USAAF
5th AF
22nd BG
HQ Squadron
Pilot 2nd Lt . Howard A. Hayes
Force Landed April 8, 1942
Aircraft History
Ferried overseas to Australia by 2nd Lt. Howard A. Hayes and his crew. Arrived at Amberley Field near Brisbane on April 2, 1942.
Mission History
During deployment from Townsville to Port Moresby, the crew became disoriented and was unsure of position when plane crossed the south coast of New Guinea late in the afternoon with Lt. Hayes piloting. After flying up and down coastline for two hours, pilot set down in small clearing just inland near a native village a few miles from Kerema and some 140 miles northwest of Port Moresby.
Australian patrol officer arrived next day and stayed with them at village nine days until sloop arrived with salvage team to pick them up. All the crew were rescued. They arrived back at Port Moresby on April 22nd, and were flown back to Australia the next day. No crew injuries.
References
Revenge of the Red Raiders page 39, 47, 49, 66-67, 107, 110, 112, 119, 15, 176, 489
B-26
