Air Commodore Lukis, Air Officer Commanding, North East Area, reported on 28 May 1942, that Pilot Officer Trench, RAAF had inspected the countryside near Portland Roads (also known as Weymouth Bay), with Colonel Mills and Captain Herman G. Cox of the USAAF. Their first attempt to fly to the Iron Range area from Coen was not successful. An engine failed in their Rapide and they returned to Coen. After being repaired they took off the next morning and landed on a beach at low tide a few miles south of Portland Roads. As the plane slowed upon landing on the soft sand the Rapide swung towards the sea. The tips of the propeller started to thrash in the water but the skilful pilot was able to turn the aircraft back onto the beach.
Air Commodore Lukis Air Officer Commanding North East Area reported on 28 May 1942 that Pilot Officer Trench RAAF had inspected the countryside near Portland Roads (also known as Weymouth Bay) with Colonel Mills and Captain Herman G Cox of the USAAF Their first attempt to fly to the Iron Range area from Coen was not successful An engine failed in their Rapide and they returned to Coen After being repaired they took off the next morning and landed on a beach at low tide a few miles south of Portland Roads As the plane slowed upon landing on the soft sand the Rapide swung towards the sea The tips of the propeller started to thrash in the water but the skilful pilot was able to turn the aircraft back onto the beach