Last updated 22 August 2022
WWII AUSTRALIAN TRANSPORT AIRCRAFT RADIO CALLSIGNS
Part 2: VHD and VHR series
Compiled by Geoff Goodall

Netherlands East Indies Air Force B-25D Mitchell N5-142 modified to TB-25 transport callsign "VHRDD"
at the NEIAF Australian base RAAF Fairbairn, Canberra ACT during August 1945.
Photo: Netherlands East Indies Government Information Service

                          The initial allocation of Australian civil aircraft registrations VHCAA-VHCZZ to wartime military authorities for use as radio callsigns by  transport aircraft in the South West Pacific Area theatre was covered in PART 1. These callsigns brought a standardised identification system to transport aircraft operated by various arms of the Australian, Dutch and American military forces as well as Australian airlines in support of the New Guinea and Solomon Islands campaigns.
                         As the first series VHCAA-CZZ was almost used, despite gaps left within blocks and VHCY and VHCZ apparently not used, in early 1943 the Australian Department of Civil Aviation was asked for another registration group for military callsign use.  Australian civil aircraft registrations at that time were still in the VH-A series, so the VHC series callsigns were sufficiently far ahead to avoid the likelihood of overlap or confusion with a "real" civil registration. DCA now released the logical VHDAA-VHDZZ block to be used as military callsigns. However, for reasons unknown, shortly after allocation of VHDxx series began, it was discontinued. The only three traced were the first three Douglas C-47s delivered to RAAF as new aircraft ferried from USA. On 11 May 1943 their record cards show an instruction that they be changed to VH-CTA-CTC in a block solely for RAAF Dakotas.

VHDAA-VHDAZ: allocated to the first Douglas C-47 Dakotas delivered to RAAF.
In early 1943 when advised that the first of the C-47s ordered for the RAAF were being delivered, the Department of Air Air Board (RAAF HQ) decided to allocate serials from the non-standard A30- "Douglas" serial block, which had been used for 4 civilian DC-3s chartered by the RAAF early in the war, followed by 9 Douglas DC-2s purchased. The first three of the new C-47s were assigned serials A30-15 to A30-17.
However the "A-" designator also categorised spare parts and a range of essential administrative functions: it was an entrenched RAAF system which required each new aircraft type to have a separate A number.  Soon after these first three C-47s arrived in Australia, the error was recognised and a new serial block A65- created for all Douglas C-47. These three were initially painted with A30- serials at Amberley prior to the change.

The original wartime VHCAA-VHCZZ radio callsign series allocated to allied transport aircraft, (see PART 1) had been used up, so a logical jump to VHDAA-VHDZZ was applied to these new RAAF Dakotas. Whether DCA made that allocation, or it was simply assumed by the military authorties, has not been established from the limited official records of the time held by National Archives of Australia. However, after only the first three VHD callsigns were used, the VHD block was dropped for reasons unknown. There was no conflict with Australian civil aircraft registrations which at that time were in the earlly VH-A series.

Callsign           Type                           Serial                c/n              Former id.
DAA
Douglas C-47
A30-15
6172
41-38172               
Received RAAF 11.2.43 at 3AD Amberley ex delivery from USA
to 36 Sqn 21.2.43, serial changed to A65-1,
The Arunta, callsign changed to VHCTA 11.5.43
(Also reported as VHCCH Oregon Caveman No.2)
DAB
Douglas C-47
A30-16614941-38690
 Received RAAF 17.2.43 at 3AD Amberley ex USA.
to 36 Sqn 6.3.43,
crashed destroyed 27.3.43 on takeoff in fog Archerfield Qld as "A30-16"
(instruction to change callsign to VHCTB received 11.5.43)
DAC
 Douglas C-47
 A30-17
 9012
 42-32786
 Received RAAF 4.3.43 at 3AD Amberley ex USA.
to 36 Sqn 4.3.43, serial changed to A65-3,
callsign changed to VHCTC 11.5.43

                        Later in 1943 DCA was requested by the Department of Air (RAAF) to allocate a new block of civil registrations for use as callsigns by RAAF transport aircraft. DCA selected VHRAA-VHRZZ as described in this letter from the Department dated 18 August 1943, courtesy of Civil Aviation Historical Society Library at Essendon Airport, Melbourne.  Despite the reference to receiving a list of callsign allocations, no such lists have been found among surviving wartime Departmental records.


               This VHRAA-RZZ callsign series immediately commenced being allocated to RAAF aircraft, including many newly-delivered Dakota transports which by this stage of the war, the American Government was releasing to the air forces of their Allies.  Also to use these callsigns were transport aircraft of the Netherlands East Indies Air Force (ML-KNIL Royal Netherlands East Indies Army Air Force) stationed in Australia operating within RAAF structure as No.18 and No.19 (Netherlands) Squadrons with B-25 Mitchell bombers.

VH-RAA to VHRAJ: ten new Lockheed C-60A Lodestars initially allocated to RAAF No.37 (Transport) Squadron based at Laverton Vic.
These Lodestars were operated on supply runs to forward bases in northern Australia, New Guinea and Borneo.
CDC=Commonwealth Disposals Commission
RAA
Lockheed C-60A
Lodestar
A67-1
2508
42-56035               
Received RAAF 23.8.43 at 3AD Amberley on delivery ex USA
Callsign VHRAA allotted 1.9.43, received 37 Sqn Laverton 8.9.43;
sold by CDC 1.47 to NZ National Airways Corp, to ZK-AOP
RAB
Lockheed C-60AA67-2
2535
42-56042
 Received RAAF 23.8.43 at 3AD Amberley on delivery ex USA
Callsign VHRAB allotted 1.9.43, received 37 Sqn Laverton 8.9.43;
sold by CDC 3.47 to Department of Civil Aviation, moved by road Tocumwal-Parafield for civil overhaul by DAP, used for parts
RAC
 Lockheed C-60A A67-3
 2536
 42-56043
 Received RAAF 23.8.43 at 3AD Amberley on delivery ex USA
Callsign VHRAC allotted 1.9.43, received 37 Sqn Laverton 3.9.43;
sold by CDC 2.47 to NZ National Airways Corp, to ZK-AOT
RAD
 Lockheed C-60A A67-4
 2537
 42-56044
 Received RAAF 27.8.43 at 3AD Amberley on delivery ex USA
Callsign VHRAD allotted 1.9.43, received 37 Sqn Laverton 9.9.43;
sold by CDC 2.47 to NZ National Airways Corp, to ZK-AOS
RAE
 Lockheed C-60A A67-5
 2538
 42-56045
 Received RAAF 23.8.43 at 3AD Amberley on delivery ex USA
Callsign VHRAE allotted 1.9.43, received 37 Sqn Laverton 28.8.43;
sold by CDC 2.47 to G.Board & S.Godden, Sydney, to VH-GRB
RAF
 Lockheed C-60A A67-6
 2610
 43-16450
 Received RAAF 28.11.43 at 3AD Amberley on delivery ex USA
received 37 Sqn 2.12.43.
crashed on takeoff Merauke, Dutch New Guinea 26.1.45
RAG
 Lockheed C-60A A67-7
 2611
 43-16451
 Received RAAF 28.11.43 at 3AD Amberley on delivery ex USA
received 37 Sqn Laverton 2.12.43;
sold by CDC 9.47 to S.Godden, Sydney, to VH-BFZ
RAH
 Lockheed C-60A A67-8
 2612
 43-16452
 Received RAAF 16.12.43 at 3AD Amberley on delivery ex USA
received 37 Sqn Laverton 21.12.43;
sold by CDC 3.47 to Department of Civil Aviation, moved by road Tocumwal-Parafield for civil overhaul by DAP, to VH-CAC
RAI
 Lockheed C-60A A67-9
 2614
 43-16454
 Received RAAF 8.12.43 at 3AD Amberley on delivery ex USA
received 37 Sqn Laverton 10.12.43;
sold by CDC 2.47 to Kingsford Smith Aviation Services, Sydney,
resold to NZ National Airways Corp, to ZK-APU
RAJ
 Lockheed C-60A A67-10
 2613
 43-16453
 Received RAAF 11.1.44 at 3AD Amberley on delivery ex USA
received 37 Sqn Laverton 11.1.44 (same day);
sold by CDC 3.47 to Department of Civil Aviation, moved by road Tocumwal-Parafield for civil overhaul by DAP, to VH-CAB


