RAAF Darwin Exercise Code named 'High Mars'

Elements of three RAAF, RAF and RNZAF moved to the newly operational RAAF base Tindal airfield, Darwin, for an exercise code-named "High Mars". The exercise was an air defence strike reconnaissance using Mirage fighter aircraft from Williamtown, NSW, and Canberra bombers from Amberley Queensland. The strike reconnaissance force was based at Tindal and the air defence force in the Darwin area. Support aircraft included Hercules transport and Neptune maritime reconnaissance aircraft. The RAF contributed Vulcan bombers and Canberra photo- reconnaissance aircraft while the RNZAF sent a squadron of Canberra bombers. The Army provided 80 members to operate fuel storage facilities and a light anti-aircraft detachment. Air Vice Marshal C.T. Hannah, RAAF controlled the exercise. The visuals show air and ground crews preparing Canberra bombers and take off; Mirage fighters marshalling and take off; a RAF Vulcan in flight over airfield radar aerials.