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Bristol Beaufighter Mark Ic Serial Number A19-1 Code A

RAAF
No. 30 Squadron

Pilot F/Sgt George Windsor Sayer, 400212 (KIA, BR) Footscray, VIC
Navigator Sgt Archibald Sylvain Mairet, 35940 (KIA, BR) Waratah, NSW
Crashed September 23, 1942

Aircraft History
Built by Bristol in the United Kingdom. Assigned Royal Air Force (RAF) serial number T4920. Disassembled and shipped overseas to Australia.

Wartime History
Assigned to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) as Beaufighter serial number A19-1. Reassembled by 2 Air Depot (2 AD). On June 27, 1942 assigned to No. 30 Squadron with fuselage code "A". No known nickname or nose art.

During September 1942, one of 24 Beaufighters flown from Richmond Airfield to Bohle River Airfield near Townsville for operational training. On September 12, 1942 flown to 5 Mile Drome (Ward Drome) near Port Moresby.

Mission History
On September 23, 1942 one of seven Beaufighters that took off from 5 Mile Drome (Ward Drome) near Port Moresby piloted by Sayer on a mission to strafe anti-aircraft positions at Buna. Over the target, this Beaufighter crashed into a a mangrove swamp. Both crew members were killed on their first combat mission.

Wreckage
During late 1942 or early 1943, the Australian Army visited the crash site of this aircraft when the Buna area was liberated. The remains of both crew were recovered.

Recovery of Remains
During 1946, a RAAF Searcher Team led by S/L Keith Rundle revisited the crash site.

Memorials
Both crew were officially declared dead the day of the mission. Both are buried at Bomana War Cemetery. Sayer B3. D. 22. Mairet B3. D. 23.

References
ADF Serials - Beaufighter A19-1
CWGG - George Windsor Sayer
CWGC - Archibald Sylvain Mairet

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Last Updated
September 17, 2021

Beaufighter

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