Something you don’t expect to see is a five-tonne bomber on the second floor of an airport terminal. However, Canberra Airport has a Lockheed Hudson bomber doing just that. Sitting at the far end of the check-in desks, it’s a monument to all of the RAAF crews who served in similar aircraft during the Second World War.
Lockheed Hudson
Developed from the Lockheed Model 14 Super Electra airliner, the Lockheed Hudson was a light bomber and maritime patrol aircraft. Initially developed for Britain just prior to the Second World War, the Hudson. Of the 2,841 Hudsons built, 247 served with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).
Following Japanese attacks on Malaya, Hudsons from No. 1 Squadron RAAF became the first Allied aircraft to make an attack in the Pacific War, sinking a Japanese transport ship, the Awazisan Maru, off Kota Bharu at 0118h local time, an hour before the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Lockheed Hudson Mk.IV A16-105
Lockheed Hudson Mk.IV A16-105 was built in 1938. It arrived in Australia in early December 1941 and was used to train RAAF aircrews. Between December 1942 and January 1943 it saw operational service in Papua and New Guinea, carrying out supply flights during the Allied advance on Buna, on Papua’s north coast.
After the war, A16-105 was flown as a photographic survey aircraft. It completed its last flight in 1998, and was purchased by the Australian War Memorial in 2001. It has since undergone an extensive restoration to its wartime configuration.
If you are interested in more of our photos of Lockheed Hudson bombers you can find them here.
Lockheed Hudson Mk.IV A16-105 in RAAF markings at Canberra AirportUpper Turret of Lockheed Hudson Mk.IV A16-105 in RAAF markings at Canberra AirportLockheed Hudson Mk.IV A16-105 in RAAF markings at Canberra AirportStarboard engine of Lockheed Hudson Mk.IV A16-105 in RAAF markings at Canberra AirportLockheed Hudson Mk.IV A16-105 in RAAF markings at Canberra Airport
Fighter World located adjacent to the Williamtown RAAF base has an excellent display of jet fighters operated by the RAAF. Fighter world is very easy to find due to its location and parking is easy, because the museum has its own large car park.
The Collection
Main Hanger
Housed in an old hanger the collection illustrates the evolution of the jet fighter in Australian service from its beginnings with the Meteor to high tech aircraft like the F-111 and Mirage III. Also displayed are Winjeel and PC-9 forward air control aircraft because they marked targets for the fast jets.
All aircraft can be approached closely so it is possible to get a great close-up view. Many also have stairs to enable a view of the cockpit and top of the aircraft, which also gives you great views around the display hall.
If you have kids or like the interactive side of museums there is a Mirage cockpit that you can sit in, which gives you a hands-on feel for the aircraft.
Aircraft armaments are displayed around the hanger ranging from Matra R.530 missiles for the Mirage to Bomb ejector racks for the F111.
Containing the first RAAF jets, a small hanger houses a Vampire, Meteor and CAC Sabre. Also housed here are two replica Spitfires, one only consists of the fuselage, but the other is full size. Several early jet engines, the Ghost, Goblin and Nene, show how they worked, with cut-away sections revealing their interiors.
In addition to the aircraft displays is the Norm Forrester Collection. Displayed in cabinets this large collection of model aircraft covers most RAAF, British and US subjects.
Gloster Meteor F.8de Havilland Vampire A79-1CAC CA-27 SabreSupermarine Spitfire Mk.VIII ReplicaRolls-Royce Nene Jet EngineA small section of the Model Aircraft Display
Outside Displays
Located between the two hangers is a Pilatus PC-9 used until recently by the RAAF for Forward Air Control.
In front of the museum a CAC Sabre stands as a gate guardian along with a radar dish and a Jindivk target drone.
Pilatus PC-9CAC CA-27 Sabre A94-959GAF Jindivik droneRadar Antenna at Fighter World
Viewing Platform
A stairway leads to a viewing platform where the active Williamtown RAAF base and its aircraft movements can be observed. The Williamtown base is currently home to F-35 Lightning II stealth fighters (operated by No. 2 Operational Conversion Unit, No. 3 Squadron and No. 77 Squadron), BAE Hawk 127 Lead-In Fighters (operated by No. 76 Squadron), E-7A Wedgetail airborne early warning and control aircraft (operated by No. 2 Squadron) and Pilatus PC-21 forward air control aircraft (operated by No. 4 Squadron).
