During maintenance on the fuel tanks of Hudson VH-KOY at Temora during July 2021, this inscription was uncovered inside the starboard tank. It reads; "Don Beal 1st year apprentice 5/10/55 VH-AGS ex VH-EWA". Not seen in the photograph is another signature, possibly that of John Nancarrow also dated 1955, but the tank surface makes it difficult to be sure. East-West Airlines flagship Hudson VH-EWA was damaged in a ground handling accident at Mascot on 1 April 1953 and the aeroplane was subsequently sold to Adastra. The aircraft returned to the Register as VH-AGS on 4 January 1956. Evidently young Don Beal left his mark on the aeroplane on 5 October 1955 while it was being repaired by Adastra. This photo shows the aircraft under repair in 1954. Picture: Temora Aviation Museum

ADASTRA AERIAL SURVEYSwww.adastra.adastron.com