Thank you, David.

One thing that really strikes me is that the glasshouse was part of an aeroplane that flew quite a number of combat missions. To think that under and behind this very structure, sat young men who experienced operational flying, is very sobering. Who were the men who flew in Saucy Sue? Did they return home or lose their lives later in the war? How old were they? So much to ponder.

David, you’re spot-on; the amount of original material will be substantial, and it wasn’t an anonymous machine that was kept out of harm’s way. It’ll stand as a tribute to those who served. Like your own project, those who served are commemorated. As we know, the human story gives these machines value and meaning; which makes aeroplanes more than just chunks of metal or wood and fabric.

The local history museum will be a very appropriate home, as a number of RAAF combat veterans came from this small town, and the Beauforts were known in the district.

Interesting thing about the glasshouse section is that it was purchased from Wagga, twenty-five miles away, where a large number of Beauforts were scrapped. These sections were snapped up by people who grew tomatoes under them for years. This one ended up at the local tip, and was rescued by an old stoner, who dragged it home so he could grow marijuana under it! Turns out it was no good, as the plants grew too big. Apparently this is not ideal, so it became a garden ornament until I found it and it was given to me. And now I’ll become part of a nose section once more.

Pics to follow; thank you all for your interest and thoughts.

Cheers,
Matt