Warbirds #396 | Two Vampires, a Neptune and a DC-3

Vampire returns to RAAF No. 23 Squadron

RAAF No. 23 Squadron has welcomed back an old friend and officially received its first aircraft in over 65 years. A WWII-era Vampire fighter plane has returned home to 23 Squadron at RAAF Base Amberley, after being lovingly restored by the History and Heritage – Air Force Restoration Support Section (HH-AF RSS).

Although 23 Squadron hasn’t flown since 1960, this particular warbird has a long history with the Squadron and Amberley. After ceasing flying operations, the plane, serial number A79-440, was hoisted up on display near the entrance to the air base. During the later expansion of the base, the plane was removed and sold to a private buyer in 1991. Twenty years later, 23 Squadron acquired her again, and began a lengthy and detailed restoration effort in 2020 with the HH-AF RSS, to prepare her for static display at Amberley. Warrant Officer Paul Wendt of RSS said the restoration was “one of the best” the RAAF had ever done, with great care taken. Today, the Vampire wears the colours of former Squadron Leader Ernest William Tonkin OBE, a WWII and Korean War veteran. Wendt said the restoration effort and display of A79-440 was an important reminder to 23 Squadron of the significance of their contribution, despite no longer being a flying unit. The plane will remain on display at RAAF Amberley Aviation Heritage Centre.

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