Lodestar A67-1" VHRAA" at Parafield SA 1945 after camouflage had been removed.             Maurice Austin collection


A67-9 "VH-RAI" with No.1 Communications Unit in 1945 after the camouflage paintwork had been removed.     
Neil Follett collection

A67-10 departs Noemfoor Island, western New Guinea August 1944, with No.37 Squadron code "OM-L" and
radio callsign "VH-RAJ" on tail fins visible on the original print.                                        RAAF photograph

Postwar scene on 24 September 1947 near Adelaide: Lodestars A67-2, A67-8 and A67-10 purchased by DCA are moved 
from storage at RAAF Tocumwal NSW for overhauls at the Department of Aircraft Production hangars at Parafield.
(Civil Aviation Historical Society of SA, via SA Aviation Museum
VHRB series: allocated to RAAF Lockheed Hudson IVA bombers converted to freighters and personnel transports. Early conversions were carried out by No.7 Aircraft Depot at Tocumwal from September 1943 and the unit resumed an aircraft parts stores delivery courier with these converted transport Hudsons before they were assigned to units. Callsigns VHRBA to RBI were allocated in a memo dated 6.1.44.
RBA
Hudson IVA
A16-113
6042
41-23183     
Conversion 7AD Tocumwal 11.43, to 2AD 28.5.44
RBB
Hudson IVAA16-115
6044
41-23185
 Conversion 7AD Tocumwal 11.43, to 3CU 26.5.44
RBC
 Hudson IVA A16-120
 6049
 42-23190
 Conversion 7AD Tocumwal 11.43, to 1CU 7.12.43 fitted seats ex A16-98 for use by Chief of the Air Staff
RBD
 Hudson IVA A16-122
 6051
 41-23192
 Conversion 7AD Tocumwal 9.43, to 38 Squadron Richmond 4.11.43
Belly landing near Carnarvon WA 20.3.44 due cyclone (repaired)
RBE
 Hudson IVA A16-124
 6053
 41-23194
 Conversion 7AD Tocumwal 9.43, to 1AD then 38 Sqn 16.12.43
RBF
 Hudson IVA A16-131
 6060
Conversion 7AD Tocumwal 9.43, to 2AD 12.5.44
RBG
 Hudson IVA A16-134
 6063
Conversion 7AD Tocumwal 9.43, to 38 Squadron 7.11.43
RBH
 Hudson IVA A16-147
 6076
 41-23217
 Conversion 7AD Tocumwal 9.43, to 1CU 15.11.43 with 7 officer seats
RBI
 Hudson IVA A16-148
 6077
 41-23218
 Conversion 7AD Tocumwal 9.43, to 38 Squadron 8.2.44
RBL
 Hudson
 -

Flew Batchelor-Gove-Batchelor with freight 24.2.44
RBN
 Hudson
 -

Flew Batchelor-Gove-Batchelor with personnel 15.3.44
RBR
 Hudson
 -

Flew Batchelor-Gove-Millingimbi-Batchelor with personnel 26.2.44


View from RAAF Nhill Control Tower during 1944 as an unidentified RAAF transport Hudson was refuelled.
It was carrying 10 Japanese POWs under armed guard.                                   Kevin O'Reilly collection

VH-RCA to VHRCZ were Netherlands East Indies Air Force Douglas C-47 Dakotas and TB-25 Transport Mitchells stationed in Australia.

Large numbers of C-47s were acquired by the Army Aviation Corps of the Royal NEI Army (Militaire Luchtvart KNIL, or ML-KNIL) - widely referred to as "Netherlands East Indies Air Force" - in the closing stages of WWII. Their role was to support the Dutch military forces build-up in Australia in preparation for operations against occupying Japanese in the NEI (now Indonesia).  Only a few had arrived in Australia prior to the Japanese surrender September 1945 and their initial use was operating courier services between Dutch units within Australia and establishing a courier from Australia to NEI as far as the capital city Batavia (now Jakarta) carrying Dutch personnel and equipment.
Although crewed by Dutch airmen, these C-47s operated as RAAF No.19 (NEI) Squadron. This group were former USAAF transports, mostly from European wartime operations returned to the United States to be sold as surplus through the US Goverment Reconstruction Finance Corporation (RFC). They were purchased by the Netherlands Purchasing Commission, who engaged American aircrew to ferry them to Batavia via Britain. On arrival in NEI they were crewed by NEIAF, the majority being operated the Australia-NEI courier with main Australian base Archerfield Aerodrome, Brsbane
The DT- serials followed pre-war NEIAF practice, signifying "Douglas Transport".

