RNZAF
3 Squadron
David Gillis 1969
Ray Fairfield 1972
M Claringbould 1977
Alfred
Kirkland, 1997
Bill Lusty 2006
Pilot Flight-Lieutenant Frederick N.R. Thomas, DFC
Force Landed September 9, 1944
Aircraft History
This aircraft was built as Manufacture Number 34645
for the United States Navy, and delivered to New Zealand as a
lend-lease aircraft.
Mission History
The aircraft was hit in the starboard
engine by anti-aircraft fire while attacking Rabaul on
September 9, 1944. The pilot nursed the aircraft to Talasea Airfield where the aircraft made a hard landing,
but the crew were unharmed. The airstrip was
too short for the plane to take off again, it
was abandoned with usable components removed.
Removal of Parts
Other parts
were removed in recent history, to assist with the restoration
of RB-34 NZ4600 on display in New Zealand.
Relatives
Ann Riley (daugter of Thomas)
"He was decorated with an immediate award for this landing."
PV-1
Photo Archive
