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RAAF No. 30 Squadron |
Pilot Sgt Thomas Ian Butterfield, RAAF 416205 (KIA, BR) Ashfield, NSW Navigator Sgt James Rupert Wilson, RAAF 40196 (KIA, BR) Brighton, VIC Crashed October 12, 1942 Aircraft History Built by Bristol in the United Kingdom (UK). Assigned Royal Air Force (RAF) serial number T5097. Disassembled and shipped overseas to Australia. Wartime History During August 1942 delivered to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) as Beaufighter Mark Ic serial number A19-68. On September 20, 1943 assigned to No. 30 Squadron. No known nickname or nose art. Mission History On October 12, 1942 that took off from Wards Drome (5 Mile) near Port Moresby piloted by Sgt Thomas I. Butterfield as one of nine Beaufighters from No. 30 Squadron on a mission against Lae. The attack was to be co-ordinated with B-25 Mitchells from the 90th Bombardment Squadron, 3rd Bombardment Group and escorted by Airacobras from the 35th Fighter Group. Inbound to the target near near Kokoda, this aircraft attempted to climb over the hills. Apparently, this Beaufighter stalled in making the climb, for it was observed to crash into trees and burn for approximately seven to eight minutes by other aircraft in the flight. Wreckage Afterwards, the crash site was located and the remains of the crew were recovered. Memorials Both crew members were officially declared dead the day of the mission. Both are buried at the Bomana War Cemetery. Butterfield at C7.A.5, Wilson at C7.F.8. References Sgt Butterfield's RAAF Casualty/Repatriation File (NAA: A705, 163/94/298) 30 Squadron Operations Record Book (ORB) (NAA: A9186, 59) ADF Serials - Beaufighter A19-68 CWGC - Thomas Ian Butterfield CWGC - James Rupert Wilson Thanks to Daniel Leahy for additional information Contribute Information Are you a relative or associated with any person mentioned? Do you have photos or additional information to add? Last Updated September 19, 2022 |
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