| Accession Number | P05287.002 |
|---|---|
| Collection type | Photograph |
| Object type | Black & white - Print silver gelatin |
| Place made | Australia: Northern Territory, Darwin |
| Date made | 7 November 1938 |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
| Copyright |
Item copyright: Copyright expired - public domain
|
Two, of a flight of three Royal Air Force (RAF) Vickers Wellesley bombers, parked at Darwin ...
Description
Two, of a flight of three Royal Air Force (RAF) Vickers Wellesley bombers, parked at Darwin airport after completing a non stop, long distance flight from Ismailia Egypt, to Darwin Australia. The flight covered a distance of 11,256 kilometres and was completed in just over 48 hours, setting a new world record which was not broken until 1945. These aircraft were piloted by Squadron Leader Kellett and Flight Lieutenant (Flt Lt) Combe of the long range flight, RAF. The third aircraft, piloted by Flt Lt Hogan, diverted to Koepang in Timor for fuel, and arrived in Darwin later on the same day. The aircraft in the background is being refuelled from the articulated tanker truck and the engine cowlings of both aircraft have been removed.