TB-25 Transports:
RAAF No.18 (NEI) Squadron based at Canberra operated North American B-25 bombers crewed by ML-KNIL Dutch airmen displaced from Holland or Netherlands East Indies (now Indonesia) by enemy occupation. As V-J Day approached, there was an urgent need for transport aircraft to allow repatriation of personnel and equipent from Australia to NEI. To supplement the C-47s operated by RAAF No.19 (NEI) Squadron, retired early model B-25Cs and B-25Ds were modified at Canberra to a standard TB-25 Transport with provision for 15 to 25 passengers. A TB-25 training school was established at RAAF Station Bunderberg, Queensland. Significant numbers were converted, some depending on task, receiving VHR.. series radio callsigns. In the early post-war months, TB-25s ranged as far as Singapore, Manila, Bangkok and Borneo on a varety of essential missions including repatriating PoWs.

Within the Netherlands East Indies:
At the end of Japanese occupation, the pre-war NEI airline KNILM, having lost all assets and organisation, was unable to recommence air services. To provide essential civilian and administrative air transport, the Netherlands Indies Government Air Transport (NIGAT) was established. NEIAF C-47s were transferred to NIGAT and fitted out for passenger work with a civilian style paint scheme and new NI-... serials.  Genuine civilian airline services came in 1947 when the newly-formed KLM Interinsular Company started DC-3 services, effectively absorbing No.19 (NEI) Squadron's C-47s.
Following NEI independence as the Republic of Indonesia in 1949, a new national airline Garuda Indonesia Airways took over from KLM.
RCA
Douglas C-47A
DT-983
13619
42-93680       
Received NEIAF 2.46 at RFC Walnut Ridge AR ex USAAF Europe, ferried to Batavia, based Australia and NEI,
to NIGAT as NI-472, to KLM as PK-RCA, PK-DPC, to Garuda 12.49
RCB
Douglas C-47A DT-984 19279
42-100816
 Received NEIAF 2.46 at RFC Walnut Ridge AR ex USAAF Europe, ferried to Batavia, based Australia and NEI,
to NIGAT as NI-473, to KLM 8.47 as PK-DBC, to Garuda 12.49
RCC
 Douglas C-47A DT-985 12719
 42-92870
 Received NEIAF 2.46 at RFC Walnut Ridge AR ex USAAF Europe, ferried to Batavia, based Australia and NEI,
to NIGAT as NI-474, KLM as PK-RCC, PK-DPE, to Garuda 12.49
RCD
 Douglas C-47A DT-986 13463
 42-93540
 Received NEIAF 2.46 at RFC Walnut Ridge AR ex USAAF Europe, ferried to Batavia, based Australia and NEI,
to NIGAT as NI-475, to KLM as PK-RCD, PK-DPF, to Garuda 12.49
RCE
 Douglas C-47A DT-987 13535
 42-93605
 Received NEIAF 2.46 at RFC Walnut Ridge AR ex USAAF Europe, ferried to Batavia, based Australia and NEI,
to NIGAT as NI-476, KLM 8.47 as PK-DPG, to Garuda 12.49
RCF
 Douglas C-47A DT-988 19658
 42-15192
 Received NEIAF 2.46 at RFC Walnut Ridge AR ex USAAF Europe, ferried to Batavia, based Australia and NEI,
to NIGAT as NI-477, KLM 8.47 as PK-RCF, PK-DPH, to Garuda 12.49
RCG
 Douglas C-47A DT-989 13766
 42-93813
 Received NEIAF 2.46 at RFC Walnut Ridge AR ex USAAF Europe, ferried to Batavia, based Australia and NEI,
to NIGAT as NI-478, to KLM as PK-RCG, PK-DPH, PK-DPI,
to Garuda 12.49
RCH
 Douglas C-47A DT-990 13052
 42-93170
 Received NEIAF 2.46 at RFC Walnut Ridge AR ex USAAF Europe, ferried to Batavia, based Australia and NEI,
to NIGAT as NI-479, KLM as PK-RCH, PK-DPJ, to Garuda 12.49
RCI
 Douglas C-47A DT-991 12514
 42-92686
 Received NEIAF 2.46 at RFC Walnut Ridge AR ex USAAF Europe, ferried to Batavia, based Australia and NEI,
to NIGAT as NI-480, to KLM as PK-RCI, PK-DPK, to Garuda 12.49
RCJ
 Douglas DC-3D DT-992

 		42954
 -
 DC-3 batch built by Douglas in 1945 from incomplete cancelled military orders: handed-over new to NEIAF 1.2.46;
ferried to Batavia, based Australia and NEI,
to NIGAT as NI-470, to KLM as PK-RCJ, PK-DBK, PK-DPA,
to Garuda 12.49
RCK
 TB-25 Mitchell



RCL
 TB-25 Mitchell



RCM
 TB-25 Mitchell



RCN
 TB-25 Mitchell



RCO
 Douglas C-47A DT-973 19690
 42-15224
 Received NEIAF 11.45 in USA ex USAAF Europe, ferried to Australia,
to KLM as PK-RCO, Garuda 12.49
RCP
 Douglas C-47A
 DT-974
 19719
 43-15253
 Received NEIAF 9.45 in USA ex USAAF Europe, ferried to Australia,
to KLM as PK-RCP, Garuda 12.49
RCQ
 Douglas C-47A DT-975 19623
 43-15157
 Received NEIAF 11.45 in USA ex USAAF Europe, ferried to Australia,
to KLM as PK-RCQ, Garuda 12.49
RCR
 Douglas C-47A DT-976 19611
 43-15145
 Received NEIAF 11.45 in USA ex USAAF Europe, ferried to Australia,
to KLM as PK-RCR, Garuda 12.49
RCS




RCT
 Douglas C-47A DT-977 13639
 42-93698
 Received NEIAF 2.46 at RFC Bush Field GA ex USAAF Europe, ferried to Batavia, based Australia and NEI,
to KLM as PK-RCT, to Garuda 12.49
RCU
 Douglas C-47A DT-978 19672
 43-15206
 Received NEIAF 2.46 at RFC Bush Field GA ex USAAF Europe, ferried to Batavia, based Australia and NEI,
to KLM as PK-RCU, to Garuda 12.49
RCV
 Douglas C-47A DT-979
 19844
 43-15378
 Received NEIAF 2.46 at RFC Bush Field GA ex USAAF Europe, ferried to Batavia, based Australia and NEI,
to KLM as PK-RCV, to Garuda 12.49
RCW
 Douglas C-47A DT-980 12933
 43-93063
 Received NEIAF 2.46 at RFC Bush Field GA ex USAAF Europe, ferried to Batavia, based Australia and NEI,
to KLM as PK-RCW, to Garuda 12.49
RCX




