RAAF Derrick Trucks

[Tony Wheeler]

Originally Posted by Mike Cecil

And a very appropriate Sqn code on the pranged Mozzie .... 'GONA' !

Yes I suspect the irony was not lost on the photographer who featured it so prominently! Of course a few moments earlier it was rather more ominous than ironic:

LABUAN, NORTH BORNEO. 1945-08-24. DRAMATIC HIGHLIGHT OF A DULL WEEK WAS PROVIDED BY A RAAF MOSQUITO PILOT, 421093 FLYING OFFICER W. L. ORR OF EPPING, NSW, AND NO. 1 SQUADRON RAAF WHO MADE A SPECTACULAR LANDING ON ONE WHEEL. HE BURST A TYRE ON TAKE-OFF AND FOR MORE THAN AN HOUR "BUZZED" THE AIRFIELD TRYING TO DECIDE THE BEST WAY TO LAND. THE SCENE ASSUMED AN ATMOSPHERE OF CIRCUS DURING A THRILLING FEATURE ACT AS A HUGE CROWD - RAAF GROUND CREWS, FIGHTER PILOTS AND DIGGERS - WAITED BREATHLESSLY FOR THE CRUCIAL MOMENT.

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Landing on one wheel in front of a huge crowd with GONA emblazoned on the fuselage - now that's what I call tempting fate! I'm reminded of Keith & Ross Smith's "God 'Elp All Of Us":

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