Douglas C-47B-20-DK, Dakota Mk IV Transport Aircraft A65-71 : RAAF

Douglas C-47B-20-DK/Dakota Mk IV Transport Aircraft. A twin engined transport and supply aircraft using stressed duralium skin and rivetted construction with a single main spar. The upper exterior is painted olive drab and the lower exterior is painted in neutral grey. This reflects the aircraft's 37 Squadron paint scheme as it was in 1945. The control surfaces are fabric covered. The aircraft is powered by two Pratt and Whitney R1830-90C fourteen cylinder twin wasp radial engines. On both sides of the rear fuselage is painted a large Pacific War RAAF blue and white roundel, with 'OM-N' in white paint alongside. On each side of the vertical stabiliser is painted 'VH-CIN' in white along with the RAAF blue and white fin flash. Underneath both of the rear horizontal stabilisers and above the tail wheel is painted in black 'A65-71', the RAAF serial number for this aircraft.

The C-47 Dakota (known as the Skytrain in US service) was an archetypal transport aircraft used by Allied forces from 1938 to 1968.

This particular aircraft, serial number A65-73 and Australian civilian registration of VH-CIN, was constructedin the USA and delivered to Australia in February 1945. Whilst serving during the Second World War with No.37 Squadron it was given the aircraft code 'OM-N', this code was applied to both sides of the rear fuselage.

The aircraft's most famous mission is was when it transported the body of Prime Minister John Curtin from Canberra to Perth for burial on 6 July 1945.

Used for courier runs by 37 Squadron at Schofields NSW until 1947. During 1951 and 1952 operated with 38 Squadron from both Changi in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, Malaya supporting British and Commonwealth forces. During this time it carried out 126 missions, including courier runs from Changi to Japan (British Commonwealth Occupation Force), supply drops to Federated Malay Police and Gurkha units fighting Communist insurgents in Malaya, and in the transportation of passengers and freight.

On 15 May 1956 the aircraft was involved in a collision with a ship, hitting the mast of the 'Hexham Bank' near the NSW coast. The pilot, Flight Sergeant D F Williams, successfully landed at RAAF Williamtown. In November 1968 the aircraft was transferred to Transport Support Flight, RAAF Butterworth, Malaya.