RCY
 Douglas C-47A DT-981
 13731
 42-93781
 Received NEIAF 2.46 at RFC Bush Field GA ex USAAF Europe, ferried to Batavia, based Australia and NEI,
to KLM as PK-RCY, to Garuda 12.49
RCZ
 Douglas C-47A DT-982
 19005
 42-100542
 Received NEIAF 2.46 at RFC Walnut Ridge AR ex USAAF Europe, ferried to Batavia, based Australia and NEI,
to NIGAT as NI-471, to KLM as PK-RCZ, PK-DBA, PK-DPB,
to Garuda 12.49


Douglas C-47A DT-981 with callsign "VHRCY" on the tail, at Kemajoran, Batavia       NEIGIS via Alan Bovelt collection

C-47A DT-973 "VH-RCO" at the first post-war airshow at Batavia's Kemajoran airfield on 9 March 1947
Photo: Netherlands National Archives, via airhistory.net
VH-RDA to VHRDZ  More Netherlands East Indies Air Force (ML-KNIL) transport aircraft stationed in Australia while NEI was under Japanese occupation. The TB-25 transport conversions were operated under RAAF No.18 (NEI) Squadron, C-47s with No.19 (NEI) Squadron. Following the Japanese surrender in August 1945, these aircraft operated a courier service from Archerfield Aerodrome, Brisbane to NEI for over a year. 

RNMFS: Royal Netherlands Military Flying School (RNMFS) operated during the war at Jackson Army Air Field, Mississippi.
AURI:     Indonesian Air Force (from 1949 after NEI became Republic of Indonesia)
RDA (1
 B-25C Mitchell, to TB-25
 N5-128
41-12935
 Converted to TB-25 at Canberra .44;
Inspection at Bundaberg 10.45, based Batavia-Kemajoran from 10.45
RDA (2
 Lockheed C-60A
Lodestar
 LT-931
 2553
 42-56060
 Received RNMFS Jackson MS 26.8.43 new ex Lockheed, via Hondo AAF TX for ferry tank installation, Delivered to Australia by USAAF ATC crew;. accepted NEIAF 5.9.43 at Melbourne;
Loaned to RAAF 37 Sqn ex NEIAF 7.44
(Logs: VHRDA Lodestar Parafield-Alice Spings-Gorrie-Darwin-return 3-4.4.45, Parafield-Darwin 19.4.45; Darwin-Parafield 27.4.45,
Whyalla-Alice Springs-Darwin 22-23.10.45)
returned by RAAF to NEI Pool 2.46, to RAAF Tocumwal 2.46 for inspection and wing fuel tank leak repairs but not done, left in open storage at Tocumwal,
sold 7.48 by US Forein Liquidation Commission to James Hosie, a US citizen at Manila, Phillipines, not collected;
acquired by Fawcett Aviation, Sydney, moved by road 7.50 from Tocumwal to Bankstown, to civil VH-FAC 12.50
RDB (1
 B-25C Mitchell, to TB-25 N5-129
41-12936
 Converted to TB-25 at Canberra .44;
Based Batavia-Kemajoran from 10.45
RDB (2
Lockheed C-60A
 LT-936
 2621
 43-16461
 Received USAAF 9.12.43, to Fairfield AAF CA 21.12.43 for ferry tank installation, delivered to Australia, accepted NEIAF 4.1.44 at Brisbane;
Loaned to RAAF 37 Sqn ex NEIAF 7.44,
Minor damage ground collision with RAAF Oxford at Essendon 21.8.44,
returned by RAAF to NEIAF 11.44 as VH-RDU






