DC3 off the pole. What’s the story?

This aircraft was built in 1943 (Construction Number 12187) and was delivered to the United States Air Force in December of that year.  She was transferred to the RAF UK 24 Squadron as General Maitland Wilson’s personal aircraft “Freedom” – he was at that time, Supreme Allied Commander-in-Chief, Mediterranean.  This aircraft flew King George VI to Italy in 1944 to review the Allied troops.

Since then she was with the Air Command in South East Asia from 1946 until 1949.  Other milestones in her rich history include service with Qantas until 1959 then TAA in Australia and Papua New Guinea and with the Red Cross in Bangkok in 1980.

DC3 on and off the pole – CLICK IMAGES BELOW TO VIEW