR
DRW-KTR
-
Departed DRW at approx 2000 to safety in KTR.
27
24DEC74
DC-3
VH-MIN
CONNAIR
DRW-KTR
-
Departed DRW at approx 2000 to safety in KTR. (See Note: 7)
27 & 67
24DEC74
DC-3
VH-PWM
CONNAIR
DRW-KTR
-
Departed DRW at approx 2000 to safety in KTR. (See Note: 7)
27 & 67
24DEC74
HERON
VH-CLS
CONNAIR
KTR-DRW-KTR
-
Attempted to return to Darwin from Katherine late at night with the DC-3 pilots but after three attempts at landing in extreme wind shear the aircraft had to return to Katherine for the night leaving the pilots' families to weather the cyclone alone in Darwin.
67
space
25DEC74
HERON
VH-CLT
CONNAIR
DRW
-
Survived on the ground DRW during the cyclone. Later provided radio comms. Further Reading
15
25DEC74
C320
VH-EGN
SAATAS
*-DRW
-
The aircraft departed Darwin for Pickertaramoor* on Melville Island on the afternoon of 24DEC but was unable to return to Darwin because of the weather. Flown by Arthur Reddick, the aircraft returned to Darwin in the morning of 25DEC and thus was the first arrival after the cyclone.
22 & 54
25DEC74
HERON
VH-CLS
CONNAIR
KTR-DRW
-
Arrived 1125 and took over radio comms from VH-CLT. Source 39 states that "CLS landed safely at 1153".
15, 27 & 39
25DEC74
DC-3
VH-EWE
CONNAIR
KTR-DRW
-
Ferried back to DRW (between 1130-1230).
15 & 27
25DEC74
DC-3
VH-MIN
CONNAIR
KTR-DRW
-
Ferried back to DRW (between 1130-1230). (See Note: 7)
15 & 27
25DEC74
DC-3
VH-PWM
CONNAIR
KTR-DRW
-
Ferried back to DRW (between 1130-1230). (See Note: 7)
15 & 27
25DEC74
DC-3
A65-68
RAAF
KTR-DRW
-
Arrived DRW at 1150 and departed immediately for Smith Point to collect GPCAPT Hitchins (OC RAAF DRW) who was on leave. Arrived back at DRW at 1550.
38
25DEC74
F.27
VH-TQT
TAA
ASP-TCA-KTR-DRW
-
Arrived at 1737.
14
25DEC74
DC-3
VH-EWE
CONNAIR
DRW-ASP-DRW
25
First departure at 1815. Pax were mainly Connair staff. The aircraft returned to Darwin with Roger Connellan on board.
15, 27 & 67
25DEC74
QUEENAIR
VH-CLG
CONNAIR
ASP-DRW
-
Arrived with Connair GM Paul Levin shortly after VH-EWE departed.
15 & 27
25DEC74
BAC 1-11
A12-125
RAAF
CBR-MKY-ISA
-
Departed CBR with Maj-Gen Stretton, called at MKY to collect Dr Rex Patterson (Minister for the Northern Territory) but could not reach DRW in daylight so rendezvoused with A97-168 at ISA. Further Reading
65
25DEC74
C-130E
A97-168
RAAF
YSRI-ISA-DRW-SYD-YSRI
?
SQNLDR W.M. Fewster. Arrived at 2220 with Dr Rex Patterson (Minister for the Northern Territory) and Major-General Stretton, Director General National Disasters Organisation.
Departed 0400 with 18 stretcher cases plus several less seriously injured, all in the care of the RAAF medical team that had arrived on the aircraft. The medical team from No 3 RAAF Hospital, Richmond was led by its C.O. SQNLDR P. Brownlie and comprised SQNLDR R. Stone, FLTOFF C. Marley, FLTOFF J. McDonough and WOFF A. Thompson. Several relatives of the patients were also carried. (See Note 3) Further Reading
18, 29, 38, 57 & 71
25DEC74
C-130E
A97-181
RAAF
YSRI-TSV-DRW-BNE-YAMB
98
FLGOFF JM Fanderlinden. This was the second RAAF C-130 into DRW. Arr DRW as A97-168 was leaving. Stayed in DRW most of day and dep with 13 stretcher cases plus 85 civilian evacuees.
31, 34, 35, 38 & 57
25DEC74
MERLIN
VH-CAM
DCA
PER-ADL-DRW
?
Returned to PER 28DEC.
6
space
26DEC74
HERON
VH-CLV
CONNAIR
ASP-KTR-DRW
-
Departed ASP late on 25DEC. Arrived DRW just after dawn on 26DEC. Capt Bob Bennett & F/O Mark Rindfleish.
62
26DEC74
HERON
VH-CLX
CONNAIR
ASP-TCA-DRW
-
Departed ASP late on 25DEC. Via TCA to collect Police uniforms & equipment. Arrived DRW just after dawn on 26DEC landing after VH-CLV. Capt Bob Forman & F/O Bob Bowne.
62
26DEC74
C-130E
A97-167
RAAF
YSRI-ISA-DRW-YPED-ASP-BNE
102
FLTLT HR Holt. 25 refrigerators, 52 generators, 9 water purifiers, 800lb of food and 112 pairs of gloves. Returned YSRI 28DEC.
57
26DEC74
C-130E
A97-168
RAAF
YSRI-DRW-SYD-YSRI
32
FLTLT DP Harley. 32 litter patients to SYD. Returned YSRI 27DEC.
57
26DEC74
C-130E
A97-177
RAAF
YSRI-ISA-DRW-ISA-DRW-YLVT-YSRI
?
FLTLT JG Cowan. Returned YSRI 27DEC.
57
26DEC74
C-130E
A97-178
RAAF
YSRI-ISA-DRW-YAMB-TSV-DRW-BNE-SYD-YSRI
?
FLTLT IS Frame. Loads to DRW included ATTU equipment and electrical repair equipment. Evacuees not recorded.
57
26DEC74
C-130E
A97-181
RAAF
YSRI-DRW- ?
?
Supplies in, litter and seated medevac patients out.
57
26DEC74 C-130A
A97-207
RAAF
YSRI-ISA-DRW-SYD-YSRI
121
FLGOFF M Donaldson. 24000lb clothing, food, blankets, rolls of plastic and a water purifier.
20 & 57
26DEC74 C-130A
A97-208
RAAF
YSRI-CBR-ISA-DRW-YLVT-YSRI
152
FLTLT JA Radbone. 5000lb blankets, 1 helicopter (unidentified) and 10 crew from CBR. Returned with 114 evacuees to YLVT and 38 to YSRI. All women and children dependants of military.
57
26DEC74
C-130A
A97-210
RAAF
YAMB-DRW
-
Carried Iroquois A2-377 from Amberley to replace the damaged A2-721. This flight is not mentioned in Source 57. Is this the same flight as the following flight by FLTLT Spurgeon? Did A97-208 (see above) actually uplift a helicopter or should this load have been attributed to A97-210? Presumably returned to YSRI. See following entry.
7 & 38
26DEC74
C-130A
A97-210
RAAF
YSRI-YAMB-DRW-BNE-SYD
119
FLTLT JP Spurgeon. 7000lb blankets, 6000 lb milk and 2000lb Red Cross medical supplies. 37 pax for BNE, 82 for SYD. See previous entry.
57
26DEC74
C-130A
A97-211
RAAF
YSRI-ISA-DRW-ISA-BNE-YSRI
?
Diverted ISA northbound to top-up prop oil. This flight does not appear in Source 57.
24
26DEC74
C-130A
A97-212
RAAF
YSRI-ISA-DRW-SYD
115
FLTLT JA Pickett. 21000lb freight to DRW. Arr SYD approx 0800.
25 & 57
26DEC74
BAC 1-11
A12-125
RAAF
ISA-DRW-BNE
63
After overnighting ISA the aircraft flew to DRW where it collected 63 evacuees for BNE.
65
26DEC74
CARIBOU
A4- ?
RAAF
TSV-ISA
-
Positioned to Mt Isa to provide air support for that city. This flight is not mentioned in the 35 Sqn Unit History so presumably the aircraft was ex 38 Sqn.
38
26DEC74
ELECTRA
VH-RMB
ANSETT
MEL-DRW
-
Arrived early morning with medical supplies soon after A97-181.
36
26DEC74
F.27
VH-TQT
TAA
DRW-ASP-BNE
59
Departed DRW 1155 as TN2893 after B707 VH-EAF arrived. The pax load comprised 32 adults, 27 children (all but one under three years of age) and 9 infants less than two days old. One infant was 4 hours old.
Further Reading
14 & 38
26DEC74
B707-338C
VH-EAF
QANTAS
SYD-DRW-SYD
266
 
