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| RAAF No. 4 Squadron Former Assignments 1 AD No. 12 Squadron |
Pilot F/O Ian C. Curtis, 400750 (survived) Ballarat, VIC Gunner F/Sgt Harold W. Phillip, 8746 (survived) Brisbane, QLD Crashed December 4, 1942 Aircraft History Built by Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation (CAC). Constructors Number 752. During March 1942 assigned to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) as CA-9 Wirraway serial number A20-551. Wartime History On March 16, 1942 assigned to 1 Air Depot (1 AD). On March 29, 1942 assigned to No. 4 Squadron. On November 6, 1942 assigned to No. 12 Squadron and twelve days later returned to No. 4 Squadron. No known nickname, nose art or code. On November 8, 1942 arrives 12 Mile Drome (Berry) near Port Moresby. On November 24, 1942 took off from 12 Mile Drome (Berry) piloted by F/O Ian C. Curtis with with observer F/Sgt Harold W. Phillips on a bombing and strafing mission against Gona. On November 26, 1942 took off from 12 Mile Drome (Berry) piloted by F/O Ian C. Curtis with with observer F/Sgt Harold W. Phillips on an artillery shoot with U.S. Army 32nd Infantry Division at Dobodura and 7th Australian Division at Popondetta but returned due to bad weather. Mission History On December 4, 1942 took off from 12 Mile Drome (Berry) piloted by F/O Ian C. Curtis with with observer F/Sgt Harold W. Phillips on a reconnaissance and artillery spotting mission over the Buna-Gona area and returning landed at Popondetta Airfield to refuel. During take off from Popondetta Airfield hit a large rock in the grass and the plane was damaged beyond repair with the crew unhurt. Wreckage On December 11, 1942 transfered to 15 RSU for salvage. On February 11, 1943 approval for conversion to components. Ultimate fate unknown, likely scrapped or otherwise disappeared. References WW2 Nominal Roll - Ian Cameron Curtis, 400750 WW2 Nominal Roll - Harold W. Phillips, 8746 NAA RAAF No. 4 Squadron Operations Record Book (ORB) - January 20, 1943 (NAA: A9186, 12) (PDF page 137) "24/11/42 - A20-551 F/O I.C. Curtis and No. 8746 F/Sgt Phillps H.W. Bombing and straffing Gona area." (PDF page 138) "26/11/42 - A20-551 F/O I.C. Curtis and No. 8746 F/Sgt Phillps H.W. took off to do artillery shoot with 32 U.S. Division at Dobodura and 7th Aust. Div. at Popondetta, respectively returned because of adverse weather." (PDF page 141) "4/12/42 - A20-551 F/O I.C. Curtis and No. 8746 F/Sgt Phillps H.W. whilst taking off from Popondetta strip on a land/recce. of Gona/Buna, starboard wheel struck large stone concealed in grass. Nil injury to personnel, aircraft damaged beyond repair." (PDF page 141) ADF Serials - Wirraway A20-551 Contribute Information Are you a relative or associated with any person mentioned? Do you have photos or additional information to add? Last Updated January 12, 2024 |
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