Built by Short Bros at Rochester, Kent as a Sunderland Mk III - July 1943

Delivered to Royal Air Force as JM715 at Wig Bay, Stranraer, Scotland

Received by No. 1 Flying Boat Servicing Unit - July 8, 1943

Received by No. 57 Maintenance Unit, Wig Bay - January 8, 1944

Held in reserve - not used on operations

This aircraft, and 5 other Sunderlands, were to be used in the 'Chariot' project - not proceeded with

Flown to Flying Boat Modification Unit, Cairds Yard, Greenock for conversion to Mk V - April 1945

Transferred to Short Bros & Harland as surplus to requirements - April 30, 1947

Converted to Sandringham Mk IV Tasman Class by Short Bros & Harland, Belfast

Conversion included seating for 30 passengers

Transferred to UK Ministry of Transport & Civil Aviation

Entered onto the New Zealand Aircraft Register as ZK-AMH - May 29, 1947

Departed Poole Harbour, Dorset on delivery flight to Auckland - Capt H.J. Rose - October 15, 1947

Delivery route was - Marseilles-Augusta (Sicily)-Cairo-Bahrein-Karachi-Calcutta-Rangoon-Bangkok-

Singapore-Sourabaya-Darwin-Bowen-Sydney - arriving Auckland - October 29, 1947

Total flying time on delivery flight - 87 hours

Leased to Tasman Empire Airways Ltd (TEAL) - October 29, 1947

Aircraft was named ' RMA Auckland'

Operated its first TEAL service - Auckland-Sydney - November 7, 1947

Withdrawn from use due to engine overheating problems - February 22, 1948

Returned to service following rectification of engine problems - June 17, 1948

Operated its final TEAL service - December 1949

Stored at Hobsonville, Auckland

Ferried Auckland-Brisbane (Capt S. Middlemiss) for sale to Barrier Reef Airways - April 27, 1950

Sold to Barrier Reef Airways Ltd for 5,000 pounds - April 28, 1950

Overhaulled and converted to seat 41 passengers

Entered onto the Australian Aircraft Register as VH-BRC - May 22, 1950

Registered to Barrier Reef Airways Pty Ltd

Aircraft was named 'Coral Clipper'

Operated its first Barrier Reef service - Brisbane-Lindeman Is-Daydream Island - May 23, 1950

Operated its first service to Hayman Island - July 2, 1950

Operated its final scheduled Barrier Reef Airways service - November 12, 1950

Withdrawn from use - January 23, 1951

Cancelled from the Australian Aircraft Register - August 6, 1951

Returned to the Register as VH-BRC - September 14, 1951

Stored at Colmslie until September 1952

Underwent refit, completed in seven weeks - following sinking of sister aircraft VH-BRD

Registered to Ansett Flying Boat Services Pty Ltd - December 15, 1952

Underwent test flight from Brisbane River - December 17, 1952

Ferried to Rose Bay, Sydney for Dept of Civil Aviation checks - December 18, 1952

Aircraft was renamed 'Beachcomber'

Entered commercial service with Ansett Flying Boats - Sydney-Brisbane - December 21, 1952

Commenced operations to Lord Howe Island - on charter to T.O.A. - January 13, 1953

Operated the final flying boat service from Hamilton Reach, Brisbane - March 1953

Registered to Ansett Airways - 1954

Repainted into Ansett Flying Boat Services 'delta' colors - 1969

Registered to Ansett Transport Industries (Operations) Ltd - March 1, 1970

Operated the final scheduled flying boat service to Lord Howe Island - May 31, 1974

Maintained a 'token' service until the Island's airstrip was completed

Damaged whilst moored overnight at Lord Howe Island - June 9, 1974

Temporary repairs made on site - ferried to Sydney for permanent repairs - July 3, 1974

Test flown at Sydney on completion of repairs - August 29, 1974

Operated its final passenger service - Sydney-Lord Howe-Sydney - September 10, 1974

Returned to Lord Howe to pick up equipment - its 1,360th island flight - September 11, 1974

Sold to Antilles Air Boats Inc, Virgin Islands - becoming N158C - September 10, 1974

Aircraft was named 'Southern Star' but this was changed to 'Southern Cross' before it left hangar

Cancelled from the Australian Aircraft Register - November 28, 1974

Had flown 17,820 hours

Departed Sydney on delivery flight - November 28, 1974

Reregistered VP-LVE - March 1976

Aircraft stored at Grande, Puerto Rico following the death of Captain C. Blair - September 2, 1978

A proposed sale to the Science Museum, England was conditional on the aircraft reaching the U.K.