1 & 5
26DEC74
F.27
VH-TFF
TAA
BNE-KTR-DRW
-
Arrived DRW 1100.
16
26DEC74
F.27
VH-TFF
TAA
DRW-ISA-MKY
43
Departed DRW 1324.
16
26DEC74
B727-277
VH-RMW
ANSETT
BNE-DRW-BNE
?
 
7
26DEC74
F.28
VH-FKB
MMA
PER-PHE-BME-DRB-KNX-DRW-KNX-ZNE-PER
?
First MMA arrival/departure. See Source 11 for summary of MMA ops.
11 & 47
26DEC74
HS748
N15-710
RAN
YSNW-SYD-ISA-DRW
-
Capt Peter Adams plus Purvis, Townsend, Geale, Altham & Triebels. Carried a Clearance Diving Team to clear Darwin Harbour.
19
26DEC74
B727-76
VH-TJA
TAA
ASP-DRW-ASP-ADL
120
DEP DRW 1525
23
26DEC74
B727-76
VH-TJD
TAA
ISA-DRW-ISA-SYD-MEL
120
DEP DRW 1535
23
26DEC74
B.170
VH-TBB
AIR EXPRESS
CNS-DRW-CNS
-
Bristol 170 Freighter. Capt Geoff Kendall. Load of building materials.
48
26DEC74
HS748
N15-709
RAN
YSNW-ASP-DRW
-
Crew: Jim Campbell (Capt) Landon (Co-Pilot)
30
space
27DEC74
NIMROD
XV255
RAF
WSAT-DRW-KTR-TSV-WSAT
38
Arr DRW 26DEC. Evacuated 38 British subjects to Singapore.
52
27DEC74
HS748
N15-709
RAN
DRW-ISA-SYD-YSNW
?
Crew: Jim Campbell (Capt) Landon (Co-Pilot)
30
27DEC74
HS748
N15-710
RAN
DRW-ISA-BNE-SYD-YSNW
32
Crew: Capt Peter Adams plus Purvis, Townsend, Geale, Altham & Triebels. Pax disembarked BNE or SYD.
19
27DEC74
F.27
VH-TFE
DCA
DRW-ASP
39
 
