|
 |
|
|
| Missing In Action (MIA) | Prisoners Of War (POW) | Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) |
| Chronology | Locations | Aircraft | Ships | Submit Info | How You Can Help | Donate |
|
| RNZAF No. 14 Squadron |
Pilot Flying Officer Gordon Stanley Treweek (KIA, BR) Palmerston North, Wellington, NZ Crashed February 13, 1944 at 10:50am Aircraft History Built by Curtiss in Buffalo, New York. Constructors Number 29083. Delivered to the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) as P-40N-5-CU Warhawk serial number 42-105321. Disassembled and shipped overseas to New Zealand as part of defense aid. Wartime History Assigned to the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) as P-40N Kittyhawk serial number NZ3165. Reassembled by No.1 Aircraft Depot (1 AD) at Hobsonville Airfield on August 9, 1943. Assigned to No. 14 Squadron coded 60. No known nickname or nose art. Mission History On February 13, 1944 at 9:15am took off from Torokina Airfield on Bougainville piloted by Flying Officer Gordon S. Treweek on an escort mission over Rabaul. The formation included twelve P-40s from RNZAF 18 Squadron plus twenty-four TBF Avengers and sixty SBDs on a strike against Vunakanau Airfield. The weather was clear. Inbound, the formation flew up the Worongoi River inbound to the target area then turned to the right towards Vunakanau Airfield at 10:45am. At 10:50am the formation was subjected to heavy anti-aircraft fire. During a turn, this P-40 accidentally collided with the wing of his flight leader, P-40N Kittyhawk pilot FSgt N. E. Hanna whose aircraft was also damaged but was able to complete the mission and return to base. Other pilots in the formation believed they saw Treweek bail out at 11,000'. When this aircraft failed to return it was officially listed as Missing In Action (MIA). Officially, this aircraft was written off March 9, 1944. Wreckage In fact, this P-40 crashed into a forested area near Vunadidir to the southwest of Vunakanau Airfield. After the crash, local people reported the pilot's body was found 30' from the wreckage. During 1955, the wreckage of this aircraft was located and identified. Recovery of Remains After discovery of aircraft, the remains of the pilot were recovered for permanent burial. Memorials Treweek was officially declared dead the day of the mission. After his remains were recovered, he was buried at Bitapaka War Cemetery (Rabaul War Cemetery) at H. D. 9. References USAF Serial Number Search Results - P-40N-5-CU Warhawk 42-105321 "105321 (MSN 29083) to New Zealand as NZ3165. Assembled by No.1 Aircraft Depot, Hobsonville and BoC at Hobsonville on 9 August 1943. Coded "60". To No.14 Squadron. Mid-air collision with another Warhawk during an escort duty on 13 February 1944. The aircraft crashed in heavy jungle near Vunakanau, the wreckage being discovered in 1955." ADF Serials Kittyhawk NZ3165 CWGC - Gordon Stanley Treweek Air To Air The Story Behind the air-to-air combat claims of the RNZAF (2003) pages 292, 407 (index Treweek) Contribute Information Are you a relative or associated with any person mentioned? Do you have photos or additional information to add? Last Updated March 20, 2024 |
 P-40  MIA 1 Missing Resolved |
| Discussion Forum | Daily Updates | Reviews | Museums | Interviews & Oral Histories |
|
