RAAF
3 OTU
1970's
Via Silvano Jung
Pilot W/Cdr William Keith Bolitho (survived)
Co-Pilot F/O Young
Navigator F/Lt Peter Broughton Cadell, 426039 (survived)
Wireless F/Lt Payne
Crew W/O Henry Angell Kirkhouse (survived)
Crashed August 30, 1945
Aircraft History
Constructor Number 27. Previous RAF Serial Number AH534?. Departed San Diego on 1/25/41 and arrived in Australia and was assigned to the RAAF on February 1, 1941. Delivered to Qantas as VH-AFB February 2, 1941. Assigned to 11 Squadron on March 19, 1942. Assigned to 20 Squadron on August 14, 1941. Assigned to 11 Squadron on December 13, 1941. Next assigned to 3OTU based at Rathmines on April 4, 1943.
Mission History
On August 28, 1945 it departed Rathmines, for Singapore,
via Darwin, for POW evacuation. On August 30,
1945 it crashed during take off at Darwin.
The plane was a total loss, but the crew was uninjured. On October 18, 1945 it was officially conversion to components.
Wreckage
Wreckage is exposed at low tide on a muddy bank of the East
Arm of Darwin Harbor.
References
Thanks to Wynnum Graham and Daniel Leahy for this information.
PBY