9
27DEC74
CARIBOU
A4-173
RAAF
ISA-DRW
-
Flew YSRI-LRE-ISA 26DEC overnighted. Capt FLTLT K. Stone.
55
27DEC74
C-130E
A97-159
RAAF
YSRI-DRW-YSRI
500
FLGOFF RP Watson. Approx 500 evacuees to ADL, PER & BNE and 100000lb relief supplies on several flights. Returned YSRI 03JAN75.
57
27DEC74
C-130E
A97-171
RAAF
YSRI-CBR-ASP-DRW-BNE
162
FLTLT DJ Casey. 162 evacuees DRW-BNE on 27DEC. Also operated to ROK and ADL. Returned YSRI 31DEC.
32, 33 & 57
27DEC74
C-130E
A97-181
RAAF
YAMB-ISA-DRW-SYD-YSRI
?
SYD-YSRI on 28DEC.
31 & 35
27DEC74
C-130E
A97-190
RAAF
YSRI-ISA-DRW-TSV
1
FLGOFF AJ Edwards. Overweight take-off at Richmond with a load of generators. Further Reading
37 & 57
27DEC74
C-130A
A97-208
RAAF
YSRI-TSV-DRW-ISA-SYD-YSRI
280
FLTLT NJ Fitzpatrick. 24000lb freight.
57
27DEC74
C-130A
A97-209
RAAF
YSRI-ISA-DRW-BNE-SYD
158
FLTLT RD Bishop. 23150lb freight ex YSRI plus 600lb of supplies donated by the city of Mt Isa. 94 pax (incl 1 hole-in-the-heart baby) for BNE and 64 pax for SYD.
57
27DEC74
C-130A
A97-212
RAAF
YSRI-ISA-DRW-SYD-YSRI
102
FLTLT O'Toole. Op DRW-SYD 28DEC. 21000lb medical supplies. (Source 57 shows this flight departing YSRI 29DEC)
8 & 57
27DEC74
C-130A
A97-216
RAAF
DRW-ISA-CTL-SYD
?
Diverted Charleville with a prop problem. Further Reading
26
27DEC74
BAC 1-11
A12-125
RAAF
ISA-DRW-BNE
63
After overnighting ISA the aircraft flew to DRW where it collected 63 evacuees for BNE.
65
27DEC74
DC-3
A65-114
RAAF/ARDU
YLVT-BWT-HBA-YLVT
7
Carried 5 women and 2 children (family of ADF personnel) who had arrived from DRW by RAAF C-130.
64
27DEC74
P-3B
A9-292
RAAF
YPED-DRW-YPED
12
Operated a SAR sortie to DRW returning to Edinburgh same day. FLGOFF John Lee. Further Reading
66
27DEC74
C-130K
XV199
RAF
WSAT-DRW-WSAT
-
Carried drums of diesel fuel and returned empty.
51
27DEC74
B707-338C
VH-EAG
QANTAS
SYD-DRW-SYD
271
QF008A
5
27DEC74
B707-338C
VH-EAH
QANTAS
SYD-DRW-SYD
327
QF008B
5
27DEC74
B727-277
VH-RMV
ANSETT
DRW-ADL
314
 
17
27DEC74
B727-276
VH-TBK
TAA
BNE-ISA-DRW-ISA
217
DEP DRW 0910
23
27DEC74
B727-276
VH-TBK
TAA
ISA-DRW-BNE
207
DEP DRW 1608
23
27DEC74
B727-276
VH-TBH
TAA
PER-DRW-BNE
275
DEP DRW 1800
23
27DEC74
DC-9
VH-TJO
TAA
BNE-ISA-BNE
68
DEP ISA 1800
23
27DEC74
B727-76
VH-TJF
TAA
ADL-DRW-BNE
245
DEP DRW 1921
23
27DEC74
DC-3
VH-PWN
BPA
CNS-NTN-KTR-DRW-ASP
-
Further Reading
49 & 50
27DEC74
BEECH 65
VH-FWG
UNION AIR
BNE-ISA-DRW-ISA-LRE-BNE
?
BNE-ISA 27DEC. ISA-DRW 02JAN. DRW-ISA-LRE 03JAN. LRE-BNE 04JAN.
60
space
28DEC74
DC-3
VH-PWN
BPA
ASP-TCA-DRW-GOV-CNS
?
Further Reading
49 & 50
28DEC74
F.27
VH-TFE
DCA
DRW-ASP
39
 
9
28DEC74
F.27
VH-TFE
DCA
DRW-TCA
44
 
9
28DEC74
B727-277
VH-RMX
ANSETT
BNE-DRW-BNE
?
AN7762/7763 Capt Ray Lackey, F/O Bruce Clentsmith (3:50)
7/70
28DEC74
B727-277
VH-RMX
ANSETT
DRW-BNE
?
 
7
28DEC74
B727-277
VH-RMU
ANSETT
DRW-BNE
?
 
