Pilot F/Sgt Alan John Salter, 414841 (MIA / KIA)
Crashed November 26, 1943
Mission History
This Boomerang and Boomerang A46-132 took off from Tsili-Tsili Airfield on a tactical reconnaissance mission of the Sanga River area. Escorted by four Airacobras from the USAAF 41st Fighter Squadron.
The formation was attacked by enemy fighters and both Boomerangs were last seen by the fighter escort being engaged by seven Japanese fighters near the mouth of the Sanga River. Both failed to return.
Searches
In 1946 it seems the RAAF initially believed these losses to be near Buna (I am unable to find any reason as to why this is so). Searches in that area returned nil results.
In 1948 another RAAF team searched the Sanga River area for the two lost Boomerangs. No trace of either the pilot or aircraft was found. This was the last information on a RAAF search.
Memorials
Munro was officially declared dead the day of the mission. He is listed as missing on Panel 7 at the Lae War Memorial.
References
Thanks to Alistair Munro for additional details
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Last Updated
October 1, 2009
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