By JH ( February 9, 2011 at 10:32 am) · Filed under Around the Coast, air cobra wreck, ben cropp, great barrier reef, john harding underwater photographer
In early 1942, the (RAAF), experiencing air attacks on towns in northern Australia, found itself unable to obtain British-designed interceptors or sufficient numbers of P-40s. US Fifth Air Force squadrons in Australia were already receiving the brand new P-39D-1. Consequently, in July 1942, older USAAF P-39s, which had been repaired at Australian workshops, were adopted by the RAAF as a stop-gap interceptor.
Seven P-39Ds were sent to No. 23 Squadron RAAF at Lowood, Queensland. Later, seven P-39Fs were operated by No. 24 Squadron RAAF at Townsville. In the absence of adequate supplies of P-39s, both squadrons also operated Wirraway armed trainers. However, neither squadron received a full complement of Airacobras, or saw combat with them. The home air defence role was filled first by P-40s, followed by Spitfires. Plans to equip two more squadrons with P-39s were also abandoned. 23 and 24 Squadrons converted to the Vultee Vengeance in 1943.
Source: Wikipedia
Permalink
By JH ( January 8, 2010 at 8:50 am) · Filed under Around the Coast, alby ziebell, coral bleaching, coral underwater, coralita, great barrier reef

White blotches on plate coral are curious and alarming. This picture is from the last roll of underwater film exposed by this late famous charter boat skipper and owner of Coralita. It was discovered in his motor drive Nikon camera still in it’s marine housing.
Permalink
By JH ( September 19, 2009 at 8:42 am) · Filed under Fathom Annual, coral cod, coral cod in the wild, great barrier reef, grilled fish, steamed coral cod, taiwanese cuisine, taiwanese japanese food in taipei

Coral Cod at home in Australia's Great Barrier Reef


Grilled fish - a species we don't have in Australia.
Permalink
By JH ( September 5, 2009 at 8:51 pm) · Filed under Fathom Annual, ben cropp, charles eaton, fatima, great barrier reef, great detached reef, raine island, shipwrecks

A beautiful location on the far northern section of The Great Barrier Reefs
Permalink
By JH ( August 29, 2009 at 6:11 pm) · Filed under Fathom Annual, australia, australian seafari, cairns, game fishing, great barrier reef, jocelyn edwards, John Harding, queensland, sharks and bikini girl, tiger sharks
Permalink