RDC
B-25C Mitchell
modified to TB-25
 N5-134
41-12885
 Received RAAF 18 Sqn 8.42 ex USAAC,
converted to TB-25 at Canberra 2.44;
RDD
 B-25D Mitchell
modified to TB-25
 N5-142
 87-7881
 41-29716
 Received RAAF 18 Sqn 9.42 ex USAAC,
converted to TB-25 at Canberra 6.44;
RDE (2
 Lockheed 12A
 L2-103
 1311
ex VHRDR, based Essendon 44,
based NEI from 10.45
RDE (2
 B-25C Mitchell
modified to TB-25
 N5-143
 87-7887
 41-29722
 Received RAAF 18 Sqn 9.42 ex USAAC,
converted to TB-25 at Canberra 9.44;
to ANA Essendon for inspection and double engine change 11.44
RDF (1
 Lockheed 12A
 L2-104
 1310
ex VHRDS, based in NEI from 10.45
serial changed 2.46 to T-304, to AURI as T-304
RDF (2
 B-25C Mitchell
modified to TB-25		 N5-180
42-87321
 Converted to TB-25 at Canberra 10.44;
RDG
 Douglas C-47A
 DT-937
 12036
 42-92256
 First Dutch Dakota received in Australia
Received RNMFS Jackson MS 11.12.43, del. to Long Beach AAF CA where handed over to USAAF Air Transport Command for ferry to Australia, arrived RAAF Amberey Qld 22.12.43,
to ANA Esendon for ferry tank removal, del. NEIAF Canberra 19.1.44 for supply courier to Batchelor NT;
to KLM as PK-RDG, AURI as T-437
RDH
 Douglas C-47A DT-938 11972
 42-92198
 Received RNMFS Jackson MS 11.12.43, ferried to Australia by RNMFS crew, to ANA Esendon for ferry tank removal, accepted NEIAF 5.2.44
to KLM as PK-RDH, to AURI as T-438
RDI
 Douglas C-47A DT-939
 12279
 42-92474
 Received RNMFS Jackson MS 1.2.44, departed Jackson 15.2.44 on delivery to Australia by NEI crew, to ANA Esendon for ferry tank removal, accepted NEIAF at Essendon 16.3.44
to KLM as PK-RDI
RDJ
 Douglas C-47A DT-940
 12097
 42-92311
 Received RNMFS Jackson MS 31.12.43, departed Jackson 7.2.44 on delivery to Australia by NEI crew, to ANA Esendon for ferry tank removal, accepted NEIAF at Essendon 24.3.44
to KLM as PK-RDJ, to AURI as T-440
RDK
 Douglas C-47A DT-941 12880
 42-93015
 Received 3.44 at Douglas mod centre, departed Long Beach CA 17.4.44 on delivery to Australia, accepted NEIAF at Brisbane 25.4.44
crashed 6.9.44 near Mossman Qld enroute Merauke-Townsville 20 fatal
RDL
 Douglas C-47A DT-942 12878
 42-108903
 Received 3.3.44 at Douglas mod centre, departed Long Beach CA 15.4.44 on delivery to Australia uncamoufaged,
accepted NEIAF at Brisbane 23.4.44
to KLM as PK-RDL, to AURI as T-442
RDM
 Douglas C-47A DT-943 13344
 42-93433
 Received 17.5.44 at Douglas mod centre, departed Long Beach CA 14.6.44 on delivery to Australia uncamoufaged,
accepted NEIAF at Brisbane 20.6.44
 to KLM as PK-RDM, to AURI as T-443
RDN
 Douglas C-47A DT-944 13345
 42-93434
 Received 18.5.44 at Douglas mod centre, departed Long Beach CA 20.6.44 on delivery to Australia by NEI crew,
accepted NEIAF at Melbourne 28.6.44
to KLM as PK-RDN, to AURI as T-444
RDO
 Lockheed 12A
 L2-100
 1308
Received new by RNMFS Jackson MS as L2-40,
shipped to Australia, arrived 2.44, serial changed to L2-100 at NEI HQ at RAAF Laverton, 120 Sqn Merauke 6.44, based Essendon by 11.44
based in NEI from 12.45
RDP
 Lockheed 12A L2-101
 1305
Received new 5.39 by RNMFS Jackson MS as L2-37,
shipped to Australia, arrived 2.44, serial changed to L2-101,
120 Sqn Merauke 4.44, based Essendon by 11.44,
based in NEI from .45, serial changed 2.46 to T-301, to AURI T-301
RDQ (1
 Lockheed 12A
 L2-102
 1307
Received new 2.42 by RNMFS Jackson MS as L2-39,
shipped to Australia, arrived 2.44, serial changed to L2-102,
based in NEI from 10.45, serial changed 2.46 to T-302
RDQ (2
 Lockheed C-60A
 LT-933
 2608
 43-16448
 Received USAAF 30.10.43, to Long Beach AAF CA for fitting ferry fuel tanks, delivered to Australia by USAAF Air Transport Command crew;
accepted NEIAF 11.43 at Brisbane, initially Batchelor supply courier;
loaned to RAAF 37 Sqn 4.44,
to RAAF Tocumwal 9.45 for inspection and wing fuel tank leak repairs,
issued to NEIAF 7.46
RDR (1)
 Lockheed 12A
 L2-103
 1311
Received new 5.42 by RNMFS Jackson MS as L2-43,
shipped to Australia, arrived 2.44, serial changed to L2-103,   
based Essendon, callsign changed to VHRDE
RDR (2)
 Lockheed C-60A LT-934
 2603
 43-16443
 Received RNMFS Jackson MS 4.10.43 new ex Lockheed,
departed Sacramento CA 16.12.43 on ferry to Australia by a RNMFS crew, accepted by NEIAF at Brisbane 24.12.43;
Loaned RAAF 37 Squadron 4.44
to RAAF Tocumwal 8.45 for inspection and wing fuel tank leak repairs,
not caried out and left in open storage at Tocumwal;
 sold 7.48 by US Forein Liquidation Commission to James Hosie, a US citizen at Manila, Phillipines, not collected;
acquired by Fawcett Aviation, Sydney, moved by road 7.50 from Tocumwal to Bankstown, to civil VH-FAB 10.50
RDS
 Lockheed 12A L2-104
 1310
Received new by RNMFS Jackson MS 2.42 as L2-42
shipped to Australia, arrived 2.44, serial changed to L2-104,   
based Essendon, callsign changed to VHRDF
RDT (1
 Lockheed 12A
 L2-105
 1312
Received new by RNMFS Jackson MS 5.42 as L2-44
shipped to Australia, arrived 2.44, serial changed to L2-105, 
based NEI from 12.45
RDT (2
 Lockheed C-60A LT-932 2507
 42-56034
 Received RNMFS Jackson MS 18.7.43 new ex Lockheed,
departed Jackson 11.8.43 on delivery to Australia by RNMFS crew,
arrived RAAF Laverton 23.8.43, to ANA Essendon for inspection and removal of ferry tanks, accepted NEIAF at Essendon 28.8.43,
arrived Batchelor NT 2.9.43 on first transport run;
Loaned to RAAF 37 Sqn ex NEIAF 3.44,
to RAAF Tocumwal 8.45 for inspection and wing fuel tank leak repairs,
issued to NEIAF 4.46, based in NEI.
RDU
 Lockheed C-60A LT-936
 2621
 43-16461
 ex VHRDB. Returned by RAAF to NEIAF 9.44,
to ANA Essendon 10.44 for inspection and repairs completed 11.44,
Damaged by cyclone 1.45, written-off
RDV
B-25C Mitchell
modified to TB-25
 N5-151
42-32485
 Converted to TB-25 at Canberra 7.44;
based NEI from 9.45
RDW
 Lockheed C-60A LT-935
 2618
 43-16458
 Received RNMFS Jackson MS 6.12.43 new ex Lockheed,
to Fairfield AAF CA for fitting ferry fuel tanks, ferried to Australia 12.43 by a USAAF Air Transport Command crew,
ANA Essendon for inspection and ferry tank removal,
loan to RAAF: received 1AD Laverton 5.1.44, received 37 Sqn 7.1.44,
(Logs: VHRDW Lodestar Darwin-Alice Springs-Parafield 12.4.45,
Oodnadatta-Alice-Gorrie 26.8.45, Gorrie-Alice-Essendon 29.8.45,
Darwin-Alice-Parafield 26.9.45)
to 2AD Richmond 18.12.45 for inspection, issued NEIAF 6.46.
RDX




RDY
 Douglas C-47B DT-945
 32691
 44-76359
 Received NEIAF 26.2.45 at Sacramento Air Depot CA ex USAAF newly built, ferried to Australia, accepted at Melbourne 8.3.45,
to KLM as PK-RDY
RDZ
 Douglas C-47B DT-946
 32692
 44-76360
 Received NEIAF 6.3.45 at Sacramento Air Depot CA ex USAAF newly built, ferried to Australia, accepted at Melbourne 12.3.45,
to KLM as PK-RDZ


Lockheed C-60A Lodestar LT-931 (to become "VHRDT") at Batchelor NT 2 September 1944, USAAF serial "2-56034"
is on the taiiplane, NEI nationality flag insignia on fuselage sides and under wings.    Photo: John Hopton Collection.

