New Member

[GarethL]

Hi, my reason for joining is that I have a question which the members here may well be able to answer. I'm carrying out historical research (non-military) into Hobart, Tasmania, and high quality aerial photos would really be a help. The site I'm looking at, Queen's Domain, was initially civilian, but was turned to military use during WWII.

I won't elaborate on what I wanted to ask unless I hear that this kind of enquiry is OK with the admin and members of this board.

Thanks for reading.

 

[Airframes]

Welcome to the forum - can't help with your request, but someone here may be able to assist.

 

[vikingBerserker]

Welcome aboard

 

[Gnomey]

Welcome.

The request is fine and hopefully someone will be able to help.

 

[GarethL]

Thank you all very much. And thanks for the clarification Gnomey.

 

[GarethL]

Here's the question, did the Japanese fly aerial reconnaissance over Australia as far south as Hobart? If they did is there any way to access any surviving photos? Or, did the Australian air force do this on their own territory? And again if so is there a way to see them? I've searched through all the civilian aerial photos I can find, but I'm aware that military cameras were much, much sharper.

Thanks.

 

[michael rauls]

Welcome aboard. I can't help with your request but there are some verry knowledgeable people here, it wouldn't surprise me if someone here can. Just be patient, it may take a little while for the person with the knowledge you seek to stumble across this thread.

 

[GrauGeist]

Welcome to the forums!

In answer to your question, the Japanese did conduct aerial recon of Australia and vicinity during the war.
Many of the flights were conducted by IJN floatplanes launched from submarines.

I can't think of a good source for IJN or IJA recon photos at the moment, but this website has a great list of recon flights, complete with locations, dates and the personnel who conducted the missions, which may prove valuable to your search.

https://www.ozatwar.com/japrecce/japrecce.htm

 

[GarethL]

Thank you Michael Rauls and GrauGeist for the replies, I'll be onto that one. At least I know now that such flights did take place. Fantastic stuff.