USAAF
5th AF
22nd BG
19th BS
1974 via Darby
Richard Leahy 1985
Pilot Christian
I. Herron, O-406130 (KIA)
Co-Pilot Squadron
Leader Charles Raymond Gurney, 160 (KIA)
Navigator 2nd Lt. Noel A. Wright
Bombardier 2nd Lt. George D. Barnhill
Engineer Pvt Nelson V. Donaldson
Radio Sgt Robert F. Jordan
Gunner Pvt Fred J. Mikels (FL)
Crashed May 2, 1942
Crew History
Gurney was an experienced Qantas pilot, who had flown in New Guinea prior to the war, including Junker G.31 to Bulolo. As an RAAF officer,
he was flying missions with the USAAF, when he was killed in the crash
of this B-26. Milne
Bay's No. 1 Airfield was re-named in Gurney's honor, which is still
used today. Gurney was also a former Qantas pilot.
Aircraft History
Assigned to the 22nd BG, 19th BS in February 1942 with Powell as pilot. Ferried to Australia by 1st Lt. Perrie G. Powell, arriving at Archerfield on March 24, 1942.
Mission History
On its first combat mission, flying out of Kila
Kila (3-Mile) near Port
Moresby to bomb Simpson Harbor at Rabaul. Hit by anti-aircraft fire over Simpson
Harbor and flew to Kiriwina on one engine, forcing it to gradulaly loose altitude. It attempted a wheels down emergency landing on
the southern end of the island. They came down on swampy ground and when they touched down, the gear collapsed and flipped the bomber upside down. Both pilots
were killed in the crash. The other crew members escaped without
serious injury. The surviving crew were returned to Port Moresby by an RAAF PBY Catalina.
References
Thanks to Chris Mikels & Bobby McElroy for details on Mikles.
Revenge of the Red Raiders page 13, 39-45, 63, 66-67, 70-72, 79-80, 82, 87-88, 472, 495, 547
Diaries of Eddie Allan Stantton, page 27-29
Pacific Aircraft Wrecks page 41 (upper)
B-26
Photo Archive
Snd Ldr Gurney