B-25C N5-138 heads a line of NEIAF Mitchells at RAAF 18 (NEI) Squadron home base RAAF Fairbairn, Canberra 1943.
When newer model B-25s were received, N5-138 was converted to a transport as "VHRDE".  
Photo: Netherands East Indies Government Information Service - NEIGIS, via Alan Bovelt collection


                  B-25D VHRDF at Mascot Aerodrome, Sydney circa 1945.                                             


C-47A DT939 "VHRDI" in original camouflage delivering a Dutch army patrol in Dutch New Guinea

C-47A DT939 "VHRDI" at Koepang, Timor after camouflage had beebn stripped.               Bob Livingstone collection

C-47A DT-943 "VHRDM" showing the NEI nationality insignia on the fuselage.       Frank F. Smith collection

C-47A DT-942 "VHRDL"                                                                                  Bob Livingstone collection

Lockheed 12A L2-39 at the Royal Netherlands Military Training School at Jackson USAAF base, Mississippi 1942.
Two years later it was sent to Australia to become L2-102 "VHRDQ".                 Alan Bovelt collection

Lockheed 12A L2-40 with a line of Dutch Beech AT-11 bombardier trainers at the RNMTS at Jackson Mississippi1 942.
L2-40 later went to Australia to become L2-100 "VHRDO".                     Alan Bovelt collection

Only known survivor of the Australian-based Dutch Lockheed 12As is Indonesian Air Force T-303, seen at Kalatji air base,
Subang, Java in March 2009. It was stored here with other aircraft destined for the air force museum.
Photo by Naditara Kaskus, via John Chapman
VH-REA to VHREZ:  additional Netherlands East Indies Air Force Douglas C-47s to join the ML-KNIL transport fleet in Australia in the final months of WWII and the post-war courier service between Australia and NEI. Included are earlier model C-47s purchased in November 1945 by ML-KNIL at the US Foreign Liquidation Commission sales of surplus USAAF aircraft assembed in Philippines at Clark Field, near Manila and Tacloban. These were ferried by Dutch aircrew to Brisbane, most collecting allied PoWs on the delivery flights. At Archerfield they were given overhauls by RAAF No.19 (NEI) Squadron and Australian National Airlines (ANA) on contract. Because of the high demand for spare parts, at least 5 C-47s were dismantled and stripped for parts at Archerfield.

REA
Douglas C-47B
DT-947
33128
 44-76796
 Received NEIAF 16.5.45 at Sacramento Air Depot CA ex USAAF newly built, ferried to Australia, accepted at Brisbane 24.5.45,
to KLM as PK-REA, crashed Padalarang NEI 10.2.48
REB
Douglas C-47B DT-948
33130
44-76798
 Received NEIAF 5.45 at Sacramento Air Depot CA ex USAAF newly built, departed for Australia 15.5.45, accepted at Brisbane 15.6.45,
crashed during landing Kemajoran, Batavia 29.5.46, written off
REC
 Douglas C-47B DT-949
 33475
 44-77143
 Received NEIAF 7.45 at Sacramento Air Depot CA ex USAAF newly built, departed for Australia 7.7.45, accepted at Brisbane 14.7.45,
to KLM as PK-REC, to AURI as T-449
RED
 Douglas C-47B DT-950
 33477
 44-77145
 Received NEIAF 7.45 at Sacramento Air Depot CA ex USAAF newly built, departed for Australia 7.7.45, accepted at Brisbane 16.7.45,
to KLM as PK-RED, to AURI as T-450
REE
 Douglas C-47A DT-951
 9281
 42-23419
 Purchased 21.11.45 at Clark Field, Philippines as USAAF surplus,
ferried to Archerfield by NEIAF crews for pre-service overhaul,
to KLM PK-REE, to AURI as T-452
REF
 Douglas C-47A DT-952
 13207
 42-93310
 Purchased 21.11.45 at Tacloban, Philippines as USAAF surplus,
ferried to Archerfield by NEIAF crews for pre-service overhaul,
to KLM as PK-REF, to AURI as T-451
REG
 Douglas C-47 DT-953
 6032
 41-18671
 Purchased 21.11.45 at Tacloban, Philippines as USAAF surplus,
ferried to Archerfield by NEIAF crews for pre-service overhaul,
to KLM as PK-REG, to AURI as T-453
REH
 Douglas C-47 DT-954
 6199
 41-38740
 Purchased 21.11.45 at Tacloban, Philippines as USAAF surplus,
ferried to Archerfield by NEIAF crews for pre-service overhaul,
to KLM as PK-REH, to AURI as T-454
REI
 Douglas C-47A
 DT-955
 19701
 43-15235
 Purchased 21.11.45 at Tacloban, Philippines as USAAF surplus,
ferried to Archerfield by NEIAF crews for pre-service overhaul,
to KLM as PK-REI, to AURI as T-455
REJ
 Douglas C-47A
 DT-956
 18938
 42-100475
 Purchased 21.11.45 at Tacloban, Philippines as USAAF surplus,
ferried to Archerfield by NEIAF crews, reduced to parts at Archerfield
REK
 Douglas C-47A
 DT-957
 19181
 42-100718
 Purchased 21.11.45 at Clark Field, Philippines as USAAF surplus,
ferried to Archerfield by NEIAF crews for pre-service overhaul,
to KLM as PK-REK, to AURI as T-457
REL
 Douglas C-47A
 DT-958
 19260
 42-100797
 Purchased 21.11.45 at Clark Field, Philippines as USAAF surplus,
ferried to Archerfield by NEIAF crews, reduced to parts at Archerfield
REM
 Douglas C-47A
 DT-959
 9551
 42-23689
 Purchased 21.11.45 at Clark Field, Philippines as USAAF surplus,
ferried to Archerfield by NEIAF crews for pre-service overhaul,
to KLM as PK-REM, to AURI as T-459
REN
 Douglas C-47A DT-960
 13197
 42-93301
 Purchased 21.11.45 at Clark Field, Philippines as USAAF surplus,
ferried to Archerfield by NEIAF crews, reduced to parts at Archerfield
REO
 Douglas C-47A DT-961
 13193
 42-93297
 Purchased 21.11.45 at Clark Field, Philippines as USAAF surplus,
ferried to Archerfield by NEIAF crews, reduced to parts at Archerfield
REP
 Douglas C-47A DT-962
 13497
 42-93571
 Purchased 21.11.45 at Clark Field, Philippines as USAAF surplus,
ferried to Archerfield by NEIAF crews for pre-service overhaul,
to KLM as PK-REP, tto AURI as T-462
REQ
 Douglas C-47A DT-963
 12636
 43-92796
 Purchased 21.11.45 at Clark Field, Philippines as USAAF surplus,
ferried to Archerfield by NEIAF crews for pre-service overhaul,
to KLM as PK-REQ, to AURI as T-463
RER
 Douglas C-47A DT-964
 25496
 43-48235
 Purchased 21.11.45 at Clark Field, Philippines as USAAF surplus,
ferried to Archerfield by NEIAF crews for pre-service overhaul,
to KLM as PK-RER
RES
 Douglas C-47A DT-965
 25436
 43-48175
 Purchased 21.11.45 at Clark Field, Philippines as USAAF surplus,
ferried to Australia by NEIAF crew, belly landing Penfoei, Timor 12.45 during delivery flight, repaired, continued on to Archerfield where reduced to parts
RET
 Douglas C-47A DT-966
 11794
 42-92038
 Purchased 21.11.45 at Clark Field, Philippines as USAAF surplus,
ferried to Archerfield by NEIAF crews for pre-service overhaul,
crashed 26.2.47 in sea off Stradbroke Island Qld: port wing broke away due port engine fire during test flight after overhaul Archerfield, 6 fatal.
REU
 Douglas C-47A DT-967
 13607
 42-93670
 Purchased 21.11.45 at Clark Field, Philippines as USAAF surplus,
ferried to Archerfield by NEIAF crews for pre-service overhaul,
to KLM as PK-REP, to AURI as T-467
REV
 Douglas C-47
 DT-968


