RAAF
8 Squadron

Pilot  Flight Sergeant Jack Carroll Woodgate, 420730
Navigator  Flight Sergeant Stewart Ian Drakes, 427073
WAG  Flying Officer  Geoffrey Stewart Wells, 410824
WAG  Flight Sergeant Byron Veitch Maclean, 414053
Crashed  November 15, 1943
Discovered  January 2000 by Rod Pearce

Mission History
The aircraft was involved in a torpedo attack on enemy shipping near Simpson Harbor off Rabaul. Last observed at the southern end of St. George's Channel returning to base. Later seen circling near Kawa Island.

Early the next morning a USN PT boat attempted to locate survivors after it was discovered that the aircraft had ditched, but nothing was found. The PT crew did however recover a fuel tank found floating on the surface. That tank still resides on the island's only village and has now become part of their folklore.

Discovery
Discovered in January 2000 by by Rod Pearce on sandy bottom off Kawa Island, with research assistance from Don Fetterly. The wreckage included two engines and piece of undercarrage.

Recovery of Remains
The RAAF Searcher Party visited the site in March 2001, and sucked the sand out of the fuselage interior, discovering the remains of the crew.. Crew members were identified from dental records and identity tags. Australian Veterans Affairs Minister, Bruce Scott, says they have managed to locate the families of the other three Australian airmen but have been unable to find Flight Sergeant Drakes' next-of kin. The crew were buried at Bitapaka War Cemetery, Rabaul.

References
Thanks to Michael Lee, Greg Williams for information. Graeme Leech for the article.

Beaufort

MIA
(Resolved)

60' / 15m

S 08 32'
E 150 18'