Crew History
Of the crew members, Nollkamper died in 1994, Unger in 2003 and Jowers in 1972. Are you a relative of this crew?  Contact Us

Aircraft History
Call sign VH-CGX, nose number 85. A reclining nude was painted on the left side of the nose. Assigned as a replacement aircraft to the 46th TCS on June 21, 1942. Flew operations from June - September 1943.

Mission History
Took off from Townsville on a flight bound for Port Moresby. To the west of its destination, both engines failed at 4,000' and the aircraft force landed in swamp near Galley Reach and the Vanapa River. The crew were all rescued by a team from 45 OBU Marine Section, led by F/L John G. Shelton, a medical officer.

Justin Taylan adds:
"I learned about this wreck from John Douglas, and had to see it.  Its one of the most impressive C-47 wrecks left today.  The area where the wreck is located is so remote and difficult, its hard to believe how the crew were able to be rescued, I am sure there is more to the story. Even getting there today we had a very difficult walk and journey down the rivers to find it."

References
Allied Air Transport Operations South West Pacific Area in WWII Volume 2, page 15. 144, 407-411

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