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RAAF No. 31 Squadron |
Pilot F/O Barrie William Gillespie, 406842 (MIA / KIA) Beverley, WA Navigator F/O Alexander John Cameron, 1424 (MIA / KIA) Red Hill, QLD Crashed July 24, 1943 Aircraft History Built by Bristol. RAF serial number JL826. Shipped overseas to Australia arriving in April 1943. Wartime History Delivered to the RAAF as Beaufighter Mark VIc serial number A19-118. On April 17, 1943 assigned to 1 Air Depot (1 AD) and reassembled. On May 24, 1943 assigned to No. 31 Squadron. No known nickname or nose art. Mission History On July 24, 1943 took off from Darwin piloted by F/O Barrie William Gillespie with navigator F/O Alexander John Cameron for an attack on Taberfane Seaplane Base. This aircraft was last seen over the target area during the attack but was later found to be missing. Several of the other aircraft were also damaged by anti-aircraft fire. Search In 1946, RAAF Searcher Team led by F/Lt O'Shea reported: "Native states that in Aug or Sept 43 Australian aircraft crashed in dense jungle SE of Taberfane - Japs searched for wreckage but could not find it. Possibly Beaufighter A19-60 or Beaufighter A19-118 - No definate news obtained for either of these aircraft." Memorials The crew was officially declared dead the day of the mission. Both are listed on the Ambon Memorial as having "No Known Grave" on column 8. References ADF Serials - Beaufighter A19-118 Contribute Information Are you a relative or associated with any person mentioned? Do you have photos or additional information to add? Last Updated July 23, 2022 |
Beaufighter MIA 2 Missing |
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