RAAF
1OTU
Former Assignments
6 Squadron
Composite Squadron
32 Squadron
Pilot History
Early 1942 pilot "Pedro" Pedrina was later shot down and killed piloting Hudson A16-36.
Aircraft History
Constructors Number 6032. USAAF Serial Number 41-23173. Delivered to the USAAF on September 13, 1941. Shipped overseas to Australia arriving on October 9, 1941. Assembled and test flown on December 22, 1941. Fitted with Boulton Paul Turret, Type C.
Assigned to 6 Squadron on January 3, 1942, and flown to Port Moresby on February 1, 1942.
On February 11, 1942, this Hudson was piloted by Sq Ldr William Allan Pedrina. Took off from 7-Mile Drome near Port Moresby as part a formation of three Hudsons: this aircraft plus Hudson A16-91 and Hudson A16-126. Over the target, they were intercepted by four A5M4 Claudes of the Chitose Kokutai that took off from Gasmata Airfield. The Hudsons bombed two Japanese ships at Gasmata Harbor: Kinryu Maru and Kozui Maru. Lost were: Hudson A16-91 and Hudson A16-126. This Hudson was the sole survivor of the mission.
On February 19, 1942 this Hudson was again flown by Sq Ldr William Allan Pedrina on a reconnaissance mission over Rabaul and damaged by enemy aircraft, flown by a 24 Squadron crew. Killed aboard was Sgt Francis Charles Narriner, 401044 WAG who died of wounds received in defending aircraft. P/O Edwin Rockings, 21121 suffering slight powered burns.
Next assigned to 32 Squadron on February 21. Transferred to 2nd Air Depot on March 2. Transferred to 32 Squadron on Novmember 19. After reapirs to 7AD on May 2, 1943. Assigned to 3 AD on June 14, 1943. Assigned to 6 Squadron on August 15.
Assigned to 1OTU on September 25, 1943. Suffered a ground loop 300 degrees on July 28, 1944 when landing at Bairnsdale, when the starboard undercarriage collapsed. The crew, F/Lt R A N Kelly, 415152 and F/O G WClark-Hall Serv, 406235 were un-injured.
Deemed repairable, but later considered un-economical and issued to 1 CRD on October 29, 1944. Stricken on October 29, 1944.
References
Kodachosho, Chitose Kokutai, February 11, 1942
RAAF records for this mission are recorded under 32 Squadron
We Who Are About To Die page 194 - 197
RAAF Hudson Story Book Two (forthcoming)
ADF Serials for aircraft history
Hudson
