Ex-6867 of 35 Squadron, South African Air Force. To G-BVOL 14 June 1994. Photo by Henry Spiteri.

Painted as PH-TCB for display in the Aviodrome Aviation Museum

Ex-6867 of 35 Squadron, South African Air Force. To G-BVOL on 14 June 1994.

Ex. USAAF 42-23974, RAF FD938, SAAF 6867, ZS-NJE and G-BVOL (June 1994 - May 1996). When the aircraft first became preserved, it was already clear that it would be unfeasable to make it airworthy again. Although parts of it did become airborne again, after the wings, tail section and undercarriage were swapped with the PH-PBA, to restore the PH-PBA to airworthy condition. The aircraft is named after one of KLM's early days pilots, who has led quite an interesting life (which I only came to know while doing research).

Delivered to the USAAF as 42-23974 then to the RAF as FD938 and then to the SAAF in 1943. Reserialled as 6867 in 1945. To ZS-NJE then to G-BVOL in 1994. To the Dutch Dakota Association in 1996. Wings and tail used in rebuild of PH-PBA c/n 19434 to fly. Fitted with wings and tail from PH-PBA, painted as PH-TCB and displayed at Amsterdam-Schiphol from 2000. Moved to the Aviodrome at Lelystad in 2003.

Acquired by The Airborne Initiative Promotions Ltd in Jun 94 ex South African Air Force. To the Dutch Dakota Association in May 96. Wings, tail and engines rebuilt with fuselage and identity of PH-PBA to allow that airframe (c/n 19434) to fly. Remains of G-BVOL for static exhibit at Schiphol (Apr00), then to Aviodrome, Lelystad as "PH-TCB" in post-war KLM c/s "lwan W Smirnoff'

This C-47 was built at Long Beach and TOC by the USAAF as 42-23974 and then passed, firstly, to the RAF as FD938 and then to the SAAF as 6867. It also carried the registrations ZS-NJE and G-BVOL in civilian life but is now in retirement at the Aviodrome at Lelystad.