THE FORTUNATE SURVIVORS OF THE DC3 PLANE CRASH DURING WORLD WAR 2 - LAKE VANSITTART KIMBERLEY WA

This is the story of 6 very lucky survivors of a plane crash along the edges of Vansittart Bay in the remote north west (Kimberley) of Western Australia. This crash occurred during 1942 when Australia was facing imminent invasion from advancing Japanese forces. As such this is a story about war time aviation history. It is also about survival and rescue when both seemed unlikely. Taken in context the events of the crash focus on the blackout of Broome airport; the need for radio silence; the extended northward flight into little known territory and the essential forced landing as the fuel ran out. Take your students along for the experience. Recognise why the survivors were fortunate in experiencing both the landing and in the rescue. This unit can be used as a one-off interest activity. It can be used to support material on World War 2 and the proposed Japanese invasion of Australia. The exact reason why the DC3 wreckage has never been disclosed but if it was due to Australian radio operators listening in on Japanese radio transmissions then it provides an interesting twist. The plane wreckage is still there. on the shores of Vansittart Bay.