7
28DEC74
CARIBOU
A4-173
RAAF
DRW-DRW
-
Local flight, probably for aerial photography.
55
28DEC74
CARIBOU
A4-173
RAAF
DRW-KTR-DRW
-
 
55
28DEC74
C-130E
A97-160
RAAF
YSRI-YLVT-DRW-MEL
159
SQNLDR WM Fewster.
57
28DEC74
C-130E
A97-167
RAAF
YSRI-BNE-YAMB-DRW-ISA-BNE
-
FLTLT DP Harley.
29 & 57
28DEC74
C-130E
A97-168
RAAF
YSRI-DRW-ADL-YPED-DRW-SYD-YSRI
?
SQNLDR BE O'Shea. Returned YSRI 29DEC.
57
28DEC74
C-130E
A97-171
RAAF
BNE-YAMB-DRW
-
 
32 & 33
28DEC74
C-130E
A97-181
RAAF
YSRI-YPED-DRW-PER-YPED-DRW-ADL-YPED-ASP-DRW-YSRI
?
FLGOFF DR Nicholls. Returned YSRI 01JAN75.
57
28DEC74
C-130E
A97-190
RAAF
TSV-DRW-SYD-YSRI
?
FLTLT AJ Edwards. Dep DRW early on 29DEC.
37 & 57
28DEC74
C-130A
A97-207
RAAF
YSRI-TSV-DRW-MEL-YLVT-DRW-SYD-YSRI
246
CAPT M Dennard (USAF exchange?). 38000lb freight. 246 pax plus 1 canary and 1 collie dog (on 2 flights).
57
28DEC74
C-130A
A97-209
RAAF
YSRI-YLVT-ASP-DRW-KTR-DRW-KTR-ADL-SYD-YSRI
181
Double engine change at KTR (first visit). Total POB ex DRW on 29DEC was 186. This flight does not appear in Source 57.
24
28DEC74
C-130A
A97-210
RAAF
YSRI-DRW-ADL-YSRI
117
FLTLT JA Pickett. 25000lb equipment. 117 pax to ADL and 15000lb freight ADL-YSRI.
25 & 57
28DEC74
C-130A
A97-210
RAAF
YSRI-DRW-ADL-YSRI
?
FLGOFF GV Beaumanis. 18 pax, 1 medical team, insulators and rations.
57
28DEC74
C-130A
A97-211
RAAF
YSRI-DRW-SYD
40
FLTLT JA Radbone. 2 Land Rovers, 3000lb DCA building materials, 3500lb medicines, 3000lb electricity repair supplies. Returned with 40 medevacs plus 4 RAAF hospital personnel.
57
28DEC74
C-130A
A97-212
RAAF
YSRI-DRW-SYD-YSRI
152
FLGOFF GV Beaumanis. 1 medical team, sanitary papers & 1 generator. Returned with 150 pax for SYD and 2 for YSRI.
57
28DEC74
C-130A
A97-216
RAAF
YSRI-DRW-ISA-CTL-SYD
120
FLGOFF G Rich. 1 pallet of tents, 1 pallet Police rescue supplies and medical sheets & 1 Police rescue van. Diverted Charleville with a prop problem. Further Reading
26 & 57
28DEC74
C-130A
A97-216
RAAF
YSRI-YAMB-ISA-DRW-SYD-YSRI
147
FLGOFF M Donaldson. 18000lb freight, 25 kerosene refrigerators, 5 portable generators & medical supplies. Returned 29DEC with 147 evacuees plus 4 medical personnel.
20 & 57
28DEC74
BAC 1-11
A12-125
RAAF
ISA-DRW-BNE
63
After overnighting ISA the aircraft flew to DRW where it collected 63 evacuees for BNE.
65
28DEC74
P-3B
A9-298
RAAF
YPED-DRW-ADL-YPED
23
Operated a SAR sortie to DRW returning to Edinburgh same day. FLTLT P. Jabornicky. Further Reading
66
28DEC74
C-130H
NZ7003
RNZAF
DRW-SYD-YSRI
?
 
10
28DEC74
B707-338C
VH-EAC
QANTAS
SYD-DRW-SYD
276
QF008D
2 & 5
28DEC74
B707-338C
VH-EBU
QANTAS
SYD-BNE-SYD
247
QF008G (85 adults, 78 children, 84 infants) (See Note: 2)
5 & 7
28DEC74
B747-238B
VH-EBB
QANTAS
SYD-DRW-SYD
633
QF008E
5
28DEC74
B747-238B
VH-EBB
QANTAS
SYD-DRW-SYD
673
QF008F
5
28DEC74
HS748
N15-709
RAN
YSNW-ISA-DRW
-
Crew: Jim Campbell (Capt) Landon (Co-Pilot)
30
28DEC74
HS748
N15-710
RAN
YSNW-ASP-DRW
-
Crew: Capt Peter Adams plus Purvis, King, Geale, McCaffrie, Altham & Arnell. Carried stores.
19
28DEC74
HS748
N15-710
RAN
DRW-ASP-BNE
29
ARR BNE 29DEC. Crew as above. Pax disembarked BNE.
19
28DEC74
DC-9
VH-TJT
TAA
SYD-TSV
97
DEP SYD 0400 (See Note: 5)
23
28DEC74
B727-276
VH-TBH
TAA
BNE-ISA-DRW-ISA
294
DEP DRW 0943
23
28DEC74
B727-276
VH-TBH
TAA
ISA-DRW-ADL-MEL
270
DEP DRW 1525
23
28DEC74
B727-76
VH-TJD
TAA
ASP-DRW-ADL
229
DEP DRW 1540
23
28DEC74
B727-276
VH-TBJ
TAA
PER-DRW-BNE
307
DEP DRW 1730
23
28DEC74
F.27
VH-TFL
TAA
GOV-DRW-ISA-BNE
64
DEP DRW 1739
23
28DEC74
B727-76
VH-TJC
TAA
BNE-ISA-BNE
121
DEP ISA 1940
23
space
29DEC74
B.170
VH-TBB
AIR EXPRESS
GOV-DRW-GOV
-
Bristol 170 Freighter. Capt Geoff Kendall. Positioned CNS-WEI-GOV on 28DEC74. Overnight GOV 28 & 29DEC.
48
29DEC74
HS748
N15-709
RAN
DRW-ASP-ADL-MEL-YSNW
?
Crew: Jim Campbell (Capt) Landon (Co-Pilot)
30
29DEC74
HS748
N15-710
RAN
BNE-ISA-DRW
-
Crew: Capt Peter Adams plus Purvis, King, Geale, McCaffrie, Altham & Arnell. Carried stores.
19
29DEC74
CARIBOU
A4-173
RAAF
DRW-KTR-TCA-CML
-
Low level aerial survey of road on instructions from GPCAPT Hitchins.
55
29DEC74
C-130E
A97-160
RAAF
MEL-YLVT-DRW
-
SQNLDR WM Fewster. Carried Professor Hawkins and his thesis team.
57
29DEC74
C-130E
A97-167
RAAF
DRW-ISA-BNE
-
FLTLT DP Harley. Diverted ISA to offload a head injury case in difficulty.
29 & 57
29DEC74
C-130E
A97-171
RAAF
DRW-BNE
?
 
