Another shot of VH-BIW clearly showing the folding canopy and stretcher installation. The cover for the rear part of the stretcher is lying on the ground by the tailplane.

Built to a wartime order by De Havilland Australia, this aircraft (c/n 978) was given the RAAF military serial A17-543. It was modified for air-ambulance work and fitted with a long range fuel tank in 1945. It was sold to the Association of Australian Aero Clubs in September 1946 but was never registered. Ownership changed to the Hamilton Downs Pastoral Co. of Alice Springs and the aircraft was added to the civil Register as VH-BIW on 3 June 1948.

VH-BIW was purchased by Connellan Airways on 18 January 1951 and served with the company until sold to Doggett Aviation & Engineering, WA, on 8 May 1959 and re-registered VH-DAP.

(Photos: Ian Leslie collection)

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