Next reunion - 27 April 2003 |
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The Canberra
In 1950 the Australian Government approved the purchase of 48 English Electric Canberras to replace the RAAF's ageing fleet of Lincolns. Although the Lincoln had only entered RAAF service in 1946, by late 1948 it was already obvious it would quickly become obsolete so the search for a replacement began, resulting in the order for the replacement Canberras.These aircraft were manufactured under licence by the Government Aircraft Factory (GAF) at Fishermans Bend, Melbourne - near where they uilt the first Holden The first one off the line, A84-201, made its maiden flight at Avalon Airfield on 29 May 1953 and the last aircraft, A84-248, was delivered on 30 September 1958. The Canberras were delivered to 2 Sqn in 1954, 6 Sqn in 1955, 1 Sqn in 1958 and they also operated with 1OCU, ARDU and 1 and 2 Air Trials Unit. As well as building the airframe, the Rolls Royce engines were also built in Australia by the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation (CAC).The Australian Canberra was based on the British B2 version but with a few mods. The leading edge of the Australian aircraft’s wing was modified to carry more fuel, different radio equipment was installed in the aircraft, and the crew was reduced from 3 in the Pommie aircraft to 2 in the RAAF aircraft.
For those interested in stats, the Canberra has a max speed of 930 km/h; a cruise speed of 700 km/h; initial rate of climb 4,200 ft/min; operational ceiling 45,000 ft; radius of action (4,500 lb bomb load) 2,060 km and a max ferry range of 5,841 km. It’s max bomb load was 8,000 lb.
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| This shining example currently sits outside the RAAF base at Wagga |
After Vietnam, 2 Sqn returned to Amberley and continued flying the Canberras up until 1982, well past their bed time. During this period they were fitted with survey cameras and their role was switched from bomber to cartographic surveyor in Australia and also overseas, mainly in Indonesia and PNG. They finally got to rest on 30 June 1982 when 2 Sqn flew four aircraft over Brisbane and surrounding areas in a farewell flypast.
Today, the poor old Canberras are scattered around the countryside, sitting in parks, or outside RAAF bases, or on poles, forlorn and forgotten by most-but not by blokes that worked on and loved them while they were in their prime. The aircraft that sit in the paddock at Amberley, alongside the road to Warwick, are in a terrible state of repair, and we feel should either be tarted up or removed as they’re nothing but an eye-sore at present.
We received the following from John Griffiths who was on 4Appy., and who asked that we include it here as there are sure to be a few who will be interested....
"On Wednesday 13th March about 90 ex members of RAAF A&GRS and RadSchool at Ballarat in the 1940s, 50s, and early 60s gathered in Canberra for the 3rd reunion in recent times. The 2 Happy Hours were times for swapping many stories; the Dinner on Saturday evening was attended by 143 including partners and the BBQ on the final Sunday by about 100. The Wreath Laying on Saturday morning was held at the RAAF Association Memorial in wonderful sunshine and surroundings. We plan to do it again in 2005 and I want to hear from anyone who thinks they should be on our mailing list. Please send your Name, Address, Partner’s Name, Phone, Email and Course (if you can remember) to J Griffiths 25 Murray St Northmead NSW 2152, email johngriff@optushome.com.au"
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