The two T.4s

501 and 502 both went to CFS at East Sale in Aust eventually.

I don’t have a complete record handy of either a/c, But have the following:
A84-502 (WT492) to 2 SQN at Amberley 28/5/56. In 4/57 to 6 SQN at Amberley (which became the OCU until 1 OCU formed in 1958), then to CFS. Eventually to RSTT Wagga for apprentice training, then to Historical Aircraft Restoration Society at St Marys, Sydney (unsure if connected to present HARS at Wollongong).

Now the two B.2 “pattern” aircraft for B.20 prodn WD939 and WD983 (which became A84-125 and -307) I know went to 2 SQN in late 1953/early 1954. At such early dates, I would presume they went straight to RAAF without prior RAF service. I guess the T.4s could be the same.

With ANZAC day approaching the poppies on the walls are particularly dense

Growler, glad you didn’t try to show 460 SQN – over 1,000 names on those panels.

Quite right, but the “conspiracy” theories about TSR2 will never go away, will they?

TSR2’s systems were undeveloped, UK lagged US on electronics, and I’ve said before that because of this the aircraft was too heavy. It did not have the range of F-111 or carry as much, and certainly could not have been as versatile in adapting to roles as the RAAF showed.

The F-111K would have been great for the RAF, but while the Bucc was not an equal replacement, it certainly was loved by all who flew it.

From “Fighter Nights – 456 Sqn RAAF” by J Bennett:

RAF Maintenance Command, like the other Commands, was divided into Groups.
No 40 Gp provided all non-explosive equipment, and maintained Aircraft Equipment Depots.
No 41 Gp received aircraft from factories, incorporated service modifications, and forwarded them to the squadrons.
No 42 Gp issued bombs and explosives.
No 43 Gp was responsible for all repairs that were beyond the capabilities of the squadrons.
Much of Defiant servicing was contracted to Reid & Sigrist Ltd at Desford Aerodrome, Leicester.

From the aircraft lists in the appendices, the following is evident:
Beaufighter repairs – 19, 27 and 32 MUs and Southern Aircraft
Mosquito repairs – 10, 13, 44, 71 and 218 MUs and de Havillands.

the question then is whether deterrence is military history

That’s not this issue James. It is a “war” memorial.
(Although a lot of the employees there would prefer to see it as a “peace” memorial.)

the RAAF has an escaped pod as used in a genuine emergency

That’s right – that was the wheelwell fire and ejection into Auckland Harbour. It will be retained for a museum.

The official version says that a(n Australian specific) F-111C is also to come to the RAAF Museum.

One F-111C will go to the RAAFM, and one also is slated for the Museum at RAAF Amberley. Perhaps one more as a gate guard at Amberley. That might be about it.

Are these both recoveries from PNG???

P-38 is from PNG. I think the P-39 is from Cape York (far northern Queensland). Both USAAF.