32 & 33
29DEC74
C-130E
A97-177
RAAF
YSRI-ISA-DRW-SYD-YSRI-YLVT-YPED-DRW
?
FLTLT JG Cowan. Returned YSRI 01JAN75.
57
29DEC74
C-130E
A97-178
RAAF
YSRI-YAMB-DRW-SYD-YSRI
98
FLGOFF GSN Harmer. Returned YSRI 30DEC74.
57
29DEC74
C-130E
A97-180
RAAF
YSRI-KTR-DRW-PER-YPED-DRW-YSRI
?
FLGOFF JM Fanderlinden. Returned YSRI 01JAN75.
57
29DEC74
C-130E
A97-190
RAAF
YSRI-ABX-CBR-DRW-YAMB-DRW-BNE-YSRI
?
FLTLT IS Frame. Returned YSRI 01JAN75.
57
29DEC74
C-130A
A97-208
RAAF
YSRI-ABX-ISA-KTR-DRW
-
FLTLT D McCandless.Load consisted of generators. 24 hours crew rest in DRW.
28
29DEC74
C-130A
A97-210
RAAF
YSRI-ISA-DRW-ISA-MEL-YSRI
200+
FLTLT NJ Fitzpatrick. Pax on flight deck. Returned YSRI 31DEC74 with no layovers.
69
29DEC74
C-130A
A97-211
RAAF
YSRI-DRW-BNE
93
FLTLT RD Bishop. 26900lb freight, 6 pax and 25 litters. Returned with 93 pax plus 4 medical staff.
57
29DEC74
BAC 1-11
A12-125
RAAF
ISA-DRW-MKY
63
After overnighting ISA the aircraft flew to DRW where it collected 63 evacuees for BNE but diverted by Dr Rex Patterson to MKY where aircraft and evacuees overnighted before departing for BNE the next day. Further Reading
65
29DEC74
CANBERRA
A84-233
RAAF
CNS-DRW-CNS-YAMB
-
Arr CNS from YAMB 28DEC. Conducted aerial photography of Darwin before returning to Amberley. (See Note: 10)
46
29DEC74
C-130H
NZ7003
RNZAF
DRW-SYD-YSRI
?
 