REW
 Douglas C-47 DT-969


REX
 Douglas C-47A DT-970
 20407
 43-15941
 Received NEIAF 2.46 at RFC Bush Field GA ex USAAF Europe,
ferried to Batavia, based Australia and NEI,
to KLM as PK-REX, to Garuda 12.49
REY
 Douglas C-47A DT-971
 20041
 43-15575
 Received NEIAF 2.46 at RFC Bush Field GA ex USAAF Europe,
ferried to Batavia, based Australia and NEI,
to KLM as PK-REY, to Garuda 12.49
REZ
 Douglas C-47
 DT-972
-
 Received NEIAF 2.46 at RFC Bush Field GA ex USAAF Europe,
ferried to Batavia where arrived 4.46, based Australia and NEI,
crashed 12.3.47 Mount Burangrang enroute Batavia-Bandoeng, 26 fatal


C-47 DT-947 "VHREA" at Kemajoran airfield, Batavia (now Jakarta) in August 1946

C-47B DT-949 'VHREC" with two Dutch Lockheed 12s in the background.        


Wreck of C-47 DT-972 "VHREZ" near Bandoeng, Java while in NEIAF service March 1947.

VH-RFA to VHRFZ: allocated to RAAF Dakotas received from the American Government via USAAF as newly-built C-47Bs.
Post-war survivors from Dakotas A65-1 to A65-124 were retained by RAAF and operated until the 1980s.
RFA
Douglas C-47B
A65-84
32877
44-76545    
Received USAAF 19.3.45, received RAAF 4.4.45
RFB
Douglas C-47B
A65-85
32878
44-76546
 Received USAAF 17.3.45, received RAAF 4.4.45
RFC
 Douglas C-47B A65-86
 32879
 44-76547
 Received USAAF 19.3.45, received RAAF 3.4.45
RFD
 Douglas C-47B A65-87
 32876
 44-76544
 Received USAAF 19.3.45, received RAAF 8.4.45
RFE
 Douglas C-47B A65-88
 32880
 44-76548
 Received USAAF 19.3.45, received RAAF 8.4.45
RFF
 Douglas C-47B A65-89
 32881
 44-76549
 Received USAAF 16.3.45, received RAAF 6.4.45
RFG
 Douglas C-47B A65-90
 32883
 44-76551
 Received USAAF 29.3.45, received RAAF 6.4.45
RFH
 Douglas C-47B A65-91
 32884
 44-76552
 Received USAAF 21.3.45, received RAAF 4.5.45
RFI
 Douglas C-47B A65-92
 32887
 44-76555
 Received USAAF 22.3.45, received RAAF 9.4.45
RFJ
 Douglas C-47B A65-93
 33093
 44-76761
 Received USAAF 18.4.45, received RAAF 5.5.45
RFK
 Douglas C-47B A65-94
 33106
 44-76774
 Received USAAF 20.4.45, received RAAF 2.5.45
RFL
 Douglas C-47B A65-95
 33096
 44-76764
 Received USAAF 21.4.45, received RAAF 6.5.45
RFM
 Douglas C-47B A65-96
 33097
 44-76765
 Received USAAF 20.4.45, received RAAF 6.5.45
RFN
 Douglas C-47B
 A65-97
 33099
 44-76766
 Received USAAF 21.4.45, received RAAF 6.5.45
RFO
 Douglas C-47B A65-98
 33102
 44-76770
 Received USAAF 21.4.45, received RAAF 7.5.45
RFP
 Douglas C-47B A65-99
 33103
 44-76771
 Received USAAF 21.4.45, received RAAF 11.5.45
RFQ
 Douglas C-47B A65-100
 33109
 44-65777
 Received USAAF 24.4.45, received RAAF 13.5.45
RFR
 Douglas C-47B A65-101
 33112
 44-76780
 Received USAAF 24.4.45, received RAAF 11.5.45
RFS
 Douglas C-47B A65-102
 33133
 44-76781
 Received USAAF 24.4.45, received RAAF 11.5.45
RFT
 Douglas C-47B A65-103
 33294
 44-76962
 Received USAAF 16.5.45, received RAAF 26.5.45
RFU
 Douglas C-47B A65-104
 33295
 44-76963
 Received USAAF 16.5.45, received RAAF 28.5.45
RFV
 Douglas C-47B A65-105
 33300
 44-76968
 Received USAAF 18.5.45, received RAAF 29.5.45
RFW
 Douglas C-47B A65-106
 33290
 44-76958
 Received USAAF 15.5.45, received RAAF 30.5.45
RFX
 Douglas C-47B A65-107
 33302
 44-76970
 Received USAAF 18.5.45, received RAAF 31.5.45
Burnt out on ground due engine fire, Wama strip, Morotai 12.12.45
RFY
 Douglas C-47B A65-111
 33304
 44-76972
 Received USAAF 23.5.45, received RAAF 7.6.45
RFZ
 Douglas C-47B A65-112
 33303
 44-76971
 Received USAAF 22.5.45, received RAAF 10.6.45


RAAF 35 Squadron Douglas C-47A Dakota A65-100 in 1944 with radio callsign VHRFQ in white on the tail.
Geoff Goodall collection

A65-111 VHRFY visiting Port Pirie SA in September 1946.                           David Anderson collection

RAAF Dakota A65-85 VHRFB with 35 Squadron, after camouflage paintwork had been stripped.
Callsign on the tail is obscured but "FB" is on the nose.              Frank F.Smith collection

A65-86 VHRFC after camouflage had been stripped.                                          Geoff Goodall collection

