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| NEIAF No. 18 Squadron |
Pilot Sgt Maj G. Tijmons, NEIAF 93268 (KIA, BR) Co-Pilot Sgt K van Bremen, NEIAF (KIA, BR) Radio Sgt Maj F J. van Wylick, NEIAF 90068 (KIA, BR) W/AG F/Sgt Ronald James Hill, RAAF 407768 (KIA, BR) Clarence Park, SA W/AG Sgt George Bryanton Weller, RAAF 406968 (KIA, BR) Kenwick, WA Crashed April 5, 1943 Aircraft History Built by North American Aviation (NAA) in Inglewood. Constructors Number 82-7888. At the factory painted with olive drab upper surfaces and gray lower surfaces and U.S. markings. Delivered to the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) B-25D Mitchell serial number 41-29723. Purchased by the Netherlands for the Militaire Luchtvaart (ML-KNIL) Army Aviation Corps of the Royal Netherlands East Indies Army for use in the Netherlands East Indies (NEI) as B-25D Mitchell serial number N5-140. Ferried overseas via Hickam Field then across the Pacific to Australia. Wartime History In Australia repainted in NEIAF markings with serial number N5-140 and the Dutch flag on the rear fuselage and retained the original U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) serial number on both sides of the tails. Assigned to No. 18 Squadron as one of their first bombers. No known nickname or nose art. During 1942 until lost in early April 1943 this B-25 operated from the Darwin area in the Northern Territory flying combat missions. Mission History On April 5, 1943 at 4:50am took off from Darwin piloted by Sgt Maj G. Tijmons on an armed reconnaissance mission over the north coast of Timor. The two leading aircraft circled awaiting this aircraft to join formation but when contact was not made, proceeded with the mission together. After completion of the mission, the other B-25 piloted by Lt Winckel radioed Darwin stating this aircraft never joined formation. Wreckage In fact, it crashed into the sea at Nightcliffs near Darwin killing the entire crew on impact. Based on information received from the Australian Army, the wreckage was found almost submerged approximately one mile off the coast. The cause of the accident was never determined. Recovery of Remains After the crash, the Australian Army recovered the remains of the crew. Memorials The entire crew was officially declared dead the day of the crash. The two Australian crew members were were buried at Adelaide River War Cemetery. Hill at R. D. 5. Weller at R.D.4. References USAF Serial Number Search Results - B-25D Mitchell 41-29723 "29723 to NEIAF as N5-140 - ditched 4/43" B-25 Mitchell in Dutch Service N5-140 CWGC - Ronald James Hill CWGC - George Bryanton Weller Contribute Information Are you a relative or associated with any person mentioned? Do you have photos or additional information to add? Last Updated April 3, 2022 |
 B-25 |
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