The Beginning
Few aircraft in Australian aviation history have lived a life as varied and significant as the aircraft later known as Hawdon. Built as a Douglas C‑47 at Long Beach, California, in late October 1942, it rolled off the production line during the height of the Second World War. Delivered to the United States Army Air Forces as C‑47 serial number 41‑18660, it was assigned to the Fifth Air Force — the major American air command operating in the Southwest Pacific.
The aircraft arrived at Archerfield, Queensland, in January 1943 and was soon given the nickname “Shanghai Lil”, a common practice among crews who personalised their aircraft during wartime service. It was transferred to the 374th Troop Carrier Group, where it undertook courier, supply, and personnel transport missions across Australia and New Guinea.
Wartime records from this period are incomplete, but surviving logs show that “Shanghai Lil” accumulated 1,716 flying hours in the region, including two Pacific crossings — a remarkable achievement for an aircraft operating in harsh tropical conditions, often from rough airstrips and in unpredictable weather.
In 1943, the aircraft underwent a major overhaul at the Australian National Airways (ANA) Engineering facility in Melbourne. By this time, the Australian Government had begun planning for post‑war civil aviation. With the end of hostilities approaching, it was clear that many military aircraft — including the rugged and reliable C‑47 — could be converted for civilian use to meet Australia’s growing need for modern air transport.
FROM WARTIME SERVICE TO CIVILIAN SKIES
As part of post‑war planning, the Australian Government approached the Far East Air Services Command seeking the release of surplus C‑47 aircraft already in Australia. Three were approved immediately, with nine more to follow once the war ended. One of the first three released was “Shanghai Lil”.
On 4 September 1944, the aircraft was formally re‑registered as VH‑AES. Initially allocated to Australian National Airways (ANA) on 24 August 1944, it operated as a freighter carrying mail, cargo, and essential supplies. Passenger operations were later approved following two emergency flights that demonstrated the aircraft’s suitability for civilian use.
A NATIONAL AIRLINE TAKES FLIGHT
In 1945, the Australian Government established the Australian National Airlines Commission (ANAC) to create a publicly owned airline capable of providing safe, reliable, and affordable air travel across the nation. To support the new airline — Trans‑Australia Airlines (TAA) — the Government recalled three ANA‑operated DC‑3s: VH‑AES, VH‑AEO, and VH‑AEV.
In mid‑June 1946, these aircraft were officially transferred to ANAC. VH‑AES was selected to operate the airline’s inaugural passenger service.
On 9 September 1946, VH‑AES — now proudly named “Hawdon” after Joseph Hawdon, pioneer overlander and early Australian transport figure — operated the first ever TAA passenger flight. Departing Melbourne at 6:00am, it carried invited guests and officials to Sydney, marking the beginning of a new era in Australian civil aviation.
From 1946 to 1959, Hawdon served primarily in Queensland, flying routes that connected remote communities with major centres. Its reliability and ruggedness made it a favourite among crews and passengers alike.
For more detailed information on the Douglas DC-3 fleet (including the Hawdon) please click here.
PIONEERING THE SUNBIRD SERVICES
Withdrawn from service on 26 June 1959, VH‑AES was far from finished. With TAA preparing to expand operations into Papua and New Guinea, the aircraft was selected for refurbishment. In 1960 it underwent a comprehensive overhaul, including structural strengthening, updated avionics, and modifications suited to tropical and high‑altitude operations.
On 12 August 1960, the aircraft departed Melbourne for Lae, becoming the first TAA aircraft to operate in New Guinea. This marked the beginning of TAA’s “Sunbird Services,” which provided vital links between remote communities, mining operations, and administrative centres across the Territory.
In New Guinea, the aircraft was re‑registered as VH‑SBA and repainted in the distinctive Sunbird livery. The rugged DC‑3 was perfectly suited to the region’s short, sloping, and often muddy airstrips. For a decade, it carried passengers, freight, medical supplies, and mail across some of the most challenging terrain in the world.
VH‑SBA served until 7 June 1970, after which it returned to Australia for restoration. In 1971, the aircraft was once again refurbished — this time to celebrate a major milestone in Australian aviation history.
FROM NATIONAL LANDMARK TO LIVING LEGACY
On 9 September 1971, the aircraft retraced its historic 1946 route, flying Melbourne–Sydney–Melbourne to commemorate the 25th anniversary of TAA’s inaugural passenger flight. Thirteen original passengers were on board, along with the grandson of explorer Joseph Hawdon.
Later that year, the aircraft was loaned to Air Niugini, where it continued to serve until being withdrawn on 19 July 1973.
From 1973 to 1979, Hawdon sat quietly beside the fence at Melbourne Airport — a once‑historic aircraft now weathering the elements. Recognising its historical significance, TAA restored the aircraft for static display.
On 13 December 1979, Hawdon was dramatically suspended from a large archway in the Melbourne Airport car park. For thousands of travellers, it became an iconic landmark — a reminder of Australia’s pioneering post‑war aviation era.
Hawdon remained suspended until 29 April 1987, when it was removed for preservation. The aircraft was parked once again, awaiting its next chapter.
In 1988, a dedicated team of volunteers from Australian Airlines undertook the enormous task of restoring Hawdon to flying condition. Their work was meticulous — a labour of love carried out by engineers, pilots, and ground staff who understood the aircraft’s importance to Australia’s aviation heritage.
On 9 September 1988, Hawdon took to the skies once more for a commemorative 42nd anniversary flight. Six original passengers from the 1946 inaugural service were on board, creating a living bridge between the past and the present.
Since its restoration, Hawdon has flown only on special promotional flights for Qantas, including airshows, heritage events, and charity operations. Each flight is a reminder of the aircraft’s remarkable journey — from wartime service to pioneering civil aviation, from accident and rebuild to national icon.
Today, Hawdon is maintained and flown by a passionate team of volunteers — many of them retired from TAA, Australian Airlines, and Qantas. Their dedication ensures that this historic aircraft continues to inspire new generations and remains one of the most significant surviving symbols of Australia’s aviation heritage.