Because the base also has the Newcastle Airport located opposite, you can see commercial planes coming and going as well.
What Did We Think?
A great museum showcasing Australia’s jet fighter aircraft from the 1940s to the present. Located close to Newcastle NSW, this is a fantastic place to visit if you have an interest in aircraft.
To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.
Canberra’s most popular attraction, the Australian War Memorial is an outstanding tribute to the men and women who have served in the Australian Defence Forces since federation. Access to some galleries is currently limited (2022) because the Memorial is undertaking a major renovation. During this period some exhibits are in storage. However, there is still a lot to see here, and a visit is highly recommended.
Outside and the Sculpture Garden
We arrived before opening time, so took the opportunity to look around the Sculpture Garden. There are two distinct areas. a grassed area with memorials and an area closer to the buildings with large military equipment on display.
Armoured vehicles used by the Australian Army on display include a Centurion tank from the Vietnam War, a Bushmaster and LAV armoured personnel carrier. Captured German guns from World War One are nearby.
Not far from here the old bridge of HMAS Brisbane is visible, along with its deck gun. The bridge can be accessed inside the memorial, where you can walk around the interior.
The sculpture garden has memorials to all branches of the Australian Defence Force from most conflicts. There are even memorials to the animals used by the armed forces. One is a memorial to all animals, having hoof and paw prints while another memorialises explosive detection dogs. Located near Poppies Restaurant this last one was our favourite.
LAV-25 Light Armoured VehicleCenturion Tank“Lest we Forget” Memorial originally from Camp Russell in AfghanistanAustralian Merchant Seaman Memorial “Survivors”Animals in War Memorial. with hoof and paw prints“Australian Serviceman” Bomber Command Memorial dedicated to Australian who flew in RAF Bomber Command during WW2Bronze sculpture “War”“Elevation of the senses” Explosives detection dogSir Edward “Weary” Dunlop
Shrine of Remembrance
Central to the whole memorial is the Shrine of Remembrance containing the eternal flame and tomb of the unknown soldier. The cloisters leading to the shrine contain panels engraved with the names of all those who have died fighting for Australia. This is a very sombre area, especially when you realise how many names are there. During our visit many had poppy flowers pinned to them.
Inside the shrine, beautiful stain glass windows represent the fallen, while the eternal flame burns in the pool of reflection.
The Shrine of RemembranceStain glass window in the Shrine of RemembranceOne of the Walls of Remembrance covered in poppies
Inside Australian War Memorial
World War One
From Gallipoli, the North African Desert and the Western Front, the displays here cover them all. A landing boat from the Gallipoli Campaign still filled with bullet holes greets you on entry, highlighting the dangers they faced.
Along with weapons and uniforms, dioramas bring the battlefields to life, showing what they looked like.
Landing boat from the Gallipoli CampaignBritish 4.5 inch howitzerWorld War One trench warfare dioramaDiorama of fighting at GallipoliWorld War 1 AIF Uniform
World War Two
Australians fought in many theatres of the Second World War, each of which is represented here. From Bomber command, where flight crews manned several bomber squadrons, to North Africa, the Atlantic and Pacific.
Captured German and Italian equipment, including a German BMW sidecar and an Italian tankette are on display here. Unfortunately, the larger displays such as the Lancaster bomber and Japanese mini-submarine that attacked Sydney Harbour are currently in storage. However, a Japanese Mitsubishi Zero fighter is there, hanging from the ceiling.
BMW R12 750cc motorcycle and sidecarL.3/33 Italian tankette captured in North AfricaMitsubishi A6M “Zero”Hawker Sea Fury
The Hall of Valour
Displayed in the Hall of Valour, the medals of many Australians tell a story of their bravery. Accompanied by a story and photo, each set shows what the servicemen endured and accomplished. Many of the Victoria Cross (Australia’s highest military award) recipients have their medals here. Many of these were donated by families wishing to have their deeds remembered.
The medals of Warrant Officer Class II Keith Payne
Conflicts 1945 to the Present
These galleries are only open at limited time, which unfortunately did not match our time in Canberra, Having seen some of them before, they are worth visiting if you are there at opening times.
What Did We Think?
Visiting here is a very moving and sombre experience. The Memorial shows the human side of war and how it affects both combatants and civilians. The human toll of war is emphasised rather than glorifying warfare. An amazing experience and rightfully the number one attraction in Canberra.
For other places to visit in the Australian Capital Territory click here
