Ok, this is my second attempt to get this uploaded so hopefully it works. I bought a photo album with all types of a/c from the pacific in WWII. I came across this photo and can't quite figure out what it is. Can anyone shed some light on exactly what it is? TxTD
It's a DH 86 Express. The Rapides only had two engines. This one is probably, if taken in the Pacific, one that was requisitioned by the RNZAF fron NZ Union Airways and fitted with bomb racks.
More than likely it is a De Havilland D.H.86 or 86B. the B model had small auxiliary fins on the tailplane which it is difficult to see. Several were used by the RAF,primarily to train wireless operators,but a couple were used by 24 Squadron, probably in the Middle East rather than the Pacific,unless it`s a civilian one comandeered by the RAAF/RNZAF..others may know better...
F-E-D,beat me to it..Ahhh DeHav..can you just hear the melodic melifluosity of four Gipsy 6s(hoping they`re well synchronised..!) passing overhead...
The DH86 appears to have a red cross painted underneath the centre section. If so this suggests one of several DH86 & DH86B taken over by the RAAF from civilian operators of which one A31-1, is reported to have served in New Guinea with No 2 Air Ambulance Unit in 1944 - which seems to tie in with being in a Pacific photo collection.
TxTD.........Thanks for posting the photograph. I admire your skill at being able to make it appear on our screens.....!!!
I have checked through the history of the Australian deH 86s (John Hamlin's book The deH Dragon/Rapide Family). Eight were registered to the RAAF during the course of WWII. A31-1 to A31-8.
A31-1, -3, -4, -7 & -8 were converted to air ambulances.
A31-1 & A31-4 served in New Guinea, so it would seem your photo shows one of these.
A31-3, A31-7 & A31-8 served in Egypt. (-8 for only about 4 months).
Here is a photograph of A31-7 from Australia's Military Aircraft by Ross Gillett. Although the picture that TxTD posted is not that clear, I think you can just about see the small (red) crosses inboard of the roundel under the wings. It was formerly G-ADEA and Austrlain civil.
Wow, Thanks Planemike. That info is pretty detailed. I have a few more photographs that have peaked my interest. When I get a chance later today, I'll be more than happy to upload them.
