Converted for a variety of civilian uses over a peacetime career that lasted for decades, the plane was “used and abused” by a variety of operators who were more concerned with the bottom line than any possible historical significance.

That’s a bit harsh given that the “variety of operators” was East-West Airlines who used the aeroplane on RPT services and Adastra who used it to map the nation. If it were not for these operators prolonging the useful life of the aeroplane there would have been no Hudson for the AWM to restore. Also let us not forget the late Malcolm Long who ensured its survival when it was of no further commercial use.