10
29DEC74
C-130K
XV199
RAF
WSAT-DRW-SYD-YSRI
?
Carried evacuees DRW-SYD and positioned to YSRI.
51
29DEC74
B747-238B
VH-EBB
QANTAS
SYD-DRW-SYD
674
QF008H
5
29DEC74
B707-338C
VH-EBT
QANTAS
SYD-DRW-SYD
246
QF008I (India)
5
29DEC74
B707-338C
VH-EAG
QANTAS
SYD-DRW-SYD
226
QF008J
5
29DEC74
B747-238B
VH-EBB
QANTAS
SYD-DRW-SYD
370
QF008K (Total for VH-EBB: 2350)
5
29DEC74
B727-276
VH-TBJ
TAA
BNE-DRW-SYD
226
TN2930/2931
21 & 23
29DEC74
B727-76
VH-TJC
TAA
BNE-ISA-SYD
159
DEP ISA 0135
23
29DEC74
B727-276
VH-TBK
TAA
ISA-BNE
242
DEP ISA 0155
23
29DEC74
B727-276
VH-TBH
TAA
SYD-TSV
140
DEP SYD 0323 (See Note: 5)
23
29DEC74
DC-9
VH-TJO
TAA
SYD-TSV
98
DEP SYD 0403 (See Note: 5)
23
29DEC74
DC-9
VH-TJO
TAA
TSV-ISA-TSV-BNE
148
DEP ISA 0800
23
29DEC74
B727-276
VH-TBI
TAA
MEL-DRW-BNE
289
DEP DRW 0815
23
29DEC74
B727-276
VH-TBJ
TAA
BNE-ISA-DRW-BNE
295
DEP DRW 0900
23
29DEC74
F.27
VH-TQT
TAA
ASP-KTR-DRW-ASP
60
DEP DRW 0945
23
29DEC74
B727-276
VH-TBG
TAA
ADL-DRW-ADL
297
DEP DRW 0950
23
29DEC74
B727-276
VH-TBI
TAA
BNE-DRW-BNE
293
DEP DRW 1745. Capt Ron Hickey and F/O Maynard
23/68
29DEC74
B727-276
VH-TBG
TAA
ADL-DRW-ADL
175
DEP DRW 1900
23
29DEC74
DHC-6
VH-TGG
TAA
See Note: 8
-
See Note: 8
23
29DEC74
DHC-6
VH-TGF
TAA
See Note: 8
-
See Note: 8
23
29DEC74
F.27
VH-CAV
DCA
ASP-DRW
-
MEB-ASP on 28DEC74. Restore navaids in DRW
58
29DEC74
F.27
VH-FNU
ANSETT
ASP-ADL
68
POB: 68
29
29DEC74
B727-277
VH-RMV
ANSETT
DRW-BNE
285
ARR ex BNE 28DEC.
61
29DEC74
B727-277
VH-RMX
ANSETT
BNE-DRW-BNE
?
AN7758/7759 Capt Ray Roeder, F/O Bruce Clentsmith (3:35)
70
space
30DEC74
B.170
VH-TBB
AIR EXPRESS
GOV-DRW-GOV
-
Bristol 170 Freighter. Capt Geoff Kendall. Overnight GOV 30DEC. Positioned GOV-CNS on 31DEC74.
48
30DEC74
HS748
N15-709
RAN
YSNW-SYD-ISA-DRW
-
Crew: Jim Campbell (Capt) James (Co-Pilot)
30
30DEC74
HS748
N15-710
RAN
DRW-ASP-BHQ-SYD-YSNW
20
Crew: Capt Peter Adams plus Purvis, King, Geale, McCaffrie, Altham & Arnell. Pax disembarked SYD.
19
30DEC74
CARIBOU
A4-173
RAAF
CML-ISA-DRW
-
Recalled to DRW refuelling at ISA. FLGOFF John Foley replaced at DRW by FLTLT John Cornish.
55
30DEC74
C-130E
A97-160
RAAF
DRW-ADL-YPED-DRW-YSRI
139
SQNLDR WM Fewster. 139 evacuess to ADL.
57
30DEC74
C-130E
A97-168
RAAF
YSRI-YLVT-YAMB-DRW-BNE-YSRI
?
FLTLT HRF Holt. Returned YSRI 31DEC74.
35 & 57
30DEC74
C-130E
A97-171
RAAF
BNE-ROK-DRW-ADL
?
Thence ADL-YSRI on 31DEC.
32 & 33
30DEC74
C-130E
A97-177
RAAF
BNE-ROK-DRW-MEL
-
FLTLT DP Harley. Uplifted a load of tents and generators ex ROK. Carried Maj-Gen Stretton DRW-MEL arriving 31DEC74. Presumably continued to YSRI. See following entry.
29 & 57
30DEC74
C-130E
A97-177
RAAF
YSRI-DRW-KTR-SYD-YSRI
?
FLGOFF AJ Edwards. Diverted KTR to collect a medevac. Dep KTR after midnight. Returned YSRI 01JAN75. See previous entry.
37 & 57
30DEC74
C-130E
A97-178
RAAF
YSRI-DRW-ASP-ADL-PER-YPEA-DRW-MEL-YLVT-YSRI
?
SQNLDR BE O'Shea. Returned YSRI 03JAN75
57
30DEC74
C-130E
A97-180
RAAF
DRW-PER
?
Arr from YSRI-KTR on 29DEC. Thence PER-YPED-DRW on 31DEC.
31
30DEC74
C-130E
A97-190
RAAF
YSRI-ABX-CBR-DRW
-
Picked up a mechanical road sweeper and plant equipment at ABX and an RAAF medical team at CBR.
51
30DEC74
C-130A
A97-209
RAAF
YSRI-ISA-DRW-YSRI
-
FLGOFF M Donaldson. 29000lb freight and 2 medical staff. Returned with 18 pallets of cargo (5000lb).
20 & 57
30DEC74
C-130A
A97-212
RAAF
YSRI-DRW-ADL
93
FLGOFF G Rich. 27000lb freight and 5 pax for DRW.
57
30DEC74
C-130A
A97-216
RAAF
YSRI-ISA-DRW-SYD-YSRI
45
FLTLT B O'Toole. 28115lb freight. Returned with 45 pax and 15 litters.
57
30DEC74
BAC 1-11
A12-125
RAAF
MKY-BNE-SYD-CBR
63
After overnighting MKY the aircraft flew to BNE and SYD with 63 evacuees. The aircraft then positioned empty to CBR.
65
30DEC74
B707-338C
VH-EAC
QANTAS
SYD-DRW-SYD
211
QF008M
2 & 5
30DEC74
B727-276
VH-TBG
TAA
ADL-ASP-ADL
235
DEP ASP 0230
23
30DEC74
B727-276
VH-TBJ
TAA
SYD-BNE-ISA-SYD
148
DEP ISA 0643
23
30DEC74
B727-76
VH-TJB
TAA
MEL-ADL-ASP-ADL
120
DEP ASP 1610
23
30DEC74
B727-76
VH-TJD
TAA
ADL-ASP-ADL
119
DEP ASP 1837
23
30DEC74
B727-76
VH-TJD
TAA
ADL-ASP-ADL
153
DEP ASP 2325
23
30DEC74
F.27
VH-CAV
DCA
DRW-KTR
-
VOR restoration
58
30DEC74
F.27
VH-CAV
DCA
KTR-ASP-ADL-YPED-MEL-MEB
?
Evacuees ex KTR. DEP ADL 31DEC
58
30DEC74
SP-2H
A89-279
RAAF
TSV-TSV
-
FLGOFF MG McLean flew a "road survey to Mt Isa". It is suspected that this was connected with Cyclone Tracy although the ORB doesn't specifically say so. This is the only 10SQN op for 20-30DEC74.
63
space
31DEC74
C-130E
A97-168
RAAF
DRW-BNE-YSRI
?
 
