VH-UIW  Junkers W.33                                    (c/n  2575)

                                

                                      The rare photographs on this page are from the Hugh Batters collection.  Hugh's grandfather was
                                      H.J. Berryman of Caulfield, Victoria, who was the agent for Junkers aircraft in the late 1920s, early
                                      1930s.   VH-UIW was imported for J.S. Taylor and G.L. Bond of Salamaua, New Guinea, and
                                      named "The Lady Lettie". Above it is seen shortly after its arrival in Australia banking over St. Kilda
                                      (I have reproduced the original shot at the bottom of the page for its historical significance), The shot
                                      below was most likely taken at Hamilton on the Brisbane River, the houses in back being on what is
                                      now Quarry Street..  This would have been early in 1930 before its departure to the Territory.    In
                                      1931 it was sold to Pacific Aerial Transport Ltd. of Wau, New Guinea, and was flown by that pioneer
                                      of aviation in New Guinea, Ray Parer, from time to time. It remained with PAT until 1936 when it was
                                      sold to Mandated Airlines, although appears never to have been put into service that company being
                                      stricken off the register soon after.   Some years ago the fuselage of this machine was recovered from
                                      the jungles of New Guinea and is now either being preserved or is on display in Port Moresby.