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RNZAF No. 3 Squadron Former Assignments No. 2 Squadron David Gillis 1969 Ray Fairfield 1972 M Claringbould 1977 Alfred Kirkland, 1997 Bill Lusty 2006 |
Pilot Flight-Lieutenant Frederick N. R. Thomas, DFC (survived) Co-Pilot Flying Officer G. Shank (survived) Crew Warrant Officer G. Millar (survived) Crew Sergeant R. Budd (survived) Force Landed September 9, 1944 Aircraft History Built by Lockheed as model 237-27-01 in Burbank. Constructors Number 5535. Delivered to the U.S. Navy (USN) as PV-1 Ventura bureau number 34645. Disassembled and shipped to Oahu and shipped to New Zealand as part of defense aid. Wartime History On August 10, 1943 assigned to the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) as Ventura NZ4522 and reassembled by Unit 12 at Ohakea Airfield. During September 1943, assigned to No. 2 Squadron at Ohakea Airfield. No known nickname or nose art. Ferried northward via Espiritu Santo and Guadalcanal. Next assigned to No. 3 Squadron based at Piva North Airfield on Bougainville. Mission History On September 9, 1944 took off from Piva North Airfield on Bougainville piloted by Flight-Lieutenant Frederick N.R. Thomas on a mission against Rabaul. Over the target, this Ventura was hit in the starboard engine by anti-aircraft fire. Thomas nursed the aircraft to Talasea Airfield on New Britain and made a hard landing, but the crew survived unhurt. Afterwards, stripped of usable parts. No repairs were attempted because the runway at Talasea Airfield was too short for it to take off. Fates of the Crew Afterwards, the entire crew were flown back to Piva North Airfield and returned to duty. Thomas earned the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) for this sucessful force landing. Wreckage This Ventura was abandoned at Talasea Airfield. During 1972-1973 parts were recovered from this aircraft and transported to by MOTAT. Later used in the restoration of RB-34 Ventura NZ4600. Relatives Ann Riley (daughter of Thomas) "He was decorated with an immediate award for this landing." References Navy Serial Number Search Results - PV-1 Ventura 34645 "34645 (MSN 237-5535) to New Zealand Aug 10, 1943 as NZ4522. Crash landed at Talasea, New Britain on 9 Sep 9, 1944 after being hit by enemy fire on a mission over Rabaul and written off. During 1972-1973 parts were salvaged from the wreck for use in the restoration of NZ4600 [41-38117] by MOTAT" ADF Serials - Ventura NZ4522 Contribute Information Are you a relative or associated with any person mentioned? Do you have photos or additional information to add? Last Updated August 8, 2022 |
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