Pacific Wrecks - CA-12 Boomerang Serial Number A46-14

Missing In Action (MIA)

Prisoners Of War (POW)

Unexploded Ordnance (UXO)

Chronology

CA-12 Boomerang Serial Number A46-14 Code 14

RAAF
2 OTU

Former Assignments
1 AD
2 OTU
No. 83 Squadron
Central Gunnery School

RAAF 1944

Pilot F/O Roger Byrne, 419291 (KIA, BR) Donald, VIC
Crashed June 1, 1944

Aircraft History
Built by Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation (CAC). Constructors Number 837. During November 1942 delivered to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) as CA-12 Boomerang serial number A46-14. Tail Code 14.

Wartime History
On November 16, 1942 assigned to No. 1 Air Depot (1 AD). On November 24, 1942 assigned to 2 Operational Training Unit (2 OTU) based at Mildura Airfield.

On February 12, 1943 this Boomerang suffered a ground loop at the end of Mildura Airfield. On August 23, 1943 assigned to No. 83 Squadron but never delivered. Instead, on August 31, 1943 assigned to the RAAF Central Gunnery School. On December 31, 1943 reassigned to 2 Operational Training Unit (2 OTU). No known nickname or nose art.

Mission History
On June 1, 1944 took off from Mildura Airfield piloted by F/O Roger Byrne on a training flight. During the flight, Boomerang A46-44 collided with this Boomerang and crashed west of Mildura. Afterwards, the wreckage was received by 5 Central Recovery Depot (5 CRD) and approved for conversion to parts.

Wreckage
Small pieces of wreckage from this aircraft remain at the crash site.

Memorials
Byrne was officially declared dead the day of the mission. He is buried at Mildura Cemetery (Nichols Point) at plot C, row B, grave 11.

References
ADF Serials - Boomerang A46-14
World War Two Nominal Roll - Roger Byrne
CWGC - Roger Byrne
Aviation Heritage - Boomerang A46-14
Thanks to Daniel Leahy for additional research and information

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Last Updated
March 8, 2023

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