NEIAF
18 Squadron

Pilot  2/Lt B J Grummels, NEIAF (MIA)
Co-Pilot  C M Fisscher, NEIAF (WIA)
Radio  Cpl Van Der Weert, NEIAF 93888 (WIA)
Mechanic  Sgt Hoek, NEIAF 94966 (WIA)
W/AG  F/Sgt Ronald Stuart Horridge, RAAF 404990 (WIA)
W/AG  Sgt Robert Gordon Tyler, RAAF 408892 (MIA)
MIA  February 18, 1943

Aircraft History
USAAF Serial Number 41-29717. NEIAF Serial Number N5-144.

Mission History
One of six 18 Squadron B-25s taking part in an operational mission over Dili. At approximately 1045 the formation was intercepted by five Zeros with action lasting until 1130 when N5-144 force landed in the Timor Sea approximately 140 miles south of Dili.

During the attack this aircraft received direct hits which killed the pilot, put the starboard engine out of action and damaged the tail. It is also probable that Sgt Tyler was killed during the attack as when he was ordered to proceed from the nose of the aircraft to the navigator's cabin in the centre of the aircraft he did not reply.

At approximately 0100 hours on the morning of 19-Feb-1943 the four surviving crew members were rescued by an Australian destroyer and conveyed to Darwin.

Memorials
Sgt Tyler is listed on the Northern Territory Memorial as having "No Known Grave".

References
National Archives of Australia

B-25

MIA