Returned to a servicable condition & registered N158C - October 1980

Departed San Juan, Puerto Rico (Capt R. Gillies) - routing St. Croix-Boston-Port Washington-

Oyster Bay-Sydney (Nova Scotia)-Gander-Killaloe (Eire) - October 1980

Stored at Killaloe for 3 months awaiting approval to enter the U.K.

Arrived Calshot, England for storage - February 2, 1981

Total flying time to date - 19,500 hours

Transferred to HMS Daedalus, Lee-on-Solent for storage - July 6, 1981

Purchased by the Science Museum, UK for 85,000 pounds - 1982

Transferred to Southampton Docks for storage - March 1, 1983

A new museum building - 'R.J. Mitchell Museum' was constructed to house this aircraft at Southampton

Whilst stored it was prepared for painting in A.F.B.S. 'delta' livery with incorrect titles and marked 'VH-BRC'

Installed in the Hall of Aviation, Southampton - August 27 / 28, 1983

The Southampton 'Hall of Aviation' opened - May 26, 1984

Current

ZK-AMH. Tasman Empire Airways Ltd - arriving at Auckland on delivery, October 1947.

(P. Sheehan Collection. 2545-331.)

ZK-AMH. Tasman Empire Airways Ltd - on the water at Auckland, January 1948.

(R. N. Smith Collection. 2545-202.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - in basic Barrier Reef colors at Hayman Island, date unknown.

(R. N. Smith Collection. 2545-190.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - in basic Barrier Reef colors at Brisbane, date unknown.

(G. Grulke Photograph. 2545-063.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - in the revised color scheme at Sydney's Rose Bay, date unknown.

(E. D. Daw Collection. 2545-064.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - in the revised color scheme at Sydney's Rose Bay, date unknown.

(E. D. Daw Collection. 2545-021.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - revised tail colors & new c/line, location & date unknown.

(E. D. Daw Collection. 2545-020.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - with the solid c/line at Lord Howe Island, March 1963.

(B. Colledge Photograph. 2545-044.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - undergoing a major overhaul at Rose Bay, June 1965.

(R. N. Smith Photograph. 2545-180.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - undergoing a major overhaul at Rose Bay, June 1965.

(R. N. Smith Photograph. 2545-181.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - undergoing a major overhaul at Rose Bay, June 1965.

(R. N. Smith Photograph. 2545-182.)

VH-BRC. A.F.B.S. - overhaul included the replacement of the planing hull, June 1965.

(R. N. Smith Photograph. 2545-183.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - with blue titles & divided c/line at Hobart, date unknown.

(B. Dannecker Collection. 2545-043.)

 

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - with red titles & solid c/line at Rose Bay, April 1967.

(R. N. Smith Photograph. 2545-303.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - with red titles & solid c/line at Rose Bay, April 1967.

(R. N. Smith Photograph. 2545-304.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - with red titles & solid c/line at Rose Bay, April 1967.

(R. N. Smith Photograph. 2545-305.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - with red titles & solid c/line at Rose Bay, April 1967.

(R. N. Smith Photograph. 2545-306.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - with red titles & divided c/line at Rose Bay, March 1968.

(R. N. Smith Photograph. 2545-061.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - with red titles & divided c/line at Rose Bay, October 1968.

(R. N. Smith Photograph. 2545-091.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - in the new 'delta' color scheme at Rose Bay, November 1970.

(R. N. Smith Photograph. 2545-092.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - taxiing for departure on Sydney Harbour, June 1972.

(R. N. Smith Photograph. 2545-066.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - commencing its take-off run on Sydney Harbour, June 1972.

