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| Missing In Action (MIA) | Prisoners Of War (POW) | Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) |
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| RAAF No. 31 Squadron |
Pilot F/Sgt Ronald Stephen Kerrigan, 427244 (MIA / KIA) North Perth, WA Observer F/Sgt Ronald George Smith, 433513 (MIA / KIA) Strathfield, NSW Crashed September 18, 1944 Aircraft History Built by Bristol in the United Kingdom (UK). Royal Air Force (RAF) serial number JM164. Disassembled and shipped overseas to Australia. Wartime History Assigned to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) as Beaufighter serial number A19-163. On September 11, 1943 assigned to 2 AP. On October 16, 1943 assigned to 5 Air Depot (5 AD). On November 23, 1945 assigned to No. 31 Squadron. No known nickname or nose art. On May 12, 1944 to 4 Repair Salvage Unit (4 RSU). On August 23, 1943 returned to No. 31 Squadron. Mission History On September 18, 1944 took off from Broome Airfield piloted by F/Sgt Ronald S. Kerrigan on mission to escort a PBY Catalina. Shortly after take off, crashed into the sea. Both crew were officially declared Missing In Action (MIA). Wreckage In June 2014 it was reported in Australian media that the wreckage of this aircraft may have been located off Cable Beach near Broome. Memorials Both crew were officially declared dead the day of the mission. Both are memorialized at Sydney War Cemetery on the Sydney Memorial both on panel 6. References ADF Serials - Beaufighter A19-163 CWGC - Ronald Stephen Kerrigan CWGC - Ronald George Smith ABC News "Divers find plane wreckage off Broome's Cable Beach believed to be WWII-era RAAF Beaufighter" Contribute Information Are you a relative or associated with any person mentioned? Do you have photos or additional information to add? Last Updated July 18, 2023 |
 Beaufighter  MIA 2 Missing |
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