6 Squadron, RAAF - History |
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Number 6 Squadron was formed in England in September 1917, providing training for Australian Fighter Pilots before they were posted to the Western Front. With the outbreak of World War II, 6 Squadron began flying anti-submarine and general reconnaissance patrols off the East Coast of Australia - operating Lockheed Hudson aircraft. In August 1942, 6 Squadron deployed to Milne Bay to provide support to the Australian garrison. During the Japanese invasion of Milne Bay, crews flew constant bombing and strafing missions against troop positions, landing barges and ships. These attacks caused considerable losses to the enemy. The squadron was also used to drop supplies to the troops fighting along the Kokoda Trail. |
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6 Squadron operated from the following bases with its DAP Beauforts: |
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| Place | Arrival Date |
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| Turnbull Strip, Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea | [Unknown] |
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| Vivigani, Goodenough Island, Papua New Guinea | 26 November 1943 |
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| Horanda Strip, Dobodura, Papua New Guinea | 26 January 1945 |
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| Detachments at: Vivagani; Taffi, Papua New Guinea Jacquinot Bay, New Britain Biak Island, West Irian |
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| Kingaroy, Queensland (Until 3 January 1946) | 18 October 1945 |
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The following aircraft were assigned to this Squadron: |
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Serial Number |
Squadron Code |
Picture/Description |
A9-13 |
FX-B |
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A9-351 |
FX-S |
Standing with A46-178 in background |
A9-400 |
FX-J |
Line up (in background) May 1945 - ditched near Buna, Papua New Guinea |
A9-401 |
FX-P |
Goodenough Island |
A9-526 |
FX-O |
In flight on multi-aircraft raid |
A9-531 |
FX-Z |
Standing |
A9-582 |
FX-R |
Pictured by J Payne Private Collection |
A9-553 |
FX-L |
Crashed |