RAAF
11 Squadron
Former Assignments:
Qantas
20 Squadron
Justin Taylan, 2007
Aircraft Assignments
Constructors Number 164. Delivered by Qantas as VH-AFF on June 17, 1941. Assigned to 11 Squadron on July 27, 1941. Next assigned to 20 Squadron August 14, 1941.
Wartime History
Flying missions out of Fairfax Harbor at Port Moresby, this PBY was damaged by enemy aircraft on a February 2, 1942 mission against Rabaul. Next assigned to 11 Squadron on April 12, 1942.
Mission History
Destroyed at its moorings at Qantas Flying Boat Base at Fairfax Harbor near Port Moresby by during a Japanese bombing attack on April 24/25, 1942.
Wreckage
Post war, the hulk of this PBY was visible off the south of the launch ramp. It remained until 1967 when the Defense force demolished the wreckage, believing that the wreck might contain anti-personell mines aboard it. Navy divers placed demolition charges and blew the wreckage away into smaler pieces only.
Some pieces of wreckage still remained, including a machine gun that was located by diver Bob Halstead in the late 1970s. In August 1978, the area was dregged, and any remaining wreckage was removed or buried. During the dredging, one engine with its propeller attached was salvaged, and taken to the PNG War Museum, where it is displayed next to museum's indoor gallery entrance.
References
Wrecks & Reefs page 139 - 140
ADF Serials for aircraft history
PBY
Photo Archive