(R. N. Smith Photograph. 2545-068.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - getting airborne from Sydney Harbour, June 1972.

(R. N. Smith Photograph. 2545-070.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - commencing gradual climb-out from Sydney Harbour, June 1972.

(R. N. Smith Photograph. 2545-071.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - commencing gradual climb-out from Sydney Harbour, June 1972.

(R. N. Smith Photograph. 2545-072.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - commencing gradual climb-out from Sydney Harbour, June 1972.

(R. N. Smith Photograph. 2545-073.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - landing at Rathmines Newcastle, September 1972.

(G. Wilkes Photograph. 2545-094.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - on the water at Rathmines Newcastle, September 1972.

(R. N. Smith Photograph. 2545-034.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - taking off from Rathmines Newcastle, September 1972.

(R. N. Smith Photograph. 2545-214.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - taking off from Rathmines Newcastle, September 1972.

(R. N. Smith Photograph. 2545-031.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - on the water at Lord Howe Island, August 1973.

(B. Dannecker Collection. 2545-115.)

VH-BRC. A.F.B.S. - general view of the flight deck at Rose Bay, November 1973.

(R. N. Smith Photograph. 2545-087.)

VH-BRC. A.F.B.S. - closer view of the pilot's side of the flight deck at Rose Bay, November 1973.

(R. N. Smith Photograph. 2545-088.)

VH-BRC. A.F.B.S. - closer view of the co-pilot's side of the flight deck at Rose Bay, November 1974.

(R. N. Smith Photograph. 2545-089.)

VH-BRC. A.F.B.S. - looking towards the flight engineer's station on the flight deck, October 1974.

(R. N. Smith Photograph. 2545-090.)

VH-BRC. A.F.B.S. - general view of the flight deck at Rose Bay, November 1973.

(R. N. Smith Photograph. 2545-116.)

VH-BRC. A.F.B.S. - general view of the flight deck over the N.S.W. south coast, November 1973.

(R. N. Smith Photograph. 2545-117.)

VH-BRC. A.F.B.S. - general view of the flight deck on approach to Lake Eucumbene, November 1973.

(R. N. Smith Photograph. 2545-118.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - on the water at Lake Eucumbene, November 1973.

(R. N. Smith Photograph. 2545-037.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - on the water at Lake Eucumbene, November 1973.

(R. N. Smith Photograph. 2545-093.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - taxiing in at Rose Bay, December 1973.

(R. N. Smith Photograph. 2545-077.)

 

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - the last scheduled flight to Lord Howe Island, May 31, 1974.

(R. N. Smith Photograph. 2545-080.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - the last scheduled flight to Lord Howe Island, May 31, 1974.

(R. N. Smith Photograph. 2545-081.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - washed ashore at Lord Howe Island, June 9, 1974.

(E. D. Daw Collection. 2545-075.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - washed ashore at Lord Howe Island, June 9, 1974.

(E. D. Daw Collection. 2545-030.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - washed ashore at Lord Howe Island, June 9, 1974.

(R. N. Smith Collection via Ansett. 2545-109.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - washed ashore - army engineer retrieves the missing float.

(R. N. Smith Collection via Ansett. 2545-110.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - washed ashore - damage to the wing's leading edge.

(R. N. Smith Collection via Ansett. 2545-111.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - washed ashore - damage sustained underwing & to float attachment.

(R. N. Smith Collection via Ansett. 2545-112.)

VH-BRC. A.F.B.S. - a close-up look at the temporary repairs made to the starboard wing, July 1974.

(R. N. Smith Photograph. 2545-099.)

VH-BRC. A.F.B.S. - a close-up look at the temporary repairs made to the starboard wing, July 1974.

(R. N. Smith Photograph. 2545-100.)

VH-BRC. A.F.B.S. - a close-up look at the damage sustained by the starboard wingtip, July 1974.

(R. N. Smith Photograph. 2545-101.)

VH-BRC. A.F.B.S. - a close-up look at the damage sustained by the starboard wingtip, July 1974.

(R. N. Smith Photograph. 2545-102.)

