RAAF
20 Squadon
Marc Montocchio 2001
Pilot Squadron Leader Tom Davies
2nd Pilot Pilot Officer Russel Hender
1st Engineer Cpl Harry Hornby
2nd Engineer
LAC Lesile Hoare
1st Wireless LAC Fred Anthony
2nd Wireless LAC Brian Wilcox
Armorer LAC John Marks
Rigger
LAC C. Ogilvie
Crashed January 12, 1942
Aircraft History
Constructor's Number 279. USN Bureau Number 08436 (unconfirmed). Delivered by Qantas as VH-AFL September 9, 1941. Served with 11 Squadron October 26, 1941 with tail code J.
Mission History
Took off from Rabaul for a strike against Truk Lagoon. While refueling near Nusu Island at Kavieng, its wing bombs accidentally exploded when it hit a swell during take off, killing the crew and causing it to sink.
Lt Hutchinson, a pilot on loan from the US Navy flying PBY A24-13, witnessed the accident and immediately set his PBY down to rescue the survivors, however it hhad sunk in deep water taking her entire crew with her,
Wreckage
Rediscovered by Rod
Pearce in 2000. The engines and pieces of wreckage remains to this day.
References
Thanks to Rod Pearce for information.
ADF Serials for crew list
PBY
