Each time we visit Birubi Beach we wander over the dunes to see how much of the plane wreck is visible. As the sand shifts regularly the wreck appears and disappears.
We first discovered the wreck a few years ago and I have photographed it a few times ever since. Here is a photo taken in 2014.
The wreck is of a P51 Mustang and was probably used as target practice by pilots from the RAAF Base at Williamtown. This area of the dunes was used as a bombing range during the 1950s.
As you can see, not much of the wreck is visible at the moment, but I did notice what looked like torpedo cases and I will post that photo tomorrow. Maybe somebody will be able to tell me what they actually are.
What an interesting find lovely cllarity, tones and textures Babs did some research and found this,
There were 25 allocated by 78 Wing (Williamtown) to become targets following their return from Japan where 76 and 77 Squadrons formed part of the British Commonwealth Occupation Force at the end of WWII. Could be P51D-20-NT Raaf serial No A68-707 RAAF received 6 AD ex USA on 21/07/45.
Issued 77 Sqn 13/09/45.
Served in Japan with 77 Sqn till stored 11/48.
Returned to Australia from Japan by ship 3/49.
Allocated 78 Wing (Williamtown) 29/4/49.
On 30/11/50 allocated to School Land/Air Warfare.
On 15/03/51, approval given for conversion to components after removal of the engine.
History Card says intent was to use parts of the airframe as a target.
On 1/4/52 balance issued to DAP for disposal.
@pcoulson Really interesting Peter. Can you send me the link to the website where you found this.
A friend of ours and member of our photo club was trying to find out anything about it too. He is ex RAAF pilot and after leaving the RAAF worked for Cathay Pacific in Hong Kong for 10 years.
As the sands shift after storms etc it is amazing the wonders that appear from time to time.
The sand dunes in this area are over 22 km long and over 1 km wide in places. The dunes are huge so there could be all sorts of things buried under the sand. A couple of skeletons have been found over the years at the Stockton end of the dunes. So if you are thinking of disposing of a person you don't like this would be the ideal place.
If you are interested you can read the article below.
@pcoulson Thanks Peter I will pass this information on to our friend I am sure he will be interested.
We did find a local newspaper article about the wreck but I can't find it again now. There is a Facebook article apparently explaining that Fighter World (the RAAF museum at Williamtown) have identified the wreck.
Lovely contrast of materials here. The sand on this beach is so photogenic (or maybe it is just your talent as a photographer). interesting to think about the wreck and the history you uncover in these sands.
October 25th, 2017
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There were 25 allocated by 78 Wing (Williamtown) to become targets following their return from Japan where 76 and 77 Squadrons formed part of the British Commonwealth Occupation Force at the end of WWII. Could be P51D-20-NT Raaf serial No A68-707 RAAF received 6 AD ex USA on 21/07/45.
Issued 77 Sqn 13/09/45.
Served in Japan with 77 Sqn till stored 11/48.
Returned to Australia from Japan by ship 3/49.
Allocated 78 Wing (Williamtown) 29/4/49.
On 30/11/50 allocated to School Land/Air Warfare.
On 15/03/51, approval given for conversion to components after removal of the engine.
History Card says intent was to use parts of the airframe as a target.
On 1/4/52 balance issued to DAP for disposal.
A friend of ours and member of our photo club was trying to find out anything about it too. He is ex RAAF pilot and after leaving the RAAF worked for Cathay Pacific in Hong Kong for 10 years.
As the sands shift after storms etc it is amazing the wonders that appear from time to time.
The sand dunes in this area are over 22 km long and over 1 km wide in places. The dunes are huge so there could be all sorts of things buried under the sand. A couple of skeletons have been found over the years at the Stockton end of the dunes. So if you are thinking of disposing of a person you don't like this would be the ideal place.
If you are interested you can read the article below.
A couple of months ago a dog found a rusted mortar shell on this beach and wanted his owners to play catch with it. Luckily it all ended happily and the bomb didn't explode, well not until the RAAF bomb disposal unit blew it up safely.
http://www.macleayargus.com.au/story/4888830/dog-plays-fetch-with-unexploded-wwii-mortar/
We did find a local newspaper article about the wreck but I can't find it again now. There is a Facebook article apparently explaining that Fighter World (the RAAF museum at Williamtown) have identified the wreck.