VHRG series: allocated ot the remainder of the RAAF Dakota order.
RGA
Douglas C-47BA65-113
33459
44-77127            
Received USAAF 12.6.45, received RAAF 24.6.45
RGB
Douglas C-47B A65-114
33460
44-77128
 Received USAAF 13.6.45, received RAAF 24.6.45
RGC
 Douglas C-47B A65-115
 33464
 44-77132
 Received USAAF 13.6.45, received RAAF 25.6.45
RGD
 Douglas C-47B A65-116
 33453
 44-77121
 Received USAAF 13.6.45, received RAAF 26.6.45
RGE
 Douglas C-47B A65-117
 33456
 44-77124
 Received USAAF 14.6.45, received RAAF 26.6.45
RGF
 Douglas C-47B A65-118
 33457
 44-77125
 Received USAAF 13.6.45, received RAAF 26.6.45
RGG
 Douglas C-47B A65-119
 33463
 44-77131
 Received USAAF 15.6.45, received RAAF 27.6.45
RGH
 Douglas C-47B A65-120
 33461
 44-77129
 Received USAAF 15.6.45, received RAAF 1.7.45
RGI
 Douglas C-47B A65-121
 33452
 44-77120
 Received USAAF 20.6.45, received RAAF 2.7.45
RGJ
 Douglas C-47B A65-122
 33455
 44-77123
 Received USAAF 16.6.45, received RAAF 4.7.45
RGK
 Douglas C-47B A65-123
 34221
 45-958
 Received USAAF 20.7.45, received RAAF 31.7.45
RGL
 Douglas C-47B A65-124
 34220
 45-957
 Received USAAF 17.7.45, received RAAF 7.8.45
RGM




RGN




RGO




RGP




RGQ




RGS




RGT




RGU




RGV




RGW




RGX
 Douglas C-47B A65-109
 33301
 44-76969
 Received USAAF 19.5.45, received RAAF 31.5.45
RGY
 Douglas C-47B A65-110
 33292
 44-76960
 Received USAAF 24.5.45, received RAAF 9.6.45
crashed 25.1.46 Tacloban, Leyte. Philippines
RGZ
 Douglas C-47B A65-108
 33297
 44-76965
 Received USAAF 19.5.45, received RAAF 5.6.45


A65-121 VHRGI with RAAF 36 Squadron code "RE-R"                                                     Frank F. Smith collection
                        That concludes all known VH- (Australian civil aircraft) registrations allocated as radio callsigns painted on Allied transport aircraft as a World War II measure.  After the Japanese surrender when brought WWII to an end in September 1945, the Royal Australian Air Force continued with the external display of VHC.. and VHR.. series callsigns until it was officially discontinued by RAAF HQ Order 1164 effective 1 May 1947.
                         From that time RAAF standardised on radio callsigns with a VM- prefix for all aircraft types, not just transports, which were not painted externally on the airframe. Similarly, the Royal Australian Navy Fleet Air Arm adopted VJ- callsigns which were not displayed on the aircraft - with an occasional exception, such as this Dakota A65-23 which flew with its callsign VJ-ORB on the tail for at least ten years.

Royal Australian Navy Dakota A65-23 visting Essendon 1955, with Nowra base code and radio callsign VJ-ORB on tail.
Photo by Eddie Coates


Footnote:
Other transport aircraft in Australia with externally displayed callsigns 1945-1947
                   Although outside this topic's primary focus of Australian civil VH- registrations allocated to military aircraft during WWII, other transport aircraft based in Australia had radio callsigns painted on their tails in a similar manner. 

- Royal Air Force Australian-based Dakota squadrons
                   During the final year of the Pacific theatre of WWII, Britain built up a large military force in Australia in preparation for its anticipated participation in a joint-Allied advance on Japan. In the event, this action had not commenced before Japan's surrender in September 1945 following the American atomic bomb drops and General MacArthur's re-taking of the Philippines. The Royal Air Force deployed C-47 Dakota transport squadrons to operate courier services between the British army, navy and air force units at temporary bases across NSW and Queensland.  These RAF Dakotas were based at Camden NSW, Maryborough Qld and Parafield SA. They were allocated radio callsigns in the Australian Military VM- series, which were painted on their tailplanes.
                       RAF Dakota KN369 callsign "VMYBV" in Australia 1945, in service while camouflage only partially removed. 
Allan Bovelt collection

- Royal Navy Australian-based Beech Expediters
                     As part of the British military build-up in Australia from late 1944, the Royal Navy British Pacific Fleet was bolstered by deployment of shipping, equipment, personnel and carrier-borne aircraft to Australia.  A Royal Navy courier service was established to operate sheduled flights betwen the various temporsry bases in NSW and Queensland, initially equipped with two Avro Ansons shipped from Britain and the first of a total of at least twenty Beech C-45 Expediter Mk.IIs. The Exediters were allocated Australian military (Navy) series callsigns VJ-AAD to VJ-AAP (at least).
More details on these Royal Navy Expediters can be found on this site at the BEECH 18 PRODUCTION page "Military Beech 18s in Australia".

Photographs of the Royal Navy Beech Expediters in Australia are hard to find. This view of Royal Aero Club of NSW aircraft
outside their hangar at Sydney Airport (Mascot) in 1945 shows six RN Expediters behind. Each has blue snd white
Pacific roundels with white side-bars and a callsign, VJ-AAK being visible.                   John Hopton Collection




Expediter HD776 at Mascot 1945 outside the camouflaged terminal building.
This newspaper picture unfortunately cropped out the full callsign and roundel.




-Netherlands Navy Australian-based Dakotas

                  Listed in the tables above are large numbers of Netherlands East Indies Air Force (ML-KNIL) Douglas C-47s operating between Dutch military units in Australia and, after V-J Day operating a courier services between Australia and NEI. The Netherlands Navy (MLD) conducted similar work with C-47s in Australia during the early post-war years. However because they were not operating under RAAF control, the Dutch Navy C-47s were not allocated VHR radio callsigns, retaining their MLD callsigns which were painted externally on the aircraft.
                 MLD C-47A W-12 "PM-WAB" (c/n 13210) made a forced landing on 25 March 1947 in remote county 55 miles northeast of Katherine NT due to an electrical system failure. The 7 Dutch personnel on board were not injured but had gruelling treks to Katharine on foot and using dingies on rivers. The Dakota was salvaged in May by a recovery crew and towed on its wheels behind a truck down the main street of Katherine and to Darwin, where it was asumed to have been shipped to Holland.




Royal Netherlands Navy Douglas C-47 W-9 at Sydney Airport 1947, with callsign "PM-WOI" on the tail.
Parked behind is Halifax freighter VH-BDT.                                 Photo: State Library of NSW




Another Royal Netherlands Navy C-47, W-5 callsign "PM-WOE" at Bankstown aerodrome, Sydney c1947.
Peter Kelly collection




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