Avro Anson RI-003
| Company type | Aircraft |
|---|---|
| Industry | Aviation |
| Founded | December 1947 |
| Headquarters | Bukittinggi , Indonesia |
| Products | Twin-engine aircraft for military and civilian air transport |
Avro Anson RI-003 was a British-made, twin-engine aircraft designed for multiple roles, and it became the third plane acquired by the Republic of Indonesia's government.[1] This airplane was procured in early December 1947, designated with the registration RI-003, and served both military and civilian air transport purposes.[1][2]
The initiative to obtain this aircraft originated with the formation of the Panitia Pusat Pengumpul Emas (Central Gold Collection Committee) by Indonesia’s first vice president, Mohammad Hatta, on 27 September 1947 in Bukittinggi, West Sumatra. The committee’s mission was to gather public contributions to fund the purchase of aircraft as part of resistance efforts against Operation Product—referred to in Indonesia as the First Dutch Military Aggression—an offensive launched by Dutch forces targeting Indonesian-controlled areas.[3] Leadership of the committee was under A. Karim, a director at Bank Negara (State Bank).[3] The community in West Sumatra contributed 14 kg of gold donations, which were utilized to acquire an Avro Anson plane from Thailand.[3] Prior to this, the aircraft belonged to Paul H. Keegan, an Australian ex-RAF serviceman.[3] Keegan personally piloted the plane to Gadut airfield in Bukittinggi.[3]
In late December 1947, Air Commodores Iswahyudi and Halim Perdanakusuma piloted the aircraft through Dutch blockades to seek support from allies in Singapore and Thailand.[1] While in Songkhla, Thailand, they loaded military supplies and medical provisions,[4] but during their return flight via Singapore, the plane crashed near Tanjung Hantu in Perak, Malaya, resulting in the deaths of both pilots.[1][2] Wreckage was dispersed across the Labuhan Bilik sea area between Tanjung Hantu and Teluk Senagih, North Sumatra.[4] The remains of Perdanakusuma were recovered; however, Iswahyudi’s body was never found.[4] Among debris near the crash site, Iswahyudi’s wallet containing banknotes and identification cards was discovered.[2] Both men were posthumously honored as Indonesian National Heroes.[4] The monument stands as a replica of the RI-003, formerly registered as RAF AX505.
See also
- Avro Anson
- Operation Product (Initial Dutch Military Offensive)
References
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Bibliography
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