Pacific Wrecks

Missing In Action (MIA)

Prisoners Of War (POW)

Unexploded Ordnance (UXO)

Chronology

CA-8 Wirraway Serial Number A20-303

RAAF
No. 24 Squadron

Pilot Sgt Charles Frederick Bromley, RAAF 405391 (KIA / BR) Richmond, QLD
Observer Sgt Richard Walsh, RAAF 5803 (KIA / BR) Beaudesert, QLD
MIA January 20, 1942

Aircraft History
Built by the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation (CAC) with Constructor's Number 505.

Wartime History
Delivered to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) as Wirraway serial number A20-303. Assigned to No. 24 Squadron based at Vunakanau Airfield near Rabaul. No known nose art or nickname.

Mission History
On January 20, 1942 took off from Vunakanau Airfield to intercept incoming Japanese aircraft. Shot down by A6M2 Zeros and crashed into the sea.

Memorials
Both crew members were officially declared dead the day of the mission. Both are buried at the Bita Paka (Bita Paka) War Cemetery. Bromley H. D. 1. Walsh H. D. 2.

References
CWGC - Charles Frederick Bromley
CWGC - Richard Walsh
ADF Serials - Wirraway A20-303
RAAF DB - Wirraway A20-303
Thanks to Daniel Leahy for his assistance with this profile

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Last Updated
January 11, 2024

Wirraway

Interviews & Oral Histories