CAC WIRRAWAY TAIL IDENTIFICATION LIGHT

On 6 January 1942, Wirraways of No. 24 Squadron attempted to intercept Japanese seaplanes flying over New Britain; only one managed to engage an enemy aircraft, marking the first air-to-air combat between RAAF and Japanese forces. 

Two weeks later, eight 24 Squadron Wirraways defended the city of Rabaul from over 100 Japanese attacking bombers and fighters, resulting in the destruction or severe damage of all but two of the Australian aircraft.

Pulled back from air to air combat, the remaining Wirraways continued to operate over Papua New Guinea as ground attack aircraft until they were gradually replaced by the US supplied P-40’s and the new locally built CAC Boomerang which was a fighter derivative of the original Wirraway.

The CAC Wirraway Identification Light was mounted on the fusulage spine just forward of the tail rudder. A white bulb sat underneath a waterproof glass dome scered into its bakelite base.

This is a rare example of early Australian aviation ID illumination, and mounted in its 100yr old Mango Wood Display Stand with engraved Plaque, printed and laminated Fact Sheet plus a highly detailed, custom-built Scale Model of this iconic Australian designed and built fighter/bomber perched atop its magnetic display arm, you've got a gift that's perfect for any aviation enthusiast.

All CAC Wirraway Instruments come complete with detailed Scale Model, Mango Wood Stand & Plaque plus Printed Fact Sheet featuring photo of instrument in aircraft cockpit.

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