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| RAAF No. 30 Squadron |
Pilot F/O William Thomas Roberson Harding, 408691 (KIA, BR) Windsor, VIC Navigator Sgt George Hedley Cane, 35437 (survived) Passenger F/O Francis Cairo King, 400043 (KIA, BR) Forbes, NSW Passenger F/O John Tyrill (survived) Crashed May 31, 1943 Aircraft History Built by Bristol in the United Kingdom. RAF serial number T5200. Shipped to Australia. Wartime History During October 1942 delivered to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) as Beaufighter Mark VIc serial number A19-73. October 13, 1942 to 2 AP. On December 6, 1942 to 1 Air Depot (1 AD). On December 30, 1942 assigned to No. 30 Squadron. On January 27, 1943 damaged by enemy action. Afterwards, assigned to 15 RSU for repair. On March 19, 1943 to 3 Air Depot (3 AD). On April 23, 1943 returned to No. 30 Squadron. Mission History On May 31, 1943 took off from Wards Drome (5 Mile) near Port Moresby pilot F/O William T. R. Harding on a training mission to strafe the SS Pruth. Over the ship, it flew too low and hit the mast which sheared off the right wing and caused the Beaufighter to flip over and crash upside down. Two survived the crash and managed to exit from the tail of the submerged wreckage and sustained minor injuries. Memorials The two dead crew were recovered and buried at Bomana War Cemetery. Harding at A1. D. 24. Cairo at A1. D. 19. References ADF Serials - Beaufighter A19-73 Wrecks & Reefs (1994) page 218 Contribute Information Are you a relative or associated with any person mentioned? Do you have photos or additional information to add? Last Updated November 22, 2025 |
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