Benalla Ensign (Vic. : 1938 - 1954), Thursday 27 November 1952, page 11


Atomic Weapon Tested The Minister .for Air (Mr. Wm. McMahon) has outlined the important part played by the R.A.A.F. in the Monte Bello atomic weapon test on October 3. 3 After the weapon had been exiploded Dakota aircraft of the No. 86 (Transport) Wing, based at Onslow, W.A., by Air Commodore W. L. Hely, A.F.C., had flown up and 'down the Australian coast near the Monte Bello Islands to discover whether any undetected fission products were falling on the mainland. These planes had been fitted 'with special scientific equipment. Other Dakotas from No. 86 Wing had carried urgently needed scientific supplies, fresh food and mails betweeii Perth Onslow and Broome. As a security measure, other R.A.A.P. aircraft continually partolled 'the sea and air around the islands! Liincoln bombers under the command of Group Captain G. C. Hartnell, of Amberley, Q., engaged in other tasks associated with the test. I G/Capt. A. M. Murdoch, C.B.E., who was then Director of. Air Staff Plans and Policy, did valuable work as the air member on the inter-service panel for 'the co-ordination .of all Australian participation. G/Capt. M.-O. Watson, who has since succeeded G/Captain Murdoch, drew up the plans for hthe provision of R.A.A.F. aircraft to carry out the aiir requirement of the operations. In this, he was assisted by Wing Commander C. A. Greenwood, O.B.E. - Staff Officer of the Directorate of Operations. Mr. McMahon said that, apart from the'R.A.A.FP. members who had taken active 'part in the atomic test, 'there were others who did essential jobs behind the scenes. ' They transported supplies, arranged communicae tions, provided patrols, posted personnel for special duties, and performed -many other tasks. "All 'this entailed long hours of extra duty for all concerned" said Mr. McMahon, "'but everybody gave his services readily. As a result, remarkable team work was achieved and the R.A.A.F.'s contribution towards the test was an unqualified success."