| Accession Number | P02694.010 |
|---|---|
| Collection type | Photograph |
| Object type | Transparency |
| Maker |
Richardson, Robert Victor |
| Place made | Thailand: Ubon |
| Date made | c 1964 |
| Conflict |
Period 1960-1969 |
| Copyright |
Item copyright: AWM Licensed copyright |
An Australian fighter pilot, O221357 Pilot Officer David N Rogers, stands in front of a Sabre ...
Description
An Australian fighter pilot, O221357 Pilot Officer David N Rogers, stands in front of a Sabre aircraft of 79 Squadron, RAAF at the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) base at Ubon. The 'modified' air-to-air refuelling probe, tied to the Sabre's landing gear, was an inspired joke. RAAF pilots had long aspired to an aerial refuelling capability since at least 1958 and it was not to be realised until 1990. Australia committed these aircraft to the defence of Thailand from 1962 to 1968. Thailand, also a SEATO member country, was experiencing a critical threat from military insurgency backed by communist forces in neighbouring countries.