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  Martin 139WH-2 Serial Number M-531 Tail WH-2
ML-KNIL
3 VLG III

Click For Enlargment
1985 via Bas Kreguer
Pilot  Pilot Observer Postma, Dutch (MIA)
Crew  Pvt Soedasono, Indonesian (MIA)
Mechanic  Sgt A. Kaparang (MIA)
Crew  Cpl R. E. R. Hetharia (MIA)
Crashed  February 16, 1942

Aircraft History
Built by Martin as 139WH-2 the export version of the Martin B-10 bomber as one of twenty-six purchased by the Netherlands. Disassembled and shipped overseas to the Netherlands East Indies (NEI) and reassembled.

Wartime History
During March 1938 delivered to the Militaire Luchtvaart van het Koninklijk Nederlands-Indisch Leger (ML-KNIL) Royal Netherlands East Indies Army Air Force (NEIAF) as Martin 139WH-2 serial number M-531. Assigned to the 3rd Bomb Group, 3rd Squadron (3 VLG III). Tail code WH-2.

Mission History
On February 16, 1942 took off piloted by Pilot Observer Postma on a bombing mission against a Japanese convoy off Muntok (Mentok) on Bangka Island near South Sumatra Province on Sumatra Island. After being hit by anti-aircraft fire or gunfire from a F1M2 Pete patrolling, this bomber was seen descending towards southern Sumatra. When this aircraft failed to return it was officially listed as Missing In Action (MIA).

Fates of the Crew
Although the crew might have survived the crash, they were never heard from again. All four were officially declared Missing In Action (MIA).

Wreckage
During 1985, the wreckage was discovered in a mangrove swamp by the Akngkatan Udara Republik Indonesia (AURI) Indonesian Air Force.

Display
Parts of the wreckage from this crash site are displayed at the Militaire Luchtvaart Museum (Military Aviation Museum) that became part of the Nationaal Militair Museum (National Military Museum).

References
Thanks to Bas Kreguer for additional information

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Last Updated
March 3, 2021

Tech Info
B-10

MIA
MIA
4 Missing
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