Pilot S/Ldr Kenneth Roy McDonald, 250430 (MIA / KIA)
Crew Sgt Charles Roland Napier, 420247 (MIA / KIA)
Crew F/O Thomas Edward O'Neill, 407451 (MIA / KIA)
Crashed November 26, 1942
Aircraft History
RAF Serial Number AL898. Allocated to the Netherlands East Indies Air Force for 18 Squadron. On their delivery via ship to the Netherlands East Indies, it was diverted to RAAF in March 1942. Nicknamed "Retribution" with nose art of an eagle dropping a bomb.
Mission History
Exploded in mid-air when attempting to dive bomb targets in the Buna area. It is believed that a fragmentation bomb exploded in the fuselage when it was dropped. Australian combat photographer Combat photographer George Silk took a photo of it exploding (AWM ID 013817/09).
Wreckage
Burnt out remains of aircraft located in a clearing north west of Buna Airfield (Old Strip).
Recovery of Remains
All three crew members are listed as having "No Known Grave" and are still MIA.
References
Thanks to Daniel Leahy for additional information
ADF Serials for aircraft history
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Last Updated
October 1, 2009
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