BRISBANE—There was a tinge of sadness to today's annual reunion of pilots and crew who flew aboard Beaufort bombers in World War II.
Since the war's end the men have met annually on or around Anzac Day at different locations Australia-wide to recount stories of their flying days.
But the numbers of those attending are diminishing and organisers say this year may be the last reunion as there are only about 100 of the once 2,000-plus pilots and crew now left.
These veterans are mostly in their 80s or 90s, finding their health ailing and ability to travel more difficult.
But this year the group made one last effort, travelling to Caboolture aerodrome, north of Brisbane, to see first-hand the restoration of a Beaufort bomber.
Beaufort Restoration Group historian Tony Clark said there were 700 Beaufort bombers during World War II, all built in Australia.
"At the time Australia made small agricultural engines and very little else so the construction of a metal-skin, full metal aircraft was a triumph in Australia's manufacturing history," Mr Clark said.
"These aircraft became very important in the patrol of the coastal line of Australia, in convoy escort, finding enemy submarines and later on in fighting the Japanese, mainly in the Pacific and New Guinea.
"The last shots of the war fired by the RAAF were fired by a Beaufort aircraft."
Mr Clark said after the war all Beaufort bombers were destroyed.
But the dedication and passion of the association and project coordinator Ralph Cusack could result in a rebuilt bomber taking to the skies by the RAAF's 90th birthday on March 31, 2011.
Since 1982 Mr Cusack has been travelling around Australia and overseas collecting parts to build a Beaufort.
"I guess I have the best part of 80 different aircraft here," he said.
"I've been to Papua New Guinea and all around to collect the parts."
Mr Cusack, 60, and a team of volunteers originally planned on building the bomber for mere display.
Then in 1997 the project became much more ambitious with plans now to make it capable of flying and have everything function as in World War II.
"It's probably cost $1 million so far and will cost another to complete but it will be a national treasure when complete," he said.
"We are being very safety conscious and upgrading braking, tyres and other safety measures and obviously there's no need for bombing capabilities."
Former pilot Wally Dalitz, 86, said he remembers flying a Beaufort on its last bombing mission.
"We had 27 Beauforts take part in the last bombing raid inland from Wewak on the north coast of New Guinea on August 15, 1945," he said.
"It's fantastic to think that so much effort is being put into restoring a Beaufort bomber.
"It still feels like it was yesterday when I was in my 20s and flying Beauforts."
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