Just got myself a new scanner that works with Windows XP. So, I decided to scan in some of my fathers photos from when he was in Malaya between 1952 & 54. Here is a sequence that has fascinated me since I can remember. It’s a supply drop into the jungle. Though some of you might like them. Judging by the door layout I think the a/c is a Dakota/C47.
The comments with the pics are those written in the album. Those in brackets are mine.
Pic 1. Waiting
By: Distiller - 13th March 2004 at 21:56
That is RAF Kuala Lumpur/Sungai Besi in 1948. Is it the same? Maybe.
By: Arabella-Cox - 13th March 2004 at 21:51
I can’t recall Changi Control Tower looking like that, but I didn’t get there until 1958. The hills in the background maybe one of the offshore islands off Singapore but I reckon KL that was in a hilly area.
By: Shorty01 - 13th March 2004 at 21:36
Right, now for a tricky one. Is this Changi or Kuala Lumpar tower ?
By: Distiller - 13th March 2004 at 21:31
That would be a Dakota.
RNZAF had four Hastings C3 (NZ5801 – NZ5804), serving with 41 Squadron at Whenuapai between 1952 and 1954.
By: Shorty01 - 13th March 2004 at 21:22
Never seen inside a Hastings so I take your word for it. I did note the door on the Right a bit later. Dad was at Changi for a bit, so i assume it’s a RNZAF Hastings.
By: Arabella-Cox - 13th March 2004 at 21:00
This looks remarkably like the interior of a Hastings, the parachute lines, the lighting, the quilted padding and the double freight/pax door both with portholes. there is also a single para door on the left looking down the fuselage but being on the starboad side.
There were no Hastings actually based in the Malaysian peninsular up until 1956, the RNZAF did operate 3 of their Hastings on occasions from Changi, but Hastings were used in the Casevac role evacuating the injured from South Korea to the BMH in Singapore and return to the UK.
I recall the handle by the port pax door (Shown on right of photo) as being from a Hastings.
By: Shorty01 - 13th March 2004 at 20:37
Pic 4. Finished. (Note how thick the jungle canopy is).
By: Shorty01 - 13th March 2004 at 20:36
Pic 3. Dropping.
By: Shorty01 - 13th March 2004 at 20:35
Pic 2. Get ready (The Loadmaster is beckoning with his hands, not giving a thumbs up).
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March 13, 2004 at 8:34 pm