Sir Charles Kingsford Smith's famous Southern Cross, VH-USU was allocated to 3 Communication Unit RAAF at Mascot Airfield on 31 May 1945 from SHQ, Canberra for duties in connection with Cine Film "Life of Late Sir Charles Kingsford Smith". Eastern Area HQ were to to advise when the duty was completed.

On 26 June 1945, Southern Cross departed from Mascot airfield for Richmond before notification of her allotment was received.

On 9 January 1946, advice had been received that the aircraft was no longer required by Cinesound Production. Instructions had been given for the aircraft to be returned to Mascot airfield. On 12 February 1946, Southern Cross was issued to Civil Aviation at Mascot. It had flown 36 hrs and 35 minutes whilst it had been allocated to 3 Communications Unit.