Outlook AHSA Newsletter December 2024

DerekB30/12/202431/12/2024

Cover splash image for Outlook AHSA Newsletter Vol 40 No 3

The December 2024 edition of Outlook / AHSA News was distributed to members recently.

This edition can be read online in the viewer below.

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1942 Junkers G31 VH-UOW was impressed into RAAF service on 30 January 1942 as A44-1. Just nine days earlier, Guinea Airways’ three other G31s had been destroyed on the ground during a Japanese air raid on Bulolo. VH-UOW survived only because it was in the air at the time. Source: Aircraft of the RAAF.

1942 On 30 January 1942, Pilot Officer John Gorton (future Australian Prime Minister) was flying a Hurricane of No 232 Squadron RAF when Japanese Zero fighters damaged his aircraft over Singapore. During the ensuing crash landing on Bintan Island, south-east of Singapore, the Hurricane overturned and he suffered facial injuries when his head hit the instrument panel. He was recovered by an RAF launch and was being evacuated to Jakarta when his ship was sunk. He recuperated in Australia. Source: Aircraft of the RAAF.

1991 The last of 25 additional Sikorsky Black Hawk helicopters assembled by prime contractor Hawker de Havilland, A25-225, was delivered to the Army on 30 January 1991, ahead of schedule. These helicopters were ordered as Batch Two in May 1987. Source: Aircraft of the RAAF.