VH-BRC. A.F.B.S. - a close-up look at the damaged starboard wing leading edge, July 1974.

(R. N. Smith Photograph. 2545-103.)

VH-BRC. A.F.B.S. - a close-up look at the damaged starboard wing leading edge, July 1974.

(R. N. Smith Photograph. 2545-104.)

VH-BRC. A.F.B.S. - a close-up look at the new starboard wing leading edge, August 1974.

(R. N. Smith Photograph. 2545-105.)

VH-BRC. A.F.B.S. - a close-up look at the new starboard wing leading edge, August 1974.

(R. N. Smith Photograph. 2545-106.)

VH-BRC. A.F.B.S. - repairs completed to the starboard wing leading edge, August 1974.

(R. N. Smith Photograph. 2545-107.)

VH-BRC. A.F.B.S. - repairs completed, 'Beachcomber' is ready to leave the hangar, August 1974.

(R. N. Smith Photograph. 2545-119.)

VH-BRC. A.F.B.S. - repairs completed, 'Beachcomber' is ready to be relaunched at Rose Bay, August 1974.

(R. N. Smith Photograph. 2545-120.)

VH-BRC. A.F.B.S. - repairs completed, 'Beachcomber' is ready to be relaunched at Rose Bay, August 1974.

(R. N. Smith Photograph. 2545-121.)

VH-BRC. A.F.B.S. - Ron Bush supervises the relaunch of 'Beachcomber' at Rose Bay, August 29, 1974.

(R. N. Smith Photograph. 2545-122.)

VH-BRC. A.F.B.S. - the relaunch of 'Beachcomber' at Rose Bay, August 29, 1974.

(R. N. Smith Photograph. 2545-123.)

VH-BRC. A.F.B.S. - the relaunch of 'Beachcomber' at Rose Bay, August 29, 1974.

(R. N. Smith Photograph. 2545-124.)

VH-BRC. A.F.B.S. - the relaunch of 'Beachcomber' at Rose Bay, August 29, 1974.

(R. N. Smith Photograph. 2545-125.)

N158C. Antilles Air Boats - during the final stages of painting at Rose Bay, October 1974.

(R. N. Smith Photograph. 2545-085.)

N158C. Antilles Air Boats - the cabins were cleaned and carpets repaired during the preparation.

(R. N. Smith Photograph. 2545-086.)

VH-BRC. Antilles Air Boats - the name that never was - changed at the last minute, November 1974.

(R. N. Smith Photograph. 2545-082.)

VH-BRC. Antilles Air Boats - the name that never was - changed at the last minute, November 1974.

(R. N. Smith Photograph. 2545-083.)

VH-BRC. Antilles Air Boats - the name that replaced 'Southern Star', November 1974.

(G. Wilkes Photograph. 2545-221.)

Maureen O'Hara & Charles Blair - the new owners of 'Beachcomber' at Rose Bay, August 1974.

(R. N. Smith Photograph. 2545-084.)

N158C. Antilles Air Boats - awaiting departure for the last time at Rose Bay, Sydney, November 1974.

(R. N. Smith Photograph. 2545-076.)

N158C. Antilles Air Boats - on the water, location unknown, January 1975.

(R. N. Smith Collection. 2545-095.)

VP-LVE. Antilles Air Boats - on the water at Lough Derg, Ireland, May 1976.

(R. N. Smith Collection. 2545-049.)

VP-LVE. Antilles Air Boats - on the water at St Croix, Virgin Islands, April 1977.

(R. N. Smith Collection. 2545-096.)

VP-LVE. Antilles Air Boats - in flight somewhere over Ireland, date unknown.

(R. N. Smith Collection. 2545-062.)

N158C. Antilles Air Boats - beached after its arrival at Calshot, England, England, April 1981.

(R. N. Smith Collection. 2545-097.)

N158C. Antilles Air Boats - beached after its arrival at Calshot, England, England, April 1981.

(R. N. Smith Collection. 2545-046.)

N158C. Antilles Air Boats - being moved to the R.N. base at Lee-on-Solent, England, July 1981.

(E. D. Daw Collection. 2545-047.)