35
31DEC74
C-130E
A97-171
RAAF
YSRI-ROK-DRW-YSRI
?
FLGOFF GSN Harmer. Transported electrical contractors and equipment from ROK to DRW. Returned YSRI 01JAN75.
57
31DEC74
C-130E
A97-177
RAAF
DRW-MEL-YSRI
2
FLTLT DP Harley. Flew Maj-Gen Stretton and his aide Maj Frank Thorogood to MEL on completion of their duties in DRW. Departed DRW just after 1500 and arrived MEL just before midnight on 31DEC. Positioned to YSRI later on 01JAN75 after crew rest.
29 & 18
31DEC74
C-130A
A97-208
RAAF
DRW-BNE-SYD-YSRI
22
FLT LT McCandless. Load consisted of approx 22 Medevacs. (Not mentioned in Source 57)
28
31DEC74
C-130A
A97-211
RAAF
YSRI-DRW-?
92
FLTLT JO Spurgeon. 13900lb freight plus 1 medical team. Returned with 93 pax, destination not shown.
57
31DEC74
HS748
N15-709
RAN
DRW-ISA-SYD-YSNW
?
Crew: Jim Campbell (Capt) James (Co-Pilot)
30
31DEC74
HS748
N15-710
RAN
YSNW-SYD-ISA-DRW
3
Crew: Peter Adams plus Landon, Nichols, Smart, Gorman, Altham & Arnell. Carried stores.
19
31DEC74
DC-9
VH-TJT
TAA
ISA-BNE
74
DEP ISA 0140
23
space
01JAN75
HS748
N15-710
RAN
DRW-ISA-SYD-YSNW
27
Crew: Peter Adams plus Landon, Nichols, Smart, Gorman, Altham & Arnell. Pax disembarked ISA.
19
01JAN75
B707-338C
VH-EAH
QANTAS
SYD-DRW-SYD
154
QF008L
5
01JAN75
C-130E
A97-168
RAAF
YSRI-DRW-YAMB
?
Thence YAMB-DRW on 02JAN.
32
01JAN75
C-130E
A97-181
RAAF
DRW-YSRI
?
 
31
01JAN75
C-130A
A97-207
RAAF
YSRI-ISA-DRW-SYD-YSRI
23
FLTLT JA Pickett. 23000lb cargo. 23 pax for SYD.
25 & 57
01JAN75
C-130A
A97-208
RAAF
YSRI-YPED-DRW-YSRI
9
FLTLT R Bishop. 12800lb cargo.
57
01JAN75
C-130A
A97-211
RAAF
YSRI-YAMB-YSRI
-
CAPT M Dennard (USAF exchange?). Generators & misc supplies YAMB-YSRI.
57
01JAN75
CANBERRA
A84-233
RAAF
YAMB-DRW-YAMB
-
Conducted further aerial photography of Darwin during the period 1-3 Jan. (See Note: 10)
46
space
02JAN75
C-130A
A97-206
RAAF
YSRI-DRW-SYD-YSRI
100+
FLT LT D McCandless. 18000lb generators. (Source 57 states returned with 17 medevacs)
28
02JAN75
C-130A
A97-210
RAAF
YSRI-DRW-YSRI
?
FLTLT B O'Toole. 28500lb freight.
8 & 57
02JAN75
C-130A
A97-212
RAAF
YSRI-YAMB-DRW-YSRI
?
This flight does not appear in Source 57.
24
02JAN75
C-130A
A97-216
RAAF
YSRI-YLVT-DRW-YPEA-WGA-YSRI
58
FLGOFF GR Rich. 16316lb freight.
57
02JAN75
C-130K
XV199
RAF
YSRI-DRW-YSRI
-
Aircraft positioned YSRI-DRW-WSAT on 03JAN75.
51
The resumption of RPT operations will serve as an arbitrary cut-off point for this list although military
and to a lesser extent civil relief operations did continue well into January.
Maj-Gen Stretton saw 31 December as the final day of the airlift and he relinquished his responsibilities on 2 January 1975.
03JAN75
B727-76
VH-TJF
TAA
BNE-DRW
-
Resumption of regular scheduled services by TAA ex BNE
7
03JAN75
B727-77
VH-RMS?
ANSETT
BNE-DRW
-
Resumption of regular scheduled services by ANSETT ex BNE
7
13JAN75 DC-3 A65-114
RAAF/ARDU
YLVT-DRW-YLVT
-
Commissioning check of DRW TACAN and GCA. Returned 18JAN.
64
space

 

 

OTHER PARTICIPANTS

(These aircraft are known to have participated but further details are needed)

