• RAAF Airman Aircrew ~ Simply The Best ....
  • Boeing Globemaster C17-A ~ 36 Squadron ....
  • Alenia Spartan C-27J ~ 35 Squadron ....
  • Airbus A330 ~ 33 Squadron ....
  • Boeing 707-338C ~ 33 Squadron ....
  • Boeing E-7A Hawkeye ~ 2 Squadron ....
  • Lockheed Hercules C-130J ~ 37 Squadron ....
  • Lockheed Hercules C-130H ~ 36 Squadron ....
  • Lockheed Hercules C-130E ~ 37 Squadron ....
  • Lockheed Hercules C-130A ~ 36 Squadron ....
  • Pacific Aerospace CT4 ~ 1 Flying Training School ....
  • Bombardia Challenger CL604 ~ 34 Squadron ....
  • Beechcraft King Air 350 ~ 32 Squadron ....
  • BAC1-11 ~ 34 Squadron ....
  • Boeing 737 ~ 34 Squadron ....
  • Bell Iroquois UH-1H ~ 9 Squadron ....
  • De Havilland Caribou DHC-4 ~ 38 Squadron ....
  • Boeing Chinook CH-47 ~ 12 Squadron ....
  • Lockheed Orion P3 ~ 11 Squadron ....
  • Sikorski Blackhawk UH-60 ~ 9 Squadron ....
  • Douglas DC3 ~ Aircraft Research and Development Unit ....
  • Pilatus PC9 ~ 2 Flying Training School ....
  • Aermacchi MB-326H ~ Roulettes ....

Vale - Reginald Frederick VAN LEUVEN 'Reg', O46085, Pilot ....




Vietnam Service Record.

On 11 January 1974, Flight Lieutenant Reginald Frederick Van Leuven and Sergeant Peter Vidler died when the Iroquois helicopter they were flying (A2-378) crashed at 'Cooinda' near Stanthorpe, Queensland, after taking-off from RAAF Base Amberley during a flood rescue mission.

Peter died at the scene while Reg died the following day in hospital from his injuries.  Other RAAF personnel injured in the crash were FLTLT Keith Morgan (pilot), CPL Monty Jesinowski (crewman), SGT Earl Murray and LAC Jerry Riches (flight fitters).  Sgt Vidler had previously served in Vietnam.

Mechanical failure caused the crash of the helicopter which was on a relief mission during the 1974 floods.  The crash site is located at Inverary Road, Cooinda Station, via Stanthorpe, Stanthorpe, Queensland, 4380.  Lat: -28.45466, Long: 151.63909.

Reg began flying with the Naracoorte Aero Club at the age of sixteen.  After four years he joined the Royal Australian Air Force.  He was trained in England, and after two years graduated on jet aircraft.  He applied for Vietnam, and in 1971, flew 1,836 helicopter sorties in Vietnam with Squadron.

He died doing what he loved to do most; helping other people.