In the foreground is a Hudson III for Britain, AE532 (c/n 414-3887). The Lodestar was delivered to the NEI and evacuated to Australia in 1942. It was allocated USAAF serial 42-68353. Operated by Australian National Airways for war work when destroyed by Japanese air raid at Port Moresby on 17 August 1942.

Delivered to Dutch East Indies air force in 1941. Escaped to Australia in 1942 and impressed by USAAF. Operated by Guinea Airways for the Allied military. After war sold to APL and registered in May 1946. Used on airline services but by August 1946 it was destined for New Zealand, where it became ZK-ALZ in November. Damaged by fire in February 1947 when petrol used as a cleaning fluid ignited. Under overhaul at the time and subsequently written off. Photo from: State Library of Queensland

A rare photo of a Lockheed 18 with one of the nonsked airlines. It is also rare because of its history, being ex US Coast Guard 2101 and V-188. It was offered for sale in 1954 by Allied Aircraft Company for $48,000.