 

AIRCRAFT
REMARKS
SOURCES
Beech Baron VH-EZD Jan Beers Aviation operated PER-DRW under charter to the Salvation Army.
6
Beech 200 VH-THS Thiess Bros. Departed BNE for DRW on 05JAN75 with Sir Leslie Thiess who had been appointed Chairman of the Darwin Reconstruction Commission which met in Darwin for the first time on 06JAN.
7 & 18
Bell Iroquois N9-? Three UH-1B of No 723 Squadron RAN embarked in HMAS Melbourne.
BAC1-11 A12-125 RAAF. Arrived BNE 26DEC probably from Mackay (see Note 3)
7 & 65
BAC1-11 A12-? RAAF. Arrived DRW 28DEC at approx 1130 with PM Gough Whitlam.
18
BAC1-11 A12-? RAAF. Arrived DRW 02JAN with Governor General Sir John Kerr. Departed 03JAN.
39
Dassault Mystere 20 A11-078 RAAF. Details requested.
57
Dassault Mystere 20 A11-085 RAAF. Details requested.
57
Dassault Mystere 20 A11-090 RAAF. Details requested.
57
DHC-4 Caribou A4-? RAAF. Although A4-173 is the only aircraft known to have deployed to Darwin, other 35 Sqn Caribou were busy ferrying C-130 crews and spares and medical personnel and supplies in support of C-130 flights to Darwin. For example, on 27DEC74, A4-236 and A4-159 carried 50 Commonwealth and State Police from Canberra to Sydney for deployment to Darwin. On 28DEC74, A4-208 flew from Richmond to Dubbo and return to uplift litters and pillows for use by Darwin medevacs.
57
Douglas C-47 Dakota A65-102 RAAF
6
Douglas C-47 Dakota A65-124 RAAF
41
Gates Learjet VH-SBC Swan Brewery. Made 3 return flights PER-DRW with relief personnel.
6
Grumman Gulfstream VH-FLO Associated Airlines. Appears in the film "When Will The Birds Return?"
72
Grumman Gulfstream II VH-ASG Associated Airlines. Appears in the film "When Will The Birds Return?"
72
Grumman Gulfstream II VH-ASM Associated Airlines. Noted at BNE on 27DEC engaged in DRW relief ops.
7
Hawker Siddeley HS748 A10-595 RAAF. Details requested.
57
Hawker Siddeley HS748 A10-596 RAAF. Details requested.
57
Lockheed C-130 Hercules ? RCAF. Bogged at DRW in the early hours of 29DEC but successfully powered out.
25
Lockheed C-130 Hercules ? TNI-AU. Indonesia supplied 2 aircraft for approx 10 days.
41
Lockheed C-130 Hercules ? USAF.
41
Lockheed C-141 Starlifter 65-251 USAF. Arrived Amberley 29DEC and departed for DRW 30DEC. (See Note: 9)
4 & 7
Lockheed C-141 Starlifter 66-143 USAF. This a/c plus 65-251 operated their last relief flights on 03JAN. (See Note: 9)
7
Misc Ag Aircraft VH- ? Civil. Details requested. 1 ex Tindal, 1 ex Katherine and 1 ex Kununurra sprayed Darwin to control flies and mosquitoes.
One of these aircraft has been identified as Cessna A188B Agwagon VH-DDT of Trojan Aerial Spraying (TASCO).(Source: 56)
39 & 41
Westland Wessex N7-200, 202, 205, 208, 209, 213, 221, 224 & 226 These helicopters were embarked in HMAS Melbourne (7 aircraft) and HMAS Stalwart (1 aircraft) which sailed from Sydney on 26 and 27 December respectively. Source 38 states that Stalwart sailed with two Wessex. Wessex N2-208 visited BNE on 23JAN75 having flown over from HMAS Melbourne which was off the coast returning from Darwin.(Source: 7)
"Helicopter 24" was embarked in Stalwart on her return passage from Darwin. This is presumed to have been N7-224 as N7-214 was damaged in NOV74. (Source)
3 & 38

 

ISSUE
DATE
REMARKS
15
08MAY22
Added a reference to Wessex "24" being embarked in HMAS Stalwart on her return passage from Darwin.
14
29OCT21
Added passenger uplift numbers for flights by 11SQN Orions on 27 & 28DEC.
Also added a new page on 11SQN RAAF with thanks to Ian Pearson.
13
29DEC20
Added Gulfstream VH-FLO and Gulfstream II VH-ASG, both of which appear in the film "When Will The Birds Return?"
12
22AUG16
Added Neptune A89-279 and Orions A9-292 and A9-298.
11
08JUL16
Added ARDU C-47 A65-114.
10
15MAY15
Added Connair Herons VH-CLV and VH-CLX.
9
26FEB15
Added DC-3s VH-MIN and VH-PWM both omitted in error.
8
08JAN15
Added F.27 VH-FNU and Beech Queen Air VH-FWG.
7
04OCT13
Added F.27 VH-CAV.
6
12FEB13
Added Cessna 188 VH-DDT
Added Merlin VH-CAM
Added all aircraft of 34 Sqn RAAF (2 BAC111, 3 Mystere & 2 HS748)
5
05FEB13
Added Wessex N2-208.
4
02JAN13
Added Caribou A4-173.
3
18APR12
Added Nimrod XV255.
2
10APR12
Added B170 VH-TBB.
1
07APR12
Original.