VH-AEY. Douglas C-47-35-DL. c/n 9815.

Was also registered as: 42-23953; X-19.

Construction of this aircraft was completed at the Douglas Long Beach plant - July 1943

It was built as a Douglas C-47A-35-DL

Delivered to the United States Army Air Force - July 05, 1943

It was allocated U. S. serial number '42-23953'

It arrived at Brisbane (Amberley) for use by 5th Air Force - August 15, 1943

It was operated using the radio callsign 'VHCGL'

The aircraft was named 'Hairless Joe'

It was acquired by the Commonwealth of Australia / Department of Civil Aviatio. for use by the airlines - June 1945

Entered onto the Australian Aircraft Register as VH-AEY - June 20, 1945

Registered to the Commonwealth of Australia, Melbourne

It was leased to Qantas Empire Airways - ?

Registered to Australian National Airlines Commission, Melbourne - November 01, 1946

It was acquired for Trans-Australia Airlines - ?

It was named 'McMillan' and later 'Wentworth'

Operated its first Trans-Australia Airlines revenue service - November 01, 1946

Operated its final revenue service as a freighter - August 11, 1962

The intended sale to Cruz Airlines, Philippines did not eventuate

It was sold to the Royal Netherlands Air Force as 'X-19' - August 18, 1962

Cancelled from the Australian Aircraft Register - September 17, 1962

The final fate of this aircraft has not ascertained to date

VH-AEY. Qantas Empire Airways - in the original livery at Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport, date unknown.

(Qantas Heritage Collection Copyright Image 0251-434.)

VH-AEY. TAA Trans-Australia Airlines - in the 'silver tail' livery at Melbourne Essendon Airport, date unknown.

(B. Colledge Copyright Image 0250-834.)

VH-AEY. TAA Trans-Australia Airlines - in the 'silver tail' livery at Melbourne Essendon Airport, date unknown.

(B. Colledge Copyright Image 0250-835.)

VH-AEY. TAA Trans-Australia Airlines - 'Wentworth' in the 'silver tail' livery at Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport, July 13, 1962.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 0251-455.)