The Plot Thickens
Megan,
Nice pic, clearly shows the long barrel of the single rear 0.50 Browning which normally meant "Mk.IV (A-35)" without any doubt. But Wayne Brown's caption to his photo in [SAC] says this (and its associated rear canopy section) was a "retrofit". Never heard of such a thing before, but he has done much of the mechanical work on the engine, and must know what he's talking about.
There is no doubt that Narellan has all the correct paperwork for, and a full history of EZ999. But does it have the aircraft itself ? That's the question.
As EZ999 was Lend-Lease, we must assume that it was honestly retained by the RAAF after VJ Day, which meant that the Australian Government had bought it back. Why would they do this when they had the free choice of 123 AFs and ANs which the British taxpayer had already bought and paid for ? (they cannot all have been written off already). It makes no sense !
And Peter C. Smith's statement (that the airframe serial EZ999 doesn't belong - ie that we've got a "ringer" here) hangs in the air with no back-up.
As the outer wing section has been removed in your pic, it gives (I think) a tantalising glimpse of the outer gun housing. Now a peep in there by an (ex)-armourer should Reveal All (ie was there a 0.50 in there originally, or a 0.300 ?)
Now your #8 has come in. What a can of worms you've opened here !
First, your Museum Director has given you the "Party Line", but appears not to be up to speed on the history.
"It did have a 50 cal mounted in the rear pit, but its not known when it was fitted, or by whom, now removed - didn't think to ask, but probably a result of the government gun buy back after the Port Arthur massacre".
But we know, don't we ? (ask Wayne Brown, if he still lives, or buy a copy of [PCS] !)
Thanks for the links - will have a look at them later and comment if needed.
Now for the real Nitty-Gritty:
"Dug out the history of the aircraft you mention that you flew Danny. You got to have a story on 993 to tell".
("EZ993 41-31041 to RAF as Vengeance 1A. Crashed on emergency approach to Mambur airstrip, India Feb 24, 1944")
Me ! - see [143/2860] & [144/2878]
I've re-written this story in one piece, edited and with an Epilogue, will PM it to you if you like, as it is irrelevant here, and far too long, and most people have read it before, anyway.
EZ894 41-30942 to RAF as Vengeance 1A. Crashed into Sea Dec 28, 1943
Possibly the one in [141/2813]
EZ904 41-30952 to RAF as Vengeance 1A. Wrecked when bomb fell off and exploded when landing at Kumbhirgram Dec 17, 1943
Killed both - story in [134/2679] Led to the false rumour of death of Sgt Reg Duncan (RCAF) and his crewman.
That's all for the moment.
Cheers, Danny.