The 50th Anniversary of Operation Thoroughfare was held at Williamtown on the weekend of 16^th/17^th February.  

Ex-Mirage “Framie” Wayne BEATTIE with the F-35A.

QLD President Jim HALL noted: “From all accounts, it was a raging success.  About 130 attended both days. Saturday night was the dinner at the Officer’s Mess.  
[Guest of Honour was Ted RADFORD, “CO3” from the big day 50 years ago.  See  Historic Video.] 

Then on the Sunday a BBQ at the new 3SQN facility, with a viewing of the new F-35A machine.”  
[Alongside a comparison Mirage from Fighter World’s collection.]   Jim praised QLD Secretary Bill FARRELL for doing a fantastic job of organisation.  

See also our Photo Spread (courtesy of the RADAR Association Magazine), and the Event Video.

Jim adds: “Operation Thoroughfare was the codename given to the move of 21 Mirage aircraft and all 3SQN personnel (complete with families) from Williamtown to Butterworth in 1969.  The postings were for up to three years, so a firm bond was formed not only for the troops, but between wives and kids as well.  Many are still in contact to this day.”

50 Years On!  The "Troops" are still looking ready for deployment!