Air Enthusiast 1998-09
D.Vincent - Kangaroo Kingfishers
A35-2, one of four Douglas Dolphins operated in the seaplane training role by the RAAF at Rathmines, September 1942.
A48-1, the first RAAF Kingfisher, 1942. Note the yellow surround to the roundel and the fleet number ‘1’ on the rear float pylon
A48-17 of 107 Squadron/3 Operational Training Unit early in 1943. Unit codes were not applied until May 1943.
ANARE Kingfisher A48-13 in its final form with postwar roundels.
A48-18 in the lightened and bare metal markings of 107 Squadron. The light grey codes were later all changed to black.
Eight Kingfishers of 107 Squadron at Rathmines.
Kingfishers dispersed among the trees at RAAF Rathmines, soon after 107 Squadron had been formed. The water-logged surface in the foreground helps to identify A48-11 ‘JE-M’ and A48-4 ‘JE-E’.
Pleasant study of A48-18 ‘JE-T’ showing good detail of the main beaching gear and underwing racks, at St George’s Basin.
Bedecked in Antarctic colours, A48-13 during the work-up period at Rathmines, ready for the 1947-48 ANARE. The Kingfisher still retains World War Two blue and white roundels and flashes and the radio mast
ANARE kingfisher A48-13 in its 1948 form, during operations from HMAS
One of a series of press photographs taken at Rathmines in August 1942 to mark the Kingfisher’s RAAF debut - the station dog providing a diversion! A48-8 in the foreground was the first to be lost, on January 14, 1943 with 3 OTU.
A48-7 ‘JE-H’ taxying in at Rathmines. This aircraft crashed soon after take-off at nearby Wanji on December 7, 1943.
A48-3 patrolling the Pacific with anti-submarine bombs underwing.
In flight view of A48-2 ‘JE-B’ over Jervis Bay.
Kingfishers A48-3 ‘JE-D’ and A48-14 ‘JE-P’ flying along the New South Wales coastline.
Take-off view of A48-17 ‘JE-S’ from the waters of Lake Macquarie.
Ten Kingfishers on the hardstand at RAAF St George’s Basin on November 23,1944. Note the absence of the blue and white flashes on the tail fins - these were later added. The tarmac is in the process of being extended by No.2 Airfield Construction Squadron.
A48-4, one of the first seven Kingfishers delivered directly to RAAF Rathmines for aircrew familiarisation. Yellow training bands were applied to the fuselage, wings and the rear top surfaces of the main float. The fleet number ‘4’ appeared on the rear float pylon.
Vought OS2U Kingfisher.