VH-UGI  Westland Widgeon III      (c/n  WA.1681)
                              
                               

                                   This interesting shot from Phil Vabre illustrates not only the rare Westland Widgeon but also
                                   the first control tower in use at Mascot Airport.   This old bird was first imported in 1927 and
                                   after six years in and around the Sydney area was sold to Sid Marshall for operation in New
                                   Guinea.   It returned to the Sydney area in 1937 when Sid set up his Marshall Airways.   Its
                                   C of A was not renewed during WW II and in 1947 it was stricken off the register.  It then
                                   languished for some 40 years in the back of one of Sid's hangars.  Immediately below is a shot
                                   taken by the late Peter Simon (via the Geoff Goodall collection) in 1965.  Note the ambulance
                                   maltese cross emblem which was painted on all Marshall aircraft when they were used on aerial
                                   ambulance flights.   Happily this venerable Widgeon was later rebuilt to airworthy condition. 
                                   It then went through an extensive restoration and is currently the only example left still airworthy.
                                   It resides at owner Dick Smith's farm near Canberra.   Noted television aviation history document-
                                   ary producer Darren Powell advises that a shot of it in its current excellent condition (as G-AUGI)
                                   can be found at:    http://www.lilydaleairport.com.au/Gallery/Dicksmith_Widgeon.htm
                                   Thanks, Darren!
                                   Finally at the foot of the page is a fairly contemporary (2005) photo of -UGI taken by Ken Tilley
                                   at the Smith's estate.