* Note: Auster J-5G Cirrus Autocar C/N 3061 G-ARKG in the UK is also very smartly painted to represent A11-301 although this particular airframe never served with the RAN.

Auster J/4 Archer VH-AET

This Auster has a unique association with the ADF. After an unmanned flight from Bankstown on 30th August 1955 it was shot down by RAN Hawker Sea Furys. A Wirraway tried first. It was piloted by Wing Commander D. Beattie with Squadron Leader T. Janes in the back with a light machine gun. Janes fired a long burst but apparently missed, and could not change magazines due to the extreme cold affecting his hands. Two unarmed Sabres were in the area at the time and they acted as observers when the Wirraway ran low of fuel and had to return to Richmond. Two Meteors from Williamtown tried next but could not line up as the Auster was flying at about 70mph below the stall speed of a Meteor. The lead Meteor fired one burst but the guns jammed. The second did not even attempt to engage. Two RAN Sea Furies were able to line up. Lt J Bluett went in (in WZ650) with flaps down and fired one short. Only 15 rounds from each gun were expended. The Auster's engine burst into flame and it started going down. Bluett was credited with a kill. A yellow silhouette of an Auster was painted on his Sea Fury. One of the Sabre pilots had a camera and three photos of the shoot down are known to exist, but unfortunately they weren't official photos so they aren't in the archives.

Take a look at VH-AET here