Return of the Vampire
The RAAF’s 23 (City of Brisbane) Squadron has acquired its first aircraft after a 65-year break from flying: a 1950s-era Vampire from the History and Heritage – Air Force Restoration Support Section (HH-AF RSS).
CAPTION: The restored Air Force Vampire aircraft at the History and Heritage Centre, RAAF Base Amberley, Queensland. Story by Pilot Officer Timothy Sullivan. Photos by Leading Aircraftman Campbell Latch.
Formed in 1937, 23 Squadron operated a variety of aircraft types, from Hawker Demon biplanes at RAAF Base Laverton in Victoria, to World War 2-era Wirraways in Papua New Guinea, to Vampire and Meteor jets at RAAF Base Amberley, Queensland.
When the unit ceased flying operations in February 1960, one of these Vampires (A79-440) was mounted as a Gate Guardian near the entrance at Amberley. As the base expanded, more space was required, so the aircraft was taken down and sold.
HH-AF re-acquired the airframe in 2020 and a team of volunteers from the RSS began to restore it as a static display.
Warrant Officer Paul Wendt, of RSS, said the team went to great lengths to return the aircraft as closely as possible to its original condition.
“This has been one of the best restorations we’ve done in a long time,” Warrant Officer Wendt said.
“It took our team of mostly volunteers about 18 months to complete.
“Our aim is to avoid refabricating parts as much as we can, so we ended up picking the best pieces from other aircraft and restoring them to their original condition.”
Today, 23 Squadron is responsible for delivering safe and effective airbase operations, which includes airfield services, firefighters, physical training instructors, cooks, mechanics and air movements.
23 Squadron Warrant Officer Aaron Reynolds said refurbishment of the Vampire was an important reminder to all service members of the significance of their contribution to air power.
“For 23 Squadron personnel, the restoration of the Vampire is a reminder of the unit’s historical contribution to Australian air power, and while we don’t fly any more, we continue to enable the RAAF to operate across the globe right here from our base at Amberley,” Warrant Officer Reynolds said.
The refurbished aircraft is now on display at the RAAF Amberley Aviation Heritage Centre.
CAPTION: Commanding Officer 23 Squadron Wing Commander Tanya Evans, left, and 23 Squadron Warrant Officer, Warrant Officer Aaron Reynolds, stand in front of the restored Vampire aircraft at RAAF Base Amberley.
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