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| RAAF No. 31 Squadron |
Pilot F/Lt William Eldridge Willard, 472 (MIA / KIA, BR) Sydney, NSW Navigator Sgt Philip Neville Butler, 410449 (MIA / KIA, BR) Sale, VIC Crashed August 30, 1943 Aircraft History Built by Bristol. RAF serial number T5336. Disassembled and shipped overseas to Australia. Wartime History Delivered to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) as Beaufighter Mark VIc serial number A19-119. On April 17, 1943 assigned to 1 Air Depot (1 AD). On May 22, 1943 assigned to No. 31 Squadron with code EH-W. 29/08/43 Part of a 6 Beaufighter strike on the Japanese seaplane base at Taberfane Aru Islands during which 1 Pete and 2 Rufes were destroyed. A19-119 was last seen 4 miles west of Erersin at tree top level with 2 Rufes on its tail. Crew: Pilot FLTLT W.E. Willard & Nav SGT P.N. Butler were killed. Mission History On August 30, 1943 took off piloted by F/Lt William E. Willard with navigator Sgt Philip N. Butler as one of six Beaufighters on a strike against Taberfane Seaplane Base in the Aru Islands (Aroe). This Beaufighter was last seen 4 miles west of Erstein on Trangan Island flying at treetop height with two A6M2-N Rufes in pursuit 150 yards behind. When this aircraft failed to return it was listed as Missing In Action (MIA). Wreckage During 1946, the crash site of this Beaufighter and remains of the crew were found by RAAF Searcher Team led by F/Lt O'Shea. Both crew were recovered. Memorials Both crew were officially declared dead the day of the mission. After the recovery of remains, both were buried in a group burial at Ambon War Cemetery at joint grave 7. D. 5-6. References WW2 Nominal Roll - William Eldridge Willard WW2 Nominal Roll - Philip Neville Butler CWGC - William Eldridge Willard CWGC - Philip Neville Butler ADF Serials - Beaufighter A19-119 Pentland page 95 (photo) Thanks to Daniel Leahy for additional information Contribute Information Are you a relative or associated with any person mentioned? Do you have photos or additional information to add? Last Updated August 29, 2022 |
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