A Canberra jet bomber will be transported to the National Vietnam Veterans Museum on Phillip Island for restoration with the help of a $6000 Australian Government grant, the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Bruce Billson announced today. Minister Billson said the British-built Canberra bomber, A84-307, currently in New South Wales, is at risk of being sold for scrap unless moved.

“This plane is the first Canberra bomber put into service by the Royal Australian Air Force, arriving at RAAF Laverton in August 1951. It was the first of two British-built jet bombers ordered by Australia to provide training and familiarisation before Australian production of the Canberra bomber began,” Mr Billson said.

In 1950, the Australian Government placed an order for 48 English Electric Canberra jet bombers which were to be built under licence by the Government Aircraft Factory at Fishermen’s Bend in Victoria. The Australian- built aircraft were designated the Canberra Mk 20. The first of these flew in May 1953 and the last was delivered in September 1958. Number 2 Squadron continued to fly Canberras until 30 June 1982.

“During the Vietnam War, A84-307 was used for training pilots in low level bomber roles that they undertook while flying out of Phan Rang air base with Number 2 Squadron RAAF. It was retired from service in August 1973. The $6000 Saluting Their Service grant will help fund transport costs to move the bomber from its current location to the Museum on Phillip Island where it will be restored,” Mr Billson said.

“Saluting Their Service grants support commemoration of the contribution of Australia’s servicemen and women in wars, conflicts and peace operations and preservation of our wartime heritage. I am pleased that by providing this grant the Australian Government can help the Museum acquire this bomber which is part of our Vietnam war history,” Mr Billson said.