THRILLS FOR ORPHANS AMONG RN AIRCRAFT

To have taxi rides across the tarmac in a Corsair plane and to clamber over Seafires that had been in combat against the Japanese were some of the thrills provided for 50 orphans, who were entertained by the Royal Navy this afternoon.

The children, from the Nudgee and Wooloowin Orphanages, were guests of the Royal Navy Mobile Storage Reserve No. 2 and Special Preservations Party.

The children were shown various planes, and fired questions at the ratings about the machines’ construction.

Funds for the party were arranged by the men, who also entertained the children.

One of the RN men said: “It has been a real pleasure to entertain these children. It is the least we can do after the wonderful way we have been treated in Australia.

“They are baffling me with science.” one rating remarked. “I never answered so many questions about aircraft in my life.”

It was their first close view of on aircraft for many of the children. The children were then taken by Royal Navy bus to the canteen at HMS Nabsford, at Rocklea, where afternoon tea was served by female employees of the Navy Army and Air Force Institute.

A model of a Seafire aircraft, made by members of the Royal Navy, was presented to Mr. Harris, of the State Children Department.

It will be completed for annually by children of Nudgee and Wooloowin for good conduct end efficiency.

From The Telegraph, Saturday 9 February 1946, page 3.

1946 02 17 Royal Navy At Rocklea

Image: From the NLA Trove Newspaper Item (on 17 February 1946)