RAAF
2 Squadron
August 13, 1940
Daniel Leahy
Pilot F/Lt Robert Hitchcock, 115 (KIA)
Navigator P/O Richard F Wiesener, 607 (KIA)
Crew Cpl John F Palmer, 2130 (KIA)
Crew AC1 Charles J Crosdale, 6673 (KIA)
Passenger James Fairbairn, Air Minister (KIA)
Passenger Richard Elford, Secretary to the Air Minister (KIA)
Passenger Geoffrey A Street, Army Minister (KIA)
Passenger Sir Henry Gullett, VP of Executive Council (KIA)
Passenger Lt Gen Sir Cyril Brudenell White, Chief General Staff (KIA)
Passenger Lt Col Francis Thornwait, Snr Army Officer (KIA)
Crashed August 13, 1940
Aircraft History
Constructors Number 1951. Assigned to the RAAF on June 20, 1940.
Mission History
Crashed and burnt on approach the RAAF Base at Canberra.
Wreckage
Nothing appears to remain of the crash site.
Daniel Leahy adds:
"I've visited the site about 3 times and have found nothing of the aircraft. I have however found a ditch about the same shape and size as that in the crash photo just behind the memorial - so chances are the same place."
Memorials
The RAAF Base at Canberra was later named Fairbairn Airfield in Fairbairn's honour. A stone memorial is located at the crash site.
References
Thanks to Daniel Leahy for additional information.
Hudson
